Nepal in Style with Helicopters

Begin your journey in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met off the plane and escorted through the airport with VIP arrival service. A private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Spend the afternoon strolling around Durbar Square in the old city, which acts as a historic record of four kingdoms, sporting architecture from each reign. Here you’ll see the Kumari Living Goddess Palace - the residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju. You’ll also visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century. After summiting its 365 steep steps, explore the complex while also keeping an eye on the rascal monkeys that call the temple home.

Today will be a day of more sightseeing in the capital. Begin with a visit to the Patan Durbar Square and Museum. Located 3 miles from Kathmandu, Patan is 1 of 3 holy cities in the valley and is believed to have been established in the 3rd century BC. Here you will find an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The rest of today is dedicated to Kathmandu's prominent holy sites, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At Pashupatinath temple, make your way to the ghats that line the river. Local Hindus cremate their dead at these burning ghats and the ashes are carried away by the water. From an observation area, you may observe the ceremony rituals. Around the temple, you will also see the Sadhus, colorfully decorated holy men who subsist on alms.

After a short flight to Nepalgunj, you’ll be transferred to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge on the edge of Bardia National Park, one of the largest protected areas in all of Nepal. After lunch and a briefing from the lodge’s on-site naturalist, enjoy some of the many wildlife activities that are on offer such as an ethical elephant experience.

Today, you’ll spend the morning exploring Bardia National Park: enjoy a jeep safari where you may encounter rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, and over 400 different bird species, or if you want to stretch your legs a bit, a village walk with birding where you can see how the local people of Bardia live and have an opportunity to see many different kinds of birds including rare species. After lunch, join in a river safari activity cruising down the Karnali River keeping your eyes peeled for the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh Mugger. Finish of the evening with a sundower drink as you observe the fishermen returning with their daily catch and deer emerging to graze at the grassy banks at dusk.

After breakfast you’ll drive back to Nepalgunj to board a flight to Pokhara, a laid-back charming city built around Phewa Lake and gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. En route to your hotel you may choose to take a leisurely stroll around the lakeside before checking in. Once settled into your hotel you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Begin your day with an early morning flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival your BENSLEY guide will escort you to Shinta Mani Mustang. At 2,800m, the resort is among the few places in Nepal where giant Himalayan peaks can be admired at such close proximity. Take this day to adjust to the high altitude. Unwind and rejuvenate with some pampering in the resort’s spa or enjoy the resort’s serene surroundings which offer the perfect opportunity for a leisurely walk, enjoying the magnificent views and discovering the facilities the resort has to offer. Depending on your energy level, hike and/or drive to Marpha, stopping to visit monasteries and points of interest with a Thakali cuisine lunch where you will meet the proprietor who is a well-known Thakali chef.

After breakfast take a 1-hour drive to the historical Tibetan village of Jharkot where you will embark on a hike into the valley, through ancient orchards, crossing suspension bridges and ascending the opposite side to ancient Jhong village. Tour a traditional home and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by the Shinta Mani culinary team at the monastery, set against the backdrop of 360-degree breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and majestic mountains. After the meal, choose between an exhilarating mountain biking adventure down a less traveled trail or a comfortable jeep ride towards Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Here, visit the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, an important Buddhist site, attracting visitors interested in Buddhism and its teachings. This day blends history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty, providing an immersive experience of the Nepal countryside. If you seek an even more enriching cultural experience, you can include an optional tour of the revered Muktinath Hindu pilgrimage site (requiring a 2-hour earlier departure from the hotel). The highlight of the Muktinath visit is the sacred 108 fountains, also known as Mukti Dhara. According to Hindu belief, bathing in these fountains washes away one’s sins and brings salvation. Hence, we recommend bringing your bathing suit to partake in this unique spiritual ritual.

