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Luxury Nepal Holidays & Tours

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Holidays to Nepal

A predominately mountainous land guarded to the north by the highest peaks in the world, Nepal is a pocket-sized, landlocked country of uncompromising beauty and staggering natural diversity.

Undeniably, one of the main attractions for visitors is Nepal’s spectacular high-altitude mountain scenery, however, this small nation is exceptionally diverse, both culturally and environmentally, rewarding those able to fully explore all it h...

Undeniably, one of the main attractions for visitors is Nepal’s spectacular high-altitude mountain scenery, however, this small nation is exceptionally diverse, both culturally and environmentally, rewarding those able to fully explore all it has to offer. Capital Kathmandu, as beguiling as any of the subcontinent’s principal cities, is a bustling treasure-trove of ancient temples, religious shrines and grand palaces. It also serves as a base from which to visit the charming medieval towns of Bhaktapur and Patan. Set in the Kathmandu Valley, both boast a fine assortment of palaces, temples and historic buildings whilst retaining age-old cultural traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries.

To the west of Kathmandu, few places can claim such a perfect setting as the lakeside town of Pokhara where the towering snow-capped Himalayas form a dramatic backdrop to a host of outdoor activities including some of the world's finest walking and trekking.

The low-lying southern regions of the country, mostly comprising of what is known as the eastern and western terai, have an appearance significantly different to the mountains of the north. Here thick riverine forest, open grassland, marshy subtropical jungle and lush wetlands harbour much of Nepal’s biodiversity and are rich in wildlife including the one horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile and elusive Bengal tiger. Pettitts Travel have led the way in designing tailor-made holidays and tours to Nepal for over 35 years.

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Places to visit in Nepal

Nestled between the high Himalayas and the plains of India, Nepal’s diversity and range of habitats belies its size. Kathmandu, and the immediate region surrounding the capital, are home to Nepal’s most important archaeological and historical structures. Kathmandu itself is a treasure-trove of significant religious sites including the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, the Lamaist shrine of Bodhnath and the Hindu cremation ghats of Pashupatinath. The neighbouring Kathmandu Valley has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Bhaktapur, the temple of Changu Narayan and Patan with its long-established artistic community.

To the west is the picturesque Newari town of Bandipur and, further still, lies Pokhara – starting point for lodge treks in the shadow of the Annapurna massif. Nepal is also rightly famed for its world-class wildlife. The national parks of Chitwan and Bardia support one-horned rhinoceros, tiger and leopard and Koshi Tappu is a leading birdwatching reserve.

Booking with Pettitts Travel
1

Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.

2

Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.

3

On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.

4

Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.

We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.

Meet our Nepal Travel Consultants

Steven
Managing Director
Katie
Senior Travel Consultant
Paul
Senior Travel Consultant

Your holiday to Nepal

Tucked neatly between the Himalayas and the plains of northern India, in many ways Nepal typifies the Indian subcontinent by managing, in a relatively small area, to offer a whole host of different landscapes and experiences to meet almost any interest. Pettitts Travel have been arranging tailor-made holidays to Nepal for more than three decades, specialising in designing journeys predominately focused on the cultural and wildlife highlights of the country. A range of Nepal itineraries are featured on our website. These have been designed to showcase both the very best Nepal has to offer and also to demonstrate how particular routings work. All of our Nepal holidays include hotels or lodges, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees. During your holiday you will ha...

Tucked neatly between the Himalayas and the plains of northern India, in many ways Nepal typifies the Indian subcontinent by managing, in a relatively small area, to offer a whole host of different landscapes and experiences to meet almost any interest. Pettitts Travel have been arranging tailor-made holidays to Nepal for more than three decades, specialising in designing journeys predominately focused on the cultural and wildlife highlights of the country. A range of Nepal itineraries are featured on our website. These have been designed to showcase both the very best Nepal has to offer and also to demonstrate how particular routings work. All of our Nepal holidays include hotels or lodges, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees. During your holiday you will have at your disposal a private car and driver throughout as well as local English-speaking guides or naturalists when visiting national parks. Additionally, you will also have the support from both our UK office and our partners on the ground in Nepal.

