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Explore entrancing mountainous Nepal from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Trek, admire stunning scenery and go on safari in Royal Chitwan National Park.

Nepal is literally at the roof of the world, located in the Himalayas to the north of India and bordering Tibet. A journey here is extremely rewarding to all types of travellers, as the country (although one of the poorer counties in the world) offers much to explore with many unique experiences.

All flights operate the colourful capital city, Kathmandu, this fabled destination for travellers from the hippies to adventure travellers these day. Kathmandu, with a population of about 1m people, is a bustling city full of temples, markets and cafes. The roofs of the pagodas, the smells from the street stalls and the local people all combine to make Kathmandu a truly intoxicating and evocative city. Formerly three separate kingdoms, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, these city-states were united during the late 18th century to create modern Nepal but still retain their individual characters. Today the city’s centre is Durbar square where temples, palaces and golden gates combine into a magical outdoor theatre.

Swayambhunath is the most ancient and enigmatic of Kathmandu Valley’s holy shrines with golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and, with a diameter of over 100 meters, amongst the largest in the world. It is a particular focus for Kathmandu’s Tibetan community where you will see a constant stream of people circling the stupa spinning prayer wheels and reciting mantras.

Kathmandu is the base for domestic flights to Pokhara and for the truly adventurous as trek to Mount Everest basecamp.

Beyond Kathmandu, there is much to explore. The second city, Pokhara with its serene lake is the base for treks into the stunningly beautiful Annapurna mountains. You can take guided treks or join a group. Pokhara also has treasures like Bindabasini Temple, David’s Fall, a nearby scenic waterfall and the Hindu Gupteshwor Temple built inside the cave. 

Nepal is the home of the brave gurkhas. In Pokhara there is a museum dedicated to the Gurkha soldiers who joined the British army since 1875 and later the Indian army after the independence. The Gurkhas’s fought valiantly for the queen and were well renowned in the battlefield; some of them have been awarded the Victoria Cross medal for their services. 

The other major highlight on a visit to Nepal is Royal Chitwan National Park, located in the south of the country. You can drive here from Pokhara and enjoy a stay in a comfortable lodge or hotel and daily guided game drives by 4 x 4 safari vehicle. Royal Chitwan National Park is the first and best protected area in Nepal. It offers protection to an array of mammals such as the one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, sloth bear and wild bison, as well as more than 400 species of birds. Also available are explorations by canoe and guided walking tours exploring this unique natural world.  

Its mountainous location, friendliness and colourful religions make Nepal one of the world's most entrancing destinations.  

 

Hugh Clayson

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READY - 18 March 2024

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