Elephants & Annapurnas
ITINERARY
1-3
Patan
City
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be met by a guide and taken to Patan and your hotel, The Inn, to settle in. You’ll be raring to get going on your Nepalese journey, and you'll start with a visit to Patan’s Durbar Square to wander the ancient streets and admire the intricate detail of the architecture. Afterward, enjoy a singing bowl demonstration, the reverberating sound is said to help you relax and some believe this ancient art form has healing properties.

The next day you’ll visit the nearby ancient township of Bungmati. Watch local woodcarvers and artists go about their work, before heading out with a guide to tour Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Stupa in Nepal. With a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 40 meters, this Buddhist pilgrimage spot and World Heritage Cultural Site is also one of the tallest stupas in the world.

From here you’ll travel on to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's sacred Hindu shrine. Check out the Arya Ghat, Nepal's famous Hindu cremation site where many come to cremate their loved ones. Their ashes are swept into the river, which eventually joins the Holy Ganges.

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4-6
Bardia National Park
Wildlife
You’ll leave the city behind on day four, turning your attention to the incredible Nepalese countryside. You’ll start at Bardia National Park in the far west of the country, where you'll stay for several nights at the Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge. Once a royal hunting reserve, today this unspoiled park boasts an excellent array of wildlife including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants and over 250 species of birds. In the afternoon, visit a local village where you can learn how the Tharuethnic groups live and find out more about their culture and traditions.

The next day you'll meet the resident elephants and learn about their daily routines. You might also like to go birdwatching, take a walk through the jungle or go tiger tracking. A jeep safari through the jungle will take you even deeper into the wilderness to spot more elusive wildlife. If you'd like to learn more about the local indigenous groups, head to the Tharu Museum where you can peruse a collection of ornaments, foods, equipment, dress, grain storage, and a husking machine. On your last night, enjoy your evening meal with a melodious tribal Tharu dance, performed using rhymes, drums, and clashing sticks.

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7
Bhaktapur
General Tour  
Rise and shine early for a flight to Kathmandu, where you'll be picked up and transferred to the nearby ancient town of Bhaktapur and your hotel, the Hotel Hermitage. Spend your time in this pretty town exploring its Durbar Square, temples and ancient streets, as well as seeing a pottery demonstration. 

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8
Nuwakot
General Tour    
You'll leave Bhaktapur this morning and head to Nuwakot where the rest of the day is at leisure. While few people visit this small town, it plays an important role in the history of Nepal. It's from here that King Prithivi Narayan Shah planned and started his campaign of the unification of Nepal in 1750.

 

9-10
Bandipur
Activity and Adventure 
It's a scenic journey through hills and rice terraces from Nuwakot to Bandipur and your hotel, the Old Inn. When you arrive, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the small town and its snow-capped mountain vistas at your own pace. Thanks to its altitude of 1,030 meters, the town is something of a natural view tower, and from it, you’ll enjoy a panorama of the Annapurna Region.

The next day enjoys a half-day hike to Ramkot Village, a traditional Magar village with fantastic Himalayan views. The walk leads you through rolling countryside, local communities, and farm fields to get a glimpse into life in this part of Nepal.

 

11-12
Annapurna Region
Activity and Adventure  
Today you’ll embark on a spectacular trek through the beautiful Annapurna Region. After a briefing, you'll start from the lower foothills of the Annapurna mountains, dropping down into the Modi River Valley, where you'll spend the night at Sanctuary Lodge with magnificent views over the Fishtail Mountain.

The next day the trek continues, winding around the side of a hill and through varied landscapes of forests, local villages, and farmland. Your walk finishes around lunchtime, and you can spend the afternoon exploring some of the local villages.

 

13-14
Pokhara
General Tour 
You’ll start your day with a short trek before making the journey to Pokhara, stopping off at the Tibetan Refugee Camp. Spend the remainder of your time in this area as you like, resting at the beautiful Himalayan Front Resort, exploring the local area or simply admiring the views.

 

15-16
Patan
City 
You'll finish up in Patan and your hotel, The Inn, where it all started. Spend your time here as you please, do some final sightseeing or pick up a few souvenirs to take home with you.