Discover Nepal

Explore the enchanting, various and infinite Nepal in 12 days. Enjoy a cultural soft adventure trip and experience all the major highlights of Nepal. The journey begins from Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu, exploring its World Heritage sites, medieval temples, palaces, stupas, monasteries, arts and crafts, architecture and bazaars. From Kathmandu we travel to Kurintar and visit Manakamana Temple with unique features symbolic of Hindu Goddess. To get a complete impression of Nepal, we trek through charming mountain villages, landscapes of terraced fields and forests admiring the stunning views to the Central Himalayan peaks. We finish the journey with exploration of Chitwan National Park where we enjoy elephant back safari in search of the legendary Bengal Tiger and one-horned Asiatic Rhino.

Highlights:
♦ Explore the Old Kathmandu. The sheer number of temples located in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley has given it the nickname "City of Temples."
♦ Trekking in the Annapurna region - magnificent views of the numerous Himalayan peaks
♦ Gandruk village - a network of narrow alleyways, the village is a delight to explore and certainly one of the most beautiful in the Himalaya
♦ Chitwan - ride elephants while searching for the rare one-horned rhino

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu
Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Morning tour of Old Kathmandu, afternoon Excursion to Swyambhutan stupa
We drive in to the heart of the city to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with the former Royal Palace and an array of temples rich in woodcarvings, metal works and stone sculptures. We visit Kumari House, the residence of Kumari -the Living Goddess of Nepal! On request, the goddess gives a quick audience from her window. Other interesting temples are the legendary Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to have been built of a single tree trunk, the Shiva Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple and Jagannath Temple. We take tricycle rickshaw and ride through the traditional bazaars of Indrachowk and Assan. In the afternoon we drive to Swyambhunath Stupa and the Monkey Temple with its 365 steps to the top of a hill which offers great views across the city. It has got its name from the many monkeys that have made the site their home. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3. Kathmandu - Kurintar
Free in morning to enjoy more of Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive south along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Kurintar (3 hours / 170 km), situated on the banks of Trisuli River. Overnight in Kurintar.

Day 4. Kurintar - Trisuli River rafting (optional) - Pokhara
This morning we take a cable car to Manakamana Temple. Locals believe the goddess Manakamana fulfils the wishes of her followers. After lunch we have an option for whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River where we will enjoy an exhilarating trip through exciting rapids, scenic valleys and impressive gorges. This is a fantastic way to take in the rich diversity of natural and cultural highlights along the valley. No previous experience is required and all training and safety equipment will be provided. Late in the afternoon, we drive to Pokhara (3 hours). Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 5. Pokhara - Kande - Australian camp (2000 m) - Tolka
In the morning, drive to Kande (1 hour). Then we begin our trek up to Tolka via the Australian Camp (2-hour climb) passing through a landscape of terraced fields and forests and admiring the stunning views to the Central Himalayan peaks. Ahead of us are the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna ranges, including Manaslu and Machhapuchare - the Famous Fishtail Mountain. Overnight at a simple guesthouse.
Duration of trek: 5 hours

Day 6. Tolka - Landruk (1565 m) - Ghandruk (1940 m)
Today's trek involves a relatively easy hike along the ridge-line from Dhampus to the village of Landruk, crossing open meadows and small villages. Climbing through a pass at 2150 m, the views of the Annapurna are absolutely breathtaking. From here we begin the descent into a lush forest alive with birds, orchids and ferns. Following a small canyon, we take a meandering trail through tiny hamlets to our final destination for the day. Landruk lies along the trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp and is famed for its honey hunting festival, the village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area and provides us with one of the visual highlights of the trek. After lunch, we follow a steep trail out of the village, through a patchwork of terraced fields that take us towards the Modi River. We cross over a suspension bridge and continue up towards Ghandruk. The second largest village in the area, Ghandruk, is a wonderfully confusing cluster of closely spaced, slate-roofed houses nestling between terraced fields of wheat and barley. A large handicraft factory provides an interesting venue to search for some traditional souvenirs at the top of the village. Overnight at Ghandruk at a simple guesthouse.
Duration of trek: 5 hours

Day 7. Gyandruk - Nayapul - Pokhara
Leaving Ghandruk behind us, we descend through villages and terraces to the Syauli Bazaar (2 hours) enjoying the dazzling backdrop of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. From here we continue following Modi River towards Nayapul and then drive to Pokhara (1,5 hours). Pokhara is beautifully situated beneath the imposing shadow of the stunning snow capped range of the Annapurna and is the perfect end for our trek. Overnight in Pokhara at a standard hotel.

Day 8. Pokhara
Today we explore the Pokhara valley. Pokhara has always been a center of trade and even today mule trains can be seen around the outskirts of the town, bringing in goods to the local farmers. You could spend part of this afternoon doing some shopping, enjoying a walk amongst the markets in search of souvenirs. Also you can explore the Fewa Lake by boat, visit Gupteswar Cave, Davis Fall, Tibetan Camp, the famous Bindhebasini Temple and Seti Gorges. Back to the hotel. Overnight in Pokhara at a standard hotel.

Day 9. Pokhara - Chitwan National park
Today we set off early for the drive to Chitwan National Park (5 hours). This wildlife reserve, one of the best managed and preserved in Asia, contains many species of rare animals and birds. On arrival, a guest briefing will take place and after lunch, we explore the park on an elephant safari and a nature walk with boat ride. Overnight in Chitwan at a standard lodge.

Day 10. Chitwan National park
Full day jungle activities to see the park’s wildlife with bird watching, elephant safaris, jungle walks and a crocodile spotting cruise on the Narayani River included. Rhinos, deer, monkeys, and elephants can be found here and we may be lucky to see a leopard or Bengal tiger. Overnight in Chitwan at a standard lodge.

Day 11. Chitwan National park - Kathmandu
After a final jungle activity this morning, we drive back to the capital (5-6 hours). The afternoon is free for shopping. Overnight at a standard hotel.

Day 12. Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for departure.

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Price Includes:
Accommodation in twin rooms at budget hotels
basic guesthouse accommodation during trekking
daily breakfast in Kathmandu,Kurintar and Pokhara and full board in Chitwan and during trekking
English speaking guide throughout the tour
Manakamana Cable car entry fees
entrance fees for the monuments and trekking permits
all transfers and sightseeing by private vehicles
airport transfers

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Not Included:
Flight tickets
visa costs - $30 per person payable at the airport upon arrival
lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
personal expenses
tips for guide and drivers
travel insurance
extra costs incurred by flight cancellation,natural calamities,weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

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Additional Services:
Rafting in Trisuli River: 50 USD per person.

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Gallery

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