Classic Nepal for Beginners

Kathmandu is a Himalayan valley kingdom, cradled within the foothills of mighty peaks. It is a place of soul soothing ancient beauty, where burning incense spices the air. This fabled capital of convivial pilgrims is kept authentic with its restless hustle, where cycle rickshaws, pedestrians and motorbikes swarm through the narrow alleyways. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and several other attractions, such a carved rose-brick temples that attract sacred pilgrims, artistic workshops tucked behind tiny doors, and courtyards brimming with local families going about their daily lives. In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake that caused great tragedy across the city, Kathmandu is open and grateful to receive discerning guests.

Pokhara has it all - a picturesque valley nestled amid majestic mountains, glorious adventure trails and delicious cuisine! Originally envisioned as a center of commerce, the city's roots can be traced back to the 17th century, when it featured on the trade route between India and China. Several hundred years and large-scale Tibetan migration later, Pokhara today is home to an affable amalgam of Gurkhas, Tibetans and various hills tribes. Tranquil Pokhara Lake with its crystal clear Himalayan waters offers plenty of scope for leisurely activities. The city is also the gateway to the famous Annapurna Mountain range, where you can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, including trekking (at various levels of difficulty) and whitewater rafting. Take home some unforgettable moments.

Spend a day exploring Pokhara’s notable landmarks, starting with the International Mountain Museum. This museum showcases some remarkable artifacts, images and trivia regarding the great Himalayas and the intrepid mountaineers who have conquered it. Your next stop is the Bindabasini Temple, dedicated to goddess Durga and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. From here, move on to see the Davis (also known as Devi's) waterfall and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, which lie in close proximity to each other. As the water from powerful Davis Falls hits the ground, it flows into a natural underground tunnel and then proceeds through the maze-like Gupteshwar cave. The cave is known for a unique stalagmite formation that is worshipped as a symbol of the deity Shiva. On this tour you also visit the spectacular Seti Gorge – a gorge through which the milky white Seti river flows. End the day with a tour through Pokhara's traditional bazaar. Colorful and lively, it's a great place to pick up souvenirs.(Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Difficult in some parts; the Gupteshwar Cave may be damp and slippery with some narrow sections; the Seti Gorge has to be viewed from a suspension bridge).

Chitwan: A wholly different experience! Chitwan is home to one of Asia's finest National parks and one of the most traditional and conservative indigenous people of Nepal - the Chepangs. Seas of elephant grass ripple, the Terai, magnificent sunsets and a pervasive sense of relaxation engulf you!

Explore the World Heritage Site of the Royal Chitwan National Park - one of the last remaining virgin Terai regions that once stretched across the length of the Himalayan foothills of India and Nepal. Day 1: Upon arrival at your hotel enjoy lunch at your hotel before taking an Jeep Safari into the thick forests of the National Park. Enjoy the afternoon Safari, the park is home to the endangered subspecies including the endangered one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal tiger, the leopard, the Asian elephant, and the Himalayan sloth bear, Return from your afternoon safari to enjoy a slideshow on the wildlife heritage of the Park, followed by dinner. Day 2: After breakfast, take a jeep safari in the company of your local forest guide. Ride into the dense jungles with its tall elephant grass and marshland—the perfect territory for the Park’s resident wildlife population. Chitwan is home to a huge and varied population of birds and gharials (crocodiles) too.Return for lunch, before heading off for an adventurous canoe ride along the Rapti River, accompanied by your guide. In the evening, enjoy a cultural evening with a traditional Tharu dance performance, followed by dinner. In case you feel adventurous enough to stay back for a third night, you could choose to take a full day safari. If you’re lucky, your naturalist guide could also arrange for a safe nature walk through the Park. (2 Days; Private Activity & Transfers; Note: The park is closed for jeep safaris during monsoon from June to September until reopening of the rough tracks til mid-October; during closure, jeep safaris take place along the forests of the northern border).

Kathmandu is a Himalayan valley kingdom, cradled within the foothills of mighty peaks. It is a place of soul soothing ancient beauty, where burning incense spices the air. This fabled capital of convivial pilgrims is kept authentic with its restless hustle, where cycle rickshaws, pedestrians and motorbikes swarm through the narrow alleyways. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and several other attractions, such a carved rose-brick temples that attract sacred pilgrims, artistic workshops tucked behind tiny doors, and courtyards brimming with local families going about their daily lives. In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake that caused great tragedy across the city, Kathmandu is open and grateful to receive discerning guests.