Nepal is steeped in history and culture and is proud of its rich heritage. Hinduism and Buddhism co-exist and flourish providing a wealth of ornate temples, and stupas. Whilst cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan display a smorgasbord of heritage sites and architectural wonders, Nepal is primarily a land of small villages and rurality and it is amongst these tiny settlements that the 'heart and soul' of Nepal beats.
Indeed it is said that if you walk a kilometre or two from a road, you'll walk back a couple of hundred years in time. The Nepalese often say that the country has a third religion; tourism, and the influence of tourism has a tendency to create 'artificial' experiences wherever it goes.
For those who wish to totally immerse themselves in the richness of Nepali life, then staying in local homes 'off the beaten track' perhaps provides the most genuine cultural experiences. Whilst of course it is also possible to enjoy luxury holidays in Nepal, the locations of deluxe hotels are limited to the principle tourist places, although it is entirely possible to incorporate some Himalayan trekking as part of a luxury holiday and utilise the luxury trekking lodges in the Annapurna and Everest regions. Whatever style you choose to follow you're almost certain to encounter the warmth and friendly hospitality of the people.
Yet it is the encounters with the people that seem to create the longest, lingering memories of a visit. The landscapes may be both beautiful and dramatic, but it is the people within the landscape that make Nepal what it is.
The impossible is now possible. A private journey by 4WD vehicle from Pokhara into the forbidden kingdom of Mustang and to the fabled, remote walled capital of Lo Manthang. NOTE: We only use the best available "Land Cruiser type" vehicles and good accommodation with proper beds and en-suite every night!
Touring only and suitable for both families or just adults . A short Nepal trip for "culture vultures" of all ages. Short, but sweet......very sweet. A gentle tour of the delights of rural Nepal staying at our very own boutique heritage hotels in hill village Nuwakot and the Newari mountain town of Bandipur. A great way to discover the real "heart and soul" of Nepal and avoiding the main tourist traps too.
From the ancient cities, monuments and sights of the Kathmandu Valley this varied, contrasting journey through Nepal also visits rural hill villages in the Himalayan Foothills & the lake at Pokhara. Wonderful views of the Himalayas and a Tiger safari in the jungles of Chitwan too.
A cultural Nepal journey featuring the highest standards of accommodation in Nepal, including the unique and magnificent, historic, Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu and the spectacular Dwarika's Luxury Himalayan Resort at Dhulikhel. Witness Himalayan panoramas, fly by plane to see Everest and search for wildlife in the jungles of Chitwan.
Ancient Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan. Sacred sites of Swayambunath, Bodnath & Changu Narayan. The UNESCO World Heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is explored in full. Visit World Heritage Chitwan National Park and even the World Heritage Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park by air!
Immerse yourself deep into the culture of Nepal. This off the beaten track holiday includes genuine home stays with Gurung families in the Himalayan foothills and the Tharu tribe of the Terai, close to Chitwan. Getting off the beaten track does also involve a few days of reasonably challenging trekking to escape the masses though.
A journey to discover the sacred and spiritual sites and places of Nepal. With several days spent at a tranquil Buddhist Monastery this is also a personal journey to the inner self. You'll also pay homage to both Hindu & Buddhist sites of reverence in the Kathmandu Valley and visit Lumbini the birthplace of Buddha.
A short cultural tour, but surprisingly unhurried and varied too. Explore the ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur. Experience both the rural villages and sacred Hindu & Buddhist sites of the Kathmandu Valley and witness a breathtaking, panoramic Himalayan sunrise from a classic hill top location.