EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSITY OF NEPAL

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1 EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSITY OF NEPAL * Return flights from Australia to Nepal Guided touring around Nepal by coach and by air Home to airport transfers (Adelaide metro area only) 12 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) & 2 dinners (D) Choice of activities in Kathmandu Scenic flight to Mt Everest Visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Explore Bodnath Stupa Enjoy a guided walk of Bhaktapur Explore the Changu Narayan Temple Join a boat trip on Fewa Lake in Pokhara Visit Pokhara s Peace Pagoda Explore the Heritage Park in Lumbini Discover the Chitwan National Park on a canoe safari, bird watching tour or Jeep safari

2 Choose what you would like to discover more of on your first full day in Kathmandu. You may wish to learn more about life in Nepal through a visit to a family home for lunch, participate in a traditional cooking class that is full of fun and flavour, experience the real makings of handmade fair trade products, or get a custom garment tailor-made. The next morning, board a scenic flight to Mt Everest. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mt Everest. Later that day, visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. Observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries before visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country. Travel to Nagarkot, stopping at the ancient city of Bhaktapur and the ancient temple of Changu Narayan along the way. Fly to Pokhara and catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal and visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains. Stop at the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. Later, travel to Tansen, the home of the United Mission Hospital. Visit Tansen town, the palace museum, a Dhaka topi & brass bottle workshop and experience an interaction with the locals. Continue to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha was born. Arrive in Chitwan National Park for your 2 night stay in a Jungle Lodge. Here, you will meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the park s habitat conservation program. There s some flexibility with activities in this area as it depends on the time of year and known wildlife movements. A late afternoon safari is an experience like none other, showing the varied and exciting flora and fauna of the park. The next day, leave the lodge for an early morning trip to begin a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This exhilarating ride offers chances to spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnificent creatures still inhabit the park so it is possible.

3 Your Nepal adventure begins today with a flight from your homeport to the city of Kathmandu. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Hotel stay: Annapurna Hotel or similar (3 nights) We ve included a choice of activities in Kathmandu today choose to learn more about life in Kathmandu, join a cooking class or discover more about the handmade items in Nepal. Choose one of the following included activities for today: Kathmandu Living Tour Ever visit a place and wonder what it is like to live there? This tour not only shows you the markets, squares, backstreets, temples and courtyards of Nepal s capital but also includes a visit to a family home for a Nepalesestyle lunch, offering a great insight to life in Kathmandu and Nepal. Cooking Adventure Participate in a traditional cooking class full of fun and flavor, as you visit with a unique social enterprise (Seven Women) that has changed the lives of more than 1,000 disadvantaged women in Nepal. Find out how to make traditional Nepalese dished and dig into a meal prepared by you and your new friends! Handmade Kathmandu Experience the real makings of handmade fair trade products as you work with a unique social enterprise (Seven Women) that has changed the lives of over 1,000 disadvantaged women in Nepal. Learn how local products are made by hand and make your own handmade souvenir to take home, with help from the locals. Sarangi Experience Unleash your inner fashionista and do some good at the same time! On this Kathmandu tour, you ll not only get your own custom garment tailor-made just for you, but you ll also be helping the Gandharba cultural community and disadvantaged locals. Don t worry if you re not a fashion designer a master tailor will be there to help. Later this afternoon, there will be a group briefing with your trip leader. This is usually followed by an optional group dinner (own expense) at one of Kathmandu s fine Nepali restaurants.

4 In the early morning, you will make an attempt at the Mount Everest scenic flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mount Everest. Later in the morning you will explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. Travel to Nagarkot in a private vehicle. On the three hour journey, there's two stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way, starting with Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is revered as one of the world s few well preserved ancient cities, playing host to a wondrous range of exotically designed temples and statues. Wander to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan, erected in dedication to the Lord Vishnu and site of numerous legends. Upon arrival to Nagarkot, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its 360 degree unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas. Hotel stay: Club Himalaya or similar (1 night) Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara with an estimated flight time of 30 minutes if you re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal, the second largest lake in Nepal. The visit to the Peace Pagoda afterwards grants excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. Next comes a visit to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After this, you have the day free to explore peaceful Pohkara and its surrounds. Hotel stay: Fishtail Lodge or similar (2 nights) Enjoy a free day for further exploration of the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your group leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities maybe take a boat for a row out on the lake, explore the Hindu temple or Buddhist monastery, or simply pick up some souvenirs and your family from a local internet café.

5 Travel by private vehicle to Tansen on a five hour drive. Formerly known as the capital of the Magar kingdom Tanahun, Tansen is now known as the home of the United Mission Hospital, a partnership between 20 Christian organisations and Nepal that sees over 100,000 patients per year. During your stay, visit Tansen town, the palace museum, a dhaka topi (traditional hat) and brass bottle workshop and experience an interaction with the locals. Hotel stay: Hotel Shrinagar or similar (1 night) An optional hike to the Rani Mahal is available today. Rani Mahal translates to Queens Palace, as the site was built as a monument of love to the deceased youngest wife of former general Khadga Samsher Rana, Tej Kumari Devi. Your other option is to travel to Tansen Hill station where panoramic views of Annapurna and Tansen valley can be seen, and Tansen town lies nearby should you wish to continue exploring it. A late afternoon drive to Lumbini will take you to for an overnight stay at the Buddha Maya Garden Hotel expect to be greeted tomorrow morning by the birdsongs stemming from the area of the magnificent Lumbini World Heritage Garden where the hotel is situated. Hotel stay: Buddha Maya Garden Hotel or similar (2 nights) Awake in Lumbini, and prepare to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha was born. Lumbini is known as the holiest place of one of the world s great religions and the area contains important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from as early as third century BC. Witness the serenity of the Maya Devi Temple, the statue of Little Buddha and the Bodhi Tree where Buddha obtained spiritual enlightenment. After breakfast, prepare to be picked up and driven to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the park s habitat conservation program. There s some flexibility with activities in this area, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. A late afternoon safari is an experience like none other, showing the varied and exciting flora and fauna of the park. Enjoy a dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation s bar while discussing the day s sightings or listening to the song of the jungle. Jungle lodge stay: Barahi Jungle Lodge or similar (2 nights) After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning trip to begin a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This exhilarating ride offers chances to spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnificent creatures inhabit the park so it s not to be ruled out. Upon your return to dry land, an organised program will help fill the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

6 Drive to Chitwan Airport on an hour drive before flying back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, so perhaps engage in some last minute shopping before the tour ends tomorrow. A farewell dinner will be held at the Utsav Restaurant, featuring an authentic night of local cultural food and dance. Hotel stay: Hotel Annapurna or similar (1 night) Your Nepalese adventure comes to a close after breakfast today. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with any onward travel arrangements. Don t forget to check out the great range of Urban Adventures if you have some extra time in Kathmandu. Arrive back in Australia this morning. Feb: 9, 23 Mar: 16, 30 Apr: 13 Sep: 7 Discover more of Kathmandu by extending your holiday by a few more nights. There s plenty to see and do, and we can organise any day trips that you d like to do. EXTRA NIGHTS AVAILABLE FROM: $90 per person twin share Single supplement: from $85 per person Oct: 12, 26 Nov: 9, 23 Winter: From $5,490 pp twin share Spring: From $5,635 pp twin share Summer: From $5,490 pp twin share Autumn: From $5,780 pp twin share From $1,290 per person

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