Arrivals to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal.

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive

The streets of the Old City are alive first thing in the morning as the locals bustle around and shop for fresh vegetables - join us for a walk around to enjoy the excitement.

We'll also explore the World Heritage Durbar Square - the light, people praying, and bells ringing are just magical around sunrise- let's be ready.

Back for breakfast and then out to explore for the day.

The oldest of the 3 World Heritage Cities of the Kathmandu Valley is our destination now., the palace and art museum are fabulous.

We will visit a studio still making beautiful Lokta Paper by hand - it is handmade artisan paper indigenous to Nepal. It is made from the bark of two of the species of the shrub Daphne. The paper was used historically in Nepal for religious scriptures and government documents.

Lokta paper's durability and resistance to tearing, humidity, insects and mildew have traditionally made lokta paper the preferred choice for the recording of official government records and sacred religious texts.

We will share a Welcome Dinner in the evening, let's celebrate our coming  journey.

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The World Heritage Patan Durbar Square is our destination this morning. 

The quality of the carvings and decorations is stupendous, a place that will long be in your memory.

Lunch in a restaurant that specialises in delicious Newari [the ethnic group native to this part of Nepal] fare, locally sourced, and delicious.

In the afternoon we will visit The Nepal Women's Foundation - the work of these strong women is so inspiring.

Evening free 

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Today is Tibetan Culture Appreciation Day.

 Tibetan Buddhist culture is woven deeply into life in Kathmandu, shaping daily rituals, art, architecture and atmosphere.

We’re heading to the World Heritage-listed Boudhanath Stupa, one of the great spiritual landmarks of the region. Those giant pairs of eyes gazing out from the four sides of the main tower – the Buddha eyes, the eyes of wisdom – seem to follow you wherever you stand. They symbolise the all-seeing awareness of the Buddha, a reminder of compassion and insight watching over the world.

We’ll spend time here slowly. Walking the kora with pilgrims, listening to the low murmur of mantras, watching prayer flags ripple against the sky. It’s a place to pause, to observe, to absorb.

Afterwards, we’ll visit a Thangka studio. Thangka is the sacred painting tradition of Tibetan Buddhism – intricate, symbolic, and deeply disciplined. These works are not simply decorative; they are visual teachings, spiritual maps.

We’ll have an introduction to the meaning and relevance of Thangka within Buddhist practice, understanding the geometry, iconography and patience required. And then, quietly, we’ll sit and try our hand at a small piece ourselves. A moment of focus.

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Today we’re up early for our flight to Janakpur. Our larger bags have already trundled off two days ahead by bus – or, if you prefer, they can travel with you on the plane. Either way, we travel light and arrive ready.

Janakpur is sacred in the Hindu tradition as the birthplace of the goddess Sita. It carries a gentle but powerful spiritual presence, woven through temples, ponds and daily ritual.

We’ll visit the Janakpur Women’s Mithila painting workshop, where this distinctive art form is kept alive by local women. Mithila painting – bold lines, natural pigments, stories of gods and village life – is both tradition and livelihood. We’ll learn about its symbolism and have time to appreciate the skill and patience behind each piece and then with the women's guidance try our hand at painting a small piece.

Later, as the light softens, we’ll head to the beautiful Janaki Temple. At sunset it glows – white walls tinged with gold,  the excitment and bustle of pilgrims visiting the shrines.

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We are heading to a beautiful area, where the Rhinoceros roam free, in the Chitwan National Park. The park has seen successful conservation efforts, increasing the rhino population despite threats like poaching and natural disasters. 

Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and is also one of the last refuges of tigers in Nepal. Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, was Nepal's first National Park. 

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Today is a slow day at our lovely riverside hotel in Chitwan.

This morning we’ll spend time with local women who work with elephant grass, transforming it into beautifully coiled coasters, baskets and placemats.

You’ll be right in the middle of it. No standing back. Get your hands on the grass, learn the technique, and see how quickly something begins to take form. 

Start with a small coaster if you like. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious and your fingers find their rhythm, aim for a bowl or placemat to carry home.

Let's walk into town this evening for a local Thakli Dinner.

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Early morning canoe ride down the river, through the National Park - peaceful and beautiful with a naturalist - so many wild birds and creatures to see.

A big reason the NP has been able to protect their rhinoceros and increase their numbers from around 70 in the 70's to over 700 today is that rangers patrol continuously via elephants looking for poachers.

After lunch we are going out via Jeep and hope to see the mighty creatures in the wild.

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Heading further west  today, we will come to Pokhara.

Pokhara nestles amongst the mountains around a gem of a lake. It’s known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. 

No mountain climbing for us, but we can admire the mountains and stories of those who have braved the extreme conditions. 

The International Mountain Museum has exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of the Himalayas and is a must visit place.

