Depart London Heathrow, flying Gulf Airways via Bahrain to Kathmandu.

Arriving this afternoon into Kathmandu, Nepal’s fascinating capital city, your Tour Manager will meet you and transfer you to the Himalaya Hotel.

Considered the cradle of Nepalese culture, the Kathmandu Valley contains a wealth of art, culture and tradition that transcends the ages. This morning we visit the beguiling hill-top temple of Swayanbhunath, before a walk through Kathmandu’s ancient heart. This afternoon is free to perhaps explore the nearby ancient Buddhist city of Patan or shop for souvenirs in one of city’s bustling bazaars.

Free day for personal exploration, with a number of optional excursions available, including an early morning flight to view Mount Everest (weather permitting) a real highlight for anyone.

After visiting the spectacular Hindu temple of Pasupatinath, on the sacred Bagmati River, we continue to the medieval city of Bhaktapur and Bodnath, famed for its enormous stupa and all-seeing eyes. From here we head out into the Kathmandu Valley to Dhulikhel and the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort.

Situated in the mountains on the eastern edge of the Himalaya Range, this charming mountain resort presents us with the perfect retreat to relax and enjoy a day of leisure or there is the option of taking a walk in the beautiful surrounds.

Driving back to Kathmandu this morning, we take a short flight to Bharatpur, from where we continue by road to the Royal Chitwan National Park. Staying at the eco friendly Machan Wildlife Resort, we enjoy a unique elephant-back safari later today to explore something of the jungle around our lodge.

A full day in the park provides us with the opportunity to enjoy game viewing activities by jeep and boat, searching out some of the wildlife that Chitwan is famed for. Although the tiger and rhino for which the park is best known remain fairly elusive, we may spot buffalo, sloths, leopards, marsh mugger crocodiles and some of the 400 species of birds including kingfisher, peacock, Indian roller and eagles.

There is an optional bird watching safari before breakfast, then we depart by road for the breathtaking landscapes around Pokhara and the Himalayan foothills close to the Annapurna Massif. Staying at the Shangri-La Village there will be a late afternoon boat trip on the tranquil waters of Lake Phewa.

Weather permitting this morning offers the chance for an unforgettable image of one of the region’s most breathtaking sights, sunrise over the Annapurna Ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy these remarkable landscapes at your leisure. Alternatively you may like to take a stroll into the surrounding foothills.

Flying back to Kathmandu we overnight at the unique Dwarika’s Hotel. where this evening we enjoy a sumptuous 9-course farewell dinner.

Evening departure on Gulf Airways via Bahrain back to London.

Arrive in London Heathrow this morning.