Culture, Everest and Wildlife: The Grand Nepalese Voyage

As you arrive at Kathmandu International airport, you will be greeted by our representative and welcomed into Nepal.

Spend your time in this authentic, Himalayan hill town visiting the Namo Buddha monastery and stupa and trekking past peaceful terraced farms and quaint Nepalese villages. Then, head into the centre of the old town to see a beautiful array of architecture from intricate buildings to ornate Vishnu temples.

Embark on a private afternoon adventure, lasting for between three and five hours. Set off on bicycle and see the beautiful village of Panauti, stopping for lunch. Then visit ancient Hindu sites. A back up vehicle can be provided to take you home, should you get tired.

Toast the Himalayan sunset with a bottle of champagne on your private terrace.

Today you will be taken through the Kathmandu Valley to explore two of the most incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath. Your first stop is Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as Bhadgaun, meaning the city of devotees and is the home of true medieval art and architecture in the Valley. Lying fourteen kilometres east of Kathmandu city, Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Not only because of its famous carved peacock windows but also due to its museum, Bhaktapur is the centre of traditional Nepalese wood carving. Compared with other royal cities in Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is the most original and without a doubt the most historically authentic as it is literally a living museum where farmers dry their harvest, potters turn their wheel and people go about traditional life as they have done for years. You can explore and have lunch here overlooking a classic ancient town square before moving onto the main part of Kathmandu city to see Pashupatinath temple. One of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is the main cremation site for Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley, with cremation ghats lining the Bagmati River below the temple. It is such an important pilgrimage site that any Hindu should visit it once in their life and there is a constant stream of sadhus coming and going from Nepal and India.

Relax in your luxurious hotel.

This evening you will be transferred, by a classic Vespa scooter or Enfield motorbike for a fun alternative, to one of the city's finest restaurants for a delightful evening meal.

Spend your time in this charming area of the Himalayas enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and lush landscape. Visit Lo-Manthang, the capital of the Tibetan lost valley city of Mustang, and the home of the region's king. Manang, a string of seven villages, is also worth seeing for its stunning turquoise lakes alone.

Sitting on a cliff-top above the Kali Gandaki river, Kagbeni is the last village in Lower Mustang which you will explore this afternoon. An oasis of green fields among rocky, arid mountains, with the snowy peak of Mt Nilgiri looming grandly behind it, this ancient, partially ruined citadel town, with its narrow alleyways and tunnels is fascinating. Wander past the ancient, crumbling, 100-room King's Palace, pay respects to the pre-Buddhist protector deities of the town and visit the newly-restored brick-red Sayka Gompa, 800 years old. As evening falls you will make your way back to your lodge as the shepherds bring back the goats and cows to their corrals.

Rise early this morning to enjoy the incredible sunrise views over Nilgiri, before heading out to see the bustle of daily life. After breakfast, you will be taken in a sturdy jeep up the mountainside to the sacred shrine of Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of Nepal for both Buddhists and Hindus. It is a great example of a sacred place shared in harmony by devotees of two religions. Every year, thousands of devotees from Nepal, India and Tibet come on pilgrimage for purification and salvation and it is said that throughout history many Kings throughout Asia did the same. Here you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains, receive a blessing and then head back to Kagbeni via an alternate route, stopping at a once in a lifetime picnic spot on the way.

Today you will visit the medieval city of Lo Manthang. See the four major temples which are known as the Gompas and are set within the fascinating old city; learn about the incredible restoration effort going on here to preserve these precious relics of a lost age. Then learn about the life and culture of the Lo-pa (the people of Lo, many of whom practice polyandry). You may also have the chance to meet the King of the region for a private interview. King Jigme Palbar Bista, called ‘Lo Gyelbu’ by the local people, resides at his four-storied palace inside the city walls and nowadays plays a somewhat ceremonial role, although he is well loved and respected throughout Mustang. You will then enjoy a traditional Lo-pa lunch and take your time to explore the ancient, walled city with its characteristic flat roofed houses, interconnecting in a maze of tiny, cobbled streets.

Check into your room at the extraordinarily scenic Thasang Village Lodge.

Soak up the incredible views of the Himalayas with a drink this evening, looking out to the huge Dhaulagiri (8167m, the world’s 7th highest mountain) and the stunning Nilgiri, coming in at a relatively small (but equally stunning) 7061m.

Spend your time in this charming lakeside town on exciting treks through stunning Himalayan scenery and lush landscape. Boat on the Phewa Lake, visit ancient monuments and try your hand at thrilling activities such as mountain biking, kayaking and paragliding across the valleys. Choose from a choice of activities including various half day excursions.

