Culture, Everest and Wildlife: The Grand Nepalese Voyage

Start your journey through Nepal in the authentic, Himalayan hill town of Dhulikhel. You’ll visit the Namo Buddha monastery and stupa and trek past peaceful terraced farms and quaint Nepalese villages.  You can also head into the centre of the old town to see a beautiful array of architecture from intricate buildings to ornate Vishnu temples.

As your days come to a close, toast the Himalayan sunset with a bottle of champagne on your private terrace.

You’ll have one night to relax in your stylish hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening you will be transferred, by a classic Vespa scooter or Enfield motorbike for a fun alternative, to one of the city’s finest restaurants for a delightful evening meal.

Your next destination is the Annapurna region of the Himalayas, where you’ll marvel at sweeping mountain scenery and explore diverse landscapes. Visit Lo-Manthang, the capital of the Tibetan lost valley city of Mustang, and the home of the region’s king. Manang, a string of seven villages, is also worth seeing for its glistening turquoise lakes alone.

Wind down in the charming lakeside town of Pokhara. You can embark on boat trips across Phewa Lake or try your hand at heart-pounding activities, like tandem paragliding and zip-lining.

You can also hike to the World Peace Pagoda overlooking the Himalayas and visit a Tibetan village, where you can browse traditional handicrafts. At the Gurkha Museum, showcasing the history of Gurkha soldiers, and the Mountaineering Museum, you can learn all about the incredible feats in the world’s highest mountains.

Another visit to Kathmandu gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the capital’s diverse heritage. You’ll explore various landmarks, such as Kumari Ghar Palace, that dates back to the 18th century, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square.

Begin your stay in the Everest region at a lodge with a relatively low altitude to help your body acclimatise. You’ll then move to higher lodges for even more spectacular views.

During your time here, you can visit ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Rumijung Monastery, founded by the Sherpa lama Khemp Dorje in the 16th century, and dive into the culture of the hardy Sherpa people and the history of mountaineering in the area.

Head deep into Chitwan National Park as you seek out greater one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.

Onboard a traditional dugout canoe, float down a tranquil river alongside resident crocodiles and myriad waterbirds. You can then hike through verdant jungle or enjoy a jeep safari across open grassland and forests. You can also visit a neighbouring village to learn about the time-honoured rituals and traditions of Tharu culture.

A safari in the remote corner of Bardia National Park plunges you into the vast wilderness of Nepal’s lowland Terai, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. It’s the largest and most undisturbed national park in the region.

Beyond thrilling encounters with leopards, tigers and wild elephants, the park is also home to several endangered species, including gharial crocodiles and gangetic dolphins.

Round out your whirlwind trip through Nepal back in Kathmandu. For one final night, soak up the capital’s electric energy as marketplaces pulse with life, beautifully surrounded by Newari architecture and sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites. Colourful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, as the scent of incense mingles with the clang of ancient temple bells, painting a scene that lingers long after you’ve left.