Spend the day trekking to the beautiful Chhyama Lake, an alpine glacial lake at the base of Nilgiri Himal. The Nilgiri Himal is a range of three peaks in the Annapurna massif in Nepal. It is composed of Nilgiri North (7061 m), Nilgiri Central (6940 m), and Nilgiri South (6839 m). Once at the lake your guide will prepare a proper “alpine backpacking lunch”. On the return to the lodge you will stop for a walking tour of Thini Village, renowned for its traditional architecture, which showcases the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali influences found in the Mustang region. The village is characterized by stone houses with flat roofs, intricately carved wooden windows and doors, and white-washed walls.. From here you can choose to trek back to the lodge on foot or go by car.

Today you’ll further explore the Jomsom Valley, journeying through carefully selected sites based on conditions for an optimal outdoor experience. Traverse rugged landscapes, cross streams, and navigate forests, while admiring the breathtaking views of the snowcapped Himalaya and lush surroundings. You’ll have many opportunities to stop at vantage points that capture the panoramic views of this landscape. Midway through the trek, pause for a mountaineer-inspired picnic to rest and refuel amidst the valley’s beauty. Enjoy high-energy foods, a glass of chilled Rosé, and the unique experience of dining in the wilderness. Continue your exploration post-lunch, concluding your trek back at the starting point. Return to the lodge for leisure time.

After an early breakfast you will depart on your flight onward to Pokhara, connecting back to Kathmandu where you will continue on to the countryside of Kathmandu Valley to visit the ancient city of Bhakpatur. Wander around its Durbar Square and admire the remarkable medieval architecture, exquisite woodcarvings and metal craft. Centuries old festivals are still celebrated in the square, keeping the old city vibrant while preserving traditional customs. A large number of women in Bhaktapur can be seen wearing their traditional Newari attire in black and red. After your visit return to Kathmandu for leisure time at your hotel.

After breakfast you’ll head to the airport where you will take a private helicopter ride to Phaplu, an approximate 1-hour flight time with sensational mountain views. You’ll check-in at the Happy House, unofficially named by Sir Edmund Hillary, who lived in the building during his annual visits to Nepal between 1974 and 2001. Enjoy lunch al fresco in their sere gardens, followed by an easy walk around the nearby village or massage session with the in-house masseuse/therapist. In the evening settle in for a dinner which showcases traditional Sherpa cuisine.

Begin your day with an in-house optional yoga class. After breakfast you’ll visit the Chiwong Monastery. The 10-mile roundtrip hike will give you the opportunity to connect with nature as you walk through forests blooming with flowers and plants, farmlands, and local settlements. Built in 1918 by Sange Lama, the monastery sits atop an impressive rock face looking south toward the valley of Phaplu and beyond. Enjoy a lunch and light meditation session with the monks who live here. You’ll have the option to return to the Happy House via mountain bike or vehicle transfer.

After an optional morning yoga session, enjoy your breakfast in the garden. Follow the meal with a 3-hour walk up to Ratnange ridge (3,200m.) a moderate hike in which you will ascend about 700 meters. The climb will reward you with the sweeping views of Everest and other Himalayan giants (weather permitting) from the ridge. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the ridge taking in the impressive views. On the return you will have the choice between descending via a mountain bike or a vehicle transfer back to Happy House.

Bid goodbye to Happy House as you take a helicopter flight for a thrilling EBC (Everest Base Camp) Helicopter trip from Phaplu. You will overly the Everest Base Camp and have a short stop at Kala Patthar (weather permitting) to facilitate a brief photographic opportunity,  continuing on to Kongde Lodge by MLN (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)-one of the highest lodges in the world at 13,943 feet. At the lodge, a sumptuous breakfast will be laid out and served by Sherpa staff. As you enjoy your meal you will be able to marvel at the panoramic views of the Himalayas with the unmistakable pyramid tip of Mt. Everest at its glory. Apart from Everest, you will also be rewarded with the inspiring views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho-Oyo and AmaDablam along with a vantage of the spectacular Khumbu valley. After breakfast, fly back to Lukla and then proceed to Kathmandu. After checking in to your hotel you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Go for a quiet morning walk or sunrise on a hilltop before breakfast, if you wish. The morning is yours to spend at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.