Peregrine Vintage Nepal

• A breathtaking Everest flight gives you the chance to witness some truly world-class mountain scenery, flying through the mountain ranges.
• Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, there's ample time to discover the capital's staggeringly rich cultural and artistic heritage.
• Experience a two-night feature stay in riverfront cottages at Chitwan National Park – an experience full of a sense of serenity.
• The beautiful Chitwan National Park, brimming with exotic bird life and game, offers a vast array of activities. Enjoy a jeep safari and a jungle walk with an expert resident naturalist
• Whether it's flying, hiking, driving or canoeing, you'll experience Nepal's stunning natural beauty from all angles.

Meals

10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport

Bus , plane , private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (9 nights), Jungle Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included Activities

• Bhaktapur - Changu Narayan Temple
• Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
• Chitwan - Canoe safari, bird watching walk or jeep safari
• Chitwan NP - Village tour
• Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
• Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
• Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight
• Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
• Lumbini - Heritage Park

Day - 1

Location: Kathmandu - Welcome to Nepal! On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the airport by a Peregrine representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Join an important group meeting at 6 pm, followed by an optional group dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Day - 2

Location: Kathmandu - In the early morning, you will make an attempt at the Mount Everest scenic flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mount Everest. Later in the morning, explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. You will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration.

Day - 3

Location: Nagarkot - Travel to Nagarkot in a private vehicle. On the 3-hour journey, there are two stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way, starting with Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is revered as one of the world’s few well preserved ancient cities, playing host to a wondrous range of exotically designed temples and statues. Then wander to the ancient temple of Changu Narayan, erected in dedication to the Lord Vishnu and site of numerous legends. Upon arrival to Nagarkot, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas.

Day - 4

Location: Pokhara - Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara with an estimated flight time of 30 minutes – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival, take a boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal, the second largest lake in Nepal. The visit to the Peace Pagoda afterwards grants excellent views of the mountains including the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. Next comes a visit to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales and exploits from climbing expeditions of the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After this, you have the day free to explore peaceful Pohkara and its surrounds.

Day - 5

Location: Pokhara - Enjoy a free day for further exploration of the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your group leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities – maybe take a boat for a row out on the lake, explore the Hindu temple or Buddhist monastery, or simply pick up some souvenirs and relax in your hotel.

Day - 6

Location: Tansen - Travel by private vehicle to Tansen on a 5-hour drive. Formerly known as the capital of the Magar kingdom Tanahun, Tansen is now known as the home of the United Mission Hospital, a partnership between 20 Christian organisations and Nepal that sees over 100,000 patients per year. During your stay, visit Tansen town, the palace museum, a dhaka topi (traditional hat) and brass bottle workshop and experience an interaction with the locals.

Day - 7

Location: Lumbini - An optional hike to the Rani Mahal is available today. Rani Mahal translates to ‘Queens Palace’, as the site was built as a monument of love to the deceased youngest wife of former general Khadga Samsher Rana, Tej Kumari Devi. Your other option is to travel to Tansen Hill station where panoramic views of Annapurna and Tansen valley can be seen, and Tansen town lies nearby should you wish to continue exploring it. Later this afternoon drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Day - 8

Location: Lumbini - This morning head out of Lumbini to Tilaurakot, which houses the ruins of ancient Kapilvastu – the capital of the Sakya kingdom and where Buddha spent his youth as Prince Siddhartha. Also, explore Nighlihawa and Gotihawa, which are closeby to Tilaurakot and have broken Ashoka pillars and other relics. Enjoy lunch and then return to Lumbini in the afternoon. There’s also the option to explore Lumbini’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini is known as the holiest place of one of the world’s great religions and the area contains important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from as early as third century BC. Discover the serenity of the Maya Devi Temple, the statue of Little Buddha, and the Bodhi Tree, which is very close by your accommodation.

Day - 9

Location: Chitwan National Park - After breakfast, prepare to be picked up and driven to Chitwan National Park (approximately 4 hours). After arriving and settling in, meet the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the park’s habitat conservation program. There’s some flexibility with activities in this area, which may vary depending on the time of year and known wildlife movements and locations. A late afternoon safari is an experience like none other, showing the varied and exciting flora and fauna of the park. Enjoy dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the song of the jungle.

Day - 10

Location: Chitwan - After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning trip to begin a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This exhilarating ride offers chances to spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnificent creatures inhabit the park so it’s not to be ruled out. Upon your return to dry land, an organised program will help fill the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day - 11

Location: Kathmandu - Drive to Chitwan Airport on a 1-hour drive before flying back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, so perhaps engage in some shopping or just relax at your hotel. A farewell dinner will be held at the Utsav Restaurant, featuring an authentic night of local cultural food and dance.

Day - 12

Location: Kathmandu - Your Nepalese adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with any onward travel arrangements. Don’t forget to check out the great selection of Urban Adventures tours if you have some extra time in Kathmandu. Find out more at urbanadventures.com/destination/kathmandu-tours.