Spend the afternoon in this charming lakeside town enjoying a relaxed or adventurous activity. There is plenty to choose from, including a leisurely boat ride on the lake, a walk up to the World Peace Pagoda with its incredible views of the Himalayas and a visit to a Tibetan refugee village where Tibetan carpets and other handicrafts are available. If you fancy getting more active you can hire a bike and cycle along the lakeside, try your hand at tandem paragliding with a professional pilot, an ultralight flight, or even take a ride on the new zipline. Meanwhile the two very good museums, the Gurkha Museum showcasing the history of the Gurkha soldiers and the Mountaineering Museum where you can learn all about incredible feats and derring-do in the highest mountains in the world, offer excellent historical tours.

Spend your days in this fascinating city exploring cultural landmarks such as the 18th century Kumari Ghar Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square. You have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here. If you would like us to organise your time here with a privately-guided tour, according your interests, we can do so.

This evening you will be transferred, by a classic Vespa scooter or Enfield motorbike for a fun alternative, to one of the city's finest restaurants for a delightful evening meal.

Check into your room at Yeti Mountain Home in Namche to rest and acclimatise.

Begin your stay in Everest at a lodge with a relatively low altitude to help your body to acclimatise. You'll then move to higher lodges for even more spectacular views. Spend your time visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Rumijung Monastery, founded by the Sherpa lama Khemp Dorje in the 16th century, and learn about the culture of the hardy Sherpa people and the history of mountaineering in the area.

This afternoon, explore the fascinating Khumbu Everest region at your leisure. Relax with a picnic at your comfortable lodge taking in the astounding scenery or speak to your travel designer about arranging a guided trip to a local school. The renowned Hillary school and hospital, is also located close by and a visit can be arranged with a little prior notice. The school was founded by Sir Edmund Hilary himself, who with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was the very first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

This morning tuck into a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the trek ahead. You have a short, steep climb up out of town, then contour around the mountainside on a beautiful trail for an hour or so until you reach a chorten where great views of Everest await (weather permitting as always). Continue on past a small village and finish off with a forested section up to the lodge.

Now that you have acclimatised on the lower slopes and gradually made your ascent, you can check in to your comfortable lodge higher up on the Everest summit. Situated high up in the pine forests, the lodge overlooks the Dudh Koshi river valley and offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Ama Dablam.

Take an unforgettable flight up to the Everest Base Camp. At an altitude of 5,364m, this legendary spot is where mountaineering expeditions make their home for months each year as they prepare for the mighty climb up to Mount Everest. This exclusive trip offers panoramic views over the Himalayas for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Check into your cosy room with its spectacular views of Everest at Yeti Mountain Home Kongde.

Relax in your luxurious hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch and drink before you continue your onward journey.

Spend your days discovering the rich wildlife of Asiatic Rhinos and Bengal Tigers in Chitwan National Park. Delve deep into the jungle on exciting treks, canoe tours and elephant and jeep safaris. Our expert travel designers can arrange an array of tailor-made tours for your time here.

This afternoon enjoy an ox cart ride to the local village to visit the indigenous Tharu village. The hardy Tharu people are said to have migrated from the Rajasthan deserts and to have survived here as they developed resistance to malaria.

Enjoy an exciting African style safari in Nepal's incredible Chitwan National Park. As you ride through the jungle in a style reminiscent of the maharajas look out for the Asiatic Rhinoceros amongst a range of further prolific wildlife.

Head deep into this amazing National Park as you float down the river in a local dugout canoe and spot the resident crocs and waterbird life. Then, hike through the jungle or enjoy a jeep safari or visit the local village to authentically connect with the indigenous Tharu culture.

Spend your days exploring the remote Bardia National Park in search of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Unearth this pristine wilderness on jeep, elephant and walking safaris, taking in sights of one-horned rhinos, leopards and langur monkeys, before heading into the Geruwa River to raft alongside crocodiles and dolphins. Other activities to enjoy here include bird watching, a village walk, a tour of the organic farm, afternoon tea by the river, visit the elephant camp or simply relaxing. Our expert Nepal travel designers can arrange an array of tailor-made tours for your time here.

This afternoon you will cross the serene Babai River where crocodiles may be warming in the sun. For the energetic there is the chance to head out for a late afternoon safari to try and catch a tiger on the roam as evening falls, otherwise simply relax with cocktails at your lodge and enjoy a delicious organic dinner.

Rising early, take a tour of the jungle to track tigers, elephants or the great one-horned rhinoceros in the morning light. An al-fresco styled buffet breakfast will be served on return and then have the rest of the day to meet elephants, spend time with the mahouts, elephant keepers and watch daily life at the elephant camp unfold. Help prepare the 150 kilograms of feed each elephant requires each day, head down to the river to watch the elephant bathing and take an afternoon stroll through the villages or community forest atop one of these gentle grey giants of the jungle. This is an intimate, once in a life time experience giving a real connection to the jungles and local culture of the Terai.

Relax in your luxurious hotel.

This evening you will be transferred, by a classic Vespa scooter or Enfield motorbike for a fun alternative, to one of the city's finest restaurants for a delightful evening meal.