Luxury Nepal Itinerary

DNA Pilgrimage: Tracing Ancestors in Nepal

The search for belonging is universal and that is what this Nepal itinerary is all about. Whether it’s tracing an ancestor’s life journey or taking advantage of affordable and freely available home DNA testing, a new wave of tourism is being fuelled by genealogical and heritage curiosity.

We can help individuals trace their genetic roots back to their country of origin, craft bespoke itineraries based around a family history or ancestor, facilitating life-changing meetings and memories.

The dream: A multi-generational trip spent retracing the steps of a much loved and departed family member who served in the Gurkha Rifles.

The vision: Create a trip that is centred on retracing the life of this ancestor, including special access to people and places relevant to their story as well as the rich history and beauty of Nepal.

KEY FACTS
PEAK TIME

May-October

PRICE

From GBP £11,800 USD $14,050 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

10 days

FLIGHT TIME

13 hours 10 mins from London
16 hours 40 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Nepalese Rupee

LANGUAGE

Nepali

Where you'll go
Visit Kathmandu with our Nepal itinerary

Kathmandu

Bhaktapur part of our Nepal travel itinerary

Bhaktapur

Pokhara, Nepal itinerary

Pokhara

Chitwan Nepal

Chitwan National Park

When to go

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  • A
  • M
  • J
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  • A
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  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

CELEBRATE THIS

Nepal boasts a wealth of cultural heritage, with numerous Natural + Cultural World Heritage Sites to its name. In the Kathmandu Valley alone, there are seven UNESCO-designated World Heritage Cultural sites located within a 15-km radius.

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Experience highlights

  • Renowned for its natural beauty and plentiful trekking routes, plus remote and charming mountain villages home to Sherpa and Gurkha tribes, there’s as much to experience in rural Nepal as there is in the great cultural cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
  • You’ll enjoy it all using your family history as the narrative, a window to the past brought to life through expertly guided excursions, outings and encounters.
  • On retracing footsteps to the stunning Pokhara Valley with its cultural gems and museums includes a meeting with the team at the Gurkha Welfare Trust, respective to the family connection with the regiment and a visit to a Tibetan Refugee Camp.
  • Immersion in Nepal’s wildlife at Chitwan National Park and on a jungle safari is also on the cards; animals to look out for include deer, sloth bears, langur, python, wild boar, mongoose, one horned rhino, leopard and the Bengal tiger, along with some 450 bird species.
  • At Dwarikas in Kathmandu, Nepal’s only heritage hotel, a surprise, six-course finale dinner with the presentation of a specially created photograph memory album sees the trip off in style.
c+l special?

After tracking down fellow members of this ancestor’s regiment, arranging a surprise rendezvous between them and the family over dinner in Pokhara. Not only did these fellow soldiers still remember their old compatriot, but they brought previously unseen photographs of him to the meeting.

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested Nepal itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

Dwarika’s, Kathmandu

Dwarika’s is owned and run by three generations of the Shrestha family. Nepal’s only heritage hotel, it has been beautifully restored using local brick and antique wood carvings.

Designed in the style of a Newari village, the luxurious rooms are scattered around a spacious courtyard filled with terracotta pots, running fountains and even the occasional monkey. You will find elements of the country’s diverse cultural heritage throughout, furniture created by generations of traditional carpenters, textiles, linens and embroideries handwoven with Nepali patterns. The perfect mix of comfort and authenticity, we think this family-run hotel represents Nepal at its best. Dwarika's also serves superb Nepali cuisine in the traditional dining room and is a short distance from the centre of town.

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Tiger Mountain, Pokhara

The spectacular views of the Annapurna Range put Tiger Mountain in a league of its own. Perched high up on a spur, it surveys the valley below, peppered with ancient villages and temples.

Guests can enjoy a range of in-room massage treatments, personal yoga sessions and meditation training before taking a tip in the swimming pool for post-hike relaxation. The Main Lodge has a cosy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas, a bar and a dining room serving organic produce on a menu that features European and Nepali specialities. The lodge has also been touched by history: Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to scale Everest, led the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1998, and there is an impressive collection of mountaineering literature and photographs in Colonel Jimmy's Library. The walking and trekking opportunities around the property are nothing short of superb.

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Taj Meghauli Serai, Chitwan

Taj Meghauli Serai is ideal for those who want access to Nepal's pristine jungle but with plenty of other activities to keep you busy. The lodge is extremely comfortable with large rooms and a wonderful infinity pool.

You can enjoy spectacular views over the grasslands to the hills and if clear, the incredible snow-capped Himalayas. Sometimes you can even spot game from your rooms including the amazing One Horned Rhino. The food at Meghauli Serai is delicious and it is a great chance to try some traditional Nepalese dishes.

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Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel

Dwarikas Dhulikhel, a luxurious boutique resort in Nepal's historic Dhulikhel town. This ethereal property preserves Nepal's rich cultural heritage, offering an authentic experience.

Blending Newari architecture with modern comforts, it features rooms with Himalayan and lush landscape views. The resort's gardens, terraces, and pools create a serene retreat. Deeply committed to sustainability, it supports the local community, boasts a wellness center, organic gardens, and cultural activities. Enjoy delectable Nepalese cuisine in the on-site restaurant. Dwarikas Dhulikhel is a gateway to explore Dhulikhel's ancient temples and breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas.

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Venetia Stanley
Auriole Potter
Flora Sweeting
Charlotte Winter