Essential 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.

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.

In the evening have dinner in Pokhara and stroll through this fun lake-side town.

Passing through small towns, villages and highway markets you’ll see the change in climate and landscape on the five-hour drive south to tropical Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon you’ll embark on one of the most exhilarating activities in Chitwan – discovering the rich jungle flora and wildlife on the back of an elephant.

Early in the morning you’ll experience the early morning awakening of nature on an early morning walk through the forest and along the river, a bird watcher’s paradise. After breakfast you’ll have a really fun, unforgettable experience –helping trainers bathe their elephants in the river. You’ll also visit the area’s elephant breeding center. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch and a brief rest. Later, you’ll explore more of the region via a traditional patela boat down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, gharials and animals on the riverbanks. The evening brings a real treat: the Tharu Stick dance where farmers of the nearby villages display their traditional skills and dances.

In the morning you’ll go on a short walk through a local village with your guide explaining the social and cultural aspects of the villagers and their lifestyle. After breakfast you’ll be driven to the Bharatpur airport for your 20-minute flight to Kathmandu. You’re free in the afternoon to stroll the lovely grounds of your hotel or other leisure.

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. You and your guide will determine if you’d like to go anywhere else.

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