Taste of Nepal : women only

Day 1 Ex – Kathmandu – Pokhara  arrive Kathmandu  2.45

Met at Kathmandu airport by Lyn and your Nepalese guide. Transfers to the domestic airport for your 20 minute flight to Pokhara.  Tranfer to your hotel the remainder of the  afternoon will be free to explore this friendly easy going town or just relax at the hotel after your long journey. Pokhara is situated on the beautiful Phewa lake which is surrounded by the magnificent Annapurna Ranges with the awesome Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) as its backdrop. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. It is also the starting point of all treks in the Annapurna ranges. (B) 30/9

Day 2 Pokhara This morning your guide will take you on a boat trip across the lake and an easy hike 1 hour to the Buddhist Peace Temple, you will return to your hotel via the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devis Falls and the Himalayan Climbing Museum.. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B) 1/10

Day 3 Pokhara - Jomsom
Early flight to Jomsom (2720 mtrs)  and trek to Kagbeni (2950 mtrs)  (5 Hours  walk)
Fly to Jomsom where we pick up our Nepalese staff for the trek. We then depart on our first walk in Nepal, the Kaligandaki valley here is called the Thakkhola, after the native Thakalis, who are distantly related to the Tibetans and it is the most spectacular valley in Nepal. We arrive at our Lodge at Kagbeni you will have time to walk around this fascinating village. This village used to be fortified with walls and tunnel gates like this in the past, mostly during the time when salt trade route was in operation. However, this has changed now. Salt trade does not exist anymore and it has become an important tourist and pilgrimage destination. (BLD)  2/10 Overnight Lodge

Day 4 Jomsom - Jarkot  (2670 Mtrs (3  hours)
Today is a short steep climb for appox 1 hr then we gradually ascend to the village of Jarkot. After lunch we will hike to the pilgrimage village of Muktinath approx. 2 hours return.  (BLD)  Overnight Lodge 3/10

Day 5  Jarkot - Marpha
After breakfast we will ascend by the same trail to Jomsom (option to ride a mountain pony this is excellent fun and thoroughly recommended). We arrive in Jomsom for lunch and the afternoon we hike on a flat easy trail to the beautiful apple growing village of Marpha. (BLD) (Overnight Lodge 4/10

Day 6  Marpha – Jomsom

You will have time this morning to discover this wonderful village. After lunch we will then retrace our steps to Jomsom. (BLD)  Overnight hotel 5/10

Day 7-9 Jomsom – Pokhara – Chitwan

Depart on your 7 am flight to Pokhara transfer to the bus station for your 4 hour trip to Chitwan. On arrival in Chitwan you will then be transferred to your wildlife resort. The next 3 days will be full of adventure, either riding on the back of an elephant, jeep safari, canoeing and jungle walking. You will see rhino, many species of birds, deer, crocodile and if you are lucky maybe the odd sloth bear and tiger. (BLD)  6-8/10

Day 10 Chitwan - Kathmandu

This morning you will transfer once again by tourist bus for your 6 hour drive to Kathmandu.  Kathmandu  known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Katsthamandap - the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square area with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Afternoon free to shop and explore Kathmandu  Overnight Hotel (B) 9/10

Day 11 -  Kathmandu -  Bhaktapur

Morning free and after lunch you will depart by private car to BHAKTAPUR: Bhaktapur meaning the City of Devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 5,600ft above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla, The Nyatapola Temple. This temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures, two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. Time permitting, a visit to the museum of Thanka painting can also be considered. Overnight Guest House (B) 10/10

Day 12 Kathmandu – Free day  (B) 11/10

Day 13 Kathmandu - Bangkok

After breakfast you will depart for the airport and on the way visit Pasaphupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Here you will see Hindu holymen (or Sardhus), pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Transfer to the airport for you 1350 flight to Bankgok arrive 1830. (B) 12/10

• 3 internal flights
• 4 day fully escorted lodge trek
• Tourist bus Pokhara/Chitwan/Kathmandu
• 2 Nights Pokhara including b'fast
• 2 night Kathmandu including b'fast
• 1 night Baktapur (B)
• Sightseeing Pokhara – Baktapur, Pasapatinath
• Private car to Baktapur
• Entry into sightseeing places Bhaktapur
• 3 Nights Chitwan including all meals, transfers and activities
•  Experienced English Speaking Nepalese Guide
• Australian Group Leader accompanies you throughout Nepal
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Trekking permit and National Park Fees

Not Included

• International Airfare $1550 including taxes
• Meals not stated allow $15 per day lunch and dinner
• Entry into sightseeing places Bhaktapur
• Gratitudes for hotel staff and Chitwan and your Nepalese guide who will be with you for the full trip
• Airport taxes