Nepal Holiday Extension

We travel to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s sprawling capital surrounded by the stunning Himalayan mountains. On arrival we transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Yak and Yeti. This afternoon we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Here, we are welcomed at a thangka painting studio where we learn more about the significance and creation of these intricate, hand-painted religious scrolls. This evening, we enjoy an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

We explore nearby Bhaktapur, a city celebrated for its rich heritage and handicrafts. We discover Pottery Square, witness the intricate art of Nepali woodcraft and visit a traditional paper-making factory before exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing to the UNESCO Kathmandu Durbar Square, we discover ancient royal palaces, a fascinating museum, and visit the House of Kumari, home to a living goddess. Later, we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the neighbourhood of Thamel, before finishing our day with dinner at a local restaurant and a chance to meet a Sherpa mountaineer.

We make the scenic drive to Chitwan today, Nepal’s first national park and home to an abundance of wildlife. Settling in at Jagatpur Lodge, our home for the next two nights, we later head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional farming community indigenous to the area. In the evening, join an expert naturalist guide to learn more about the rich variety of wildlife found in the national park.

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including the One-Horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, leopard, and the elusive Bengal tiger. We visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre for a chance to observe Mugger crocodiles and rare gharials, and learn about their conservation. Later, we ride in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the Rapti River, keeping an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores. Tonight, we enjoy the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, showcasing the rhythms, stories and customs of this traditional community.

Departing Chitwan today, we make the return journey to Kathmandu and the Hotel Yak and Yeti for our final night in Nepal. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city further or perhaps shop for souvenirs before dinner at our hotel.

This morning we transfer to Kathmandu Airport to take our flights home.