Nepal Panorama

Day 1- Jet Airways flight via Delhi to Kathmandu.

Depart London Heathrow, flying Jet Airways via Delhi (8 hours 30 minutes) to Kathmandu (1 hour 30 minutes).

Day 2- Transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel for 2 nights.

Arriving this afternoon into Kathmandu, Nepal’s fascinating capital city, your Tour Manager will meet you and transfer you to the Shangri-La Hotel for 2 nights (standard room).

Day 3- Option of an early morning flight to view Mount Everest.

Morning option of an early morning flight to view Mount Everest (weather permitting) a real highlight for anyone. Considered the cradle of Nepalese culture, the Kathmandu Valley contains a wealth of art, culture and tradition that transcends the ages. This morning visit the beguiling hill-top temple of Swayanbhunath, the fabulous ‘Monkey Temple’ that occupies a lofty hillside position overlooking the city below, before taking a walk through Kathmandu’s ancient heart. This afternoon is free to explore the nearby ancient Buddhist city of Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose central square is filled with a dazzling array of temples. They are considered some of the finest collections of Newari architecture in Nepal. Another alternative is to spend the afternoon amongst the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu’s vibrant and labyrinthine streets.

Day 4- Fly to Pokhara located in the Himalayan foothills. Afternoon boat trip.

Morning flight to Pokhara (30 minutes) located in the Himalayan foothills close to the Annapurna Massif, a region blessed with breathtaking landscapes. Staying at the Shangri-La Village (standard room) there will be a late afternoon boat trip on the tranquil waters of Lake Phewa, the second largest lake in Nepal.

Day 5- At leisure.

Weather permitting this morning offers the chance for the unforgettable image of one of the region’s most breathtaking sights, sunrise over the Annapurna Range. The rest of the day is free to relax. Alternatively you may like to take a stroll into the surrounding foothills, to visit some of the Gurung and Chettri villages that nestle amongst these idyllic landscapes. Pokhara translates as the ‘Valley of the Lakes’ and this superb setting boasts no fewer than 8 lakes, all spectacularly set before the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the central Himalayas, including the iconic majesty of Machhapuchare, the famous Fishtail.

Day 6- To the hilltop settlement of Bandipur.

Departing Pokhara this morning we drive east, heading towards the fertile Marsyangdi River Valley and the charming hilltop settlement of Bandipur (70km/approximately 2 hours 30 minutes). Steeped in the traditions of the past and still preserving something of its Newari heritage, Bandipur offers a delightful setting to break our journey with an overnight stay at the Gaun Ghar Resort (standard room).

Day 7- A guided tour around the area. Continue to the Royal Chitwan National Park.

With its excellent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and its atmospheric old Newari town, Bandipur provides an ideal setting for a morning’s guided tour around the area. With streets and houses that seem to cling desperately to the surrounding rock, it offers an engaging insight into what was once an important stop along the India-Tibet trading routes. Later this morning continue by road to the Royal Chitwan National Park, situated amongst the subtropical lowlands of the Terai in the southern central regions of Nepal (120km/approximately 3 hours). Staying at the eco friendly Tigerland Resort (standard room), we enjoy a unique elephant-back safari later today to explore something of the jungle around our lodge.

Day 8- Enjoy game viewing in Chitwan National Park.

The oldest park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chitwan became a sanctuary for the rare one-horned rhino back in the early 1960s. From its early days as a hunting reserve for the Rana elite, Chitwan today it is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna and 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. Covered in Sal forests and grassland, the park is home to some 50 species of mammals and 55 different varieties of reptiles, and although the tiger and rhino for which the park is best known may remain fairly elusive, we may spot buffalo, sloths, leopards, marsh mugger crocodiles or some of the park’s 500 species of birds, including kingfisher, peacock, Indian roller and eagles.

Day 9- Fly to Kathmandu and continue to the mountain resort of Dhulikhel.

There is a bird watching safari before breakfast, after which we depart to Bharatpur airport and the flight to Kathmandu (approximately 50 minutes). Arriving at Kathmandu airport, we head out into the Kathmandu Valley to Dhulikhel (50 km/approximately 2 hours) and the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort (standard room). 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 an afternoon of leisure or there is the option of taking a walk in the beautiful surrounds.

Day 10- Travel to Kathmandu, visit the Hindu temple of Pasupatinath.

