Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: breathtaking himalayan kingdom of nepal tour at Singapore

Welcome to Nepal, the country of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu, the capital, which lies in a circular valley surrounded by a crown of forested hills, south of the Great Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,921 feet (about 1,500 metres). Successive dynasties have left their mark in the stupendous palaces, temples, sculptures, and carvings found throughout the Kathmandu Valley, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your seven-day journey to Nepal, experience the cultural, historic, and unmistakably beautiful treasures of this fascinating nation in unique and exciting new ways. In Chitwan National Park, embark on a scenic canoe safari with sundowners, an elephant-back safari, and Jeep safari with bonnet breakfast, and visit a traditional Tharu village. Explore Patan City, Kathmandu, Bhakpatur, and Swayambhunath, a world-renowned, 2,000-year-old Buddhist Stupa. Drive through Lutyen's Delhi and visit Humayan's Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight of your journey is an exhilarating, awe-inspiring helicopter flight-seeing tour over Mount Everest and the Himalayan range, with a stop for a champagne breakfast with exquisite views at one of the world's highest resorts.

07MIDSIN-A: Breathtaking Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights

Departs from: Singapore

Re-join ship: Chennai

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Land Adventure is a small group tour, providing bespoke cultural and sightseeing experiences. We limit the tour to a small group in order to ensure your experience is a high-quality one. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. If the program fills up, you'll be accommodated on a space-available basis. Advanced booking is required at least 90 days prior to sailing date via Silversea Reservations. We suggest booking early to secure your spot(s).

Please be advised that a minimum number of participants is required for this program to run as described. In rare cases when the minimum number of participants is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at an increased rate based on private arrangements or to cancel your specific departure for a refund. The self-cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, is 90 days or sooner to initial sailing date at the rate of 100% program fare per person. The payment for your Land Adventure is due in full on the same date as your final payment due for your cruise. Per Silversea's general payment terms, bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 120 days of sailing, with the exception of cancellation by Silversea. Our family-friendly land programs require adult accompaniment of any guests under the age of 18. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Silversea and our local operators make every effort to ensure your land program runs as described. Our local operators reserve the right to modify tour sequence, sites visited and venues mentioned due to operational reasons.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Nepal and India. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee; however, Indian Rupees (INR), Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Experience the unmistakable beauty, culture, and history of Kathmandu in unique and exciting new ways during this unforgettable, seven-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE - Saturday, March 4, 2023 - Singapore/Kathmandu

Disembark the ship and transfer to Singapore Airport for your flight to Kathmandu

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Singapore Airport for check-in and your local operator-arranged, approximately five-hour, 30-minute evening Singapore Airlines flight (#SQ 442), departing at approximately 6:55 p.m. and arriving in Kathmandu at approximately 10:10 p.m., with dinner served in-flight.

Welcome to beautiful Nepal, home of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth

Welcome to the nation of Nepal. Situated between India and Tibet, Nepal is home to a diverse geography featuring fertile plains, sub-alpine, forested hills, and eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies in a circular valley surrounded by a crown of forested hills

The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu, the capital city. Kathmandu lies in a circular valley surrounded by a crown of forest covered hills, south of the Great Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 4,921 feet (about 1,500 metres). Successive dynasties have left their mark in the spectacular palaces, temples, sculptures, and carvings found throughout the valley.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to Dwarika's Hotel for check-in and the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Discover a woodworking collection dating from the golden era of artistic creation at Dwarika's Hotel

Your overnight stay this evening is at the unique, architecturally resplendent Dwarika's Hotel. Much of the hotel's collection of woodwork dates back to the golden era of artistic creation in Nepalese history, from the 12th century A.D. to the 18th century A.D., thus preserving the cultural legacy that has defined Kathmandu.

Overnight accommodations in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu

DAY TWO - Sunday, March 5, 2023 - Kathmandu/Bharatpur/Chitwan National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight to Bharatpur

Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 20-minute morning Yeti Airlines flight (#YT 173), departing at approximately 10:30 a.m. and arriving in Bharatpur at approximately 10:50 a.m.

Upon arrival at Bharatpur, meet your guide and depart for the scenic drive to Chitwan National Park

Upon arrival at Bharatpur Airport, depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Chitwan National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once inside the park, proceed to the beautiful Meghauli Serai Resort

Your base for exploring the wild side of this 'Shangri-La of the East' is the beautiful Meghauli Serai, perched on the edge of the Rapti River and overlooking the magnificent Himalayas. This resort showcases the spectacular wilderness surrounding it, with breath-taking views in all directions.

After lunch and check-in at the resort, relax with some free time at leisure

Upon arrival at the Meghauli Serai, proceed for lunch and check-in, along with some free time at leisure.

This afternoon, take a panoramic canoe safari with sundowners along the scenic Rapti River

This afternoon, meet your guide and head to the Rapti River. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions, embark your awaiting wooden oar-boat and begin your guided canoe safari. Canoeing these pristine waters is the ideal way to experience the unique eco-system surrounding the rivers and floodplains. Whilst expert oarsmen manoeuvre your wooden oar-boat, float down this picturesque river. Along the way, take in exquisite views of the Himalayan foothills and learn about your surrounds from your naturalist guide. Look for mugger crocodiles and the unusual gharials (endemic to the Indian subcontinent) basking on banks, as well as storks, ducks, kingfishers, otters, turtles, and, if lucky, even a fishing cat. Following your canoe safari, sundowners are served before transferring back to the resort.

Dinner is at the resort.

Overnight accommodations in a Meghauli Room at the Meghauli Serai Resort - Chitwan National Park

DAY THREE - Monday, March 6, 2023 - Chitwan National Park

After an early-morning wake-up call, meet your guide and depart for a Jeep safari

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your ranger-guide and depart for an early-morning Jeep safari into the jungle, the best opportunity for spotting these creatures of the wild. Chitwan National Park is famous for its success in conservation of the rare and endangered greater, one-horned rhinoceros. Indeed, this is one of the best places to spot this magnificent creature.

Search for rhinos, tigers, leopards, elephants, and other abundant and diverse wildlife species

From about 3,000 animals of the species remaining in the wild, 605 are endemic to Chitwan and excellent photo opportunities abound here. Meet the magnificent rhinoceros and a host of other creatures, including majestic Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, foxes, elephants, and more.

A sumptuous breakfast is set up on the safari vehicle bonnet, and served deep in the jungle

During your Jeep safari, a sumptuous breakfast is set up on the safari vehicle bonnet and served deep in the jungle. After breakfast, transfer back to the resort, where the balance of the morning is at leisure.

After lunch at the hotel, take a guided walking tour through Meghauli, a traditional Tharu village

After lunch at the hotel, some additional free time is made available before meeting your guide and departing for a stroll through a traditional Tharu village.

See the local village and homes, meet the locals, and observe their way of life

Traditionally a forest-dwelling community, the Tharus inhabit the Himalayan foothills, and are found in the Terai region of Nepal and India. This afternoon, visit Meghauli, a traditional Tharu village, to gain insight into the daily life and culture of the villagers. Living in joint families in a single, large dwelling, village homes are usually made of bamboo plastered with mud and decorated with colourful hand paintings. Isolated for decades, the community lived off the forest. Today, its dwellers are now into agriculture, fishing, and cattle-rearing.

Sample different Tharu specialities and spirits

The distinctive Tharu cuisine features dishes like duck curry, sticky rice, spicy snails, and a popular, rice-based alcoholic drink, 'raksi', often likened to the Japanese 'sake'. To complement your village experience, you are invited for a tasting of some of these local specialities during your visit. Following your village tour, transfer back to the resort.

Dinner is at the resort.

Overnight accommodations in a Meghauli Room at the Meghauli Serai Resort - Chitwan National Park

DAY FOUR - Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - Chitwan National Park/Bharatpur/Kathmandu

Depart for an early-morning, elephant-back safari

After an early-morning wake-up call, meet your guide and set off on another safari, this time on elephant-back. Take in spectacular panoramic views of your surrounds whilst your gentle pachyderm navigates deftly through the elephant grass; some of the tallest grass in the world, it can grow up to approximately 13 feet (about four metres). Following your elephant-back safari, transfer back to the resort.

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Bharatpur Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Bharatpur Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately 20-minute morning Yeti Airlines flight (#YT 174), departing at approximately 11:10 a.m. and arriving in Bharatpur at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Upon arrival at Bharatpur, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for lunch

Upon arrival in Bharatpur, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for lunch.

After lunch, take a guided walking tour of Patan City and visit the Patan Museum

After lunch, take a guided walking tour of the Patan Museum, followed by Patan City. One of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world, Patan is also known as Lalitpur, the 'City of Fine Arts'. Notable sites to be seen include Durbar Square, Patan Durbar, which houses a bronze collection, and other 16th century temples including the Krishna Temple, which is made of clay bricks engraved with thousands of images of Lord Buddha. Following your tour, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel, where some free time is made available to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu

DAY FIVE - Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - Kathmandu/ Mount Everest/Kathmandu

Depart for a scenic and exhilarating helicopter flight-seeing tour at sunrise

After an early-morning wake-up call, meet your guide and depart for the helipad. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions, then board your chartered helicopter for a scenic and exhilarating helicopter flight-seeing tour at sunrise.

Pass by some of the world's highest and most famous mountain peaks, including Mount Everest's

Following lift-off, fly eastward past some of the world's highest and most famous peaks, including the imposing face of Mount Everest, a hulking rock rising to an elevation of approximately 29,000 feet (about 8,839 metres). The view is absolutely breath-taking, especially with the mountains bathed in the early-morning light.

Touch down at the Yeti Mountain Lodge for breakfast with champagne in an awe-inspiring setting

Your destination is the Yeti Mountain Lodge, one of the world's highest resorts. Ensconced in comfort and overlooking nature's most spectacular panorama, enjoy a hot breakfast served with a glass of champagne in this awe-inspiring setting. After breakfast, re-board your helicopter for the picturesque helicopter-ride back to the helipad, then transfer back to the lodge for some free time at leisure.

After lunch at the lodge, visit Swayambhunath, a world-renowned, 2,000-year-old Buddhist Stupa

After lunch at the lodge, meet your guide and depart for visit to Swayambhunath, a world-renowned, 2,000-year-old Buddhist Stupa and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lofty white dome and glittering golden spire of Swayambhunath are visible for many miles from all sides of the valley. The approach to the Stupa is lined with elevated prayer wheels, which can be rotated in passing whilst making a wish. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Take a guided walking tour through the narrow, yet bustling streets of Kathmandu

Next, explore Kathmandu's narrow streets, ancient wooden palaces, and crowded bazaars, which are always packed with goods of every description and bustling with a population of fascinating diversity.

See Durbar Square, the Temple of Kumari Goddess, God of the Sky Temple, and old Royal Palace

A visit is made to the city's Durbar Square, a meeting place that is very much the centre of Old Kathmandu. During your guided walking tour see a gathering of temples and shrines with intricate carvings. Included are the Temple of Kumari Goddess, the 'Virgin Goddess', three-storied Akash Bhairav (God of the Sky) Temple, and Hanuman Dhoka, the old Royal Palace, which was named after the monkey god. Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu

Please note: Kathmandu is located at an altitude of approximately 4500 feet (about 1,371 metres), an altitude not too high to cause any issues. However, at approximately 13,000 feet (about 3,962 metres), the altitude for the breakfast venue during the helicopter ride is extremely high. As a result, it is advisable for guests with cardiovascular or respiratory problems to consult their doctors regarding suitability. Guests with normal fitness level are also likely to experience some shortness of breath. Each helicopter seats a maximum of three guests. The total passenger weight cannot exceed 881 pounds (about 400 kilograms). Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat is/cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. Due to weight, balance, and safety requirements, it is imperative that accurate weights for all guests, along with all passport details, are forwarded 72 hours prior to flight. If the weights differ to what was sent, guests may be asked to stand on scales; if the difference causes the guest not able to take the flight, there is no refund. Operation of the helicopter flight to Mount Everest is at the discretion of the pilot, and will not operate in bad weather conditions.

DAY SIX - Thursday, March 9, 2023 - Kathmandu

After breakfast, take a guided tour of Bhaktapur, a 9th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a visit to Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur, the 'City of Devotees'. Shaped like a conch shell, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century. Upon arrival, visit its Durbar Square, which features an array of temples and the Palace of 55 Windows.

Return to the hotel for lunch, an afternoon at leisure, and a private, one-hour meditation session

Following your visit, return to your hotel in Kathmandu. After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Early this evening, enjoy a private, one-hour meditation session at the hotel.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu

DAY SEVEN - Friday, March 10, 2023 - Kathmandu/Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Kathmandu Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour, 55-minute morning IndiGo Airlines flight (#6E 46), departing at approximately 10:50 a.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 12:30 p.m., with a snack served in-flight.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and lunch

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel for check-in and lunch.

Take a scenic sightseeing tour of New Delhi

Afterward, meet your guide and depart for an afternoon tour of sightseeing drive through New Delhi. Along the way, drive through 'Lutyen's Delhi'.

