Highlights of Nepal

The highlights

• Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who once ruled the Kathmandu Kingdom. Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, sits in the heart of the city, while Boudhanath — one of the largest stupas in the world — is surrounded by over 50 Tibetan monasteries. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world.

• Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park

  An early morning jungle safari ventures into the park to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The afternoon includes a drive through the park followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti or Narayani River, where Gharial and Mugger crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, otters, and water birds can be spotted. Guests who prefer not to canoe can join a birding walk or nature walk instead.

• Elephant Bathing at Chitwan

  After breakfast on the second day in Chitwan, the group visits the elephant stables and takes part in bathing the elephants. This hands-on experience is one of the distinctive activities offered during the stay at Chitwan. The day combines the elephant encounter with the afternoon wildlife drive through the national park.

• Lumbini — Birthplace of the Buddha

  Lumbini is the legendary birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha) and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims from across the world perform chanting and meditation at the holy site from early morning to early evening. The day is spent exploring the museum, peace pagoda, temples, monuments, and ancient sites within the sacred complex.

• Sarangkot Hill Walk and Himalayan Views

  An early morning hike from Naudanda leads up to Sarangkot, a hill town overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges to the north and Pokhara city to the south. The walk takes three to four hours, graded as easy with only 200 metres of ascent and descent. At the top, guests stop at a tea house and take in views of the sun setting against the Himalayas and Fewa Lake below.

• Pokhara City Sightseeing and Phewa Lake

  After returning from Sarangkot, the day is spent touring Pokhara's landmarks including Davis Falls and Shiva Cave. Boating on Phewa Lake — the largest lake in Pokhara — includes a visit to Bindyabasini Temple at the centre of the lake. The International Mountain Museum, which chronicles the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas, is also visited, along with a Tibetan refugee camp where residents produce and trade woollen carpets and handicrafts.