Explore Magical Nepal

Namaste and welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport you’ll be met by your Rothschild Safaris representative. Nepal’s charms quickly become apparent – its beauty, mysticism, culture, colors, architecture, friendly people, landscapes! You’ll be driven to Dwarika’s hotel, a lovely retreat from the bustle of Nepal’s capital city. Built over years from recycled parts of traditional woodcarved buildings, Dwarika’s is an exquisite complex decorated with local arts and textiles. In the afternoon you’ll visit two very different UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and holiest Buddhist temples in the world and the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Conversely, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu temples and is situated along the holy Bagmati River. Both are beautiful and fascinating.

This morning you’ll board a small plane for a breathtaking one-hour panoramic flight along the soaring Himalayan range for a bird’s eye view of lakes, glaciers and some of the world’s most infamous mountains, including Everest. You’ll circle Everest for a closer look and then return to Kathmandu. Your guide will show you the heart of ancient Kathmandu city with its fantastic wood-carved temples, palaces and Kumari Chowk, home of Nepal’s legendary virgin Living Goddess. Travel back in time as you stroll through the labyrinthine back streets of the old city. Later in the afternoon you’ll visit 2000-year-old Swayambhunath, or Monkey Temple. Situated on top of a high hill, the Buddhist complex commands a superb view of the valley below

In the evening, dine at a traditional Nepali restaurant in a former Rana Palace enjoying authentic Nepali food and cultural show.

Today you’ll take a short drive to visit Bhaktapur Town and Changu Narayan Temple, also World Heritage sites. The oldest temple of the valley, Changu Narayan is dedicated to the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu. In addition to its religious significance, the temple houses a fabulous museum of ancient arts and artifacts. Next you’ll visit one of the most ancient towns of the valley, Bhaktapur and its palace complex Durbar Square with 55 windows and golden gate. Also visit Nyatapola temple, the majestic five-storied temple, the symbolic icon of Bhaktapur. Then walk along the colorful quaint streets of the town. Observing the daily proceedings of the locals is as interesting as the temples and palace. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the domestic airport for a short flight to the charming lakeside town of Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city, nestled in the Annapurna foothills of central Nepal. Pokhara is at a lower elevation than Kathmandu and more tropical with beautiful mountain views, diversity of flowers and sense of tranquility. In the afternoon, you’ll explore this lovely town with your guide and get ready for your trek.

You’ll start the day seeing some of the region’s beautiful countryside on the 90-minute drive to Lumle, where you’ll begin your trek with your expert guide and porter. The level, stone-paved trail passes through small villages and forest with stunning views of the nearby Annapurna mountain range. After a 45-minute walk, you’ll descend toChandrakot, a village of the local Gurung people. Another 45-minute walk takes you to your destination of the day – Majgaun. Upon arrival, check-in to the lodge and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the scenery from the lodge or a guided short walk to the nearby village for a taste of traditional rural life in Nepal.

Today you’ll begin your five to six hour walk to the day’s destination – the Gurung village of Ghandruk. The trail passes through small villages, farms and terraced rice fields. Crossing the Modi River bridge you’ll pass through Syauli Bazar and trek north to Ghandruk. After lunch, you have the option of strolling around the village of Ghandruk, home to the famous Gurkha soldiers, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of the lodge’s setting.

This morning you rise early to enjoy the stunning sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain range. After breakfast, you’ll trek to the village of Kimche and follow the Modi River to the village of Birethanti to reach Nayapul, your trek ending point. Today’s trek will be about four hours. You’ll be picked up in Nayapul for a two-hour drive back to Pokhara.

This morning your guide will take you to the Hindu temple at Bindhyabasini and the Old Bazar where you’ll find interesting traders and wares. Also visit Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the World Peace Pagoda located atop the hill of Pumdi. Afterwards, relax and enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Fly from Pokhara to Nepalgunj (change planes in Kathmandu) and transfer to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge (about a 2-hour drive). After a late lunch and a brief rest, visit a near-by village on elephant back. This will give you an opportunity to observe the lifestyle of the local villagers. In the evening, enjoy dinner amidst the campfire in the central dining room in the lodge.

This morning you’ll explore the National Park by safari Jeep. Being more remote than Chitwan National Park and less visited, Bardia provides the wildlife enthusiast one of the best opportunities to encounter the most elusive animals – tigers and leopards. And you are likely to see the engendered one-horned rhino, many kind of deer, sloth bear and the endangered gharial. In the afternoon you can choose either Bird Watching (there are over 500 species of bird in this area), river safari by boat or visit a local organic farm. When you return to Tiger Tops you can watch the sunset fall behind the forest canopy.

Spend the day on safari exploring the park, local communities and viewing wildlife.

In the morning transfer to Nepalgunj airport and fly to Kathmandu. You’re free in the afternoon to stroll the lovely grounds of your hotel or enjoy another activity in Kathmandu.

Today you’ll visit yet another World Heritage Site — the ancient city of Patan, known as the city of fine arts. Patan’s Durbar Square comprises the palace complex of Malla kings and many Buddhist and Hindu temples including the auspicious Krishna Temple. Later, you’ll visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Patan and Patan Industrial Estate, an excellent shop for local products.

Today you’ll be transferred to the international airport for your flight home.