This will be our fifth Cultural Safari and we've really got the hang of it now. We will take you all over Nepal. From the sunny southern Terai, through the Middle Hills to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. We will spend time in the cultural heartland, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, we will see beautiful snowy Himalayas and spend time in the quiet backwaters. We will visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the backstreet bazaars, soaring pagodas and simple village houses. It is amazing how much you can fit into fifteen days. We will have our own transport and driver, Ram, every day. Hopefully, you can squeeze in a few half-day treks (all optional) and some serious shopping. Here is our planned itinerary. It is not written in stone. We are travelling in a developing country and we may need to adapt to conditions on the ground. We will ensure you don't miss a thing.
DECEMBER 1: Arrive in Kathmandu from 'wherever'. We will meet you at the airport, take you to Muna Cottage to put your feet up for a couple of hours or take a walk to stretch your legs. In the evening we can walk over to Boudanath for dinner to see the ancient stupa (under repair since the earthquake) and join the Tibetans as they make 'kora' circling clockwise while spinning their prayer wheels.
DECEMBER 2: We will go into Thamel in the tourist district for a little shopping and lunch. A stroll around the old bazaars, the ancient Durbar Square with its pagodas and the Kumari Palace. We can go further afield if time permits.
DECEMBER 3: Drive up to Swayambu, high above the city, then walk through the backstreets (sometimes shocking and polluted) back to the city. After lunch we can drive over to Pathan to see another fantastic Durbar (palace) Square and the ancient Golden Temple. There is a small cafe in the old palace garden. Dinner at Shambala. Pack up for our departure next day.
DECEMBER 4: Drive to Chitwan. We need to leave early as the narrow road is open only till 11 am southbound. This is a really beautiful drive and the resort at Chitwan is lovely. Situated a little bit outside the main tourist area it is quiet and self-contained with its own elephants and organic veggie gardens. It is called Jungle Villa Resort if you want to Google it. They will tailor-make a program for our group. It will include an elephant safari, bird-watching and a canoe ride down the Rapti River. We will be given a background briefing on the region, a close up lesson on elephants and see local dancing. We will ride in an open jeep and walk through some local homes. We will be well-fed too. Drinks on the balcony this evening??
DECEMBER 5: Various activities throughout the day as we interact with elephants, rhino, tiger (maybe, if we are lucky) and birdlife. Dining facilities are excellent at this lodge and all the rooms have attached bathrooms and balconies overlooking the river.
DECEMBER 6: Onwards then to Lumbini, a longish drive across the Terai region to the birthplace of Lord Buddha. There is always something to see on the road. The village of Lumbini Bazaar is an interesting stroll at dusk and this year I want to stay in a simple guesthouse there, in keeping with the tone of our pilgrimage. The posh hotel is all architecture and no service.
DECEMBER 7: In the morning we can explore the beautiful parks and gardens of Lumbini by pedal rickshaw with a special visit to Lord Buddha's actual birthplace. Each country has built a beautiful temple. The German one is my favourite. At midday we will head off to Thamsen Palpa in our trusty minibus. We can stop at Butwal for a traditional lunch. After lunch the road winds back into the hills. Comfortable hotel with fabulous views – on a clear day.
DECEMBER 8: After a leisurely stroll down through this lovely old town, it is a five-hour drive to Pokhara and the road is never straight for more than 100 metres. Scenic in the extreme. After checking in to the lovely Lakefront Hotel you are free to wander the Lakeside district. Shops, cafés or a lakeside stroll. Sunset from your own balcony.
DECEMBER 9: Up early and out on the lake in small boats. The Anapurna range will come into view more and more as we pull away from the shore. We can climb up to the Peace Stupa (an hour, optional), a cup of tea at the top and then walk down the far side of the hill. Local bus on the other side? Lunch at my favourite Pokhara café, Black and White. Out on the town tonight perhaps? The shops are open late. Low altitude – warm weather.
DECEMBER 10: If it is clear we might drive up to a superb view at Sarankot. You can climb up further for a better view if you wish. After breakfast we will drive from Pokhara, along the Prithvi Highway to Bandipur. It is a traditional Newari village with lovely architecture and no traffic allowed through town. The views from our hotel are wonderful. Hardly any tourists come here.
DECEMBER 11: Last season we walked through the charming old village, had a coffee in town, walked into the surrounding fields, had a picnic. Good plan? Let's see if the weather goddess smiles on us again. There is a wonderful weaver here who makes shawls and scarves of wool, silk, cotton, banana!
DECEMBER 12: A gentle 8 km downhill walk on a quiet road. Come down with the bus at midday if you prefer. Nearby cave is an option for the more energetic. An easy bus ride back to Kathmandu but we will cross town and drive to Bhaktapur. Planet Bhaktapur is a quiet base outside the city.
DECEMBER 13: Our bus up to Nagarkot, for the view, early in the morning. Those who wish to participate can walk over to Changu Narayan. It takes 3 – 4 hours with lots of breaks. After lunch you can walk or bus down to Bhaktapur. Great here at dusk when the tourists mostly leave and the bazaars are buzzing with local shoppers. Alternatively spend the day walking around Bhaktapur, shopping, eating, it's very photogenic.
DECEMBER 14:: Explore Bhaktapur a little more in the morning then drive back to Muna Cottage in Kathmandu. Afternoon into Thamel for souvenir hunting and a nice dinner somewhere a bit posh.
DECEMBER 15: We can visit our local project (Bright Future) for an hour before breakfast. Then…….Go home! If your flight is later in the day we will organise something interesting. We will get you out to the airport in time for your flight.
We will travel in our own newish Toyota Hi-ace. Every year this trip gets better and better. The short treks are not too challenging and they are all optional. There are lots of great photo opportunities. It’s a lot to see in two weeks so we are ‘on the go’ a lot. Still, when we stop, we really relax. I like a gin and tonic on the terrace as much as anyone.
US $2350 is the price for trip for fifteen days.
Hope this sounds like your cup of tea.