Travelling by a combination of fixed wing aircraft and helicopter, access parts of Nepal that few others reach without many weeks' trekking. This nine-day Himalayan tour by plane and helicopter includes exploring Boudhanath Stupa and the temples of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu; the artisan city of Patan; a night in Pokhara at The Pavilions Himalayas, with boating on Phewa Lake; two nights at the Royal Mustang Resort in the mystical kingdom of Lo-manthang exploring tiny villages; flying to Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by snow-capped mountains including Machhapuchare. There's also a flight over the Khumba Valley to view Everest with an Everest Summiteer. The final two nights are at Dwarika's Resort in the Newari town of Dhulikhel enjoying remarkable sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan peaks.
HIMALAYAS BY HELICOPTER
HIGHLIGHTS
- Flying over the Khumba Valley to see Mount Everest with an Everest Summiteer.
- Exploring the villages of Lo-manthang and its capital, Mustang.
- Visiting Annapurna Base Camp by helicopter.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to Dwarika's Hotel. Time permitting, visit Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath. Boudhanath Stupa is one of Kathmandu's best known landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 36 metres high, the base of the stupa is lined with lots of prayer wheels which pilgrims spin whilst circling in a clockwise direction in meditative contemplation each day. The nearby magnificent temple of Pashupatinath, set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, is the most important temple dedicated to the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus are not permitted entry, but the temple can be viewed from the river's eastern banks. Pashupatinath is also Nepal's most important cremation site. Ashes from cremations are swept into the river which flows down to the holy River Ganges.
Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel
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Day 2 Kathmandu
Today we explore Kathmandu further. Our first stop is the spice market and bustling bazaars of Ason - an atmospheric, noisy area of the city, full of life and activity. We'll continue by rickshaw to Thamel, equally atmospheric and popular with visitors for its bookshops and 'hippy trail' shops. Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most important Buddhist shrines in Nepal, sitting on a hillock surrounded by smaller chatiyas and temples. There will be time here to absorb the atmosphere and smells from incense sticks. After lunch, we'll continue to Patan (also known as Lalitpur), home to the Kathmandu Valley's finest craftsmen and noted for its fine arts and cultural heritage. In the heart of Patan sits Patan Durbar Square, filled with ancient pagodas, the Palace of the Malla Kings, statues and engravings
Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel
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Day 3 Kathmandu-Pokhara
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the onward flight to Pokhara, a jewel in the Himalayas. There's time to relax on arrival and enjoy the fine views of snowy peaks and serene lakes. The air is refreshing and restorative. This evening, we'll go boating on Phewa Taal, Nepal's second largest lake, and explore the Barahi Temple situated on a small island on the lake. Our home in Pokhara is the The Pavilions Himalayas, a boutique villa resort, nestled in the valley.
Overnight: Pavilions Himalayas
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Day 4 Pokhara-Jomson
After breakfast, join your helicopter for a scenic flight to Jomson where you'll check in to Om's House. Upon arrival there's time to explore at leisure.
Overnight: Om's House
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Day 5 Jomson-Lo Manthang
After breakfast, continue by private helicopter to the mystical kingdom of Lo-manthang, a walled city dating back to the 14th century and capital of Mustang. There will be time this afternoon to explore some of the villages of the valley, including Tingkhar - the site of the raja's summer palace - Kimlung and the Namgyal Gompa, which houses some religious Tibetan art. Your hotel is as much a social enterprise as a resort, providing employment in a region beset by emigration. It opened in 2017 and resembles a Tibetan monastery, filled with Buddhist motifs. The views are stunning and the food and wine, given the remoteness of the location, are remarkable. Fixed menus are usually offered, based on the hotel's organic garden and local produce.
Overnight: Royal Mustang Resort
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Day 6 Lo-manthang
A day to explore Lo-manthang and learn about lifestyle and culture in this remote of locations. Explore the four major temples and the Four Storied Durbar.
Overnight: Royal Mustang Resort
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Day 7 Lo-manthang-Pokhara
We'll head back to Pokhara this morning, flying via Annapurna Base Camp to enjoy awe-inspiring 360 degree views of snow-capped mountains such as Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchare.
Overnight: Pavilions Himalayas
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Day 8 Pokhara-Kathmandu and Everest
Rejoin your helicopter for the onward journey to Kathmandu, where you'll refuel and welcome an Everest Summiteer before taking off for a scenic flight to Everest. The views along the valleys of the Khumba region, surrounded by Himalayan peaks is a once in a lifetime experience. There will be time to land and take photographs, as well as enjoy anecdotes by the Everest Summiteer on the thrills and dangers of conquering this iconic peak. Continue to Dwarika's Dhulikhel Resort in the Pachkhal Valley 45 minutes from Kathmandu. Dhulikhel is a traditional Newari settlement, with fine old houses, narrow cobbled streets, Hindu shrines and Buddhist temples. It's a peaceful place to end your time in Nepal and a beautiful vantage point for incredible sunrises and sunsets.
Overnight: Dwarika's Resort
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Day 9 Dhulikhel
A full day to relax at Dwarika's Resort. Enjoy wellbeing treatments and yoga or meditation in blissful surroundings. Try your hand at pottery, painting or local cookery, or go for a long mountain walk to enjoy the fresh air of the Himalayas.
Overnight: Dwarika's Resort
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Day 10 Depart Nepal
Depart by private transfer to the airport at Kathmandu.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Mid season | £ 19,685 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary. Bed and breakfast basis at Dwarika's Hotel, Pavilions Himalayas, Royal Mustang Resort, full half board at Dwarika's Resort and full board at Om's House.
- Private assistance at the airport.
- Private transfers throughout.
- Plane transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Private helicopter transfers as detailed in the itinerary.
- Upper Mustang Permit fee.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance, rescue costs or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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