Day 1 to 1 – Arrive Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains while Kathmandu Valley has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in such a small area and is surrounded by verdant agricultural hills scattered with traditional villages and ancient holy temples and shrines used by both Buddhists and Hindu worshippers.
Explore the many attractions this city has to offer. The backstreets around Durbar Square and Palace are bustling with life with throngs of people going about their lives and selling on the road. Random cows wander the streets, taxis hoot and narrow alleyways overflow with spices, vegetables and handicraft shops with intriguing and unpleasant smells, incessant noise and pollution – triggering a sensory overload. You could also venture to ominously named freak street or Jochne named by the hippies during the 1970s.
Optional Excursions
Car for full day tour – NPR 3500 • Van for full day tour – NPR 5000 • Local guide full day – NPR 2800 • Local guide half day – NPR 1400 • Swyambhunath Temple – NPR 200 • Boudhanath Temple – NPR 1500 • Everest mountain flight – US$191 + USD $2 airport tax
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kathmandu Prince or similar
Day 2 to 2 – Lumbini
Today we travel down the dusty roads to Lumbini which lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. Lumbini is said to be the place where Gautama Buddha ‚the apostle of peace and the light of Asia‘ was born in 623 B.C. The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, marking the traditional site of the Buddha’s birth. The temple stands on the site of earlier temples and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.
Included Excursions
Maya Devi Temple
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Lumbini Guesthouse or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 to 4 – Chitwan National Park
We travel to Chitwan National Park. The park is UNESCO World Heritage listed (1984) and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and also of the Bengal tiger. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 square kilometres in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area comprises the Tikauli forest – from Rapti river to the foothills of the Mahabharat – extending over an area of 175 square kilometres. The area became the country’s first National Park in 1973.
We stay inside Chitwan National Park and you will have a choice of optional excursions to enjoy from canoeing and jungle walks to jeep safaris as you keep an eye out for the elusive tiger. In the evening, after a delicious dal baat dinner we watch a Tharu Cultural Dance Show, understanding the different interpretations of the Tharu dances.
Included Excursions
Chitwan National Park National Park Entrance,Tharu Cultural dance show
Optional Excursions
Canoeing – US$10 • Jungle Walk – US$10 • Elephant Breeding Centre – US$5 • Jeep Safari – US$20
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Chitwan Cottage or similar
Meals
2 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 5 – Pokhara
We head to the stunning lake town of Pokhara with spectacular views of the Annapurna mountains. The town is situated on the banks of Lake Phewa Ta, the second largest lake in Nepal. This town itself is very quiet and laid back providing a great base for trekking. Here you can grab some last minute equipment in preparation for your hike in the morning.
Optional Excursions
Paragliding – NPR 8500 • Boat ride on lake – NPR 400/hr • Mountain biking – NPR 200/hr or NPR 800 full day • Kayaking on lake – NPR 200/hr
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Baba Lodge or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 to 7 – Annapurna Foothills
After a big breakfast, we take a car to the start of our trek and we begin our climb in to the Annapurna Foothills, the views become even more beautiful as we climb to our first nights accommodation at 1900m. We enjoy snow-capped peaks, blue lakes and rivers. The deep valleys and high mountains surrounding the Annapurna Himal include varied terrain, from subtropical jungle to a high, dry landscape.
We spend two days hiking through the Annapurna foothills. The views are breathtaking and the trails are scenic. A guide explains the flora and fauna that we pass and we are assisted by porters who carry your toiletries and a change of clothes. We sleep in rustic lodges along the way and pick up litter along the route. It is a magical two days where you get the opportunity to walk through small villages.
Included Excursions
Annapurna Foothills Trek
Accommodation
2 night(s) in lodges at Hari Lodge or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 to 9 – Pokhara
After two nights in the foothills, we return to Pokhara where you can rest your aching feet by the lake and take in the scenery. We visit a Tibetan Refugee Camp to watch how the women make silk rugs and you can hire a boat out on to the lake and also hike up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. You can hire mountain bike to explore the countryside around the lake.
Included Excursions
Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp,Walk up to World Peace Pagoda
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Baba Lodge or similar
Day 10 to 10 – Kathmandu
We return to Kathmandu for a final night in Nepal’s capital. Enjoy some last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping or a final dahl baat with your tour group.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kathmandu Prince or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 11 to 11 – Depart Kathmandu
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
What’s Included
Excursions & Activities
- Maya Devi Temple
- Chitwan National Park National Park Entrance
- Tharu Cultural dance show
- Annapurna Foothills Trek
- Visit Tibetan Refugee Camp
- Walk up to World Peace Pagoda
Accommodation
8 night(s) in hotels, 2 night(s) in lodges
Transportation
Minibus, Public Bus, Trek, Taxi
Meals
8 Breakfast(s)
Other
Travel tour leader
What’s Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions – On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone’s taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don’t hesitate to ask your tour leader.
- Airport transfers and pre and post tour accommodation
