Tailor Made Holidays in Nepal: Highlights

Eat delicious momos in Kathmandu

When in Kathmandu we recommend finding a small local restaurant and ordering a plate of momos. This Nepalese mountain dish is a simple but mouth-watering meal of meat or vegetable filled dumplings, served with a spicy tomato chutney. They taste delicious and tend not to be too spicy so are a good introduction to Nepali food.

Read more about: Kathmandu
 
Enjoy an authentic Nepali meal at Thamel House in Kathmandu

On arrival at the Thamel House restaurant you will be ushered upstairs through the sensitively restored traditional Newari building in which this restaurant is located, giving it plenty of character. The best place to eat is on the top floor, where the tables are low to the ground and you sit on cushions on the floor in the typical Nepali style. Taste a range of traditional dishes and make sure you try some rakshi – distilled rice wine which is characteristic of Nepal.

Read more about: Kathmandu
 
Go trekking in the Modi Khola Valley

A three-day trek through the small villages of this remote valley is certain to be one of the highlights of any trip to Nepal. You will often see local porters carrying huge loads of supplies up and down the steep paths as there is no road access here. The views of the Annapurna Range is fantastic, and there is plenty of flora and fauna. The feeling of satisfaction as you arrive at your lodge for the evening can’t be beaten.

 
Mingle with Hindu Sadhus at Pashupantinath in Kathmandu

Pashupatinath is the site of Nepal’s most important Hindu temple and is set right on the banks of the Bagmati River, sacred to Hindus. The temple is not open to non-Hindus, but there is a footbridge across the river which leads you to eleven stone stupas. Each stone contains a Shiva Lingam, which symbolises Shiva the creator and from which you can view the temple and ghats. This place has a spiritual atmosphere and offers an interesting contrast to Kathmandu’s Buddhist sights. Around here you will come across a number of Sadhus, Hindu holy men who have given up all material possessions in search of a purer and more spiritual way of life.

Read more about: Kathmandu
 
Raft gently down the Seti River

As soon as you leave the put-in point at Damauli behind you, the river takes you far from civilisation through a remote valley. Depending on the time of year, the rapids range from grade II to grade III - enough to be exciting but not too daunting. The rapids are interspersed with long stretches of flat water, which are a pleasure to float through, seeing small riverside villages, suspension bridges and the beautiful green jungle covering the valley sides. Stop overnight at the Seti River Camp which is 6 hours from any road, for one of the most peaceful nights of your life.

 
Relax with drinks overlooking Pokhara Lake

On a clear day, the view from Pokhara Lakeside is spectacular. Machhapuchhare (otherwise known as Fishtail Mountain) forms a perfect peak in the centre, surrounded by the huge mountains of the Annapurna Range. This wonderful panorama is reflected in Pokhara Lake on still days and is the perfect scene to enjoy over a cold beer or gin & tonic from the gardens at the Fishtail Lodge.

Read more about: Pokhara
 
See the magical sunrise from Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

A cup of 'bed-tea' will be brought to your door just before sunrise which will prompt you to reluctantly leave your cosy bed. However all feelings of tiredness will disappear when you see the beautiful sight of the sunrise, which bathes the huge Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna Range in a golden glow.

 
Take a scenic mountain flight

Taking a scenic mountain flight during your stay in Nepal is an exciting and memorable experience. Flights take place early in the morning as this is often the time that the views are the best. You are guaranteed a window seat on the plane so that you have unlimited opportunities to take photos. You may even have the chance to take a photo from the cockpit. The flight lasts an hour and whichever side of the plane you are sitting on you will have a face-on view of the mountains either on the way out or the way back.

 
Take a stroll through beautiful Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur town is a beautiful, pedestrianised town with a medieval feel. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with traditional Nepali homes built of red brick and windows framed with wonderful wood carvings, for which Bhaktapur’s craftsmen are famous. A highlight is Potters’ Square where there are often hundreds of clay pots drying in the sun.

Read more about: Kathmandu Valley
 
Take an elephant-back safari in Chitwan Bardia National Park

Waking early, you will have a small snack and the obligatory cup of tea, before mounting your elephant for the early morning safari. The experience of sitting on your elephant as it lumbers through the river bed to reach the forest on the other side will stay with you forever. Being on an elephant allows you to get closer to the wildlife, both because the elephants can access small paths through the long grass and thick forest, but also because the animals are more used to the presence of elephants as opposed to jeeps. Asiatic rhinoceros are a common sight, and if you are lucky, you may see a mighty Bengal tiger.

Read more about: Chitwan National Park
 
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