Luxury Classic Tour of Nepal
Nepal

6 Trees Planted for each Booking

Royal Bengal Tiger
  • TRIP TYPE: Cultural Tour
  • TRIP GRADE: Easy
  • TRIP STYLE: Hotel
  • TRIP LEADER: Local Leader
  • GROUP SIZE: 2 - 10 people
  • NEXT DEPARTURE: 07 Apr 2024

Details

This tour is a perfect introduction to Nepal while staying at the best hotels available in the country. You have time to explore Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dhulikel and Bandipur; take the Everest flight and game viewing in Chitwan National Park.

There are superb mountain panoramas of the Himalaya from your hotels at Bandipur, Pokhara and Dhulikel. On a clear day you will see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Mount Machapuchare (known as Fishtail) and also of course Mount Everest during your mountain flight from Kathmandu.

There is no trekking in this itinerary however there are opportunities for day walks while in Pokhara, Bandipur and Dhulikel. You have the option to join one of our fixed date departures we organise twice each year or have a private departure that suits your dates.

While in Kathmandu your hotel is Dwarikas and Shangri La; in Bandipur your hotel is Gaun Ghar; in Pokhara it is Shangri La Village Resort; in Chitwan it is Barahi Jungle Lodge; in Namo Buddha it is Namo Buddha Resort then in Dhulikel your hotel is Dwarikas Dhulikhel.

Route Map

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu

No meals

Dusit Princess in Kathmandu

A driver will be sent to collect you on arrival at Kathmandu airport and to bring you back to the hotel.  Please provide travel plans on booking and we will arrange the pick up and transfer

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Breakfast

Dusit Princess in Kathmandu

This is a one day guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley visiting three out of the seven World Heritage Sites. You will start off by visiting Patan Durbar Square then drive to the Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath followed by the last stop of the day at the Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath. The tour is likely to finish around 4pm and the rest of the day is free to further explore Kathmandu.

Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere.

In the Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit.

Everest mountain flight

Drive to Bandipur (3 hours)

Breakfast

Hotel Gaun Ghar in Bandipur

Everest mountain flight always takes off early in the morning to maximise your chances of getting clear views of the mountains before cloud build up later in the day. This means a pick up from your hotel around 5.30am and once through the busy domestic terminal you should be airborne by 6.30am

Later in the morning you are driven by private vehicle to Bandipur. This small town is located on a ridge above the Kathmandu to Pokhara road and has superb views of the Himalayan peaks to the north of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.

Bandipur has been considerately developed for tourists where some of the old houses have been carefully converted to hotels and there are thankfully few concrete buildings like elsewhere in Nepal. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu Bandipur is peaceful place as vehicles are not allowed into the main square.

Drive to Pokhara (3 hours)

Breakfast

Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara

After breakfast you continue your drive to Pokhara and to your hotel. There are superb views from Pokhara to the Himalayan peaks including Annapurnas. In the afternoon you can either relax at the resort around the swimming pool or explore the town of Pokhara.

Walk to Peace Stupa

Breakfast

Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara

After breakfast you take a boat trip across Phewa Lake then walk to Shanti Peace stupa above the lake. The mountain views from stupa are that at their best in the morning. For the rest of the day you can explore Pokhara around Lakeside.

Drive to Chitwan (4 hours)

Activities in Chitwan National Park

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park

After breakfast you will be driven to Chitwan National Park located 90km from Pokhara where you check into Barahi Jungle Lodge.

About Chitwan National Park:

Chitwan is located on the plains to the south of the Himalaya range on near the border with Nepal and India. This area is one of the few remaining undisturbed parts of the Terai and has a rich flora and fauna including Bengal tiger, single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, wild elephants, leopards, sloth bear and the rare gangetic dolphin. Chitwan is also a superb bird habitat with over 300 species recorded.

The latest surveys indicate there is currently 125 tigers and 500 rhinos in Chitwan National Park showing a healthy increase in numbers over the last thirty years. The size of Chitwan National Park is 932 square km plus a buffer zone of 766 km2 comprised mainly of sal forest, water marshes and grassland. There is a high diversity of ecosystems from the flood plains of the Rapti and Narayani rivers with their ox-bow lakes and rising up to 800m in the hills to the east. Chitwan National Park was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Activities at Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park:

Upon arrival at Barahi Jungle Resort in Chitwan you will be served a welcome drink and after a short briefing on the program and about their facilities you will be taken to your room. The final program for your stay will be given to you on arrival at Barahi Jungle Resort however we have written the proposed program below. Please note the activities will be adjusted according to the length of your stay, the season and present weather conditions. The following is an outline program for the rest of the day:

1:00pm Lunch will be served at Banyan Café or by pool area.

