Nepal

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal!
Kathmandu is a bustling, exotic showcase of Nepal’s rich culture and colorful traditions. Enveloped by a range of green terraced hills and dotted with red -roofed houses, this energetic capital is worthy of its legendary status.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour that takes you to Boudhanth stupa—one of the biggest in the world—as well as Pasupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal. Later, discover Patan, a city full of religious art, temples, and monasteries. Durbar Square in particular has a jaw-dropping profusion of temples and palaces.

After a morning at leisure, embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. See the highlights of its own Durbar Square—where Nepal’s kings used to rule in grand, ornate palaces—as well as Swayambhunath. Built over 2,500 years ago, this World Heritage Site is also known as the ‘monkey temple’ due to the large population of monkeys here. You’ll also enjoy a rickshaw ride through colorful bazaars.

Travel to Bhaktapur, a staple of in-depth Nepal tours because of its status as the country’s artistic “city of culture.” You’ll explore this Nepalese cultural gem, visiting Taumadhi Square, Dattareya Square and Potter’s Square, so named because of the potters that show their wares here. You can visit the Woodworking Museum, the Brass and Bronze Museum and the renowned Tony Hagen Museum.

Your Nepal vacation continues as you visit Chitwan National Park, home to over 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds. In the afternoon, discover what life is like for the Tharu people, as you visit the village of this tribe believed to be descended from the Buddha.

Embark on an elephant safari in the early morning, returning for breakfast back at the lodge. Then float down theRapti River in a traditional dug-out canoe, from which you can spy the beasts and birds on the riverbank. Later, go for a walk through the jungle, and perhaps even get a chance to bathe with the elephants in the river.

The starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area, Pokhara, is a remarkable town, featuring placid lakes and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Your sightseeing tour brings you to riveting sites like Devi’s Fall,Gupteshwor Cave and the Old Bazaar. You’ll also take a boat ride on postcard-perfect Phewa Lake.

Savor the singular experience of hiking in the Himalayas, as you trek to the World Peace Pagoda. This massive Buddhist stupa is impressive in its own right, but the views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake and Pokharaare simply beyond compare. After lunch, you’ll boat across the lake to visit the Barahi Temple in the middle of lake. The rest of the day is yours to rest and relax.

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, where you’ll enjoy a delightful Nepali and a distinctive dance show.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of your Nepal vacation.