Today you fly to Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu you are warmly welcomed and taken to your hotel. Settle in and look forward to a delicious dinner – perhaps you will already meet some fellow travellers. If you arrive after 9 pm, your programme starts the next morning with breakfast. 2 nights in Kathmandu. (D) (Distance: approx. 5 km; driving time: approx. 30 min)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Ambassador is centrally located in Kathmandu’s diplomatic quarter – an ideal base, for example for the Thamel district. The renovated hotel has modern, bright rooms.

Your first stop is the Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath with a wonderful view over the Kathmandu Valley. Then you take in the palaces and temples of Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage) and visit a museum of Nepalese art. After lunch in a small garden oasis you head to the royal city of Patan in the afternoon with its special atmosphere. (B/L)

You fly to Pokhara, set at around 900 m against the backdrop of the Annapurna massif. On a boat trip on Phewa Lake you enjoy the scenery, then stroll along the lakeside promenade. 2 nights in Pokhara. (B) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Mount Kailash Resort lies right on Phewa Lake, with shops, cafés and restaurants within walking distance. From the roof terrace you can see the Annapurna massif on clear days; there is a small pool in the courtyard.

Today you explore the mountains on foot (moderate, approx. 3 hrs, +/- 400 m elevation): via Kande (approx. 1,800 m) you climb to the Australian Camp viewpoint (approx. 2,000 m) with spectacular views, then continue via Pothana through dense forest to Dhampus. There the Gurung community welcomes you to a guesthouse for a traditional lunch. On the descent to Phedi you enjoy views of the Annapurna massif; your transfer is waiting there. If you prefer something less strenuous, parts of the route can be covered by jeep (optional, at extra cost). The rest of the day is yours. (B/L)

You fly to Lumbini and have time to relax at the hotel. Then your guide takes you to the Ashoka Pillar, whose inscription attests that this is the birthplace of the Buddha. 2 nights in Lumbini. (B) (Distance: approx. 25 km; driving time: approx. 45 min)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Buddha Maya Garden is located in Lumbini near many sights, in green surroundings. It offers free Wi-Fi, room service and a restaurant serving regional and international cuisine; the air-conditioned rooms have a ceiling fan, balcony and private bathroom.

In Kapilavastu and Tilaurakot you learn more about the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who according to tradition spent 29 years here before becoming the Buddha. The afternoon is yours – by the pool or exploring on your own. (B)

You drive to Chitwan National Park in the subtropical Terai (UNESCO World Heritage), one of Nepal’s first protected areas and one of the most species-rich in Asia – home to leopards, greater one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers and many bird species. 2 nights in a lodge on the edge of the park. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 175 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Machan Country Villa lies on the edge of Chitwan National Park in an idyllic garden. The Tharu-style lodges with thatched roofs are built from bamboo and sustainable wood; there is a pool among the trees. The parquet-floored rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a balcony.

On a jeep safari you explore the jungle; your guide tells you a lot about the park and its inhabitants, and with luck you will spot one of the rare mammals (wildlife sightings depend on nature). Afterwards you visit a Tharu village and learn about their way of life. To round off the day you enjoy a sundowner at a lovely spot on the Rapti River with local snacks and traditional raksi; further drinks are available from a cash bar. (B/L/D)

You drive back towards Kathmandu to Chandragiri. A cable car takes you up Chandragiri Hill, with wide views of the Himalayan range on the way; at the top you experience an atmospheric sunset. 1 night in Chandragiri. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 140 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Chandragiri Hills Resort is located in the Pataleban area on the edge of Kathmandu, with a pool and spa.

If you like, hike early in the morning in about 25 minutes to Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, where according to legend the forehead of the goddess Sati fell, and enjoy tea or coffee at the top. Then breakfast awaits at the hotel. In Kathmandu you visit the Boudhanath stupa, where worshippers circle chanting “Om mani padme hum”, and have an audience with a monk at a nearby monastery. At a painting school you learn about the art of thangka and mandala painting. Finally you visit Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage), Nepal’s most important Shiva sanctuary with its cremation ghats. 2 nights in Kathmandu. (B) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Ambassador is centrally located in Kathmandu’s diplomatic quarter – an ideal base, for example for the Thamel district. The renovated hotel has modern, bright rooms.

In the royal city of Bhaktapur (UNESCO World Heritage) with its medieval atmosphere you admire temples and palaces and taste the famous juju dhau (king curd) on Durbar Square. For lunch you visit a Nepalese family who freshly prepare a traditional dish for you. In the evening you look back on the trip at a farewell dinner together. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye: you are taken to the airport and start your journey home. (B) (Distance: approx. 5 km; driving time: approx. 20 min)

Today you land back home.