3:00pm: Tharu Village Visit: Proceed for a short walk from the lodge to Jitpur village. Your naturalist guide will brief you about the social and cultural aspect of the villagers and their lifestyle. The main ethnic residents are Tharus, Danwar ‘Kumal’ Darai & Bote. After the visit you will ride on a bullock cart to come back to the lodge.

7:00pm Slide Presentation: one of the lodge’s naturalists will introduce background data and history of the Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife.

8:00pm Dinner in the central dining hall or outside by the pool area.

Activities in Chitwan National Park

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park

6:00am: Jeep Safari: after wakeup call followed by tea or coffee you start the jeep safari by crossing Rapti River in a boat to Bhimle post. There are three choices of routes available which our naturalists will pick from their experience on current sightings and animal movement.

Route 1: Bhimle post - Sukhibhar post towards Kasara (park headquarter)

Route 2: Bhimle post - Reu River- Surung Khola

Route 3: Bhimle Post - Reu River- Tiger Tops - towards Khoria Muhan Post

The jeep safari starts through open grassland and then enters riverine forest. After crossing Reu River you enter the National Park and into dense Sal Forest where you may see different wildlife around oxbow lakes (Devi Tal, Lamo Tal, Kamal Tal), aquatic birds and if you are lucky the marsh mugger crocodiles. Breakfast will be served during the safari in a scenic spot chosen by the naturalist. The other jeep routes will be towards Sukhibhar post and Park HQ, Kasara and Reu River-Surung Khola. You should get back to Barahi Jungle Lodge by 11.00-11.30 am.

Please Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities September and in some season it can prolong till October.

12:00pm: Elephant briefing/Feeding Session: Learn more about the elephants during a visit to their stables followed by elephant feeding session. The chance to join in with elephant bathing is only offered in summer season.

1:00pm: Lunch at Banyan Café or outside around pool area.

3:30pm: Boat Safari: you start from the lodge in a traditional patella boat on Rapti River and this float takes about 45 minutes. Along the way you may see aquatic birds, crocodiles, Gharials and other animals along the river banks. After the boat safari you drive back to the lodge. 

7:00 PM: Tharu Cultural dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. 

Fly to Kathmandu

Drive to Namo Buddha (1 1/2 hours)

Breakfast

Namo Buddha Resort

6:00am: Boat Safari: after wakeup call followed by tea or coffee start the boat safari near the lodge in a traditional patela boat following the Rapti river for about 45 minutes.

8:30am: Breakfast at Banyan Café or outside around pool area.

After breakfast, you drive to Bharatpur airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival there is a short drive to Namo Buddha on the rim of the Kathmandu valley where there is a superb mountain panorama from Namo Buddha Resort.

1) Drive to Dhulikhel (1 hour)

2) Walking to Dhulikhel (2 hours)

Breakfast and Dinner

Dwarikas Dhulikhel

Today you have the option to walk to Dhulikhel or to drive by car. If you decide to walk the trail takes you through traditional villages with mountain views.

Drive to Bhaktapur (1 hour)

Sightseeing in Bhaktapur

Breakfast

Hotel Heritage in Bhaktapur

In morning you drive to Bhaktapur for sightseeing this is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley and is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork. The main places to see are:

Layaku (Durbar Square):  Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around the 55-window palace of brick and wood.

Nyatapola Temple: This five-storeyed pagoda was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 A.D. It stands on five terraces, on each of which squat a pair of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini — the tiger and the lion goddesses.

Bhairab Nath Temple: This is another pagoda temple of lord Bhairab, the dreadful aspect of Shiva.

Dattatraya Temple: Consecrated by King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D., this temple, according to popular belief, was built out of the trunk of a single tree

Drive to Kathmandu (1 hour)

Breakfast

Dusit Princess in Kathmandu

Fly home

Breakfast

Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight back home.  End of trip.

Dates & Prices

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2024

Dates Trip Leader Price Single Supplement: Room/Tent Availability
Dates 07 Apr 2024 to 19 Apr 2024 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,150pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now
Dates 06 Oct 2024 to 18 Oct 2024 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,150pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now
Dates 03 Nov 2024 to 15 Nov 2024 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,150pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now

2025

Dates Trip Leader Price Single Supplement: Room/Tent Availability
Dates 16 Mar 2025 to 28 Mar 2025 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,175pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now
Dates 06 Apr 2025 to 18 Apr 2025 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,175pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now
Dates 05 Oct 2025 to 17 Oct 2025 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,175pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now
Dates 02 Nov 2025 to 14 Nov 2025 Trip Leader Local Leader Price US$3,295pp Single Supplement:
Room/Tent
US$1,175pp / NA
Availability 2 Left to Guarantee Book Now

For private and bespoke trip, please contact us

Enquire Here

What's Included

  • Internal travel in a private car or minibus with a driver.
  • Private transfers including airport collections.
  • One day sightseeing in Kathmandu with a Nepalese cultural guide and private vehicle including all entry tickets.
  • Twin-share rooms at all locations.
  • Breakfast only at all hotels.
  • UK-registered charity, Pipal Tree, will plant 6 trees for you in the Gurkha Memorial Forest in southern Nepal.
  • Full financial protection for all monies paid to us through our membership of Association of Bonded Travel Operators Trust (our ABTOT membership number is 5365) and having an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (our ATOL number is 10921).
  • Pre-departure support and advice from The Mountain Company by email, phone, Zoom, or face-to-face meetings in London. After booking with us we will send our comprehensive “Nepal Pre-Trip Information” notes.

What's Not Included

  • International flight to/from Kathmandu.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Nepal visa for 15 days.
  • Lunch and evening meals all places on itinerary.
  • Tips (guidance on amounts included in our “Nepal Pre Trip Information” notes).
  • Other items not listed in “What is included”.

Accommodation

Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu

Dwarika’s Hotel is a unique property with buildings and courtyards built in traditional style with many features such as wooden panels rescued from palaces and temples in the Kathmandu valley. The hotel has a swimming pool and excellent restaurants including Krisharpan known as one of the best in Kathmandu.

Dwarika’s Hotel is a unique property with buildings and courtyards built in traditional style with many features such as wooden panels rescued from palaces and temples in the Kathmandu valley. The hotel has a swimming pool and excellent restaurants including Krisharpan known as one of the best in Kathmandu. Dwarika’s Hotel is a unique property with buildings and courtyards built in traditional style with many features such as wooden panels rescued from palaces and temples in the Kathmandu valley. The hotel has a swimming pool and excellent restaurants including Krisharpan known as one of the best in Kathmandu.


Namo Buddha Resort in Kathmandu Valley

Namo Buddha Resort is a lovely friendly place to stay and relax. It is one of our favourites in the Kathmandu Valley. This property is at the top of a hill where there is a superb view of the Himalaya.

The accommodation is in small houses built in traditional Nepali style. The carpenters and masons were from Kirtipur. The houses have private toilets, stone roofs and traditional small doors and windows. The resort has an organic farm where milk is collected from their cows. Most of the food is grown on the property.


Temple Tree Resort & Spa in Pokhara

Temple Tree Resort & Spa is located close to Lakeside. This resort is newly built in traditional style and the rooms are in cottages with a private veranda overlooking the inner courtyard and landscaped gardens.

There is an infinity pool with Jacuzzi and the Spa has a blend of treatments available.


Hotel Heritage in Bhaktapur

Hotel Heritage is a boutique hotel located close to the medieval town of Bhaktapur.

Local craftsmen with traditional Nepali architecture and furnishings have restored the building. Most of the bricks come from derelict old palaces and rich merchant’s houses in the valley. There are beautiful wood carved windows. There are antique marble floors used from old Royal Palaces.


Dwarika's Resort in Dhulkhel

The Dwarika's Resort is an incredible property in Dhulikhel with good views of the Himalaya. It has extensive grounds set on a forested hill. The Dwarika's hotels are dedicated to preserving and sharing Nepal’s rich heritage.

The property is designed in the spirit of a traditional Nepali village. It has trails through woodland and a terraced farm. The Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa uses Himalayan herbs and unique treatments.  The resort incorporates sustainable processes. This includes solar energy, grey water treatment, recycling of waste and organic agriculture.

The following activities are included during your stay. Visits to the Himalayan Salt Room, Crystal House, Chakra Sound Therapy Chamber and Meditation Maze. There is a Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Sauna and Hot Tub. There are yoga and meditation sessions. You can visit their farm. Or join a class for art pottery or  painting. You can have consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor.


Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan

Barahi Jungle Lodge has a wonderful location overlooking East Rapti river near Megauli. This property has extensive grounds spreading over twelve hectares with gardens of lush tropical vegetation. The staff at Barahi are friendly and the naturalist guides are some of the most experienced in Chitwan.

The lodge has 35 individual cottages and these Deluxe rooms have a blend of blend of contemporary and traditional Tharu designs using wood, bamboo and elephant grass. Each room opens to a private balcony with views of Rapti river and over to Chitwan National Park. The restaurant serves a range of dishes from international to Indian and Nepali using organically grown vegetables. There is also a bar called Tiger’s Den near the swimming pool.


Gaun Ghar in Bandipur

Gaun Ghar is located in the centre of the small town of Bandipur. This property is an old Newari house that has been renovated into a heritage hotel by preserving its traditional architecture.

Gaun Ghar has 15 beautifully restored rooms with attached bathrooms and view of the mountains and the town. The hotel has a cafe and a restaurant overlooking the town of Bandipur and another equally serene setting at the back facing the mountains.


Dusit Princess in Kathmandu

Dusit Princess is a new hotel in Kathmandu that opened in 2023. Unlike many other modern hotels in Kathmandu, the Dusit has been built in Tibetan style both inside and outside. This is authentic as the owners are Tibetan family. This is our first choice hotel for our luxury groups to stay at when in Kathmandu. Rooms are well appointed with a reliable supply of hot water for use in the shower. There is an infinity swimming pool on the rooftop with superb views of the city and surrounding hills. You also get complementary access to their sauna, and gym. They serve an excellent breakfast buffet from 7am to 10am. A sundowner on their rooftop bar and restaurant is a must-do!

Practical Information

Clothing and Equipment List for Tours

Footwear:

  • Comfortable shoes i.e trail shoes or trainers.
  • Flip flops or sandals for easy removal during temple visits.

Travel clothes. You will need clothing as follows:

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket.
  • Casual long sleeved shirt.
  • T shirts.
  • Lightweight trousers.
  • Micro fleece.
  • Socks and underwear etc.
  • Swimwear

Please carefully read Cultural Consideration paragraph for dress code when in public areas..

Headwear:

Personal Equipment:

  • Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
  • Useful during power cuts.
  • Backpack for day trips. Recommended size is 15 to 20 litres.
  • Water bottle.
  • Sunscreen and lipsalve with a high SPF.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Books, ipod and cards etc.
  • Power adapter.
  • Umbrella
  • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
  • Insurance certificate.
  • Hand sanitizer. We suggest you keep this in your day pack.
  • Duffle bag (or backpack) for your personal gear. Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.

Personal first aid kit:

Please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as:

  • Any personal medications.
  • Malaria prophylactic tablets.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Plasters and blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best).
  • Anti-septic cream.
  • Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
  • Throat lozenges.
  • Diarrhoea treatment (Immodium) and oral rehydration salts (Dioralyte).
  • Antihistamine cream and tablets (Cetirizine or loratidine)

Kit List for Kathmandu Valley

This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for Kathmandu Valley trek. The group leader will check your gear in Kathmandu before departure for the trek.

As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At lower altitudes you will experience warm conditions with temperatures up to 20 Celsius.

You should bring a rucsac or backpack for gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, jacket, camera, water bottles, personal first aid kit and snacks.

Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.

Footwear

  • Walking Boots. A pair of water repellent boots with ankle support. 
  • Casual shoes. Used around the hotel in the evenings.
  • Walking socks.

Clothing

  • Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (goretex or similar). For use if it rains or snows during the trek and in windy conditions.
  • Trekking trousers. (eg. Mountain Hardwear Mesa V2 or The North Face Paramount Peak).
  • Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
  • Micro fleece.
  • Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
  • Fleece or synthetic leggings. Worn around the camp or added as a layer when the temperatures start to drop higher up.

Head and Gloves

  • Fleece gloves.
  • Wool or fleece hat.
  • Sun hat.
  • Bandana or scarf (eg. Buff Headwear).
  • Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
  • Sunglasses. The lenses need to be Category 4 rated. They should have side protection or wraparound design.

Personal equipment

  • Day pack. Recommended size is around 30 litres. You need to have enough space to carry water bottles, camera, snacks and extra clothing. The pack should have a good waist belt. It is also a good idea to bring a rain cover to keep the contents dry.
  • Trekking poles (Black Diamond with “Flick Lock” are best). Two poles are mandatory for your safety. These will be helpful on steep sections of the trail and river crossings. Also for walking on snow or ice higher up.
  • Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organised. Or even better are fold dry bags such as from Exped.
  • Two water bottles. Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best. You may use a hydration pack lower down but the tube will freeze in the cold so ensure you still have two water bottles.
  • Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
  • Favourite snack food.
  • Books and cards etc.
  • Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
  • Insurance certificate.
  • Earplugs (optional).
  • Baby wipes (optional).
  • Hand sanitizer. Keep this in your day pack for use after a toilet break during the trek or before eating any snacks. We provide sanitizer for use before meals.

Travelling

  • Duffel bag for your personal gear on the trek. Our support vehicle will transport your bags from hotel to hotel. Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
  • Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for time at the hotels.
  • Toiletry bag with soap, toothbrush etc.

We provide a comprehensive group first aid kit.  Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:

  • Any personal medications.
  • Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best)
  • Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).

13 DAYS FROM US$3295.00

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