Explore the diverse landscapes and spiritual heritage of Nepal on this 14-day adventure. Visit ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu before traveling to the hilltop Namo Buddha Monastery to eat and pray with the monks. Drive to the Newari trading town of Bandipur for rural countryside views. Trek through the rhododendron forests of the Annapurna foothills and hike Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Himalayas. Conclude the journey in the jungles of Chitwan National Park to search for one-horned rhinos and crocodiles on a river canoe ride and jeep safari. This trip offers the perfect opportunity for travelers seeking cultural immersion and the history of Nepal.
Highlights
Discover Kathmandu's UNESCO Heritage sites
Wander through ancient temples and bustling bazaars
Engage with Buddhist monks and witness their daily rituals
Travel to Pokhara, gateway to Annapurna trekking circuit
See how serene Phewa Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks
Witness the incredible wildlife in Chitwan National Park
See rare animals in the jungle on foot with a naturalist guide
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive at the airport and meet a representative holding a sign with your name. Transfer directly to your hotel via private vehicle. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure in Kathmandu, then attend a welcome dinner in the evening.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the morning for a brief introduction. Start the tour at Pashupatinath Temple, a holy Hindu site dating back to 400 AD dedicated to Lord Shiva. Observe the ornamented pagoda which houses the sacred Linga.
Head to Patan, the second-largest city in the valley. Stroll around Durbar Square to view the architecture of the ancient Kingdom. Visit various Buddhist shrines and monasteries, including Mahaboudha Temple, Golden Temple, Rudra Varna Mahavihara, and Ashoka Stupa.
Drive to Boudhanath Stupa after lunch to view one of the largest Stupas in the world and a key pilgrimage site for Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. Finish the day at Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple," for sunset views over the valley.
Day 3: Bhaktapur | Namo Buddha Monastery Pilgrimage
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, visit the hilltop Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha. Legend states that the Buddha, in a previous life as a prince, fed himself to a hungry tigress and her three cubs here. Explore Tharung Tashi Yangtse, an ancient monastery of the Karma Kagyu tradition, and view panoramic scenery of the Himalaya. Stay at the monastery to observe the monks in prayer and eat together.
Day 4: Transfer to Bandipur
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Drive to the old trading town of Bandipur. Explore this Newari settlement known for traditional village architecture and Himalayan views. Take a countryside walk or participate in local adventure sports. Use this stop to break up the travel between Pokhara and Kathmandu while experiencing a taste of rural Nepal.
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Nepal." Experience a combination of nature and culture in this gateway to the "Round Annapurna" trekking route. Explore the city's lakes and mysterious caves while enjoying panoramic mountain views. Stock up on comforts before hitting the mountain trails, or participate in adventure activities such as mountain flights, paragliding, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Drive one hour to Tikedhunga with your trekking guide after breakfast. Begin the trek toward Ulleri, a large town beside the Modi River. Ascend steep stone steps on a long uphill path to reach the village and view the surrounding landscape and Himalayan scenery.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge.
Elevation: 2,000 meters / 6,561 feet
Distance: 1 hour drive and approximately 4 hours walk
Start a pleasant trek through rhododendron and oak forests after breakfast. Climb the steps along the trail and take several breaks before reaching Ghorepani. Enjoy fantastic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan ranges upon arrival.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge.
Elevation: 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet
Distance: Approximately 5 - 6 hours walk
Start early in the morning for a 40-minute hike up to Poon Hill through pleasant rhododendron forests. Watch an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and observe panoramic scenery extending from Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna to Mt. Machhapuchre and Manasalu. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek to Tadapani for the overnight stay.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge.
Elevation: 2,540 meters / 8,332 feet
Distance: Approximately 6 - 7 hours walk
Trek to Ghandruk on a trail that ascends through steep sections. Reach the largest Gurung settlement in the region and view Annapurna and Machhapuchre to the north. Explore the village and observe locals in traditional dress. Drive back to Pokhara.
Head to the hilltop village of Sarangkot early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Himalaya. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit the chief attractions of Pokhara, including Davies Falls, Gupteshwar Cave, and the International Mountain Museum. Finish the day at Phewa Lake, where you can choose to go boating.
Start the drive to the southern belt early and reach your jungle resort in the Chitwan National Park buffer zone in approximately four hours. Embark on jungle activities like a birdwatching tour or a jungle walk at the discretion of the nature guide. Watch a traditional stick dance performed by the native Tharu people in the evening.
Experience the "heart of the jungle" in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of Sal forests, tall elephant grasslands, and flood plains of the Narayani, Rapti, and Reu rivers.
Participate in adventurous jungle activities, including canoeing along the Rapti River, visiting the elephant breeding center, and taking a jeep safari. Spot one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles, and deer, or look for tigers, leopards, and pythons. Observe some of the nearly 450 bird species found in the park.
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu. Explore the local markets in the oldest part of the city. Spend a free evening shopping for souvenirs to take home memories of Nepal.
Stay overnight at Hotel Shambala.
Day 14: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you will transfer to the international airport to catch your flight to your next destination.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 35%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
