Nepal - A Cultural Journey of Nepal
13th TO 27th November 201014 Nights - 15 Days ~ From £2,945
Nepal home of the highest mountains perched on the roof of the world, dominated by some of the highest peaks of Himalayan rangeincluding the mighty Mount Everest. It's a land of medieval towns, villages, ancient temples, monasteries, and the friendly Newar People.Nepal boasts a number of UNESCO world heritage listed sites, seven of which lie within the Kathmandu valley. These ancient temple andpalace complexes are inspiring examples of skilled craftsmanship, intricate woodcarving, Bronze statues and painted Thankas.To the south in the jungle of the Terai can be found some of the richest wildlife areas in Asia. Once a Royal hunting ground, nowadays,open to visitors in search of the Bengal Tiger and the One Horned Rhinoceros. Lumbini one of the most important religious sites in theworld where Gautama Siddhartha Buddha was born, and now a great pilgrim site.London • Kathmandu • Dhulikhel • Nepalguni • Pokhra • Lumbini • Kathmandu • London
Joan Pollock
As a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society she is committed to environmental and conservation issues. Her early training as a nurse has proved invaluable in creating a charity focussing on the health and education of children in The Spiti Valley, a breathtaking valley at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in the Western Himalaya.
The Itinerary: 13 Nov 2010 To Kathmandu via Doha Evening departure from London Heathrow on Qatar Airways to Kathmandu via Doha 14 Nov 2010 Kathmandu Afternoon arrival at Flight time in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. Transfer to Hotel Moonlight for 3 nights. Welcome dinner 15 Nov 2010 Kathmandu Morning visit to Swayambhunath Stupa said to be from 250 BC located 4KM outside the town. Continue to Pashupati the most sacred Hindu site on the Bagmati River. The Shiva temple is a place of pilgrimage and attracts people from all over the country. The main burial ghats are also found here. In Kathmandu city we visit the Living Goddess, Durbar Square and the Royal Palace. Lunch in Patan. Afternoon guided walk around Patan, the city was founded in 3rd century, its the second largest town in the valley, known as “City of Beauty” 16 Nov 2010 Kathmandu Today we visit the Kopan monastery a spiritual oasis with 350 Tibetan Monks, run by Lama Zopa Rinpoche who inspired the development of this learning centre. We continue to the Buddhist Stupa of Boudhanath, the oldest and largest monument in Nepal that stands on a three level mandala style platform. Afternoon Free. 17 Nov 2010 To Dhulikhel via Bhaktapur Drive on to Bhaktapur, famous for its potterymaking, we shall visit a family who have beenpart of this for centuries. Lunch at theNyatapola Restaurant. Later drive 30kilomiters out of the valley into thecountryside to Dhulikel Mountain Resortwhere we will spend 2 nights. 18 Nov 2010 Dhulikhel A day of relaxation to walk in the hills, stop tosketch the surrounding mountain scenery orvisit a local school and family On a good daythe Himalayas can be seen in the distance. 19 Nov 2010 To Bardia National Park Drive back to Kathmandu Airport and boardthe morning flight to Nepalguni. We will bemet on arrival and transfer by private coach toTiger Tops Karnali Lodge, in Bardia NationalPark Chitwan for 3 nights. 20 Nov 2010 Bardia National Park Full day of wild life activities including anelephant safari ride into the jungle to see variousspecies of deer, gaurs, and smaller mammals. TheSingle Horned Rhino and maybe a tiger! 21 Nov 2010 Bardia National Park &Tharu Village We have a nature walk during the day wherethere are over 400 species of birds. We shall visita Tharu village in a local farming communitywhere mainly rice is grown. 22 Nov 2010 To Pokhra Today there is a long drive to Pokhara. Abeautiful mountain-lake town in the Himalayanfoothills with the Phewa Lake and the tallMachhapuchhre ( Fishtail) mountain as a backdrop. Stay at the lakeview Resort for 2 nights. 23 Nov 2010 Pokhra Early morning drive to Sarangkot ( 1,592m) toenjoy the sunrise and spectacular views of thePokhara valley. There is an option to walk backto Phewa Lake. Later enjoy a visit to theTibetan Refugee Camp and finally enjoy aboat ride on Phewa Lake. 24 Nov 2010 To Lumbini Today we have an interesting drive fromPokhara to Lumbini in the south. This is thebirthplace of Lord Buddha in 563BC where thetemple stands today. Stay at the LumbiniGarden Hotel for 2 nights. 25 Nov 2010 Lumbini A morning tour of The Maya Devi Temple saidto be on the site of the birth of Buddha. The Ashoka Piller erected when Ashoka visited in249BC. We shall also visit some of themonasteries and the museum. Take arickshaw ride round the old market area of thetown. Rest of the day at leisure. 26 Nov 2010 To Kathmandu Morning flight from Bhairahawa airport toKathmandu. Stay at the Hotel Moonlight for 1night. Rest of the day free. Farewell dinner ina local Nepalese restaurant. 27 Nov 2010 London via Doha Early morning depart from Kathmandu onQatar Airways with evening arrival intoLondon Heathrow.
THE COST:Per Person sharing twin or double room accommodation £2,945.00 Single Room supplement £395.00 Club & First Class flight Supplementsavailable on request.
What’s included in the cost of the Tour?International flights with Qatar Airways economy class. Internal flights in Nepal as specified. Accommodation in hotels with private facilities as specified. Daily breakfast in Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, Pokhara & Lumbini. All meals whilst at Bardia National Park. 3 lunches and 4 additional dinners as per itinerary. All transport & sightseeing as specified. Services of Joan Pollock as trip director and services of an English-speaking guide. Full ATOL bonding.
What’s not included?Visa Fee for India (£40.00 per person. We can assist in securing India visa at a handling fee of £25.00 per person). Visa fees for Nepal. British passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Kathmandu at a cost of US$ 25.00. Tipping. Meals not specified. Personal expenses.
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During her extensive travel as a tour manager over a period of more than 25 years, Joan has studied the people, life and culture, of the countries to which she has been welcomed. In the early 1980s she escorted some of the first tours into China and the Soviet Union, and is now acknowledged as a leading expert on India. She has made friends with whole tribes and communities in many parts of the world. She is also an enthusiastic travel photographer, with her own website.
