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Nepal

Home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, it's not just the breathtaking Himalaya's that make a visit to Nepal such an uplifting experience. It's also a land of huge contrasts where exploring the crowded city squares of Kathmandu, with their abundance of life and humanity, is another world away from stopping for a cup of local tea at a remote rural village nestled amongst the peace of the terraced hillsides. The geographical diversity is unsurpassed, from the vast plains of the south to the jungles of the Terai and the mighty Himalayas, while the mix of Indian and Tibetan influences evident in the Buddhist stupa's and fairy-tale Hindi temples scattered everywhere make Nepal a fascinating country to explore.

Discover Nepal
15 days from Kathmandu $1050-1320 land only.
A good introduction to the many aspects of Nepal, exploring the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys and enjoying the immense beauty of the Himalayas. We allow time for pleasant low altitude walks around Pokhara. Two days are spent at a jungle lodge in Chitwan Wildlife Reserve.

Kathmandu & Nagarkot: First we wander the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu and visit Pahupatinath, Nepal's most famous Hindu temple and Bodnath Stupa from which four pairs of eyes survey the four corners of the earth. Then we head out to Nagarkot situated on a high ridge. While here we can witness the dramatic sunrise over the snow-crowned Himalayas from a nearby hilltop.

Chitwan Wildlife: From Nagarkot we drive down to the sub-tropical Terai and Chitwan. We spend 2 days in Chitwan jungle reserve, which supports a variety of game. Known for its One- Horned Rhino and Bengal Tigers, there are also leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, four kinds of deer and over 300 species of birds. Driving to Gurkha, which gave the feared Gurkha soldiers their name-we head up to the old King's Palace for some great views of the Annapurnas and Manaslu. En route you may like to take the opportunity to join an optional half-day whitewater-rafting trip on the Trisuli River, a really exhilarating experience.

The 'Fishtail' Mountain: We continue to the verdant Pokhara Valley, to enjoy the lakeside tranquility and breathtaking views of Machapuchare, the 'Fishtail Peak'. Various walks are possible, perhaps along a ridge between the pretty lakes of Rupa and Begnas, where we can enjoy mountain views from Dhaulagiri in the west, to Annapurna 2 in the east.

Abode of the God Kings
16 days from Kathmandu $1980-$2080 land only.
A superb introduction to the complexities of Tibetan Buddhism, art, philosophy and history. But the real, unforgettable highlights are the people of Tibet themselves with their curious monastic rituals and traditional way of life, along with stunning scenery.

Tibetan Plateau & Potala Palace: From Kathmandu, we fly across the Himalayas to Gongkar, on the high plateau of Tibet. We visit Yumbulagang Palace, the oldest dwelling place of Tibetan Kings, and take a local ferry across the Upper Brahmaputra River to the monastery of Samye. Arriving at Lhasa we have three days of extensive sightseeing of the Dalai Lama's medieval capital. The walls of the Potala Palace seem to grow directly out of the rocks, soaring and glistening in the crisp dry air. We'll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple in the old city and listen to the eerie, sonorous chanting of monks.

Over the Karo La Pass: Before leaving Lhasa, we'll undertake a full-day trip to Tsurpu monastery, the traditional seat of the Karmapa black-hat lamas. Then drive over the 4570m Karo La Pass to the beautiful little town of Gyantse. Here we can admire the extraordinary paintings and sculptures of the Kumbum stupa and monastery. We encounter nomadic herdsmen as our journey continues over high passes on our way to Shekar, the 'hill of shining crystal'.

Sunrise on the Himalayas: As we continue, immense vistas of open plateau and snow-capped mountain dwarf tiny settlements where hardy yak herders tend their stock. After watching the early morning sunrise color the northern flanks of the mighty Himalayas- Everest, Cho Oyo and Shijapangma- we begin our descent from the deserted Tibetan Plateau. A series of steep switchbacks eventually brings us back to the subtropical, terraced landscapes of Nepal.

