Nepal

Destination Nepal - April and July Departures

Sat 4th April	Depart from UK airport
Sun 5th April	Arrive in Kathmandu Transfer to Eco-traditional Luxury Hotel– a wonderful hotel centrally located, set in beautiful gardens. The hotel is built in traditional Newari architecture and each room is tastefully decorated to give a traditional feel. Brief orientation of local area.
Mon 6th April	Kathmandu – half day tour
Tue 7th April	Kathmandu – half day tour
Wed 8th April	Project – Day 1 Option of three communities for project work. Click here to read about projects
Thu 9th April	Project Day 2
Fri 10th April	Project Day 3
Sat 11th April	Travel to Pokhara Drive by bus across Nepal to the second largest city. Here you will be in a peaceful and serene lakeside town with the magnificent backdrop of the Himalaya. Transfer to centrally located Hotel.
Sun 12th April	Pokhara Itinerary Choices There are two choices of itinerary in Pokhara. Clients can choose to take one of two treks in the foothills of the Himalaya OR spend some relaxing, independent time in Pokhara.
Mon 13th April	Pokhara / Trek
Tue 14th April	Pokhara / Trek
Wed 15th April	Pokhara / Trek ends – return to Pokhara
Thu 16th April	Return to Kathmandu Transfer to hotel – late afternoon shopping
Fri 17th April	Kathmandu – free morning Check out of hotel – late afternoon Depart for airport
Sat 18th April	Arrive UK

Destinations on Our Itinerary – Nepal

Kathmandu
Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, is a melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist culture. There is something for everyone in this vibrant and energetic city. Situated in the valley, it is the perfect location to explore the surrounding area where the mystical, chaotic and serene can be experienced. Incredibly, Kathmandu offers modernity alongside the ancient – it is truly a unique city. For the first-time visitor, the sights sounds and smells can lead to sensory overload – but it won’t be too long before you have abandoned some your western clothing for something more local and don’t even blink when a cow walks past you in the street!

Thamel
Thamel is the tourist centre of Nepal and the location of all those amenities that make us more comfortable: restaurants, hotels and excellent shopping. You can easily while away the hours browsing amongst the tiny streets of Thamel without fear of getting lost –there is always someone on hand to direct you to the bet shop, restaurant or hotel!

Swayambhunath Temple
Locally known as Swayambu or the Monkey Temple – is an interesting walk away from Thamel. Swayambu is a large Buddhist stupa that sits on a hill overlooking Kathmandu and is one of the symbols of Nepal. No visit to Nepal is complete without the pilgrimage climb up the steps to Swayambu, whilst carefully warding off the monkeys.

Pashupatinath
An early morning visit to the most important Hindu temple of Nepal will be one of your highlights. Devotees of Shiva from all over India, including many colourful Holy men visit this temple that sits by the Bagmati river.

Bodhnath
A spiritual haven for Tibetan Buddhists - this is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. Here you can circumambulate (walk around) the stupa, rubbing shoulders with the monks before bargaining hard for a Tibetan artefact!

Dakshinkali and Pharping
One the edge of the Kathmandu valley sits one of the most ancient temples devoted to the goddess Kali, where on every Tuesday and Saturday, devotees queue to offer a live chicken or goat to appease Her. This is not for the feint-hearted but most definitely a place you will never forget.

Pokhara
The lakeside city of Pokhara that sits at the feet of the Himalayas is more like a village than a city. It has a relaxed an peaceful atmosphere that makes most who only come for a few days want to stay longer. This is our base for one f our projects as well as our trek that takes us closer to the majestic peaks.

Ghorepani Trek
A very accessible and popular 3-4 days trek that is a wonderful introduction to Nepal trekking. For those who would like to sample the Himalaya from up close, they can go on a trek to Poon Hill that will leave you breathless – parts of the walk over the three days are moderate but most are easy. To summit Poon Hill before sunrise –an hour’s climb – is one of the main goals of the walk.

The Price

Our fully inclusive price includes:

Full International return flights to Kathmandu from UK airport (these are secured using an ATOL bonded agent).
All Hotel accommodation – on a bed and breakfast plan (based on 2 people sharing).
All transport costs in Nepal to places on the itinerary.

Luxury bus tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Private bus transfers to and from airport in Kathmandu.
Private and personal tours of Kathmandu as required.
Privately guided 3 day Ghorepani trek with environmental project.*
Pre-departure meeting and lunch in a North-West location**
Services of Impact Travel English guide
Full project costs

Project set-up arrangements and costs.
Project costs whilst in Nepal to include all resources, local payments and fees.
Impact Travel continue to support all projects that are begun, so when we leave you can be assured we will continue to support the community.

Clients are advised that they will need to provide:
1 – Own travel insurance (a copy will be needed prior to departure)
2 – Nepal visa (Impact Travel can assist with this process)
3 – Immunisations (Impact Travel can advise on this process)

*This is an optional trek whilst others may be involved in the project work.

**The pre-departure meeting will enable the team to meet one another prior to departure and Impact Travel will be able to brief all clients on matters of cultural sensitivity, project outlines and discuss any pre-departure nerves!

***Impact Travel directors will liaise with clients from the moment of booking and will ensure each client has the experience of their lifetime. Each journey is fully escorted from the UK airport until the return.