Kathmandu Valley Ref · SNH-EXP-15

Experience Nepal Tour

Duration
15 days
Max altitude
3,210 m
Difficulty
Easy
Best season
Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May) · Winter (Dec–Feb)
Group
Private
From
$1,970.00

Overview

Nepal without walking for two weeks: the Kathmandu valley, the lakes and viewpoints at Pokhara, and jungle in Chitwan. Private vehicle throughout, and the driving is broken up rather than done in one go.

Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.

Trip highlights

  • Kathmandu valley heritage sites
  • Pokhara, Phewa lake and Sarangkot
  • Jungle activities in Chitwan
  • Private vehicle and licensed guide

Day by day

The itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to hotel 1,400 m Hotel
    Overnight
    a hotel
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying a signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be
    then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

  2. Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu. Drive to Nagarkot (2,195 m) in a Private tourist vehicle – 1 to 3 hours 2,195 m 1-3 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    1-3 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    We host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your tour guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. This includes a final briefing
    and preparations for the trip. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy.
    During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be
    arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

    After the pre-trip meeting, your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We will visit the following UNESCO
    World Heritage sites before heading to Nagarkot.

    Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage site)
    Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic
    symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple.

    Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage site)
    Later visit Boudhanath, the 2500 years old Buddhist stupa in the Valley built in 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping
    an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.

    Changunarayan Temple (UNESCO World Heritage site)
    The temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu valley, about 12 kms to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the finest and
    oldest specimens of pagoda architecture built in 323 AD by King Haridutta Verma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings, and its position above the
    Kathmandu valley affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

    Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage site)
    As you walk in, you will feel a sense of inner harmony. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda and shikhara–style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window
    palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty-five windows, art galleries, and the statue of King
    Bhupatindra Malla.

    Later in the evening, we will drive to Nagarkot which takes about one hour.

    Nagarkot
    Nagarkot is a popular location for tourist and a favorite weekend getaway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. The overwhelming panorama of the
    major peaks of eastern Nepal’s Himalayas including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gauri Shankar and Numbur can be seen from here.
    At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy
    visitors with its awe-inspiring majesty & beauty.

  3. Day 3: Drive to Chitwan (415 m) from Nagarkot in a Private tourist vehicle – 5 to 7 hours 5-7 hrs
    Walking
    5-7 hrs
    Overnight
    a resort

    We wake up early today to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. Weather permitting, the seemingly endless chain of mountains appear glossy in the
    north, while the entire Kathmandu valley can be clearly seen towards the west.

    After we have breakfast we head to Chitwan National Park. On reaching resort, you would be briefed by our Guest Relations Officer. After the lunch you would be going for
    Village tour. Meanwhile the dinner would be ready by the time you return to the resort. Overnight at Resort.

  4. Day 4: Full-day Jungle Safari & Activities in Chitwan
    Overnight
    a resort

    Wake-up call followed by tea or coffee and then proceed for canoeing/jeep safari.

    A traditional dug-out canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds and the animals of the river banks. Jeep safari by land rover starts from canoeing
    put out point covering the distance of approximately 10km with chances of seeing rare wildlife. Also visit the elephant stables and spend some time with the tuskers. Later
    take a dip in the pool, or relax on your verandah.

  5. Day 5: Drive to Lumbini (150 m) from Chitwan by Private tourist vehicle – 4 to 6 hours 4-6 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    4-6 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel in Lumbini
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Today transfer to Lumbini from Chitwan. Arrive at Lumbini. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.

    Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site 285 km south-west of Kathmandu. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists
    from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great
    Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various
    international Buddhist communities.

  6. Day 6: Half-day Sightseeing at Lumbini. Drive to Palpa from Lumbini in a private tourist vehicle – 3 to 5 hours 3-5 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    3-5 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel in Palpa
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Half- Day Sightseeing in Lumbini.

    Lumbini is hallowed ground as Shakyamuni Buddha was born here in southern Nepal more than twenty-five hundred years ago. As a sacred birthplace, it is an important
    pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the globe. Many excavations have taken place here, around this small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Ruins of the
    old city are clearly visible and many artifacts were unearthed during the excavation. Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince to the ruler of the little principality. Important
    landmarks are the Maya Devi Temple and the Ashoka Pillar. The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries can be found in the surroundings of Lumbini. The
    Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming this as the birth place of the Buddha. A stone
    image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch is seen in the Maya Devi Temple.

    Later transfer from Lumbini to Tansen, Palpa; approximately 85 Kms / 3 hrs drive.

    Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4,300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture,
    excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhaulagiri, Annapurna,
    Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen. Dhaka – the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal comes from this region. The Nepali topi (national cap) is made
    of Dhaka and you can see the weavers at work on their looms or visit a bazaar of Dhakas in Tansen.

  7. Day 7: Drive to Pokhara from Palpa in a Private tourist vehicle – 5 to 7 hours 5-7 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    5-7 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel in lakeside
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Transfer from Palpa to Pokhara; 115 km/ 5-7 hours drive. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel in Lakeside.

    We woke up early today to glimpse the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. After breakfast, we head to Pokhara on a tourist bus, van, or car, depending on the group size.

  8. Day 8: Guided sightseeing in Pokhara Hotel
    Overnight
    a hotel in lakeside
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Breakfast at the hotel. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. The places we visit are as below:

    Visit Sarangkot
    We wake up early in the morning and head to Sarangkot. About 45 minutes drive with 25 minutes hike brings us to the viewpoint of Sarangkot
    from where we get to enjoy the sunrise and close views of many mountains like Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail including views of the beautiful Pokhara
    Valley and Phewa lake. Afterwards it’s a 15-minutes walk down and 45 minutes drive to the hotel in Pokhara. Return to hotel for breakfast.

    Later in the day we visit:

    Bindhabasini Temple
    It lies in the center of an old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park grounds offer a fine picnic and relaxing area.

    Davis Falls
    Locally known as Patale Chhango and in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Phewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into
    a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes. This is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.

    Gupteshwor Cave
    The revered Gupteshwor Cave is situated 2 kms from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Davis Falls and the cave is almost 3 kms long. It has some big
    hall-sized rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here
    in the condition it was discovered.

    Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple
    Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in Nepal. With the Barahi Island Temple in the middle of the lake it is the most important religious
    monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the female force Shakti. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhare and
    Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.

    Seti River Gorge
    Carved by Seti-Gandaki, the gorge is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provides a
    perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.

    Tibetan Refugee Camp
    The Tibetan camp Tashi Ling, which is behind Gupteshwor Cave, is renowned for the production and trade of woolen carpets and other handicrafts. The original
    Tibetan settlers in this region migrated to Nepal in the ‘50s.

  9. Day 9: Drive to Nayapul (1,010 m) from Pokhara – 1 to 3 hours. Trek to Tikhedhungga (1,570 m) – 3 to 4 hours 1,570 m 1-3 hrs Teahouse
    Walking
    1-3 hrs
    Overnight
    a guesthouse
    Accommodation
    Teahouse

    We begin our trek at Nayapul after a 1-hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti
    (1,025 m) a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail
    climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,430 m and after a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,540 m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude
    to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.

  10. Day 10: Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) from Tikhedhungga– 5 to 6 hours 2,840 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
    Walking
    5-6 hrs
    Overnight
    a guesthouse
    Accommodation
    Teahouse

    We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070 m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak
    and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2,250 m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460 m. After an hour of walking, we arrive at Ghorepani (2,880 m).

  11. Day 11: Early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and back to Tadapani (2,610 m) – 6 to 7 hours 3,210 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
    Walking
    6-7 hrs
    Overnight
    a guesthouse
    Accommodation
    Teahouse

    Today, very early in the morning, we start hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,193 m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle. This vantage point provides an unobstructed view
    of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour, then return to Ghorepani where we take a hot breakfast at a hotel. Then we make a climb along ridges,
    and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,960 m). After that, we descend to Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.

