Himalayas, Helicopters and Culture: A Private Tour of Nepal

Spend your days in this fascinating city exploring cultural landmarks such as the 18th century Kumari Ghar Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Square. You have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here. If you would like us to organise your time here with a privately-guided tour, according your interests, we can do so.

Your private guide will take you to two impressive Nepalese sights: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. The stunning half dome of Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest in the world. Your fascinating guided tour which will teach you about modern Buddhist life in Kathmandu. You may have the opportunity to light butter lamps while here. Then explore the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath. One of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion, Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism.

Nepalese cuisine is a blend of Indian and Tibetan influences and is simple, subtle and satisfying. Enjoy a traditional Nepali-themed dinner and get to know Nepalese flavours.

Early this morning you'll be transferred to Kathmandu's domestic airport to board your private helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over the Himalayas, soaring above gorges, glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of this majestic mountain range. The helicopter will make a stop at a selected location, allowing you to enjoy, photograph and savour the breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the majestic peaks that surround it.

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3km towards the western edge of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and the most sacred Buddhist shrines in Nepal. Legend has it that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the centre of the lake. When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Thus Swayambhunath is also known as a self-created stupa.

Durbar means ‘palace’ and takes its name from the old Royal Palace. The square is in fact the plaza in front of the old royal palace and is surrounded with the spectacular elaborately-carved wooden architecture of Newar artists.

Board your helicopter for a flight deep into the Himalayas. Flying from Kathmandu, westwards along the Himalayan Range, you will pass by four of the world’s fourteen giant mountains over 8000m; Daulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu and Shishapangma. Then fly through the deepest gorge in the world, following the Kali Gandaki River with two towering peaks either side. The gorge is lush and green and in almost no time at all you emerge on the northern side of the Himalayan Range and step out into the high altitude desert (normally associated with Tibet) in Kagbeni which is spectacularly situated atop a cliff overlooking the Kali Gandaki river.

Spend your time in this charming area of the Himalayas enjoying the stunning mountain scenery and lush landscape. Visit Lo-Manthang, the capital of the Tibetan lost valley city of Mustang, and the home of the region's king. Manang, a string of seven villages, is also worth seeing for its stunning turquoise lakes alone.

Meet your helicopter for today’s unforgettable excursion north to the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang in the restricted area of Upper Mustang.

Today you will visit the medieval city of Lo Manthang and some of the surrounding villages. See the four major temples which are known as the Gompas and are set within the fascinating old city; learn about the incredible restoration effort going on here to preserve these precious relics of a lost age. Then learn about the life and culture of the Lo-pa (the people of Lo, many of whom practice polyandry). King Jigme Palbar Bista, called ‘Lo Gyelbu’ by the local people, resides at his four-storied palace inside the city walls and nowadays plays a somewhat ceremonial role, although he is well loved and respected throughout Mustang.

This morning bid farewell to the arid landscape and Buddhist culture of the high Himalayas and step into your helicopter for a blast down the mountain to the charming lakeside town of Pokhara. Before heading to your hotel, you will visit Annupurna Base Camp which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Spend your time in this charming lakeside town making the most of the activities provided by your lodge. The stunning Himalayan scenery and lush landscape are perfect for hiking and exploring. And there are ancient monuments nearby to discover.

Spend your days discovering the rich wildlife of Chitwan National Park. Delve deep into the jungle on exciting treks, canoe tours and jeep safaris. Our expert travel designers can arrange an array of tailor-made tours for your time here.

Apon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll visit Bhaktapur before continuing to Dhulikhel. Bhaktapur lies on the Arniko Highway that connects Kathmandu to the Chinese border and has remained untouched by rapid urbanisation with its brick-paved roads, charming red brick houses and traditional way of life. The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived. Visit the Nyatapola Temple that towers above the city’s landscape, the Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to the God of Terror, and the Golden Gate, the entrance to the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. You can also stroll around Taumadhi Tole, a short street lined with shops and shop for pottery, something the town is famous for. Bhaktapur was one of the most affected areas of the April 2015 earthquake and renovation is currently under process. You can also try your hand ay pottery and make a customised pot which you can take home as a souvenir.

Spend your time at Dwarika's Resort enjoying the wonderful facilities and activites on offer. You'll enjoy use of the Himalayan salt room, chakra sound therapy chamber, swimming pool and fitness centre. You can also take part in yoga and meditation sessions or choose to get creative with pottery and painting classes.

Today you may choose to hike to Namo Buddha, or spend the afternoon enjoying some of the activities offered at your lodge. Located on a slightly elevated land, glistened with distant snowcapped mountains, adorned with fluttering prayer flags Namo Buddha is a sanctuary of peace and harmony. For centuries Namo Buddha has drawn pilgrims to the sacred spot where legend has it that the Great Being, an early incarnation of Lord Buddha while on a walk through the dense forest came across a starving tigress and her five cubs. The tigress was so weak that she was unable to feed herself or her cubs. The Great Being was tormented at the sight of a mother unable to feed her children. Hence, out of sheer generosity, the Great Being sacrificed his own flesh to feed the starving tigress and her cubs.

The ancient stupa of Namo Buddha is where the remains of the Great Being after his sacrifice are buried. Today, this site has become a special place to accumulate merit through activities of circumambulation and making offerings. People from all over the world visit the site to pay homage to the Great Being and make traditional offerings of butter lamps. A carved stone slab depicts this Buddhist tale of selfless compassion and sacrifice.