Simply Nepal - Absolute Asia Tours

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met by your guide who will accompany you to your hotel. The rest of your day will be at leisure.

Prepare for a day of ‘biggests and bests’ as you explore Kathmandu’s temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Start with Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the holy Bagmati River - the oldest and most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, which draws hundreds of pilgrims each year. Only followers of Hinduism are permitted to enter the main temple, but everyone can visit the rest of the temple complex. Wander to Boudhanath Stupa (the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet) which buzzes with activity from dawn until dusk. Four pairs of painted eyes stare out from the base of its huge gilded spire, and strings of colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind. Join endless streams of monks, pilgrims and locals as they walk clockwise around the base to gain merit. Head back to Durbar Square, the traditional heart of the capital, for a walking tour of the site where the city’s kings were once crowned, and meander through a labyrinth of lanes lined with shrines, temples, teahouses and markets. Pause at Hanuman Dhoka - Kathmandu’s Royal Palace - and the intricately carved Kumari Chowk, home to the young Kumari living goddess. After enjoying losing yourself amid the alleyways, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon.

Head out early for Bhaktapur: one of the Kathmandu Valley’s former royal cities, and home to some of the finest religious architecture in Nepal. Although many ancient buildings were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake, the city still boasts more temples than neighbouring Kathmandu and there’s plenty to see. Wander through narrow streets and see courtyards filled with fired clay pots, women sitting weaving cloth, and craftsmen carefully chiselling timber into furniture and statues. Lunch on the rooftop at Khowpa Chhen, a characterful Newari-style guest house with impressive views over Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square and the surrounding hills.

Drive on to Dhulikhel, once a major stop on the trade route to Tibet, for more impressive Himalayan views. Though much of Dhulikhel has become modernised, the old town is very well preserved, with some beautiful, original Newari architecture featuring carved wood and intricate brickwork. After a stroll around the old town return to Kathmandu, where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Fly to Bharatpur, where your guide will meet you and drive you to your lodge on the outskirts of Chitwan National Park.

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge takes a unique approach to its activities, and your experience will be entirely tailored to your own preferences and wishes. You could go wildlife spotting by boat along the Narayani River, by open-top jeep, or on foot through the jungle, which is a particularly exhilarating experience. The lodge naturalists have recorded over 300 species of bird in the surrounding habitats, and you can join them for a bespoke bird-watching tour. You can also visit nearby Tharu villages to learn about the region’s indiginous traditions and talk with locals about daily life in their farming communities.

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Immerse yourself in your choice of activities in and around Chitwan National Park. Your day can be as fully-packed or relaxed as you wish. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a dawn-to-dusk itinerary - the lodge is a wonderfully serene setting, and you can easily spend a few hours just relaxing by the pool or swaying in a hammock in the gardens.

Set out early for Pokhara on a long, but scenic, drive following sections of the Marshyangdi river. As you near Pokhara, you’ll see the magnificent Annapurna peaks come into view, and catch a glimpse of Machhapulchhare, also known as Fish Tail Mountain due to its distinctive shape. There’ll be time to freshen up at your hotel before you embark on a gentle afternoon’s exploration, wandering around the delicately gilded 17th century Bindyabasini Temple, and peering down into the Seti River Gorge.

Take a morning boat ride to the opposite side of Phewa Lake and follow a steep forest trail to the brilliant white stupa of the World Peace Pagoda: one of a number of pagodas built around the world by Buddhist monks to inspire peace. From its hilltop location, you get magical views back across the lake, and sweeping panoramas of the Annapurna Massif. On a clear day you can see the distinctive outline of Fish Tail Mountain. When you’ve had your fill of gazing at the rugged peaks, and undoubtedly taken many photographs, wander back down to Phewa Lake for a serene boat trip. Cruise across Nepal’s second largest lake for an hour or so, admiring the reflections of the surrounding mountains. The rest of your day will be at leisure to enjoy more Pokhara tranquility.

Spend a day at leisure soaking up Pokhara’s laid back vibes. If you feel active enough for a hike, choose from endless trails, ranging from short two-hour treks that explore the surrounding countryside and local villages, to challenging full day hikes that head higher into the mountains. Thrill seekers can go white-water rafting on the Upper Seti River, or paragliding on thermals above Sarangkot Hill. If all that sounds a bit too energetic, opt for a visit to a nearby Tibetan community, or perhaps stroll to the lake, hire a paddle boat and gently scull across the still water. For the ultimate experience, and an unbeatable close-up view of the Himalayas, book a once-in-a lifetime helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp.

Take the short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, where your day will be at leisure until the evening. Meet up with your guide for an early evening street food stroll through the Assan and Indra Chowk markets - an exhilarating assault on the senses! Sample the wealth of dishes on offer (including, of course plenty of morish momos) and refresh your palate with a creamy lassi – a local drink made of curd, sugar and dried fruits. Make sure you don’t miss the well-known Tip Top sweet shop which sells, arguably, the best laddu and pani puri in the city. If you’re still hungry, your guide can suggest some of their favourite local restaurants for dinner, or you can call it a day and head back to your hotel for a nightcap.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight