Walking & Wellness in the Himalayas

Depart the UK by catching your overnight flight to Nepal.

Once you feel rested after your flight, ease gently into Nepali life with some traditional relaxing experiences. Visit the AVATA wellness centre for a soothing soundbath session – where traditional singing bowls are used to help release stress and alleviate any lingering tension – followed by a nourishing meal at the vegetarian restaurant.

You’ll also have the chance to explore one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas and a holy Hindu temple. Accompanied by a local Sadhu, you’ll delve into the spiritual significance of these sacred sites through a very special interactive session.

This morning, jump in the car and your driver to take you to the small town of Pharping: a Buddhist pilgrimage site, perched above the Bagmati River on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley (around 1 hour’s drive away). As you climb out of the valley on winding roads, you’ll pass through farmland and forests and drink in phenomenal panoramas. Arrive at your next hotel, Neydo Monastery Hotel and enjoy the views framed by fluttering prayer flags.

In the afternoon, you'll become properly immersed in the spiritual side of Nepal by taking part in a Buddhist blessing ceremony. This will be performed by a Lama – a spiritual guide or teacher. It’s a particularly evocative experience.

Be an early bird and start your day with yoga and meditation.

After a spot of breakfast, it's time to hit the road to Nagarkot (a 1.5-hour journey). On arrival, your friendly host family will greet you with open arms and welcome you into their home.

You’ll get a genuine taste of local life in this rural idyll, far away from the tourist trail. Slot  into daily life in this lovely community: whether cooking up a storm, hiking through the forests and waterfalls surrounding you, or rolling up your sleeves to help on the farm, you’ll be living like a local. You’ll also have a chance to visit one of the lesser-visited UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu Valley: the ancient hilltop temple of Changu Narayan. This temple can be reached via an invigorating 14-kilometre hike (around 4 hours, depending on your pace). En route, you’ll pass other age-old temples and be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley and city below.

Today, it's time to head back to Kathmandu airport for a quick flight to Pokhara (or, if you prefer, your driven can take you by road, instead).

You’ll be whisked away to the peaceful Purna Yoga Centre (around 1 hour’s drive away). Here, you’ve got two blissful days to take part in whatever wellness activities you fancy. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, there’s a class for every level. And it’s not just yoga – there’s a great range of holistic wellness classes to explore, each designed to refresh both body and mind, like sound healing, cooking courses, and guided walks. You’ll love the scenic surroundings: whether you choose to unwind with a peaceful stroll or simply sit back and soak up the views, you’re in for a treat.

For the next leg of your trip, it’s on to the gorgeous Tiger Mountain Lodge (just a 40-minute drive away). This lodge, perched high on a hilltop, offers a more luxurious hotel experience with the added bonus of incredible views – especially on a clear day.

There’s plenty to keep you busy here: enjoy day hikes through the Annapurna's or spot birds and butterflies with the help of knowledgeable guides. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go paragliding or take a micro-light flight and soak up the majestic mountain valley from a bird’s eye view. Simply spectacular. And if you fancy a bit of culture or a round of golf, Pokhara’s sites, museums, and golf courses are just an hour away – though be prepared for a bumpy ride down the hill to get there.

Tiger Mountain Lodge is also ideal for a dose of R&R: the spa here offers soothing Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapies, along with more yoga and meditation. Bliss.

Hop on a short flight back to Kathmandu for your final full day of discovery.

Stroll through the lively Asan Bazar, where the city comes alive with vibrant colours, bustling stalls, and the hum of daily life. From here, make your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, an area of temples, palaces, and courtyards that tell the story of the city’s rich history.

Next, head up to the renowned Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop with incredible panoramic views over Kathmandu: a perfect spot to reflect on your journey.

Finally, end your day at Patan Durbar Square, where you can admire the exquisite Newari architecture and soak in the atmosphere of this cultural gem.

Wave goodbye to Nepal and catch your flight back to the UK.