Welcome to Kathmandu and the start of your holiday!

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met by travel-to-nature Asia airport Tour Manager & representatives — look out for your name on a sign in the arrivals area. They bring you to the hotel where your room is pre-booked. If you’re feeling up and not too tired and time permits depending upon your arrival schedule, take some time to explore Kathmandu’s medieval Backstreets.

Accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Our local tour leader will meet you at the hotel and introduce you to the cities of Katmandu Valley. We begin our morning visiting Kathmandu’s main sites, including Durbar Square, Teleju Temple and the House of the Living Goddess. Durbar Square(UNESCO Heritage site),one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, is a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist temples, stupas and statues, and is often the site of festivals, marriages and other ceremonies. Kathmandu’s Durbar (palace)the heart of the capital was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimized ,and from where they ruled. Next, we climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (UNESCO Heritage site) known by the name ‘ the monkey temple’ with its commanding views of Kathmandu (at 1420 m), its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. From here we can see the mighty Himalaya rising above the valley.

Journey to nearby Patan(UNESCO Heritage site), the city of arts and architecture founded in AD 250 and known for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Many of these treasures can be seen in the new Patan Museum.Time permits also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to watch a demonstration in carpet weaving.

Accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Meal: Breakfast

After our leisurely breakfast this morning after early breakfast, we transfer to the airport to catch a short flight to Janakpur. Upon arrival we will meet our SWAN Project Field Coordinator who will bring us to SWAN Project Village Katari in Udaipur, eastern Nepal. On the way we detour from the main road to Visit Janaki Temple in Janakpur.

Inclination to experience something of the Terai, Janakpur is an interesting town with temples, pools, sadhus, rickshaws and rainbow-coloured saris. It is a touristic town, but the tourists are devout Indian pilgrimags, rather than Western travellers. Janakpur’s religious significance is due to its role in the famous Hindu epic, the Ramayana. It is the legendary birthplace of Sita, an incarnation of Lakshmi, and place of her marriage to Rama, who is one of God Vishnu’s most popular incarnation. The main attraction is of itself course the famous Janaki Temple. The temple is dedicated to Sita(also known as Janaki) is impressively large. This temple & Janakpur city that was mythologised in the Ramayana existed around 700 BC.

After exploring the temple complex, we will head for an 1 hour 30min drive (85km) to Katari arriving in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Machhapuchhre Holiday Inn (Katari Bazar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will explore several villages, immersing ourselves in the local culture and interacting with the community. We’ll visit SWAN-supported projects, providing an insightful look at the positive impact of their social development initiatives.

The Katari Municipality in the Udayapur District is a key gateway to the Upper Sagarmatha Region, which includes the Sholukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, and Khotang districts in southeastern Nepal. Situated along the Tawa River, this area is home to many rural communities. SWAN (www.swannepal.org), a local charity  organization, has been implementing village development projects across Nepal for many years. In Katari, SWAN has been active for the past three years, running a variety of impactful initiatives. These include safe drinking water projects, educational infrastructure development, women’s empowerment programs, pre-schools for marginalized children, microcredit for women’s groups, goat breeding programs, and support for local farmers in adopting alternative farming practices for income generation.

Accommodation: Machhapuchhre Holiday Inn (Katari Bazar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, after an early breakfast, we will load our luggage onto the vehicle and begin our journey along the Madan-Bhandari Highway (H09) toward Chitwan National Park. The road is generally in good condition, though we may encounter occasional delays or diversions due to ongoing construction. Our destination, Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna, is situated on the edge of Chitwan National Park, right by the Rapti River, and we plan to arrive in time for lunch.

Upon arrival at the resort gate, we will be greeted by the staff with a welcome drink in the reception area. We’ll then head to the restaurant, where lunch will be waiting. Afterward, you’ll have time to settle into your rooms and explore the lodge grounds. The large swimming pool invites relaxation, perfect for a sunny afternoon of swimming or enjoying a good book with a cool drink in hand.

After afternoon tea and biscuits in the main area, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to the Rapti River with a nature guide to watch the local birdlife. We’ll return to the resort for hot showers and cold drinks before dinner.

Accommodation: Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

For the next couple of days, we will immerse ourselves in the wilderness of Nepal with river and jeep safaris:

Each morning, we’ll enjoy breakfast on the deck with a stunning river view, featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, and bacon–the perfect start to the day. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a river safari on the Rapti River.

Our journey begins with a nature walk or a short drive through the village, followed by a relaxing boat ride down the river. As we cruise through the river’s wide expanse, we’ll encounter gentle waves and pockets of rapids that propel us along. Onboard our hand-carved boat, we’ll keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife and wildlife, including the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and the Marsh Mugger.

