GRAND TOUR OF NEPAL

Nepal is best known for Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. It is a small country sandwiched between India to the south and China to the north. In altitude it varies from 300m. (985ft.) in its southern tropical forests to 8848m. (29,028 ft.) at the summit of Everest.

In the north of the country lie the Himalaya, where there are eight mountains above 8000m. (26,000ft.) and a multitude of smaller peaks. Each year many teams of climbers come here. In the south the land is quite flat, and people come here on elephant safari, seeking tigers, wild elephant, rhino and other animals. Bird watching is also popular. There are many resorts by the rivers and exciting opportunities for those who enjoy white-water rafting.

Nepal is rich in history. It is multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-caste and multi-linguistic, but all ethnic and religious groups are very friendly towards each other. There are temples in every city, mostly Hindu and Buddhist, and sometimes you can see Hindu and Buddhist temples in the same place. The country is rich also in natural history and wildlife.

This tour allows you three days to explore Kathmandu, the Nepalese capital, and the old towns of Bhaktapur and Lailatpur in the Kathmandu valley. On day 5 you drive to the country's second city, Pokhara, and the next day you take a cultural tour of what is arguably the most beautiful city in Nepal.

On day 8 you drive to the Royal National Park at Chitwan, in the terai (the low country in the south of Nepal) where a multitude of activities are possible.

On day 12 you return to Kathmandu and the following you can get up early to take a flight in a small plane along the line of the Himalaya to Mt Everest and back. The remainder of the day is left for any last-minute shopping before you return home the following day.

Prices below are in Euros per person and include accommodation in three star hotels, meals and hot drinks such as tea and coffee, and internal transportation costs. Please note, however, that drinks such as bottled water, fanta, coke, juice, beer, wines, etc. are not included.