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This is the ideal opportunity to visit the capital, Kathmandu, trek in Pokhara and visit Chitwan National Park. This tour is available in conjunction with all UK flights apart from departures from the 15th December to the 15th January.
Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive at Goa's Dabolim Airport where you will be met by a representative, given an itinerary and tickets for the rest of the tour, and transferred to a nearby, air-conditioned, 3* hotel with swimming pool for an overnight stay. DAY 2: Early morning departure to Nepal via Delhi's international airport: if the onward flight to Kathmandu is from a different terminal then a representative will be available to provide assistance. Occasionally the flight to Delhi may touchdown in Mumbai, if this is the case, you will be advised by the representative in Goa. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by a representative and taken on a sightseeing tour of the city. This will include Durbar Square, famous for Royal Palaces, temples and shrines, pagodas and all manner of stalls selling goods to tempt the purse strings. Visit the Temple of the Living Goddess who still acknowledges the greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple of residence. Transfer to the Dwarikas Heritage hotel. DAY 3: Take the opportunity to participate in a very early, hour-long breathtaking flight through the mountains in a small, 18-seater aircraft; a member of the crew walks down the aisle pointing out the various peaks, including Everest at 29,029 ft. Return to the hotel for breakfast. This optional excursion is subject to weather conditions and payable locally, approx £110 per person. After breakfast transfer to the airport for the onward, 30-minute flight to Pokhara; the airport at Pokhara is a throwback to how flying used to be with a rooftop open terrace where you can watch aircraft coming in to land. You will be met by a representative and transferred to the Pokhara Grande Hotel for the next 4 nights. DAY 4 & 5: The snow-covered peaks of the Annapurna Mountain range provide the spectacular backdrop to Pokhara; originally a small village, it has developed into an adventure destination and a trekkers' paradise with many restaurants, bars and shops to choose from. The town affords great views over Lake Phewa, one of the many in the region, and Fishtail Mountain gives the whole valley a fairytale feel. The indigenous Magars and Gurungs are tough, resilient hill people who have developed into warriors and provide many recruits for the Ghurkas. November to April is the best time to visit when the average temperature is 15 degrees C. Your time in Pokhara is your own, or, you can choose to participate in one of the many excursions available. Please click here for more details. DAY 6: Following breakfast at the Pokhara Grande Hotel, travel by road to Chitwan, a distance of 165km which will take approximately 4-5 hours. The drive takes you along the Marshyangdi and Narayani Rivers passing paddy fields, small townships and villages, giving an insight into Nepalese life. There will be the opportunity to stop en-route to stretch your legs, take a cup of Nepalese tea and interact with locals. On arrival in Chitwan, the largest valley in Nepal, enjoy a 2-hour, elephant-back safari through the National Park. Don't forget your camera as animal sightings are frequent as this is home to 25% of the world's one-horned rhino, a substantial number of Royal Bengal tigers and many other species. Afterwards, transfer to the Safari Narayani Hotel, or similar, for an overnight stay. DAY 7: Check out and drive back to Kathmandu, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, from the fresh white waters of the Narayani & Trisuli Rivers to the tall hills in the distance. Small townships have sprung up on either side of the highway and the driver will make stops for refreshments along the way. On arrival in Kathmandu, check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay. DAY 8: Following an early breakfast, depart for the flight back to Goa, again, via Delhi. Transfer to your chosen resort hotel for the remainder of your stay. Bed & Breakfast basis throughout. (Itinerary is based on the day after the UK departure).
Tour Hotels In Kathmandu: The Dwarikas Heritage Hotel
The Dwarikas Heritage Hotel is a hidden gem in the centre of Kathmandu. The hotel is dedicated to Nepalese culture; many of the wood carvings are originals that were rescued by Dwarika Das Shrestha, the founder of the hotel. The comfortable seating area in the hotel’s reception is very popular with guests for relaxing. Other facilities include a library and reading room in the central courtyard, an open-air swimming pool, steam room and spa offering a selection of massage. There are three dining experiences to choose from; the Toran Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and specialises in Continental as well as Asian food, Mako’s is a Japanese restaurant and the Krishnarpan Nepalese restaurant has been frequented by ex-US Presidents and international celebrities. The air-conditioned bedrooms have a TV, minifridge and en-suite shower & WC. Highly Recommended.
In Pokhara:
The Pokhara Grande
The 4* Pokhara Grande benefits from the spectacular backdrop of Fishtail Mountain and is a 10-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the town and Lake Phewa, however, the hotel provides a free shuttle to the lakeside 3 times per day. The 149-roomed hotel has a casino, gym, outdoor swimming pool with sunbathing area and also a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi that are payable locally. The restaurant and bar are adjacent to reception which has a spacious sitting area. WI-FI is available, payable locally. The comfortable, air-conditioned bedrooms have twin or double beds, TV and an en-suite shower & WC. This is a comfortable hotel to return to after a busy day’s trekking.
In Chitwan: The Safari Narayani Hotel
The Safari Narayani Hotel is located on a bluff overlooking the Rapti River and National Park; it is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The hotel has a restaurant and bar offering a fixed menu of Nepalese and Continental cuisine. The basic rooms, equivalent to 2* accommodation in Goa, all have twin beds, a ceiling fan and en-suite shower & WC (hot water is only provided between 5.30pm to 6.30pm).
Please Note: A visa for Nepal is compulsory and must be obtained in the UK prior to departure. For more information contact the Nepalese Embassy on 0207 229 1594 or visit www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa.php
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