Nepal is both physically and culturally one of the most diverse countries in the world. This journey of discovery takes you to the exotic capital of Kathmandu and it’s satellite city of Bhaktapur, explore Pokhara and trek beneath awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks of the Himalaya and you eventually go on a safari in Chitwan National Park in search of exotic wildlife. The highlights include a walk in the Gurkha villages inhabitated by the Gurungs in the Annapurna foothills and a scenic flight over Mount Everest.
Itinerary
Day 1- KATHMANDU (1360m)
Kathmandu, the incredibly diverse capital of Nepal is a fascinating blend of centuries old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, traditional architecture and a city embracing the 21st century. Upon arrival your leader will transfer you to the Hotel Annapurna at Durbar Marg close to Thamel, a popular choice with tourists, with colourful handicraft stalls, trekking gear shops and excellent restaurants. In the evening, after your trek briefing, your leader will join you out on the town for dinner.
Day 2 - KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING & EVEREST SCENIC FLIGHT
In the morning you rise early for the scenic mountain flight to Mount Everest. Everyone gets a window seat so you have a great view of the World's highest mountain. You return to your hotel for a few hours before heading out on a sightseeing program. Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world and you explore two of the most popular monuments in this magical city. You will visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and also Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu temple in the country. Later in the afternoon your leader will meet you to discuss departure details for the following mornings flight to Pokhara and make suggestions for the evening meal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - FLY POKHARA & POTHANA (1870m)
Flight time: 25 mins/Driving & Walking: 3 hours
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. There are terrific mountain views of the Manalsu and Annapurna ranges during the flight. Upon arrival you are transferred from the airport ascending over the ridge at Naudanda where there is a fine panorama of the Annapurna range and views of the lake at Pokhara. At Kade (1700m) you meet your trekking crew and have lunch before setting off ascending through forest for a short afternoons walk to your lodge at Pothana. Here you will have fine sunset and sunrise views of the ‘fish tail’ peak Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - LWANG (1460m)
Walking: 4 hours
In the morning you enjoy fine views of the Annapurna range before following the ridge line through rhododendron forest to Bhichuk where you stop for your first tea break.From here you begin the descent through terraced hillsides on a trail rarely followed by other travellers. Our destination is Lwang a small village where you stay with a local family 'Home Stay' to experience living in rural Nepal. Accommodation is basic, yet clean and comfortable and the afternoon is free to explore the local village. In the evening your host will serve a traditional Nepali Dal Bhat meal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - POKHARA (960m)
Walking – 1 hour Drive: 1.5 hours
In the morning it is only a short walk downhill to the tea gardens where your guide will show you how the villagers process tea leaves for your early morning 'cuppa'. Our walk today is short and downhill through terraced fields and forest to the road head where you meet your private transport for the short drive back to Pokhara. You arrive in time for lunch and we have allocated the rest of the day as free time so you can relax, explore as you wish. In the evening your leader will discuss options for dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - POKHARA (960m)
Today you experience the ultimate ‘Himalayan High’. After spending the last few days in the shadow of the Himalaya it is now time to get up close and take a helicopter flight into the heart of the mountains, landing in the heart of the famous Annapurna Sanctuary. You will be face to face with Annapurna I (8091m) the worlds 10 highest mountain and surrounded by other huge Himalayan giants. In the afternoon there is an option to visit the Peace Pagoda located high on the valley rim above the lodge for sunrise. From here there are beautiful views of the lake and city back dropped by the dramatic Annapurna mountain range soaring to a height of over eight thousand metres. You can also visit the Mountaineering Museum, that not only highlights the many expeditions to the high peaks over the decades but also covers the flora, fauna and culture of Nepal. There will be plenty of free time to explore the shops and cafes at Lakeside and perhaps time for a boat ride on the placid waters of the lake below the Annapurna range. Pokhara has many fine restaurants and in the evening, after enjoying a ‘sundowner’, you can join your leader to our favourite restaurant – Moondance.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Days 7 & 8 - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Flight time: 20 mins/Driving 45 mins.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Bharatpur located close to the jungle of Chitwan National Park. The flight time is around 20 mins again with spectacular views of the Himalayan range to the north. Upon arrival you are then transferred, by jeep, to Jagatpur Lodge located in eight acres of grassland and forest beside the Rapti River, on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chitwan National Park, The lodge combines the natural beauty of its surroundings with an understated elegance. During your stay you will enjoy safari’s to view the varied wildlife of the park and have time to relax and enjoy the contrast between mountain and jungle. For those interested in birdlife the lodge has numerous exotic species in the near vicinity. Rhino, deer, bear, monkey and crocodile are regularly seen on safari and if you are particularly lucky there may be sighting of leopard or tiger.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Days 9 & 10 - KATHMANDU (1360m)
Flight time: 20 mins
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Weather permitting, you will again have stunning mountain views of the Himalayan range. On arrival in Kathmandu you are met and transferred back to the hotel with the rest of the day free for shopping or further sightseeing.
The following day you head to the ancient city of Bhaktapur to experience the centuries old temples and courtyards of this amazing city. You enjoy lunch in town before returning to the Hotel.
Meals Included: 2 Breakfasts
Day 11 - DEPART KATHMANDU (1360m)
Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
Meals included: Breakfast
Dates and Price
Dates | Price | Single Sup | Status | Book/Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
- | On Request | Available | Any Date | Book Now |
If the trip dates don't match your available dates we can run a private departure for just your friends or family. Just fill up this form and we can discuss the options
Price Includes
- 4 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at the Hotel Annapurna on BB basis
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at the Fishtail Lodge on BB basis
- 2 nights accommodation in the Jagatpur Lodge at Chitwan on Full Board
- 2 nights accommodation and all meals on trek Twin Share
- Scenic Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara
- Experienced English speaking local leader trained in Wilderness First Aid
- Scenic Mountain Flight to Everest from Kathmandu
- International Airport Arrival & Departure Transfers
- All Domestic airport transfers
- Medical Kit
- Annapurna Trek Permits
- Chitwan National park permits
- Flight Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Flight from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park
- Flight from Chitwan to Kathmandu
- Pre departure Trek Dossier
- Trekking Map
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara where not indicated
- Items of a personal nature, drinks, snacks, laundry,etc.
- Tipping