Tigers & Temples: Nepal's Nature And Traditions

1 - KATHMANDU

Your trip begins in Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal and home to many ornate temples and palaces. After you get settled at the Dwarika hotel, decorated to recreate a Nepali Palace, hit the town to visit the famous sites: Kumari Temple and the Royal Palace; Swayambhunath Stupa, the oldest Buddhist shrine; and Durbar Square, the central hub of the city. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant back in the comfort of the Dwarika.

2 - BARDIA NATIONAL PARK

After a short flight to Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge on the edge of Bardia National Park, one of the largest protected areas in all of Nepal. After lunch and a briefing from the lodge on-site naturalist, enjoy an elephant tour of a local Tharu village and learn about traditional tribal culture by meeting the local people.

3 - BARDIA NATIONAL PARK

Today, you will spend the morning exploring Bardia National Park: enjoy a jeep safari or a jungle walk through the lush forest and grasslands, where you may encounter rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, and over 400 different bird species. After lunch, join in an exciting game of polo - but instead of riding a horse, you will be riding one of Karnali Lodge well-trained resident elephants!

4 - POKHARA

Depart Bardia National Park and take two short domestic flights to the lakeside city of Pokhara: known for its natural beauty, Pokhara offers incredible views of the Himalayan mountains surrounding several pristine lakes. Enjoy lunch at the water edge and then explore the area with a boat ride on Lake Phewa, passing by the legendary Devi fall, the Seti River Gorge - one of Pokhara natural wonders - and the island temple, located in the middle of the lake. You will head to your hotel, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, in the early evening - just in time to watch the sun set over the Himalayas and the Pokhara Valley.

5 - POKHARA

Enjoy an enchanting sunrise view from the lodge before embarking on the village tour of your choice: the six or seven-hour option will take you through the village of Kalikasthan, another village populated by the mountainous Gurung people, and the scenic village of Lankathar. The alternative five-hour walk will take you through villages and farmland - and incredible panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley - to Thulakot, an ancient fort site of the Kaski Rajas, where there is a small Bhairav Temple in the ruins. After the long day, enjoy a relaxing dinner and evening at the Lodge.

6 - KATHMANDU

After breakfast at the Lodge, you will have a short flight back to Kathmandu, where you will once again check into Dwarika hotel. After lunch at the hotel, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal, located just outside of the city. The inside of the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus, but all visitors may view the incredible building from the east bank of River Bagmati. Next, visit the incredible spherical Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Stupas in the world. For your final dinner, enjoy a traditional Nepalese dance performance at Garden of Dreams (Kaiser Cafe).

7 - DEPARTURE

Today you bid Nepal adieu - enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before check-out. You will be driven to the airport in time for your international departure flight, either home, or to your next exciting destination.