Nepal Family Essentials

Namaste! After arriving into Kathmandu today, our reps meet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your tour. In the evening, your rep will give you a brief introduction to the local area of Thamel.

Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. We'll make time whilst in Durbar Square to visit the Living Goddess, Kumari. In Nepal a young pre-pubescent girl is chosen from the Newar community to embody the goddess Taleju, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga. She is believed to be the living incarnation of the divine feminine and is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. After an included lunch at Rum Doodles restaurant, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.

Start your day with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayan range as you soar through the skies. Upon arrival in Pokhara, a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, head straight to the serene Lake Phewa. Here, embark on a leisurely boat trip, allowing the tranquil waters and the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna mountains to captivate your senses. After working up an appetite, delve into the heart of Nepali culture with a hands-on momo making class. Under guidance, you'll learn the art of crafting these delectable dumplings from scratch... and of course enjoy them afterwards!

Today, we're going on a fun cycling trip to Devi Falls and Shiva Cave. We'll cycle through some beautiful scenery and see these two amazing natural spots. Devi Falls is a scenic waterfall that vanishes underground – it's pretty unique. Then, we'll check out Shiva Cave, a sacred cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. We'll provide helmets for everyone, so don't worry about safety. Later in the day, you'll meet your fellow passengers who started their trip a few days earlier to partake in the Parchase Trek on our Nepal Family Adventure Tour.

Embark on a scenic drive from the bustling city of Pokhara towards the tranquil banks of the Lower Seti River. The journey itself offers glimpses of the picturesque Nepali countryside, setting the tone for the adventure that awaits. Upon arrival at the river's edge, you'll be greeted by the experienced rafting team who will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equip you with all the necessary gear. The day will unfold with thrilling white water rafting, navigating gentle rapids and calm stretches alike, perfect for families. As the sun begins to set, you'll disembark and set up camp along the river banks. All camping equipment will be provided, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free overnight experience. Gather around a crackling campfire under the starlit sky. The gentle lull of the river and the sounds of nature will create a serene ambiance, making it a memorable night for the whole family.

After breakfast at our riverbank setting, we'll pack up our camp and bid farewell to the tranquil Lower Seti River. Our journey continues onward to the renowned Chitwan National Park, nestled in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. This dramatic shift in landscape will transport us from the refreshing river valleys to the heart of a lush subtropical jungle teeming with diverse wildlife. Upon arrival at the park, we'll check into our comfortable accommodations, allowing you time to freshen up and settle in. Then, the afternoon beckons with our first taste of safari adventure. You'll join either an immersive jungle walk, where you'll tread softly through the dense foliage, or embark on a thrilling jeep safari, venturing deeper into the park in search of its iconic inhabitants. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of majestic rhinos, elusive tigers, playful monkeys, and a vibrant array of birdlife. As dusk approaches, we'll take a leisurely stroll through a nearby Tharu village, offering a unique cultural experience. Witness the traditional way of life of this indigenous community, known for their vibrant art, music, and close connection to nature.

We spend the whole day today exploring Chitwan National Park in search of the endangered Asian one-horned rhino, which Chitwan is famous for protecting. If you're very lucky you may also see a leopard, wild elephant or sloth bear, or even an elusive Bengal tiger, while the rhino, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, wild boar and numerous different birdlife are common sightings. Activities included are a jungle walk, river canoe trip and jeep safari.

Early this morning you can take a walk outside the park dedicated mainly to bird watching. After breakfast we then leave Chitwan and the Terai and drive to the ancient hilltop Newari trading village of Bandipur. The centre of Bandipur has been restored, and is vehicle free, with some lovely old buildings. We'll have a short guided walking tour around the centre of Bandipur before you have free time this afternoon to relax, or take a walk or hike through the surrounding fields, villages and hills. Walks include a 2-hour downhill hike through fields and forest to Siddha Cave, one of the largest in Asia and full of impressive rock formations (bring a torch). You can hike back uphill to Bandipur from here or walk down to the highway for our vehicle to pick you up. A shorter walk from the town centre can take you uphill for around 30min to the Thani Mai Temple, which is well worth it for its views at sunset if the weather is clear. In fact the whole of Bandipur affords good mountain views.

Today, we bid farewell to the charming hilltop town of Bandipur and embark on a scenic drive back to the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu. As we wind our way through the picturesque countryside, relish the final glimpses of terraced fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Himalayan peaks that have graced our journey. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you'll check into your comfortable hotel, providing a welcome respite after the morning drive. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your own leisure. Perhaps you'll wander through the bustling streets of Thamel, browsing the vibrant shops and savoring local delicacies.

This morning we'll visit one of the ancient cities in the Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur. The centre of Bhaktapur has been designated a World Heritage Site, and hosts the best preserved ancient buildings and temples in the Kathmandu valley, with some great examples of traditional wooden architecture to be seen. Our tour here will really give you a taste for how life has been led in the valley for centuries, and you'll see several traditional crafts still taking place, including a whole square dedicated to pottery - You'll even have the chance to partake in an included pottery class. After a break for lunch we head back into Kathmandu to visit two of the city's most important, and contrasting religious pilgrimage sites - Pasupatinath temple (Hindu) and Boudhanath stupa (Buddhist). The evening is free for you to explore Kathmandu and Thamel one last time and enjoy a farewell meal together.

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.