  12. Day 12: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) from Tadapani – 4 to 5 hours 1,940 m 4-5 hrs Teahouse
    Walking
    4-5 hrs
    Overnight
    a guesthouse
    Accommodation
    Teahouse

    From Tadapani the trail descends through forests to Ghandruk, a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. They have their own dialect, culture, costume, and
    life style. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a famous destination for trekkers as it is known for its beautiful mountain views and also because it’s within easy
    reach from Pokhara and Kathmandu. We have the afternoon to visit the Annapurna Conservation Office, museums and explore the village.

  13. Day 13: Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m) from Ghandruk. Drive back to Pokhara from Ghandruk – 1 to 3 hours 1,010 m 1-3 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    1-3 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel in lakeside
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Today, we are going to end our trek at Nayapul followed by a short drive back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, you can have a relaxing afternoon or stroll around the lake side.

  14. Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara in a Private tourist vehicle – 7 to 9 hours 7-9 hrs Hotel
    Walking
    7-9 hrs
    Overnight
    a hotel
    Accommodation
    Hotel

    Today transfer to Kathmandu from Pokhara by private tourist vehicle; 200 Kms / 7-9 hrs drive.

    After returning to Kathmandu, you have the afternoon and the evening free. Explore more of the city on your own or stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some
    last-minute shopping. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and office staff will accompany you). You have the option to extend
    your trip to continue with a rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, mountain biking, and other activities.

  15. Day 15: Transfer to the International airport for your final departure

    The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.

Altitude profile

The climb, day by day

Day 1 — 1,400 m Day 2 — 2,195 m Day 9 — 1,570 m Day 10 — 2,840 m Day 11 — 3,210 m Day 12 — 1,940 m Day 13 — 1,010 m
Day 1 Highest point 3,210 m · day 11 Day 15

Comfort tiers

Choose your level of comfort

AmenityStandardfrom $2,365.00Comfortfrom $2,790.70Luxuryfrom $3,429.25
Kathmandu hotel3★4★5★
Trail accommodationStandard teahouseBest lodge in each villagePremium lodge where the route has one
Porter supportShared porterPrivate porter, lighter loadExtra porter, carry almost nothing
TransfersSharedPrivatePrivate, throughout

What's included

Included

  • Included: Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara for 2 nights, Nagarkot for 1 night, Lumbini for 1 night, and Palpa/Tansen for 1 night including breakfast (Note: Tourist Standard hotel is provided in Tansen.)
  • Included: Twin-sharing/double accommodation at a resort in Chitwan for 2 nights including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with jungle activities in the national park
  • Included: Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost
  • Included: A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • Included: All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
  • Included: All ground transportation by private tourist vehicle
  • Included: Entry permits and fees for all temples, parks, monasteries, and cultural or historical sites.
  • Included: licensed English-speaking guide
  • Included: The required number of ground staff during the tour, such as drivers, helpers, etc.
  • Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • Included: Guided city tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini on a private tourist vehicle
  • Included: 1 duffle/kit bag & sun hat
  • Included: All administrative expenses and government taxes

Not included

  • Not included: International airfare and the Nepal entry visa
  • Not included: Travel insurance
  • Not included: Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Not included: All drinks, including bottled water, alcohol and soft drinks
  • Not included: Personal shopping, laundry, phone calls and internet
  • Not included: Entry fees to any site not named in the itinerary
  • Not included: Tips for the guide and driver
  • Not included: Extra costs caused by flight delays, road closures, strikes, illness or any other event beyond our control
  • Not included: Anything not listed under what is included

Your team

Led by a licensed guide

Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.

Guide language(s): English, Nepali

Group-size pricing

Walk together, pay less

Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.

Group sizeper personYou save each
1 trekker$2,365.00base rate
2 to 3 trekkers$1,970.00$395.00
4 to 6 trekkers$1,850.00$515.00
7 or more$1,735.00$630.00

Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.

Weather

What to expect, month by month

  • Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
  • Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
  • Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb)Cold and quiet, with the clearest skies of the year at lower altitude. High passes and very high routes are best avoided.

Traveller reviews

What trekkers say

Why book with us

Every trail, one licensed team

$1,970.00 per person
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