When considering a holiday to Nepal, initially we would recommend looking at the itineraries that are featured on our website. These are a good starting point as they not only combine a range of different ideas, routings and themes but serve as a foundation to a tailored trip which additionally incorporates any specific interests or requirements. Images of Nepal is a classic introduction to Nepal. Featuring Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park it is ideal for a first-time visit to the country. For returning travellers, Journey through Nepal additionally includes the mountain town of Bandipur and little-visited reserve of Bardia. Those with limited time could also incorporate the Nepalese capital with any tour of northern India and The Kathmandu Valley shows how this can be done. The Nature and Wildlife of Nepal connects Nepal’s finest nature reserves whilst Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek utilises the excellent and comfortable Annapurna lodges of Ker and Downey. For those wishing to explore the wider Himalayan region, it is possible to combine Nepal with the neighbouring Indian state of Sikkim or even the remote mountain kingdom of Bhutan.

Ama Dablam near Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Wildlife in Nepal

A key highlight of a holiday to Nepal is the range and diversity of its wildlife and most visitors try to incorporate a visit to at least one of the country’s excellent reserves. Chitwan, the country’s leading national park, is easy to combine with Kathmandu. Home to rhinoceros, leopard and elephant, sloth bear and reptiles including gharial crocodile, Chitwan is also Nepal’s oldest reserve. Located close to the Indian border in western Nepal, Bardia National Park is harder to reach, less developed and covers a wide range of habitats. This, in turn, supports a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, tiger, leopard, rhinoceros and dolphin as well as hundreds of different bird species. Koshi Tappu is arguably the least well-known of Nepal’s main wildlife reserves. Set in the eastern terai, it is best known for its birdlife. Here the marshland and mudflats provide refuge to over 450 different species of bird including waders, waterfowl and birds of prey as well as mugger crocodile, turtle and gangetic dolphin.

Elephants in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Where to go in Nepal

From the cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley and ancient archaeological remains to vast wildlife reserves and the outdoor pursuits of Pokhara, there are a whole host of different things to see and do in Nepal. Explore capital Kathmandu, highlights being the stupas of Swayambhunath and Bodhnath as well as the revered Pashupatinath temple complex, then head outside of the city to visit the historic towns of Bhaktapur and Patan and the UNESCO protected temple of Changu Narayan. Head west to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara which is the entry point to the hiking trails of the spectacular Annapurna foothills or visit the revered pilgrimage site of Lumbini which is widely believed to have been the birthplace of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Wildlife enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in Nepal. The national parks of Chitwan and Bardia support an incredible diversity of animal life including tiger, rhinoceros and elephant whilst the lesser-visited reserve of Koshi Tappu is renowned for the range and variety of its birdlife.

Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal
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Speak to a Nepal Travel Consultant

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

The best time to visit Nepal is either during the autumn months of September, October and November or in the spring between February and April. For clear skies and superb mountain views autumn is the best time to travel. For warmer weather and for witnessing the emergent wildflowers, travel during spring is recommended. This is also an excellent time for wildlife viewing. Winters can be cold, especially in the hills, whilst summer heralds the arrival of monsoon rains.

Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

Visas are required for UK citizens visiting Nepal. They can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or arranged in advance of travel.

How long is the flight to Nepal from the UK?

There are no direct flights between Nepal and the UK. The most convenient locations for connecting flights are the Middle East or India with flights taking approximately 12 hours.

Are vaccinations required for travel to Nepal?

We recommend consulting your doctor who will be best placed to advise you on vaccinations for Nepal. Recommended vaccinations for Nepal include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria whilst anti-malarial medication may also need to be considered.

What should I wear when travelling in Nepal?

Loose clothing worn in layers is recommended year-round. From October through to the start of spring a sweater or fleece as well as a jacket is also suggested as, once the sun sets, evenings can be cold. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support are ideal for sightseeing and simple day walks.

How many days should I spend in Nepal?

There is plenty to see and do in Nepal and, depending on the places that are of most interest to you, it is possible to see Nepal’s main cultural sites in around 7 days. If you wish to visit a national park and experience the Himalayan foothills 10 to 14 days is recommended.

What currency is used in Nepal?

The Nepali Rupee is the official currency of Nepal. Major credit cards are accepted in all main tourist centres and ATM machines can be found in the majority of large towns and cities.

What languages are spoken in Nepal?

Nepali is the official language of Nepal, however, English is widely understood and spoken throughout the country and particularly in places frequented by foreign tourists.

Book with confidence with Pettitts Travel

We are here to take the stress out of your holiday, to provide you with impartial well-informed advice and assist you in navigating regulations and guidelines to ensure your trip goes as planned.
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