Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Day 1: UK to Kathmandu Depart the UK on your overnight flight, via Doha. Day 2: Kathmandu D Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the royal city of Patan. Day 3: Kathmandu B/L/D Start your first foray into Nepal’s capital with a visit to Boudhanath, the largest and holiest Buddhist stupa outside of Tibet, before continuing to ancient Swayambhunath. Return to Patan and explore the enchanting temples and palaces of Durbar Square before ending your day with a shopping trip in Thamel. Day 4: Kathmandu to Bandipur B/L/D After breakfast, drive to the hilltop settlement of Bandipur whose traditional Newari-style buildings and community are seemingly untouched by modern life. Following lunch, venture into the heart of the town to discover Bandipur Bazaar. Day 5: Bandipur to Pokhara B/L/D Enjoy a morning at leisure in Bandipur before journeying to Pokhara, the gateway to the peaks and valleys of the Annapurna mountain range. This sleepy lakeside city enjoys a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere and is the perfect base for day walks or hikes into the spectacular surrounding mountains. On arrival, there will be some time to unwind before your evening meal. Day 6: Pokhara B/L/D After breakfast, take a tour to the stunning Devil’s Falls, a cascading waterfall that bursts through a tunnel and falls into a cave deep below. Next, visit Mahendra Cave before making a stop at the Tibetan refugee camp to browse the local handicrafts. Finally, take a peaceful boat trip on the serene waters of the lake. Day 7: Pokhara to Chitwan B/L/D Depart this morning for Chitwan National Park, a haven for endangered wildlife. Stop en route at Manakamana where a cable car will take you to a spectacular viewpoint with a 17th century temple and shrine. After lunch, your journey will continue into the national park. Day 8: Chitwan B/L/D Your full-day tour of Chitwan National Park begins in the morning with a canoe ride up the Rapti River where you may encounter the rare gharial, a fish- eating crocodile. Next, visit the elephant breeding centre where you will have the chance to watch mother and baby elephants interact. After lunch, the group will proceed further into the jungle for a guided Jeep safari where you may spot deer, rhinoceros, antelope and the “King of the Jungle”, the Bengal Tiger. Day 9: Chitwan to Kathmandu B/L/D Leaving Chitwan after breakfast, you will head back to Kathmandu, arriving in the late afternoon. Day 10: Kathmandu to the UK B Transfer for your return flight, via Doha or continue on to your chosen extension. Colours of Nepal Tour highlights ✔ Uncover the Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath ✔ Witness breath-taking views of the Himalayas ✔ Visit the hilltop village of Bandipur ✔ Explore the ancient temples of Durbar Square ✔ Marvel at Devil’s Falls and Mahendra Cave ✔ Embark on a wildlife safari through Chitwan National Park This tour takes you to the city of Kathmandu and up into the hilltop settlement of Bandipur and lakeside city of Pokhara, then finishes in the jungles of Chitwan National Park for your chance to spot Bengal Tigers. Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Kathmandu, 4 H Hotel Himalaya Bandipur, 3 H Gaun Ghar Resort Pokhara, 3 H Fishtail Lodge Chitwan, 3 H Hotel Parkside Chitwan Flights: London Heathrow to Nepal with Qatar Airways (via Doha). Regional departures available from Manchester and Cardiff Tour pace: Intermediate  Kathmandu Chitwan National Park Bandipur Pokhara Patan < <    Coach Air Nights 2 3 2 1 2 Departures & from prices 22 May 23 £2,199 26 Feb 24 £2,399 19 Jun 23 £2,299 20 May 24 £2,399 4 Sep 23 £2,099 17 Jun 24 £1,999 9 Oct 23 £2,349 2 Sep 24 £1,899 6 Nov 23 £2,099 7 Oct 24 £2,299 1 Jan 24 £2,099 4 Nov 24 £2,199 29 Jan 24 £2,299 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £299 • Tipping paid locally £30 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £299 Extend your tour A Taste of India, 3 nights, 4 H Full Board from £519 India’s Golden Triangle, 6 nights, 4 H Full Board from £769 Mystical Bhutan, 4 nights, 3 H from £1,499 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £399 33 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia