Under the Fishtail of old Nepal

Outline Itinerary:

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Patan Inn (1300m/4265ft ).

Patan is the most rewarding of the old cities of Kathmandu with the best-preserved Durbar Square, small streets rich in traditional architecture, a marvelous museum and the very best of the beautifully restored Newari inns for us to stay in. If your international flight is an afternoon arrival it is well worth adding an extra night at the wonderful Patan Inn to really make the most of it. This fabulous converted Newari town house has delightful rooms centered around a richly carved traditional courtyard with an excellent restaurant, one of many that are highly recommended in Patan. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu (BB).

Day 2: Exploration of Lalipur city also called city of Art
After breakfast, embark on a heritage walk through the narrow street of Patan discovering countless temples, shrines, local handicraft. Meet local Artist and their work of art. Enjoy lunch in famous Patan museum. Visit Golden Temple, the master pieces of both stone and work crafted in 16th to 17th century. Enjoy mouthwatering local delicacies in the street of Patan. O/N Hotel in Patan.  

Day 3: Fly Pokhara, transfer to the Fishtail Lodge (1400m/4592ft), 25 min flight.

Flying into Pokhara is one of the lasting delights of an Annapurna trek; immediately the stunning peaks dominate the view, centered around the beautiful pyramid peak of Machapuchare, the sacred ‘fish-tail’ mountain. Along the shore of beautiful Phewa Tal Lake, Pokhara has a laid-back atmosphere and an abundance of very good restaurants. However, the famous Fishtail Lodge was the original lakeside hotel, so is genuinely Old Nepal, with it’s design classic round-house rooms. This hotel established the town as the relaxed centre for Annapurna trekking. Now excellently restored, it’s unique location just across the lake, accessed by its own raftsmen, set it apart as a haven of lakeside tranquility. Sunset sitting out on the terrace with the backdrop of the mountains will be a lasting memory - mine’s a Campari Soda, thank you. O/N Fishtail Lodge (BB)

Day 4: Drive to Pothana and walk to Dhampus, Ker & Downey Basanta Lodge (1650m/5412ft) 4-5 hrs

Today’s walk takes us further off the tourist trail through some of the best preserved countryside in the Annapurna Conservation Area, starting with the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. We then wind through beautiful oak and rhododendron forests to pick up the main trail again at Pothana, just up from our lodge at Dhampus (1500m) after about 4 hours, in time for lunch. This is probably our favorite K&D lodge, small scale, cosy and welcoming, but still with a panoramic view to die for, with Machapuchare back centre-stage. O/N Ker & Downey Basanta Lodge (Full Board).

Day 5 - 6: Walk to Astam, Hananoie Lodge (1600/5250ft) 3-4 hrs

Our destination lodge today is a little different and arguably the nicest mountain lodge in the Himalayas. Originally designed for Japanese groups, Hananoie (1400m) combines comfort with delightful attention to traditional detail including a real Gurung round-house. It is a real small farm practically self-sufficient in fabulous vegetables, making it’s own butter, with buffalo, goats and chickens. The staff are truly dedicated, from the amazing cooks to the land-girls working on the harvest. Employing much of the local village of Astam, there is a fantastic sense of ‘belonging’ here which guests immediately feel part of. The only downside would have been the very rough jeep-track access, but we are lucky enough to have the perfect walk in, an easy 4 hours along the gentle ridge line with yet more stunning panoramic views of the peaks all the way. day 10: walk/drive to Pavilions Himalaya near Pokhara or Fishtail Lodge (B&B) for groups preferring to be in town Cleverly avoiding the rough jeep-track again we take a half hour walk down the hill to be picked up on the better road at the bottom, and we drive to either of our preferred destinations. Pavilions Himalaya is a fabulous location just south of Pokhara with exquisite rooms and infinity pool beautifully integrated into stunning rice-paddy farmland. It is the perfect relaxation option after our trek. However, for groups who would prefer more town life in which to celebrate, or some souvenir shopping, we can return for another night at the famous Fishtail Lodge - our first night here was never going to be enough. O/N Hana Noie Lodge (Full Board).

Day 07: Drive back to Pokhara

After breakfast, drive to Pokhara. After lunch enjoy Boating in Phewa Lake, visit Mountain Museum and explore Lakeside area leisurely. O/N hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 8- 9: Fly or drive to Chitwan National Park for wildlife sighting

Transfer to airport and enjoy scenic flight to Chitwan National Park, the world natural heritage site and home of Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian one horn Rhino. Receive jungle briefing by naturalist, lunch. Begin your scheduled wildlife activities such as Jungle Jeep safari, Jungle excursion, Dugout canyoning, visit of tribal community Tharu Village, bird watching, Elephant breeding camp. O/N Lodge (AP)

Day 10: The morning flight to Kathmandu
A short drive direct from the airport brings us to one vibrant location of Boudhnath surrounded by numerous Buddhist temples and Monasteries including the largest stupa of Nepal. After check in at your beautiful hotel Harmika, you may want to explore lively area of Stupa where you will witness hundreds of devotees’ prayers and doing their daily rituals of walking around the sacred stupa. O/N Hotel in Boudhnath.

Day 11: Full Day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley

After breakfast, you will visit Kathmandu core city and old durbar square, Museum and resident of Living Goddess locally called Kumari, the only living Goddess in the world. After lunch visit Swayambhu Nath famously called Monkey Temple due to monkey living in the surrounding forest, Swayambhunath temple is historically and religiously very important for native of Kathmadnu valley and it is located on top of the hill offer great view of whole Kathmandu city. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 12: Wellness activities

Today treat yourself and indulge wellness activities of introductory Yoga, sound healing, Harbal message and practice meditation in one of the famous wellness centers. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13: Transfer to airport for final departure