After settling in to our hotel we will stroll down to the Lake, as the sun goes down there is an evening Aarti [Hindu fire ceremony] so lots of activity, a great atmosphere.

Dinner will be a delightful local restauant which serves regional cuisine.

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We are visiting the Women's Skill Development Centre - working since 1975 to empower socially and economically disadvantaged women of rural Nepal, it is inspiring and they have  fabulous workmanship.

You will see a Yeti today! Once you finish making it in a fun filled workshop with the women at the Organization.

In the afternoon we will take the Annapurna Cable Car to Sarangkot - the view can be spectacular and encompass all the mountains - hope the clouds are kind to us and stay away.  😊

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Along the way you will have tasted Nepal's national dish of Dal Bhatt [lentils and rice]  and the second most common dish - delicious momos.

Today we are going to learn how to make them ourselves so we can share with friends back home.

Roll your sleeves up and get ready for a cooking class.

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Starting our return east, today we are stopping at Bandipur - this little gem perched on a hilltop feels like time has stood still.

It was once an important stop on the trade routes between India and Tibet and the merchants of town built some beautiful mansions.

We will be staying in one tonight in this Living Museum Village.

On the way up the hill we will pull into the local silk production unit - no silk worms at this time but still plenty to see.

Nearby, Mrs Guari will welcome us to her house, she works with a lot of local woman and they weave lovely wool scarves. It is not the season yet, to see nettle growing but she has a plant tucked in her garden and we will get a glipse of the famous Nepali Nettles that produces such a great fibre.

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We will return to Kathmandu today, 

with time in the afternoon for a last market raid or visit to the Temples.

We will celebrate our journey at a delightful restaurant that specialises in Newari Cuisine.

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Departures from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal.

NOTE we will drop you to the airport whatever time you arrive

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

Be mindful of privacy, especially around temples, stupas and cremation areas. Always pause before taking photos.

Photos of people — how would you feel with a camera in your face? A smile and a simple “Namaste” goes a long way. Ask first, show them the photo — it often turns into a shared moment.

A few local words are always appreciated. “Namaste” and “Dhanyabad” (thank you) will take you far.

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Food

Food is part of the experience — we try things as we go. Group meals are usually shared, with a mix of local dishes.

Meals are freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients.

Vegetarian — easy.

Vegan — possible, with a bit of navigation.

Mild — yes. Completely chilli-free — unlikely, but we can keep things gentle.

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Health

Drink only filtered or bottled water — even for brushing teeth.

Keep your water intake up — aim for at least 2 litres a day. It makes all the difference.

Visit your doctor or travel clinic before departure.

Bring any medications you need, along with prescriptions.

Menstrual products — pads are available, tampons less so.

Bug spray is useful.

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Money

KNOW YOUR CARD PIN.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Cash is still king.

Let your bank know you’re travelling — including transit stops.

Travel cards can work well — Wise cards have been reliable for many travellers.

Have a backup card tucked away separately.

Cash to exchange is a useful backup, though rates vary.

Credit cards are accepted in some places, often with a surcharge.

Currency — Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

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Shopping

There are treasures everywhere — textiles, crafts, small unexpected finds.

If you have something specific in mind, do a little homework beforehand.

Bargaining is common in markets. Small shops, NGOs and social enterprises are usually fixed price.

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Suitcase

A medium suitcase works best, with a soft fold-up bag for extras.

Easier than managing a large case on and off buses.

Recommended size

60–70cm high (24–28”)

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Weather

Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings — layers are key.

A light cardigan and socks are welcome early and late in the day.

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Power

240 volts.

European 2-pin plugs generally work.

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Clothing

Lightweight, loose layers are ideal.

3–4 outfits are plenty — you’ll likely pick things up along the way.

Dress with respect — mid-calf skirts or trousers, covered shoulders.

A scarf is essential — for warmth, temples, and over-enthusiastic air-conditioning.

For temples and religious sites — long trousers or skirts, shoulders covered.

Leave expensive jewellery at home.

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Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good support.

Surfaces can be uneven — stability matters.

Flip-flops are useful for bathrooms.

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Laundry

Any 2-night stop is a good chance to send out washing.

Laundry services are simple and reliable — and it comes back neatly folded.

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Fitness

We’re on and off the bus, walking through towns, markets and sites most days.

Being comfortable walking for an hour or two makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Expect steps here and there.

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Begging

Best not to encourage it.

If you wish to give, small coins to elderly or disabled people is thoughtful.

With children — a smile, a chat, a shared moment is far more valuable than gifts.

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Tipping

Tipping is part of daily life.

Small tips for personal service — bags, tea, laundry.

A little more for guides, performers, or if you take someone’s photo.

We’ll also contribute as a group to thank our driver at the end of the journey.

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Environment

Step lightly.

Use water thoughtfully, switch off power, carry your rubbish where possible.

Say no to plastic — bring a cloth bag.