Pass through Lutyen's Delhi, and by the War Memorial Arch and Presidential House

Commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931, this magnificently-planned area of Delhi is a combination of British and Indian architecture. From here, travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as the 'India Gate', then drive down Rajpath and past the Presidential House.

Visit the magnificent Humayun's Tomb

Next, a visit is made to Humayun's Tomb, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent monument was built in red sandstone by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. Her design was way ahead of its time, and the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later. Following your tour of New Delhi, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY EIGHT - Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Delhi/Chennai

After an early check-out, transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Chennai

Early this morning, transfer to Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately two-hour, 55-minute morning Air India flight (#AI 429), departing at approximately 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Chennai at approximately 12:40 p.m., with breakfast served in-flight.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at Chennai Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the port of Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 4.9 miles (about 7.9 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, cobblestone, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the airplane and helicopter, five steps at Kathmandu's Durbar Square, 20 steps at Humayun's Tomb, 33 steps at Patan's Durbar Square, 37 steps at Bhaktapur's Durbar Square, 50 steps at the Patan Museum, and 135 steps at Swayambhunath. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Hats and shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Liquids and sharp objects are not permitted in hand luggage; please carry any liquid medicines, along with a copy of your medical prescription. At the time of booking, guests should use their names exactly as they appear on their passports, as the booking of international airline seats is involved. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. For your added safety and protection, please leave jewellery, valuables, and large amounts of cash on board the ship. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum of some temples and stupas. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Guides in Nepal tend to have a strong accent. Photography/videography are prohibited inside the temples. Kathmandu is located at an altitude of approximately 4500 feet (about 1,371 metres), an altitude not too high to cause any issues. However, at approximately 13,000 feet (about 3,962 metres), the altitude for the breakfast venue during the helicopter ride is extremely high. As a result, it is advisable for guests with cardiovascular or respiratory problems to consult their doctors regarding suitability. Guests with normal fitness level are also likely to experience some shortness of breath. Each helicopter seats a maximum of three guests. The total passenger weight cannot exceed 770 pounds (about 350 kilograms). Guests weighing more than 250 pounds (about 110 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as individual safety and comfort, seating is assigned at the pilot's discretion. A window seat is/cannot be guaranteed. The total flight time is approximately 30 minutes; flight times can vary based on flight conditions. Due to weight, balance, and safety requirements, it is imperative that accurate weights for all guests, along with all passport details, are forwarded 72 hours prior to flight. If the weights differ to what was sent, guests may be asked to stand on scales; if the difference causes the guest not able to take the flight, there is no refund. Each helicopter seats a maximum of three guests. Hence, it is recommended to have two guests seated in each, in order to have all couples seated together. In case of seating three guests in each helicopter, we recommend guests are advised of the seating arrangement prior to the start of the tour to avoid complaints. Operation of the helicopter flight to Mount Everest is at the discretion of the pilot and will not operate in bad weather conditions. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Four-night stay in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu
• Two-night stay in a Meghauli Room at the Meghauli Serai Resort - Chitwan National Park
• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• Scheduled flights: Singapore/Kathmandu, Kathmandu-Bharatpur, Bharatpur-Kathmandu, Kathmandu/Delhi, and Delhi/Chennai (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

Participating airlines restrict baggage allowance for international flights to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about 115 centimetres). Participating airlines restrict baggage allowance for IndiGo and domestic flights to one soft luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about 115 centimetres). Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about ten kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 30 pounds (about 13.6 kilograms)

• Seven breakfasts (picnic breakfast and breakfast is provided in-flight on Day 8), six lunches, and seven dinners (one dinner is provided in-flight on Day 1), with drinks included
• Canoe safari with sundowners along the scenic Rapti River - Chitwan National Park
• Jeep safari followed by a bonnet breakfast - Chitwan National Park
• Guided walking tour through the traditional Tharu village of Meghauli - Chitwan National Park
• Elephant-back safari - Chitwan National Park
• Lunch at the Dwarika's hotel
• Tour of Patan City and the Patan City Museum - Patan
• Sunrise flight-seeing tour over Mount Everest - Mount Everest
• Champagne breakfast at the Yeti Mountain Lodge - Mount Everest
• Tours of Kathmandu City, Swayambhunath, and Bhaktapur - Kathmandu
• Private evening meditation session at Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu
• Tour of Humayun's Tomb and Lutyen's Delhi - New Delhi
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

Note