The fertile Kathmandu Valley is spectacularly ringed by the snowy Himalaya.
Isolated for centuries, the cultures of Nepal reflect a unique mixture of
Hindu and Buddhist – epitomised by the Swayambhunath image of the
Buddha atop a Siva lingam.

In this beautiful country, mountain and valley are sculpted into unbelievable
shapes. No-one will forget the 200km vista from Nagarkot, or the 8000m
wall of Annapurna ice and snow that forms the backdrop to Pokhara.
Equally memorable are the intensively cultivated and wooded valleys,
where you can walk on tiny paths through villages of steep-eaved wooden
houses.

Nepal is also the gateway to the high plateau of Tibet, and the Tibetan
influence is everywhere – in monasteries, and crafts such as carved prayers
wheels and delicately painted thangkas.
As well as enjoying all the beauty of this mountain kingdom, you will have
the rare privilege to be guests of the Kopan Buddhist Monastery for three
nights, a retreat to restore the soul.
You will feel that you are returning home with the renewed vigour of youth,
and the peaceful wisdom of unchanged ages.

Day 1
Evening departure from UK on Royal Nepal Airlines, or Qatar Airways.

Day 2
Early afternoon arrival in Kathmandu. Stay at Hotel Blue Star (4*).
Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3
Full day visit to the great Siva temple of Pashupatinath, and Nepal’s
most important Buddhist monuments, the stupas of Bodhnath and Swayambhunat

Day 4
32km drive to the village of Dhulikhel for the scenic trek to Panauti,
via Namoboudha (4-5 hours). Both Dhulikhel and Panauti are fascinating
places with old temples and carvings.

Day 5
Explore the old Durbar Square and bazaars.

Day 6
Early morning Everest flight (weather permitting). After breakfast back
at the hotel, drive 30km to the mountain view village of Nagarkot.
Explore the natural beauty of Nagarkot surrounded with its Himalayan
panorama. Stay at the Farmhouse Resort Hotel, Nagarkot.





Day 7
Half day trek to Changunarayan (3hrs). Explore the 4th century World
Heritage temple at Changunarayan, then drive to Bhaktapur to stay at
the Shiva Guest House.

Day 8
Full day sightseeing of the medieval city of Bhaktapur. Late afternoon
drive back to Kathmandu, and return to Hotel Blue Star.

Day 9
Day at leisure in Kathmandu.

Day 10
Fly to Pokhara, 200km West of Kathmandu and dominated by its
view of Annapurna. Stay at Gurkha Lodge.

Day 11
Full day exploration of the Pokhara valley.

Day 12

Day trek from Pokhara, to the ridge of Sarangkot, or the limestone caves
of Mahendra Gufa.

Day 13

Fly back to Kathmandu, and drive (15km) to the Buddhist hilltop monastery
at Kopan, for a few days’ spiritual retreat.






Days 14 – 15

Enjoy the tranquil hospitality of Kopan Monastery.

Day 16

Morning departure from Kathmandu on Royal Nepal Airlines, or Qatar Airways.
Early evening arrival in UK.