Nepal

€3299

Turkish Airlines flights to Kathmandu via Istanbul

12 nights accommodation in hotels listed (or similar)

12 buffet breakfasts, 2 lunches and 12 dinners

All transfers in a private air conditioned vehicle

All excursions guided by English speaking guide as indicated in itinerary

PRICE PER PERSON

Adult in Twin €3299

Adult in Single €3829

Notes: Minimum group size is based on 20 passengers

Visa: A Maltese passport with a validity date of 6 months beyond departure date. Ask desk for information

Vaccines: Kindly check with the National Immunisation Service at Floriana Health Centre.

WEDNESDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER/THURSDAY, 9TH NOVEMBER | We meet at Malta International Airport at 5.00pm for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. The flight leaves at 7.55pm and arrives in Istanbul at 00.15am (on the 9TH Nov). Our next flight departs at 1.25am and we arrive in Kathmandu at 11.00am. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel – Himalaya (or similar) in Kathmandu. We check in and have some free time after the long flight.

FRIDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER | Breakfast and we start our visit in Nepal with a morning sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square. Patan (Lalitpur) is the oldest city of Kathmandu valley. It is well known as the city of beauty and fine arts. Temples, palace complex, Buddhist monasteries, courtyards, step wells, as well as many historic houses, showcase the history of Patan. Patan durbar square was the royal palace for the kings of Malla Era from 17th century which has turned into the museum This important historical site has been enlisted by UNESCO as world heritage site in 1979. In the afternoon, we have another sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located at the heart of ancient city, revealing the centuries old temples, ancient statues, monuments, palaces and series of courtyards with spectacular architecture. The durbar square area is made of two sub areas, the outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, Shiva Parvati temple, Jagannath temple, Big Bell, Taleju temple, Mahendreswor temple, Kotilingeswor Mahadeva temple, statue of Hanuman, stone image of Kal Bhairav, Swet Bhairav, Degutalle temple etc. while the inner complex comprises the palace area with the series of courtyards and a major highlight in the area, Taleju temple. Swayambhunath

Stupa is an ancient pilgrimage situated atop a hill in Kathmandu valley for both Hindus and Buddhists. This stupa was built in order to venerate the power of eternal self existent flame to grant enlightenment. The hill is a home of a wide variety of trees and monkeys. It is also well known as Monkey Temple. You can either walk 365 steps to reach to the stupa from the foothill or take the alternative way with the lesser steps. One can observe several Buddha statues, fountain of peace, chaityas, monasteries, prayer wheels, prayer flags, Dorje (Vajra), Hariti temple, Shikhara style temple like Pratappur and Anantapur, images of meditational Buddhas with their consort and mount along with the main swayambhunath stupa.

SATURDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER | Today after breakfast we drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival at Kasara Resort (or similar), we will be greeted with a welcome drink. We will be escorted to our rooms where we can freshen up before lunch (included). After lunch, 5 minutes’ jeep drive to Tharu Village to explore the lifestyle of Tharu Community. Return to resort and we will have a presentation on flora & fauna by the senior naturalist followed by dinner.

SUNDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER | Start the day with a picturesque view of the sunrise while cruising on the Rapti River in dugout canoes. This is then followed by an adventurous walk in the jungle to the Crocodile Breeding Center, where one can observe and learn of the utmost care taken to preserve and breed species of crocodile to prevent them from being extinct. Later return to resort, where our scrumptious breakfast. After breakfast, we will head into the jungle for a nature walk and get to know the Chitwan forest and its habitant. After the walk we will have some free time to relax around the swimming pool or head into the spa. After lunch, we will go for a jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park. Before dinner, experience the vibrant traditional cultural performances of the Tharu community. These performances tell the tales of their culture, and their wardrobes reflect the relationship between their people and their environment.

MONDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER | Today we will head into the community forest for the morning bird watching and back to resort for breakfast. After breakfast, we drive to Lumbini. Lumbini is the Buddha’s birthplace, one of the world’s most important spiritual sites and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Today one can visit over twenty-five Buddhist monasteries built by diverse countries from Vietnam to France, study Buddhism, meditate and visit the birthplace within the sacred Mayadevi Gardens. Overnight at Lumbini Hokke Hotel (or similar).

TUESDAY, 14TH NOVEMBER | Breakfast at hotel and then set off for our excursion. We visit Sacred Garden including Ashoka Pillar – one of the third century stone pillars built under the reign of Emperor Ashoka. We also visit Mayadevi Temple - the main temple of Lumbini and considered the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the Eternal Flame and Monasteries. Overnight at the hotel in Lumbini.

WEDNESDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER | After breakfast, we drive to Palpa. In the afternoon, we visit Rani Mahal - a historic Rana Palace located on the banks of Kali Gandaki River, the historic palace and museum Palpa Durbar and Palpa Bhairab. Later enjoy dinner (included) and overnight at Hotel Srinagar (or similar) in Palpa, Tansen.

THURSDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER | Breakfast at hotel. Today we make our way to Pokhara. This city is located on Phewa Lake in central Nepal. It’s known as a gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trail in the Himalayas. Pokhara’s tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers – it’s pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’. Overnight stay at Hotel Barahi (or similar) in Pokhara.

FRIDAY, 17TH NOVEMBER | Early Morning: Sunrise at Sarangkot (but subject to