Royal Trek
15 days from Kathmandu $1130-$1290 land only.
Never tried trekking before, want to see more of Nepal? This could be for you! Our varied and stimulating itinerary features a relaxed stay in a comfortable jungle resort, the ancient Royal Palace at Gorkha and an easy, but enjoyable trek offering wonderful views of the Annapurna range.

Kings of Nepal: From Kathmandu we drive to Gorkha, home of the brave Gurkha soldiers. En route, there's a chance to try some exhilarating whitewater rafting on the Trisuli river. Today's Gorkha is a sleepy village but this is the place where the ancestors of the present day King of Nepal originated and so we will be sure to visit the old Royal Palace. We enjoy the fine views of the Himalayas before driving on to Pokhara.

Royal Trek & Pokhara: Next we begin our short and fairly easy trek, which offers brilliant views of the Annapurna range including the famous fishtail mountain Machapuchare. Our route takes in the best part of the trail followed by Prince Charles and the Crown Prince of Nepal, with less uphill walking than on many other treks. We walk though rural villages enjoying the fresh air, and the chance to see sunrise over the snow-caped mountain peaks. Returning to Pokhara, there's time to bike to Tibetan villages or explore the lake by boat.

In the Jungle at Tharu Village: Traveling through the Himalayan foothills, we head down to 'Tiger Tops' village built in traditional Tharu style, for a two-night stay. The Tharu resort is set in attractive gardens in a tranquil jungle setting overlooking the lush green forests of Chitwan National Park. There's plenty to do here such as jungle walks, wildlife viewing, boat rides, visits to nearby villages as well as horse riding, swimming and elephant back safaris! Our final days are in the capital, with time for an optional flight towards Everest.

Everest Teahouse Trek
13 days from Kathmandu $980-$1060 land only.
For those wishing to trek in Nepal but not camp, here is an excellent opportunity to sample trekking life. Our teahouse trek takes us on to the Khumbu Valley in the Everest region, the remarkable homeland of the Sherpas. Here you'll be able to view spectacular alpine scenery and enjoy traditional hospitality, staying overnight at teahouses run by Sherpa families.

8-day Khumbu Himal Trek: After sightseeing in Kathmandu, we begin with a light to Lukla airstrip. From Lukla we set out to walk along the famous trail to Everest, entering the Dudh Kosi valley before climbing to the interesting village of Namche Bazaar. During our free day in Namche we'll wander round the colorful bazaar and visit the fascinating local museum of Sherpa life.

Monasteries & Mountain Views: We visit the traditional villages of Khumjung and Khunde, and may have a chance to visit the school and hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. Walking on to the famous monastery of Thyangboche, there will be plenty of time for a visit. We'll enjoy the fantastic panorama of Khumbu Himal, viewing a grand stretch of summits: here are some of the biggest and most beautiful peaks in all the Himalayas, including Ama Dablam, Kangtefa and Lhotse. Finally, following a slightly different route back to Namche Bazaar, we return to Lukla and board a flight to Katmandu.

Friendly Sherpa Teahouses: As with all our treks in Nepal, we will be accompanied by Sherpa guides along the trail. Your personal gear will be carried by porters or on zopkios. Tasty meals will be provided on trek by our teahouse hosts.

Land of the Dragon
15 days from Kathmandu $2740-$2820 land only.
A varied trip which takes us from the cosmopolitan Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, to the 'Land of the Dragon' - Bhutan. We include explorations of several of Bhutan's unique monasteries, a three day trek in the Bumthang Valley and an overland journey through stunning mountains, where tradition and ritual are still very much a way of life.

Monasteries and High Passes: We begin in Nepal, spending time exploring the Old City of Kathmandu and ancient temples. There's a chance to visit 2000-year-old, Buddhist Swayambunath. Standing proud on a hill, views from the temple reach far across the city landscape. Then fly into the quiet Himalayan town of Paro, visiting the old fortress of Drukyel and making our way through oaks and pine trees to the sacred remains of Taktsang, the 'Tiger's Lair' which hangs from an almost sheer cliff-face some 1000m above the Paro valley.

