Nepal Explorer - Trek, Raft and Wildlife
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NEPAL - MOUNTAINS, RIVERS, JUNGLES AND HISTORY
Nepal has long been a destination for adventurers of all kinds, and although a small country it has so much to offer. On this 11 day trip, you can enjoy rafting on the Trisuli river, a trek with overnight eco village stay in the lower Annapurnas, the beauty of Lakeside Pokhara with views of Mt Machhapuchhare reflected in the lake, and a trip to Chitwan National Park for some wildlife spotting. There's even sightseeing on Vespas and a visit to Nepal's famous Jazz Upstairs (Wednesday and Saturday only).
If you have never been to Nepal before, or you want to try a bit of everything, then this is the perfect trip for you! |
PRICE PER ADULT:
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PLEASE NOTE: As this is an adventure holiday, we require you to have comprehensive travel insurance cover which includes cancellation and rescue evacuation, should this be required.
Detailed Itinerary:Day 1: FLY TO KATHMANDU
We will meet you at the airport and guide you through the culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets and introduce you to your heritage hotel. “The Inn” lies in the very heart of the ancient city of Patan. It is a beautiful traditional home, inspirationally restored to preserve the authentic feel of old Patan, while providing modern comforts.
Depending on your arrival time we will take you out for a walking tour of the old city and the ancient Patan Durbar (palace) Square, learning about the secret alleyways and courtyard system that make this ancient city such a unique and well planned place. Incredible, when we think of our impressions of modern Kathmandu! As they say, old is gold. Tonight we’ll treat you to a traditional Newari dinner (Newars are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley) at one of the capital’s tastiest restaurants and prepare you for the adventure ahead. Overnight at The Inn, Patan. Meals: Dinner Day 2: EXPLORE PASHUPATINATH AND BODNATH BEFORE JAZZ AFTER DARK WITH VESPA RIDE
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MORE GREAT TRIPS YOU MAY ENJOY
JEEP AND HORSE SAFARI, KORTA, RAJASTHAN
SKIING IN GULMARG
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After breakfast today, we embark on a sightseeing tour to get to know the incredible Kathmandu Valley. Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you will be chauffeured by private car to two out of an incredible seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
First we will head to Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism, as his birthplace. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is the main cremation site for Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley, with cremation ghats lining the Bagmati River below the temple. It is such an important pilgrimage site that any Hindu should visit it once in their life and there is a constant stream of sadhus coming and going from Nepal and India.
Then, we will head just down the road to Boudhanath - this Buddhist Stupa is one of the biggest in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This stupa was built by King Man Deva on the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. Boudanath and is part of the shared history of Nepal and Tibet, with Tibet having held ruling privileges over the site until the last century. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and the stupa is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests, monasteries and shops.
We will have lunch here overlooking the stupa then drive back to our hotel. We will just relax a bit in our cozy guest house until our pilots with their Classic Vespas come to pick us up for the Jazz after Dark trip which happens only on Wednesday and Saturday. This is a tour for anyone wanting to experience ‘local Kathmandu’. We start on the Vespas through incredibly colourful and vibrant local bazaar and swing by Durbar Square for a cup of Nepali tea and exploration of the plaza in front of the ancient royal palace. For the best Kathmandu sightseeing and sunset view in the valley we head onto Swayambunath, the Money Temple. Be sure to close your bags because these monkeys really are cheeky! Last stop is Jazz Upstairs, our fave evening hang out for live and local jazz! The perfect end to a day of cruising and Kathmandu sightseeing in the lively streets, like a local on 2 wheels. From here we put the Vespas away and later we will drop you back to your hotel
Overnight at The Inn, Patan. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
First we will head to Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism, as his birthplace. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is the main cremation site for Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley, with cremation ghats lining the Bagmati River below the temple. It is such an important pilgrimage site that any Hindu should visit it once in their life and there is a constant stream of sadhus coming and going from Nepal and India.
Then, we will head just down the road to Boudhanath - this Buddhist Stupa is one of the biggest in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This stupa was built by King Man Deva on the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. Boudanath and is part of the shared history of Nepal and Tibet, with Tibet having held ruling privileges over the site until the last century. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and the stupa is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests, monasteries and shops.
We will have lunch here overlooking the stupa then drive back to our hotel. We will just relax a bit in our cozy guest house until our pilots with their Classic Vespas come to pick us up for the Jazz after Dark trip which happens only on Wednesday and Saturday. This is a tour for anyone wanting to experience ‘local Kathmandu’. We start on the Vespas through incredibly colourful and vibrant local bazaar and swing by Durbar Square for a cup of Nepali tea and exploration of the plaza in front of the ancient royal palace. For the best Kathmandu sightseeing and sunset view in the valley we head onto Swayambunath, the Money Temple. Be sure to close your bags because these monkeys really are cheeky! Last stop is Jazz Upstairs, our fave evening hang out for live and local jazz! The perfect end to a day of cruising and Kathmandu sightseeing in the lively streets, like a local on 2 wheels. From here we put the Vespas away and later we will drop you back to your hotel
Overnight at The Inn, Patan. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Day 3: DRIVE TO BANDIPUR, RAFT THE TRISULI ALONG THE WAY
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After our breakfast we will jump in a car and start our driving out of Kathmandu. On our way, we drive through narrow winding gorges and deep river valleys, past terraced fields tilled by generations of family members, and if the weather is good we will have some picturesque views of the Himalayan Range.
We will stop at our rafting starting point and gear up for the rafting which isn’t too wild, providing a great introduction to the sport with a few fun ‘kicks’ here and there; you’re sure to get wet as well. After a couple of hours on the water we’ll enjoy our lunch along the river then it’s back in the car again to continue our drive towards Bandipur. We stay in the stunning old bazaar, in an old family house that has been beautifully restored. With a short walk, we can view great sunset over the Himalayas. Overnight at The Old Inn. Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Day 4: DRIVE TO HEMJA, TREK TO ASTAM
This morning after breakfast we have a drive to the township of Hemja, where we swap wheels for boot power and make our way up the ridgeline (or an alternate route along a jeep trail), to the stunning ridgetop village of Astam. The village is beautiful in itself, but also superbly located with stunning views up to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) in front centre, surrounded by the peaks of the Annapurna section of the Himalayan Range. Trekking time 2-3 hours.
Overnight at Annapurna Eco Village. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Day 5: TREK TO GHACHOWK
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Watch local artisans rebuilding in the traditional Nepali way in Patan. Pic credit Om Yadav.
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This morning you aren’t exactly in a rush to hit the trail, as it’s only about 2-3 hours walk to Ghachowk, your destination for today. So why not relax and get to know the workings of this charming organic farm and all about village life. You can also visit a local school supported by the homestay project, or the community medical clinic.
After lunch with your hosts you have a scenic hike to Ghachowk village, home to a mixed community of Gurung, Chhetri, Magar and Dalit (“untouchable caste” such as Dhami) ethnic groups. You stay in a family house restored with an unexpected French flair! Trekking time 3-4 hours.
Overnight at Annapurna Mon Village. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
After lunch with your hosts you have a scenic hike to Ghachowk village, home to a mixed community of Gurung, Chhetri, Magar and Dalit (“untouchable caste” such as Dhami) ethnic groups. You stay in a family house restored with an unexpected French flair! Trekking time 3-4 hours.
Overnight at Annapurna Mon Village. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Trek TO HEMJA, DRIVE TO POKHARA
After a leisurely breakfast you can explore the village or visit the "vulture restaurant", a protected species of vulture (jatayu) can be observed in their natural environment. You then trek down to Hemja and jump in your car back to Pokhara in time for lunch.
Overnight at Da Yatra Courtyard. Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight at Da Yatra Courtyard. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: FULL DAY IN POKHARA
Today is free to relax or to explore this charming lakeside town, with its abundance of things to do, regardless of whether you are in an adventurous or relaxed frame of mind: you can go for a leisurely boat ride on the lake; take a 2 hour return walk up to the World Peace Pagoda with its incredible views to the Himalayas; visit one of the Tibetan refugee villages that dot the area, where Tibetan carpets and other handicrafts are available; hire a bike and cycle along the lakeside; you can try your hand at tandem paraglide with a professional pilot, an ultralight flight, or even take a ride on the new zipline and bungy. For the historical minded amongst us there are two very good museums, the Gurkha Museum showcasing the history of the Gurkha soldiers and the Mountaineering Museum where you can learn all about incredible feats and derring-do in the highest mountains in the world.
