Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu

After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel (check-in at noon). Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRILA.

Day 02: In Kathmandu

After breakfast take a tour of Kathmandu city, visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, House of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandap and other fascinating temples in the area. Move on to Swayambhunath , the oldest Buddhist shrine in the world also known as the `Monkey Temple'. Perched high on a hilltop, it commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley.

In the afternoon visit Patan, the city of architecture and fine arts, which was founded in 250 AD. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Visit the Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha temple, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Mahavir - the Golden Temple. Also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel where you can watch the art of carpet weaving. Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRI LA.

Day 03: In Kathmandu

After breakfast visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva).

Also visit Bodnath, possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa have sprung up a number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. In the afternoon visit Bhatkapur, home of medieval art and architecture, also known as the "City of Devotees". Places of interest include the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. En route stop at the little village of Thimi, where colourful papier-mâché masks and terra-cotta items are made. Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRI-LA.

Day 04: Kathmandu To Pokhara

After breakfast depart for the six-hour drive through the middle hills of Nepal to the delightful little town of Pokhara. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening take a boat ride on the placid Phewa lake. Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRILA RESORT.

Day 05: In Pokhara

Wake up early in the morning to watch the sun's rays bathing the pristine snow-clad peaks in shades of yellow, orange, flame and gold. You get spectacular views of some of the giants of the Western Himalaya - Annapurna, Himalchuli and Machhapuchhare (the Fishtail Peak). Spend the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring this quaint little town. Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRILA RESORT.

Day 06: Pokhara To Chitwan

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to the Royal Chitwan National Park. The road goes through the foothills, along the Trisuli river, before reaching the plains of the Terai. On arrival you are met and transferred to the Lodge.

Activities from the Lodge include wildlife viewing from elephant back or Land Rovers, nature walks, jungle treks, birdwatching, boat trips and a slide or film show in the evening. All excursions are accompanied by resident naturalists. Wildlife in the Royal Chitwan National Park includes the Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, Sambar and barking deer as well as a wide variety of birdlife - some 450 species have been recorded. There is also a chance of spotting the leopard, sloth bear, gaur and elusive and highly endangered Royal Bengal Tiger. Dinner and overnight at GAIDA WILDLIFE LODGE.

Day 07: In Chitwan

Early morning and late afternoon game viewing by jeep or elephant. The Lodge staff will brief you on the area and the other activities available, such as day hikes, nature walks, birdwatching and game viewing from machans (blinds). All meals and overnight at GAIDA WILDLIFE LODGE.

Day 08: Chitwan To Kathmandu

Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. You are met on arrival and transferred to the airport for the onward flight. Overnight at HOTEL SHANGRILA.

Day 09: Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the onward flight.