KATHMANDU - This city is situated at 1400m ( 4500 ft ) and is nestled in a fertile valley, ringed by the higher peaks of the Himalayas. Kathmandu has always evoked mystique amongst travellers. Ancient temples, exotic festivals and the blending of the Hindu and Buddhist religions, all complimented with the mighty Himalayas as a backdrop. A walk down the narrow, cobbled streets with overhanging balconies and delicately wrought carved windows, is like taking a stroll back through time.

DHULIKHEL - Situated in the Kathmandu valley and providing a full vista of the Himalayan peaks and the surrounding valley. It is a traditional Newar settlement, with the central square of Narayanthan containing 2 temples.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK - This park is situated in the lowland, fertile region of Nepal, known as the Terai, and is home to a varied animal and birdlife. A full day is spent walking through the jungles, canoeing down the river looking for crocodiles and riding elephants through the grasslands in search of rhino, leopard and the elusive Bengal tiger.

LUMBINI - Siddharta Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in Kapilavastu, near Lumbini, and was the son of the ruler of a small Kingdom. Buddha found his carefree, self indulgant existance dull and began wandering in search of enlightenment. His travels took him to many places in Nepal and northern India.

POKHARA - This small town provides an idyllic setting to begin/finish treks into the popular Annapurna region or to spend time exploring the beautiful surroundings. It is nestled in a tropical valley with a beautiful lake ( swimming, boating and fishing ) and boasts magnificent views of the Himalayas, plenty of shops and restaurants.

BIRETHANTI - This village is only 20 minutes walk from the road and is at the convergance of 2 major trails leading into the Annapurna area of the Himalayas. It is also at the junction of 2 rivers, which have their beginnings high up on the Tibetan plateau. Many donkey trains and porters pass througfh Birethanti carrying goods to/from the higher villages.

TREKKING - Optional and thoroughly recommended if you are physically able to. This is a 3 day moderate trek into the popular Annapurna region and will give participants a taste of what trekking in Nepal is about. Overnight stays will be at trekking lodges in the villages en route. These lodges will provide your own rooms and the shared bathrooms will have solar hot water showers & western toilets!! Trekking guides and porters to carry your luggage will be provided.

For those not trekking, the bikes, vehicles and mechanic are at your disposal and there are many good rides in and around the Pokhara area. It is possible to meet the trekkers at Birethanti and overnight in the trekking lodge if you wish - Birethanti is only an easy 20 min walk from the road along a flat trail and is a great place to experience the mountain life in Nepal.

WHITE WATER RAFTING - Optional, but thoroughly recommended. WWR is a very popular activity in Nepal, with all different grades of rafting available ( rivers are graded from 1 – 6, according to the number, type and size of the rapids ) The Trisuli River WWR has been rated as a 2 - 3, which means that it is quite safe, with no real serious rapids to negotiate.......plus it is great fun!!!! You will arrive at the beginning of the WWR around midday and will be met by the experienced river guide and staff. Helmets, life jackets and safety instructions will be provided, prior to boarding the raft. Once on the river, there will be plenty of opportunity to swim, float and generally have fun in the warm water, before coming to the next rapid – there are about 8 decent rapids to negotiate. After 2 hours of rafting, lunch will be provided by the riverside, followed by a further hour of rafting. At the completion you will return in the vehicle to the starting point to collect the bikes and continue on your way......

If you decide to not do the WWR, you will continue along the road, which actually follows the river. There will be plenty of opportunities to watch the rafters and to also join them for lunch by the river.