Explore Nepal - Himalayas Trek, Kathmandu & Yoga in Pokhara  

Begin your adventure with an overnight flight to Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be met by your local expert guide and transferred to your hotel. After some time to settle into your hotel your local expert guide will take you on a walking tour of the nearby area and local markets so you can get a feel for the best places to eat, shop and sightsee independently. Following this 2 hour orientation you will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore further as you desire.

There will be a welcome dinner included at your hotel tonight so you can get to know your fellow group members.

This morning you will visit the stupa of Boudhanath with your local expert guide. A stupa is a hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation by Buddhists. Boudnath is one of the biggest stupas in the world and is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions of north, south, east and west, keeping watch over the city. You will have the unique opportunity to participate in chanting with local monks at one of the monasteries in Boudhanath.

Later today you will explore Swayamhbunath & Patan with your local expert guide. Swayambhunath is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is said to be 2,500 years old. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is located in the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, in particular, Patan Durbar Square which is home to a collection of Buddhist & Hindu sculptures.

You will have the remainder of the evening free for independent exploration in Kathamandu. Your local expert guide will be happy to suggest activities to suit your taste. We suggest mingling with the locals and trying some traditional Nepalese food at one of the many restaurants.

Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur, which translates to “city of devotees” is a medieval city which has managed to stay untouched by the rapid urbanization of the nearby Kathmandu. Bhaktapur still boasts its ancient brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and way of life that goes back to primitive times. Here you will visit Nyatapola, dedicated to tantric goddess, Bhairabh Temple, dedicated to Bhariav the god of terror, Pottery Square, the 15th-century royal palace, Durbar Square and the Golden Gate.

In the evening you will have an immersive and interactive experience with a local family in Bhaktapur. Visit their traditional home followed by a cooking class where you will learn to prepare and cook authentic Nepalese cuisine. Afterwards, you will join the family for dinner as you sample the creations from your cooking class together as a group.

In the early morning you will depart Kathmandu for Chitwan National Park (approximate driving time 6 hours, plus comfort stops). Upon arrival you will check in to your hotel.

This afternoon, you will embark on a jeep drive in Chitwan National Park with your local expert guide. The lush green Chitwan National Park is situated in the foothills of Churia ranges, South West of Kathmandu. The park consists of sal tree forest, tall elephant grassland, hills and the flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers. Chitwan National Park was enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and covers an area of 932 sq. km. It is home to 56 species of mammals, 49 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 525 species of birds. The park’s most notable residents are the Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Lunch and dinner are included today. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure to relax in the heart of nature.

This morning you will explore the Rapti River by canoe with your local expert guide. Observe many birds as they flock to the river in search of food. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the rare gharial, a fish-eating crocodile whose global population is estimated at less than 235. Since the mid-1900s, the gharial's numbers have declined as much as 98 percent due to hunting for traditional medicine and drastic changes to their freshwater habitats.

This afternoon is sure to be a highlight as you embark on a walking safari through Chitwan National Park with your local expert guide. Walking through nature, encountering wildlife, and learning about the hidden secrets of this land space is an adventure like no other. (Walking distance: 2.5kms / Walking duration: 1.5 hours) Lunch is included at your hotel this afternoon.

Chitwan National Park is the homeland of the Tharu people who are the original tribe of this region. They have their own language, culture and traditional beliefs. They were the only inhabitants of Chitwan up until the late 1950s. This evening there will be a cultural entertainment night at your resort so you can learn more about their fascinating culture. Dances like Danda Nach (Stick Dance), Ago Nach (Fire Dance), Mayur Nach (Peacock Dance) are some of the popular dance styles you will have a chance to witness. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

In the early morning you will depart Chitwan National Park for Pokhara (approximate driving time 5.5 hours plus comfort stops). The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes & rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque backdrops in Nepal. There is no other place in the world from where the Great Himalayas peaks can be admired from such a close distance. Three out of the ten highest mountains in the world, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu, are all within a linear distance of 50 km from the city of Pokhara. Due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas, Pokhara is the ideal base for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts.