Heading back to Kathmandu, we visit some of the valley’s important sites en route. A visit to the spectacular Hindu temple of Pasupatinath on the sacred Bagmati River takes in one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu shrines in the country. These holy waters are the setting for not only the ablutions of the devotees of Shiva, but are also the setting for one of Kathmandu’s most important cremation sites. From here continue to the medieval city of Bhaktapur, a stunning collection of temples and palaces that evoke the very essence of the ancient Newari traditions of the Kathmandu Valley, before stopping at the imposing stupa at Bodnath. This 40 metre high structure is one of the largest on the planet, a spectacular edifice of white stone, festooned with prayer flags and decorated with the omniscient eye of Buddha. Two nights at Shangri-La Hotel with the option to upgrade to Dwarika’s Hotel.

Day 11- At leisure, with a number of optional excursions available.

Free day for personal exploration, with a number of optional excursions available, including a further opportunity to take the early morning flight to view Mount Everest (weather permitting) a real highlight for anyone - see below for further details. The flight takes approximately one hour and every passenger has a guaranteed window seat, affording spectacular views of Everest and the Himalaya range. This flight is an experience of a lifetime and should not be missed. This evening we enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu’s best restaurants.

Day 12- Jet Airways flight via Delhi back to Heathrow.

Morning departure on Jet Airways via Delhi (1 hour 45 minutes) back to London (9 hours 15 minutes), arriving this evening.

Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La Hotel is situated in the peaceful diplomatic quarter of the city, just 2 km from the heart of Kathmandu. Set amidst prize-winning gardens, its choice of suites and rooms are furnished throughout in elegant contemporary style. The hotel also features an excellent choice of dining and recreational options, whilst its charming pool beautifully reflects the rich heritage of the city’s past. Note: this is a locally owned and operated hotel and not part of the international group of the same name.

Shangri-La Village Resort

Shangri-La Village is a discreet and compact resort lying in the heart of Pokhara, before the stunning backdrop of the Annapurnas. Just a 5 minute drive from the airport and a mere 3 km from the delights of Phewa Lake, its 61 rooms are surrounded by spacious gardens and all offer panoramic views and comfortable elegance, whilst the resort’s pool and massage facilities provide indulgent relaxation. Note: this is a locally owned and operated hotel and not part of the international group of the same name.

Gaun Ghar Resort

Gaun Ghar Resort nestles amidst the rich mountain landscapes that overlook the hill town of Bandipur. Lovingly restored to reflect its Newari traditions, this heritage property features 15 beautifully renovated rooms that each come with en suite bathrooms and views across the mountains and the town. A well stocked kitchen also provides a selection of delicious food made with locally grown produce.

Tigerland Resort

The Tigerland Safari Resort lies on the edge of the Chitwan National Park. The resort arranges jungle safaris by elephant back ride, four wheel drive jeep and nature walks accompanied by well-trained naturalists.  There are 32 rooms built on stilts overlooking the jungle, where mammals and birds can often be seen. The rooms are fully air conditioned with en suite bathrooms.

Dhulikhel Mountain Resort

The Dhulikhel Mountain Resort consists of thatched-roof accommodation blocks spread across a wide area (which means that a degree of outside walking and climbing of steps is required). Although relatively simple in style, each room has private facilities consisting of a private hot water shower and toilet. The property afford pleasant views (weather-permitting) of the valley and the Himalayas. Heating is available but hot water bottles and blankets are provided for extra warmth.

Tibet Extension - 6 nights

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 1720

One of the highest countries in the world, Tibet lies to the north of the Himalayas. Enigmatic Tibet has variously been called "Shangri-la" and "the rooftop of the world", in its turbulent history. The draw of this Buddhist kingdom in the midst of the Himalayas has always been compelling and the fascination with Tibetan pilgrims, their mantras and magnificent monasteries still pervades. No visit to Lhasa is complete without seeing the Holy City, The Jokhang, Sera and Potala Monasteries or witnessing the lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit. It is the serenity and friendliness of the local people with their timeless traditions however, that will linger long in the memory alongside the imposing scenery of this unique plateau. This extension to our Nepal Panorama tour is available on our 3rd October 2013 departure.

Jet Airways - Premiere (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 1460

Business Class offers you the chance to arrive in your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. Relax in more comfortable and spacious seating in a separate cabin and have the use of the business class lounge at Heathrow. The features include: • 180° fully flat bed • Herringbone configuration with privacy screen between the seats • 185cm length with lumbar support and massage • 15.4” flat screen TV • Complimentary Bvlgari amenity kit • Complimentary Dom Perignon champagne plus an extensive wine and beverage list • Access to business class lounges at London Heathrow, Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Jaipur. The information described is for Jet Airways flights between London Heathrow and Delhi/Mumbai. The product on other routes such as Delhi to Kathmandu may vary Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.