Of course it is also lovely to just relax and take in the surroundings in one of the many lakeside cafes. Lunch and dinner are free to choose the food of your choice – Please ask us if you would like some guide to restaurants/cafes as we can give some good recommendations for great places.
Overnight at Da Yatra Courtyard. Meals: Breakfast.
Of course it is also lovely to just relax and take in the surroundings in one of the many lakeside cafes. Lunch and dinner are free to choose the food of your choice – Please ask us if you would like some guide to restaurants/cafes as we can give some good recommendations for great places.
Overnight at Da Yatra Courtyard. Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8: DRIVE TO CHITWAN
After breakfast today we start our drive towards the UNESCO world heritage listed Chitwan National Park.
Here the landscape and culture is totally different from that which you have experienced so far in Kathmandu and in the mountains. The name the ‘Terai’ refers to the extensive plains in the southern part of Nepal – this area is the most northern extension of the great Gangetic plains of India, land that was won and lost in decades of struggle and shares both Indian and Nepali characteristics and culture.
It will be hot and humid, so make sure to have some loose, lightweight cotton/breathable fabrics along and get ready to head out in the jungle to explore in the afternoon. In the evening we can explore in the neighbouring village to learn about the indigenous Tharu culture and after dinner we will be treated to a visit from some of the local dancers!
Please note: safari activities vary from day to day. You will be briefed on arrival about the order of activities during your stay.
Overnight at Sapana Village Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Here the landscape and culture is totally different from that which you have experienced so far in Kathmandu and in the mountains. The name the ‘Terai’ refers to the extensive plains in the southern part of Nepal – this area is the most northern extension of the great Gangetic plains of India, land that was won and lost in decades of struggle and shares both Indian and Nepali characteristics and culture.
It will be hot and humid, so make sure to have some loose, lightweight cotton/breathable fabrics along and get ready to head out in the jungle to explore in the afternoon. In the evening we can explore in the neighbouring village to learn about the indigenous Tharu culture and after dinner we will be treated to a visit from some of the local dancers!
Please note: safari activities vary from day to day. You will be briefed on arrival about the order of activities during your stay.
Overnight at Sapana Village Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 9: IN CHITWAN
Today you have a full day of safari action in store – Nepali style. Kick it off with an early morning elephant safari – ie ride an elephant through the jungle in a style reminiscent of the maharajas! You can include jungle hikes, float down the river in a local dugout canoe to spot the crocs and waterbird life, jeep safaris as well as a visit to the local village to authentically connect with the indigenous Tharu culture – these hardy people are said to have migrated from the Rajasthan deserts and to have survived here as they developed resistance to malaria. You may even be able to catch a lift on a bullock cart!
Overnight at Sapana Village Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch dinner.
Overnight at Sapana Village Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, lunch dinner.
DAY 10: FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU
Enjoy a last, early morning safari experience before breakfast and heading to the airport for a 20 minute flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to head out for some last minute exploring or a spot of shopping Later in the evening we will take you dinner in the stunning Garden of Dreams. A fitting finale for an incredible experience of Nepal.
Overnight at Hotel Manaslu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Manaslu. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.
DAY 10: FAREWELL TO KATHMANDU
This morning is free to relax and enjoy the gorgeous grounds of this famous hotel before it is time to take you to the airport for your flight home. If your flight is later in the day then we will be happy to help with some fun stuff to do!
Meals: Breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast.
Costs Include:
- 10 nights accommodation in hotels, lodges on twin sharing basis.
- 10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, and 7 Dinners.
- All government taxes included.
- All internal transportation including Chitwan - Kathmandu flight.
- Entrance fees and English speaking guide on sightseeing days.
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation as per the itinerary.
- Rafting with all equipment provided.
- Full service trekking with your trek guide, with all his transport, equipment, insurance and including his meals, and accommodation and a first aid kit appropriate for the group size and trek route.
- Luggage transfers during the trek.
- Trekking permits and registration fees.
Costs Do Not Include:
- International/Domestic air fare or train fare except as listed in the itinerary.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations and illness.
- Use of spa facilities in your hotel (where available).
- Any gear or equipment you may need to buy or rent - please ask us if you wold like advice.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses of a personal nature - tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
- Visa fees and international airport charges