After some time to settle in, you will spend the afternoon exploring Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave & a Tibetan Refugee camp. Davis Fall is a waterfall that goes directly into a deep and narrow canal. The water forms an underground tunnel which is approximately 500 feet long and runs 100 feet below ground level. The nearby Gupteshwar Cave is one of the longest caves in Nepal with depth of around 3 kms. The Tashiling Refugee Camp is a community where Tibetan refugees have been settled by the Nepalese government. There are a few shops, residence quarters, a small monastery and a small handicraft centre which you will explore with your local expert guide. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight before having the remainder of the evening at leisure.

This morning drive from Pokhara to Khade to the starting point of today’s trek. From Khade you will begin walking towards Australian camp. The trail gets off to a steep start, through a stone staircase for approximately 2 hours. Australian Camp is situated on the ridge and has an incredible view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal. From Australian Camp you will hike down to continue on a jungle trail towards the village of Dhampus, well known for its old-fashioned slate roofed houses. Located on the Annapurna trekking trail, Dhampus village is blessed with majestic views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range and will be your base for tonight. A cooked picnic lunch along the trail and a lodge dinner are included today.

Trek difficulty: Moderate Trek duration 5 hours / Trek distance 11km / Starting altitude at Khade 1648m / Finishing altitude at Dhampus 1730m

This morning you will begin your hike by trekking down the road along the ridge towards Astam. Offering a 360 degree panoramic view of the Annapurna mountain range, Astam village is famous for its iconic sunrise and sunset views on the mountains. You can see peaks like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Annapurna IV from the village. Astam village also provides a great insight into rural village life of the Adhikari & Brahimins people who have been dwelling in these mid-hills for generations. A cooked picnic lunch along the trail and a lodge dinner are included today.

This morning you will start walking from Astam towards the village of Jijharka, where a stop will be made at a local store where you can buy some refreshments if you wish. From Jijharka a gradual downhill trek will begin through chestnut forests with views across the Hemja and Mardi Valleys. Upon arrival in Hemja you will then transfer with your local expert guide to your hotel in Pokhara, where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore further independently.

This morning you will embark on a cycling adventure on the outskirts of Pokhara. Starting from the lakeside you will cycle towards the Buddhist stupa, taking an uphill path. It will take approximately 75 minutes of cycling uphill before reaching the stupa. After spending some time at the stupa, you will continue cycling uphill for a further 30 minutes towards Raniban, before heading on a downhill ride to Lake Phewa. The cycle from Raniban to the lake will take approximately 45 minutes. From the lake it is an onward 30 minute cycle to Pame along some relatively easier terrain. Upon arrival in Pame you will be met by a vehicle and transferred back to your hotel in Pokhara.

This afternoon and this evening are at leisure in Pokhara. Your guide will be happy to make suggestions of activities and local restaurants to suit your taste.

In the early morning you will rise with the sun for a yoga session with a local yoga teacher. The yoga session will take place at your hotel and will last 1 hour. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines which originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago and has become a popular form of exercise for both the body and the mind worldwide over the last century. Whether yoga is already part of your usual routine or you are a complete beginner, this morning yoga flow will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a well-deserved breakfast! Later in the morning you will transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu (approximate driving time 6.5 hours plus comfort stops).

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will have the remainder of the evening to explore independently at your leisure. A riot of sights, sounds and smells, we recommend exploring the colourful Thamel market. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

You will have the full day at leisure to spend entirely you as you wish. Your local expert guide will be happy to make some suggestions. Take a rickshaw ride through the winding alleyways, marvel at one of the many temples, do some last-minute shopping at the bustling markets or simply relax by the pool at your hotel. The choice is all yours.

Feel like you’re on top of the world during a once in a lifetime scenic flight from Kathmandu over the iconic peaks of the Himalayas. Soar past Mt Everest on a fixed wing aircraft, as you experience the world’s highest summit from a bird’s eye panoramic view, without the struggle of trekking to the top! Transfers, guide and a window seat on the flight included (Please note: This excursion is subject to minimum numbers and weather conditions)

You will have one final full day to explore Nepal’s fascinating capital, Kathmandu, as you wish before a late afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Arrive home following your once in a lifetime adventure to Nepal.