Nepal Independent Short Break: Kathmandu Valley & Himalayas

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your Short Break Adventure begins straight away at Hotel Marshyangdi at 8.30 am. Drive to the outskirts of Kathmandu to Sundarijal. When you arrive, you’ll head out for your first hike, starting with a long flight of steps. Follow the water pipeline to the entrance of the Shivapuri National Park, passing the water reservoir. Continue up more stairs to the strung-out village of Mulkharka. After a simple lunch at one of the wayside shops, you’ll pass an abandoned school and head into the woods. The shade will bring some welcome relief, and with weather on your side, you'll get your first glimpse of the mountains. Emerging out of the woods, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse in Chisapani.

It’s a long walking day today through beautiful countryside, including Shivapuri National Park – home to over 300 species of birds as well as rarely sighted bears, leopards and several species of deer. You’ll hike through settlements, lush vegetation and dirt tracks today, uphill and downhill to Nagarkot. When you arrive, enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Relish the sunrise view over the distant Himalayas that Nagarkot has built its reputation on. After breakfast, hike downhill to visit the oldest temple in Nepal – Changu Narayan. Legend suggests a temple has been on this spot since 325 AD. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is revered by Hindu's all over Nepal. Continue by public bus along a scenic route through terraced paddy fields, villages and pine forests to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. This afternoon, wander the cobble stone streets of this 'city of devotees' and maybe try a delicious bowl of homemade yoghurt (a local specialty) before watching the comings and goings in ancient Durbar Square.

You have a free morning to explore Bhaktapur at your own pace before returning to Kathmandu. Your Short Break Adventure comes to an end in Kathmandu at approximately 1 pm this afternoon. No accommodation is included tonight, but if you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.