Adventures in Nepal

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. In the arrivals hall, you’ll be introduced to your private guide and local driver and privately transferred to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels, the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

After breakfast your guide and driver will escort you away from Kathmandu and into the beautiful Kathmandu Valley.

Arrive on the banks of the Trisuli River, where you will meet a local rafting guide, and receive safety instructions and equipment. The Trisuli River is renowned for its exhilarating rapids, stunning gorges, and picturesque landscapes. It offers different sections for rafting, ranging from mild to challenging, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. You will spend the middle of the day rafting through these spectacular surroundings.

Come ashore, dry off, and then continue by road to Bandipur: a charming, ancient Newari hilltop town, once an important stop on the Tibetan trade routes. Check into the hotel, located on Bandipurs’s ancient Durbar Square, and have the rest of the day is at leisure with your guide and driver at your disposal. We recommend a short hike up to the hilltop temple of Thani Mai, just above the old town, which takes around an hour and offers wonderful views. Then come back down and soak in Bandipur’s cobbled streets and old-world charm.

After breakfast overlooking this picturesque destination, head back to the Trisuli River for another rafting adventure. Along the way, you may encounter suspension bridges, terraced fields, and small riverside villages, providing a glimpse into Nepal’s rural life. During calmer stretches of the river, you’ll also have the chance to swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

After rafting, transfer by road to Chitwan National Park and check into your accommodation. Chitwan National Park is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Later in the afternoon, head out on an afternoon jungle safari or evening boat ride to spot diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Today is yours to plan as you wish. A wide variety of activities are included as part of your stay in this lodge, including a further jeep safari, a peaceful boat ride along the river, a nature hike, or a cultural tour into a nearby Tharu village to learn about the local way of life.

Speak to lodge staff locally to help plan out your day. Lunch and dinner are included back at the lodge restaurant and any downtime can be spent relaxing around the pool or on your verandah.

After breakfast you will be transferred to nearby Bharatpur and then fly up to Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside capital. Pokhara is known for its views of the snow-capped Himalayas including splendid views of the fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Phewa Lake which has its source in the nearby glacial Annapurna Range. It’s also the starting point for many spectacular treks and day walks in the area and as it is only at a height of 884 metres, some of these are not too challenging.

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. The hotel is ideally located for you to explore the lakeside district: tourist hub of Pokhara which has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Today you will discover Pokhara in the company of your private guide. There is the option of a very early start to drive to Sarangkot, a hilltop viewpoint north of the city, known for its breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast (or enjoying a lie-in!) discover the city with visits to the Bindabasini Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga; the vibrant Old Bazaar markets; Seti Gorge, David’s Fall, and the descending staircase of Gupteshwor, all located in the center of town; and finally the interesting Gorkha Museum where you can learn more about the historic culture of this region.

In the afternoon, head to Phewa Lake and enjoy a serene ride across the placid waters, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

After breakfast, transfer to Birethani, approximately an hour’s drive from Pokhara to the starting point of the trek. This morning you will meet your trekking guide, and porter, and then set off on a beautiful (though slightly steep) trail that ascends gradually through terraced fields and picturesque villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. As you hike, you’ll pass through forests of rhododendron (flowing is seasonal) and oak trees, with occasional glimpses of the snow-capped peaks.

After 4-5 hours, you will arrive at the beautiful village of Ghandruk, renowned for its traditional Gurung culture and hospitality. Overnight at the comfortable lodge, where you can relax, enjoy a hearty meal, and appreciate the mountain views.

After a wholesome breakfast at the lodge, continue your trek towards Majgaun on a trail that takes you through lush forests and crossing suspension bridges over mountain streams. The views on the way are spectacular with panoramas of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peaks. As you reach Majgaun, a charming village with traditional houses and terraced fields, you’ll be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the team at the lodge. Spend the evening exploring the village and interacting with the locals to learn about their way of life.

Today you stay in incredible Magjaun. The day can be spent taking a leisurely (in comparison to the last two days) hike to nearby villages like Patlekhet or Bhaisekharka, where you can meet the locals and witness their rural lifestyle, all amidst magnificent views.

Alternatively, you can choose to relax at the lodge and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the Himalayas. The lodge provides a comfortable base for relaxation, with cozy rooms, delicious meals, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

This morning you have the option of waking early for an astonishing sunrise over the Annapurnas – or you could stay in bed and rest your muscles for a few more hours!

After breakfast, you will head out on the final day of the trek…which is mostly downhill today! Descend from Majgaun to Nayapul, passing through terraced fields and small settlements with a mix of forested sections and open landscapes, and occasionally encountering local villagers and their livestock.

At Nayapul you will find the highway, and be met by your driver and private vehicle. You’ll then be transferred back to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon. The evening is at leisure to toast your efforts in one of Pokhara’s bars or restaurants.

This morning, you’ll be dropped off at the airport and then take a short domestic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the ancient city. Explore Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the temples and palaces. Discover Taumadhi Square and its iconic Nyatapola Temple. Visit Pottery Square to witness pottery-making or try your hand at it yourself and explore the city’s art and craftsmanship, including Thangka painting and metalwork.

Sadly, your Himalayan adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.