3-day Bumthang Cultural Trek: Driving via the Dorchu La Pass, we stop to visit Wangdi and Punakha dzongs before reaching Jakar, the starting point of our trek. We'll spend three days following winding trails through the wide, open valleys perhaps pausing at mountain villages to admire yatha- colorful hands woven fabrics made in the local farms. The valleys are lettered with temples and monasteries and we stop to visit the Kurje Lhakhang Temple complex, one of the most sacred sites in all Bhutan.

Gantey & Thimpu: At the end of our trek, we return to Jakar then follow the road back to Paro, stopping en route at tranquil Gantey Fompa, and the city of Thimpu, where we wander around the colorful market, perhaps witnessing some traditional archery. Flying back to Nepal, we spend time in the medieval town of Bhaktapur and in Nagarkot where breathtaking views include Everest and Annapurna South. Our tour ends in Kathmandu.

Annapurna Sanctuary
15 days from Kathmandu $1130-$1290 land only.
The vast amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary is encircled by famous Himalayan peaks - the "fishtail" spire of Machapuchare (6993m), Gangapurna (7454m), Annapurna I (8091m), unclimbed Fang (7647m) and Annapurna South (7273m). The only approach follows the Modi Khola Valley up through forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo, and passes beyond the lovely villages of the Gurung people.

Gurung Villages & 'the Gate': Flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we'll drive to Khare to begin our trek. We climb to a ridge above Dhampus for our first night and are rewarded by excellent views of the Annapurnas. Walking through oak forest we cross several side valleys, which run into the Modi Khola, and climb a stone 'staircase' to the Gurung village of Chomro. Trekking past Hinko cave, we reach what is known as 'the gate' into the Sanctuary- a pass between the spectacular peaks of Huinchuli and Machapuchare.

10-day 'Sanctuary' Trek: The glaciated and snow-covered peaks of the Sanctuary form a spectacular natural barrier. Dazzling views of Annapurna South confront us as we trek up through the last permanent settlements to Machapuchare Base Camp where we are rewarded with superb vies of the sacred 'fishtail' mountain. Whilst here, it is possible to make a further excursion towards Annapurna South Base Camp.

Back to Pokhara: We retrace our steps for only a short distance and then return to Pokhara by a different route. From Chomro we walk through the Gurung villages of Chandrung and Birethanti to take a short bus ride to our overnight stop in Pokhara before returning to the capital, Kathmandu.

Everest Explorer
16 days from Kathmandu $1190-$1430 land only.
We trek into the Khumbu region of Everest, traditional homeland of the Sherpa people, and visit Namche Bazaar, their village "capital". Three of the world's seven highest peaks rouse here - Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8512m) and Cho Oyo (8153m). After the trek you can extend your stay in Nepal to go whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River and enjoy two days game-viewing in the famous Chitwan Reserve.

10-day Everest Trek: After sightseeing in Kathmandu, we board a flight to Lukla, to arrive right in he heart of the mountains. Walking through blue pine forests and across river to our camps at Phakding and Namche Bazaar, we should be rewarded with our first views of Mount Everest.

Ama Dablam & Thyangboche: After hiking up to Thame in the shadow of Kwangde, we continue past Shyangboche and enjoy views of Ama Dablam, one of the world's classic peaks. From here we walk up to Thyangboche Monastery, surrounded by a sea of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Chitwan Extension: Driving to the Trisuli River, we enjoy two days rafting. There's plenty of time to bird watch, swim and relax along the riverbanks. No previous experience of rafting is required, just a sense of fun and a spirit of adventure. Two days are spent in the jungle wildlife reserve of Chitwan, famous for its One-Horned Rhino, Bengal Tiger and prolific bird life. During our stay, we'll walk, ride elephants and take dugout canoes to explore the park.