ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
It is quite a thrill just flying into Kathmandu. On a clear day the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below give you a real sense that you are arriving at a special country.
Day 2: Bhaktapur
Afternoon walking tour. Of the three medieval kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaon) is the best preserved. In the afternoon we will walk through the traffic free cobbled streets we get to observe local potters busy spinning their wheels and drying their terracotta wares set against wonderful art and architecture of the Malla era to be found in the durbar square. Lion Gate, Golden gate, Art gallery, Statue of King Bhuptindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple and the Malla Palace of 55 windows are the living prides of Bhaktapur. We stay overnight in the heart of this city so we have plenty of time to explore all these places and the even more intriguing back streets in depth.
Day 3: Bhaktapur
We start the day with an early morning visit to Pashupatinath famous as Nepal’s most sacred burning ghats we make a point of visiting local resident Yogis and interesting holy men characters.
In October has been specifically chosen to provide fabulous photography opportunities as we take part in one of Nepals largest and most colorful festivals, Daishin. The April tour will take place whilst the Nepali New Year activites take place in Bhaktapur.
Day 4: Patan
Wake up to the timeless way of life in Bhaktapur spend the early hours of the day soaking up the atmosphere of morning temple rituals and local markets.
Later that morning we leave our hotel in Bhaktapur and take a drive of about half an hour to Patan, where we will visit the famous Durbar Square, the Golden Temple and the back streets familiar to Nathan.
Day 5: Chitwan National Park
Sunrise at Swayambbunath. This is a popular Buddhist temple on top of hill overlooking Kathmandu. It is affectionately known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ and bristles with the activity of worshippers from the very first light of the day.
After breakfast we leave the city behind and fly to Chitwan National Park before arriving in time for lunch at our bungalows in Chitwan National Park. Late afternoon we enter the park in search of abundant wildlife that includes tigers, rhino, crocodiles, deer and many birds.
Day 6: Chitwan
This day is dedicated visiting often overlooked tribal villages around Chitwan Park. Our 4 wheel drive takes us through gorgeous plains where the locals tend to their fertile paddy fields and typical village life.
We have plenty of time to make random stops as and when we see the perfect moments taking advantage of either the early morning and late afternoon sun.
Day 7: Bandipur
At sunrise we organize small boats to sit in a river to photograph an elephant crossing. After breakfast we take a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Bandipur.
Our destination is Bandipur which is considered to be a national gem, situated on a ridge at an altitude of 1030 meters. It is a well preserved ancient Newari town that was the main trading center from the late 18th century to recent times. It is community living in the narrow cobbled streets seemingly unchanged for centuries and will charm any photographer’s eye. It also has many vantage points to spy your first snow peaked mountains.
Day 8: Bandipur
Take a short trek to a nearby village and explore rural life in and around Bandipur.
Day 9: Pokhara
We wake up early to make our way along outlying ridge to witness sunrise over a panoramic view our first snowcapped Himalayan mountains. This can result in stunning photos. We spend the morning enjoying leisurely short hikes out of town to nearby villages. In the afternoon we drive to Pokhara, on the way we will stop at picturesque hamlets and lush green fields as we please. As we approach Pokhara, our eyes behold the snowy pinnacles of the Annapurna Range; Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal.
Late afternoon we go the World Peace Pagoda to see the magnificent views afforded of the distant mountains.
Day 10: Dhampus
We take a boating trip on Phewa Lake and try to capture one of the most breathtaking sights of Pokhara; the reflection of the Machhapucchre’s (Fishtail) spire on the lakes waters from low level. In the afternoon we drive to Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village in time for locals returning from their work in the fields. We engage with their gentle way of life, often being invited into homes and gardens to take photos.
The village also affords some stunning and spectacular views of the snowy Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu at sunset. We stay overnight in a typical trekking lodge.
Day 11: Pokhara
Our typical trekking lodge gives us another breath taking view of Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain and the perfect opportunity for sunrise shots by literally crawling out bed onto a purpose built balcony area. After a hearty breakfast we revisit the village life to catch up with friends again to observe their morning activities in gorgeous light and against one of the world’s best back drops.
We return back to Pokhara by early afternoon where your comfortable hotel will be base for some free time to shop, get a massage or take an optional paraglider flight from Sarangkot Hill down to Pokhara Lake. Not to be missed if you like that sort of thing!
Day 12: Kathmandu
From Pokhara we fly to Kathmandu. In the afternoon we visit one of Kathmandu’s most photographed monuments, Bodnath Stupa. This is not only a fabulous structure but is the centre of Nepal’s biggest Tibetan community and a constant hive of activity and prayer.
Day 13: Depart Kathmandu
will drive you to the airport for your flight home.
***Please Note: Itinerary days may be subject to changes ***