After the safari, a traditional Nepali lunch will be served at the resort. Post-lunch, you can relax on your room’s balcony with a good book or unwind by the swimming pool. In the cooler afternoon hours, when the animals are more active, we’ll meet with our naturalist fora thrilling jeep safari in the national park to experience the jungle firsthand. Feel free to ask our expert guides any questions – they are highly knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history of Chitwan National Park. During the safari, we may encounter various species of deer, monkeys, birds, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, with a bit of luck, even the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Chitwan National Park spans 932 square kilometers of Sal and river in  jungle, offering a greater variety of wildlife than any other area in Nepal. Over 500 bird species have been recorded, alongside mammals, reptiles, and numerous insects. We might spot the One Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, and reptiles like the Marsh Mugger Crocodile and Gharial. Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are also relatively common. While it’s rare to spot a tiger, Chitwan is home to Nepal’s largest tiger population, and we may be fortunate enough to glimpse one, especially in the evening when they are most active.

Accommodation: Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a short 24-minute flight from Bharatpur to Pokhara, the heart of the Western Development Region and a traditional trading hub nestled in the shadow of the Annapurna Massif. During the flight, enjoy breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan range, including Annapurna, Ganesh, Mt. Nilgiri, and Manaslu – a truly unforgettable experience.

Upon arrival, a representative from Fish Tail Lodge will transfer us to the hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely walk along the shores of Phewa Lake ,soaking in the stunning scenery of the Pokhara Valley. Alternatively, we can enjoy a traditional rowing boat ride across the lake, stopping to visit the Barahi Temple on a small island. From there, we’ll hike through lush woods and a traditional Gurung village to reach the Peace Stupa at 1,222 meters. This scenic hike offers a captivating glimpse into rural life and spectacular views of the Annapurna range and the Pokhara Valley.

In the evening, we’ll dine at the hotel’s lakeside terrace, the perfect spot tounwind with drinks while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views.

Accommodation: Fishtail Lodge by Annapurna
Meal: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast at Fish Tail Lodge ,start your day by visiting the Mountain Museum to learn about the fascinating geography, culture, and biodiversity of the Himalayan region. Alternatively, visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to explore the life and crafts of the Tibetan community living in Nepal. Following your visit, embark on a 45 minutes scenic-drive to Sarangkot,a hill top village offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Check-in at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings. Spend the evening taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas as the sunsets behind the majestic peaks.

Accommodation: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge
Meal: Breakfast

Wake up early to witness the stunning Himalayan sunrise from Sarangkot, a moment that will leave you in awe. After breakfast, drive towards Kusma—a small town with spectacular views and accessto one of Nepal’s most exciting cable car rides. Take the cable car across the Kaligandaki River, offering incredible views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Continue your journey to the beautiful village of Narayansthan ,located on a plateau. It’s just 30 minutes hike to the Camp. As you settle in, you’ll see the trekking crew preparing the camp. They will introduce you to the setup, including the dining tent and your personal tents. The camping spot is truly magical, with a dramatic view of the cliff and deep gorge, overlooking Kusma Bazaar and surrounded by rolling hills. The rim of the plateau features steep rocky slopes and often escarpments. Above the cliff in a beautiful pine forest, further enhancing your experience. During the autumn and winter months, you may spot various species of vultures and eagles, including the Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Red-headed Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Booted Eagle, among others.

Accommodation: Tented Camp – HimalayanNature
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we experience the essence of Tihar by participating in the Bhai Tika ceremony perfomed by the sisters to their brothers, a traditional celebration that honors brothers, symbolizing their safety and well-being. We will be welcomed by the local community and invited to join in the festivities with families, enjoy local food, and witness the lighting of butter & oil lamps, and rituals. We take some time to explore the village and interact with the friendly locals, learning about their culture, traditions, and daily life. Overnight at the luxury tented camps, continuing to enjoy the magic of the Festival of Lights.

Accommodation: Tented Camp – HimalayanNature
Meals: Breakfas, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we drive back to Pokhara along the scenic route, enjoying views of terraced fields, rivers, and mountains. Once in Pokhara, catch a flight to Kathmandu, where we’ll be transferred to our hotel, the iconic Yak & Yeti.

This afternoon, we will consider visiting Hindu Pashupatinath (UNESCO Heritage site) and its sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing Saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating –
Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO Heritage site) watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the stupa. We may consider going out for last minute Christmas shopping in down town Thamel, and we’ll meet again for dinner and drinks in the evening. We’ll perhaps heading for a farewell dinner to one of the finest traditional Nepali Restaurants Krishna Arpan by Dwarika and a few glasses of warming red wine & local Rakshi.

Accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Meal: Breakfast

Depending upon your flight schedule if you’d like to start your day with an optional scenic Everest mountain flight over the Himalaya to view Mt. Everest and many eastern ranges of Himalayas please let us know if advance.

Afterward, we sadly send you off to the airport for your scheduled international service flight to your return journey back home.

Meal : Breakfast

End of the Himalayan Journey!!