Kathmandu & Pokhara | Activity holidays in Nepal with Authentic Adventures

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is renowned for the gracious ways of the people as much as the breathtaking backdrop of the most famous mountains in the world.

A Himalayan kingdom, the grandeur is apparent in the lavish palaces of Kathmandu, a city of manifest splendour. In rural villages the farming lifestyle is simple; traditional crafts of sun-baked pottery, metalwork and wood carving continue as they have for centuries.

Bhaktapur is one of three royal cities in Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is a national treasure, known as Nepal's Cultural gem, with some of the finest architecture in Nepal in its palaces and temples. Golden Gate is a fine monument of gilded metalwork and the National Art Gallery is housed in a 15th Century palace in Durbar Square.

Bandipur, a silk producing town known for its fine woodwork and elaborate brickwork, was once a prosperous trade centre holding a powerful position on the ancient route between India and Tibet, and silk routes with Asia. High in the foothills of the Himalayas, mid-way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, surrounded by wooded hillsides, it is now a base for nature trails, mountain trekking, exploring lakes and caves. Neoclassical facades speak of Bandipur's past glory. Trading nowadays is at the bazaar perched on a mountain ledge.

The Himalayas are a natural wonder, the breathtaking backdrop to this fascinating culture. Pokhara, further north into the Himalayas, shows the beauty and tranquillity of nature, with lakes, caves, foothills and snow-tipped peaks. Religion, too is closer to nature, worshipping spirits in trees and springs, with temples dedicated to the deities of rain, trees or even ammonite fossils, as an abstract celebration of fertility, fecundity and longevity.

Temples dedicated to Hindu gods, ornate shrines and pagodas adorned with wood carvings, and stupas – large domes built to hold to Buddhist relics, are the most evident religious places of worship in Kathmandu and other cities. But religion extends to sacred sites at springs, rivers and unseen rivers reputed to be visible only to holymen. Saddhus are the extreme practitioners of their Hindu religion and their contortion is a tribute to their devotion.

Panauti, 30km from Kathmandu, was a powerful seat with a royal palace. A Newari temple dedicated to Shiva, dated 1294, is the oldest pagoda in Nepal. A shrine at the confluence of two streams, with a third river visible only to sages, is the sacred bathing pilgrimage site of the Mela festival. A sattal pilgrims' house, decorated with frescos depicting scenes from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, is where local elders gather. Along the river is an old Krishna temple and a suspension bridge leading to a 17th century temple shrine dedicated to the patron goddess of Panauti.

Where we stay

We stay in three hotels on this two-centre holiday. We go to great efforts to choose hotels that offer quality, comfort, welcome, attentive service and authenticity, in a wonderful location. Our two main hotels offer five star luxury, and utmost quality, however authenticity can also mean simplicity and so we ask guests to recognise that these holidays are magical because of the places we visit and occasionally, some European facilities may be less readily available, particularly in accommodation far off the beaten track.

Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu (4+2 nights)

The Shanker Hotel is a 100 year old palace, with unmistakable class, situated in the heart of Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu. Facing the Royal Palace, with vast formal gardens and swimming pool, it offers guests a chance to live like royalty. Chandeliers, ornate ceilings, gilded pillars, create an atmosphere of opulence. The grandeur and heritage of the architecture is updated with modern facilities and decor. If the bedrooms are spacious, the dining room and lobby are palatial, reflecting the comforts experienced by the Maharajas and royalty. Bedrooms are luxuriously furnished in calming colour schemes, with deluxe bathrooms and modern facilities available such as wifi internet, and cable movie TV.

Hotel Gaunghar, Bandipur (1 night)

Gaunghar is a small, local run hotel in the beautiful hill town of Bandipur, looking out to the Himalayan foothills. A restored Newari traditional house renovated into a simple and highly authentic hotel it has 15 en suite bedrooms. The architectural style and ambience has been preserved, with balconied storeys built around a courtyard with a fishpond. Food is lovingly prepared with organic local produce.

Temple Tree Resort, Pokhara (5 nights)

Temple Tree Resort has a tranquil lakeside location framed by the foothills of the Himalayas. This luxury resort has gracious bedrooms housed in cottages with en-suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the inner courtyard; set in landscaped gardens with water features and a sacred tree. An outdoor infinity swimming pool offers refreshing respite from the tropical heat, a jacuzzi invigorates after a climb into the hills, while the spa offers mudpack and aromatic oil massage treatments with essence of Himalayan flowers to soothe the mind and muscles.