Learn about Nepal's rich cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage on this 10-day highlight tour of Nepal. Start your journey in Kathmandu, a bustling city with numerous UNESCO-listed landmarks. Explore the intricate stupas, historic temples, and thriving markets. From Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, a haven of tranquility and the gateway to the legendary Annapurna trekking circuit. Take a short, easy hike through thriving villages and oak and rhododendron forests. See the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machapuchre Peaks. Experience Gurung culture and tradition in Ghadruk and taste authentic Nepali cuisine with cultural dances from different ethnic groups. Interact with local people and learn about culture and history; discover the old local markets in your secret exploration.
Highlights
Discover Kathmandu's UNESCO Heritage sites
Wander through ancient temples and bustling bazaars
Travel to Pokhara, gateway to Annapurna trekking circuit
See how serene Phewa Lake mirrors the surrounding peaks
Taste local Nepali cuisine with cultural dances from different ethnicities
Observe the Gurung culture and tradition in Ghandruk
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.
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative will welcome you and assist you in transferring to your Hotel in Kathmandu. After some time to rest in the evening, you will be transferred to a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu for a welcome dinner, a trip briefing, and an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, head to Pashupatinath temple, known as the largest Hindu religious complex in Nepal. This complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is significant from a spiritual, historical, artistic, and cultural perspective. After lunch, you will travel to Patan Durbar Square, which was located in the medieval royal palace of Patan until the mid-19th century. The area is surrounded by beautiful, imposing monuments that tell stories that recount fascinating, esoteric legends and fascinating historical events. Finally, you will visit the stupa of Swayambhunath, situated at a vantage point that gives you a good view of the valley. From there, you will have a beautiful view of Kathmandu.
After breakfast, an early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Once you reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel, take the rest of the time to explore the surrounding lakeside areas and overnight at the hotel.
Today, after breakfast, your trekking guide will take you for an hour's drive to Naya Pul and start your trek to Birethanti, a large and prosperous town beside the Modi River. You will head up the main trail to Sudami, where you climb gradually up the side of the valley, reaching Hile (1495m) before pushing on to Tikhe Dhunga.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge
Elevation: 1,577 m / 5,173 ft Distance: 1 hr drive and approximately 4 hrs walk
After breakfast, prepare for a long uphill with steep stone steps to Ulleri village and its incredible landscape and Himalayan scenery. You will spend a pleasant day trekking through rhododendron and oak forests. The view will give you the inner power to climb up these steps and encourage you to walk more! After a few hours of walking with several breaks in between, you can enjoy the fantastic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan ranges.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge
Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft Distance: Approximately5- 6 hrs walk
Today, start very early in the morning for a 40-minute hike up to Poon Hill. A brilliant viewpoint provides you with an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and a wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalayas of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and Manasalu. After a fun morning of hiking and spectacular views, head back to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing to Tadapani for the night.
Overnight at a local mountain lodge
Elevation: 2,540 m / 8,332 ft Distance: Approximately 6 - 7 hrs walk
After breakfast, you will trek to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village in the foothills of Annapurna. Here you will observe the Gurung tradition and lifestyle, unique to the mountainous people of Nepal.
Your journey will end here, and you will travel to Pokhara to spend the night. Enjoy the evening to rest and relax, or head out for Pokhara's nightlife.
After breakfast, drive through the picturesque Nepali countryside in the early morning to get to Kathmandu. The guide will take you to your hotel after you arrive in Kathmandu, where you can rest or explore for the rest of the day.
Day 10: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Today is free for you to do any last-minute shopping for gifts or souvenirs for your loved ones before your departure flight. Drive to start any additional trips or activities you may have scheduled. If you are leaving, 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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
