NEPAL – CULTURAL, NATURE AND HIKING TOUR
ATTENTION!!! THIS ITINERARY IS STILL IN PREPARATION!!!
Travel Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Altitude gain: 3000 meters
Thank you for choosing to travel with Trek Nation India!
Welcome to The Kingdom of Nepal, the country of fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, the home to the Himalayas – the abode of Gods and Goddesses is simply one of the most spectacular and fascinating cultural and adventure destinations in the world. With its breath-taking landscapes covered in nearly 80% by the hills and mountains whose peaks one shall admire from the many viewpoints sipping Nepali chai. Nepal is a land of antient Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples, warm greetings from smiling local people, super tasty food and not to even mention great shopping possibilities! The country remains the cultural powerhouse of the Himalayas with Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys in particular.
Pokhara is one of the famous gateways to the higher Himalayas, in particular to Annapurna mountain range. The three days / two nights Ghandruk trek is a good introductory trek with easy to moderate trekking trails and with spectacular views of white-capped mountain panorama with famous peaks of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Fishtail and Hiunchuli. It’s an ideal adventure for those less experienced in mountaineering and with the limited amount of time in Nepal. All these and more are awaiting you during our happy Nepal travel!
Day 1
ATTENTION !!!!! THIS ITINERARY IS STILL IN PREPARATION!!!!!!
NAMASTE AND WELCOME TO NEPAL!
We meet in Kathmandu International Airport according to the arrival times and direct transfer to the hotel in Dhulikhel – about 45 min drive, for rest and relaxation. If time allows, we will explore the surroundings to see the Taru village culture. Overnight at the hotel in Dhulikhel.
Day 2
Dhulikhel / Bhaktapur / Dhulikhel – half day sightseeing
Departure: 2 pm
Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal situated at the elevation of 1400 m (4600 ft) above sea level in the Kathmandu Valley historically named Nepal Mandala, inhabited by Newari culture in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal hosting palaces, mansions and gardens of the Nepalese aristocracy, for many years being the center of Nepal’s history, art, culture and economy. The city is a gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas and home to world heritage sites as Swayambhunath temple and Baudhnath stupa, ancient Pashupatinath temple. Historic areas of Kathmandu were devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 and are still in process of reconstruction. We will be flexible this day and will visit as much as possible. Dinner and overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 3
Nagarkot – Pokhara, approximately 7-8 hours’ drive
Departure: 8 am
Pokhara in central Nepal is a touristic town situated at the elevation of 800 – 1371 meters. Its location on the Phewa Lake with the close view over three out of the ten highest mountains in the world, makes it a perfect tourist destination, especially for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit.
After early breakfast we will transfer by comfortable vehicle to Pokhara, the distance of 240km will be covered in about 7-8 hrs. It is an exciting journey along the river bank with wonderful views of green fields, hills and rural Nepalese lifestyle. The road in some places is snake-like up and down the ridges and deep valleys. We will stop for lunch and tea in local coffee shops to enjoy village style cuisine. Evening if time allows explore the Pokhara surroundings and prepare for trekking which begins next day. Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Pokhara.
Day 4
Pokhara – Ghandruk (1540 meters), 1-hour drive /5hrs hike
Departure: 8.30 am
After early breakfast we will drive 1 hour to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. We will trek uphill to Ghandruk, crossing mountain villages, farmhouse fields, streams. Ghandruk – the famous trekkers hub is an authentic cultural Gurung small village with its community sustaining the traditional way of life, with natural stone rooftop houses and with the regional small museum worth visiting during afternoon leisure walk around the area. The mountain views from the village are spectacular! Dinner and overnight in a tea house / lodge in the village.
Day 5
Ghandruk – Pothana (2870 meters), 5-6 hours hike
Departure: 9 am
Early in the morning enjoy the magical sunrise over the white-capped mountains as the first rays of the sun illuminate the peaks! Then after breakfast we will hike to another mountain village Pothana. The trek will lead downhill to Modhi Khola and then uphill to Landruk where we will have lunch. Next the trail passes through paddy fields and reaches Deurali followed by Pothana. We will take enough stops to rest and admire the surroundings. Dinner and overnight in the tea house / lodge in Pothana.
Day 6
Pothana – Pokhara, 3 hours hike
Departure: 10 am
Morning enjoy breakfast and the Pothana surroundings. The village is situated on the ridge and offers great views of Annapurna massive, Fishtail and many other mountains. After we will hike to Phedi through lush green forest admiring mountain views on the way. Upon reaching Phedi your vehicle will be waiting and will drive you to the hotel in Pokhara for rest and relaxation. Dinner and overnight in Pokhara.
Day 7
In Pokhara
Departure: 10 am
After breakfast we will proceed for famous boating on the Phewa lake and then one-hour hike to the world-famous Shanti Stupa / Peace Pagoda build as a symbol of peace, situated at the 1100 meters on the Andu Hill. It provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna Range, Pokhara city and Phewa Lake. After lunch free rest of the day, one can enjoy Ayurvedic massage (additional cost will apply), shopping and relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Pokhara.
Day 8
Pokhara – Chitwan National Park, drive 4-5 hours
Departure: 9 am
After breakfast we will transfer to Chitwan District, situated on the banks of Rapti and Narayani rivers. Afternoon we will proceed for a famous canoe ride down the Rapti river to see the crocodiles and other wild animals inhabiting the area as rhinos, deer, wild elephants and if we are lucky the Royal Bengal tiger might come down to drink water at the river banks. Those canoes are dug-out ones made out of a single log and we can still travel in this ancient way to explore the Rapti river of Chitwan National Park. We will also go for a short jungle walk during the canoe trip. Evening come back to hotel for dinner and overnight in Meghauli.
Day 9
In Chitwan National Park – full day jungle safari
Departure: 8 am
National Park covers more than 932 square meters. There are two ways to visit the area, one is full day jeep safari or a full day jungle walk with packed lunch and cameras ready to shoot the photos of wild animal as monkeys, rhinos and peacocks, leopards and tigers (although there is no guarantee they will come to greet us) by the water holes and other places deep in the jungle! The professional government licensed guides who are also naturalists will take us to some of the best spots for observing wildlife and will explain the flora and fauna of the Park. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 10
Chitwan / Kathmandu, 5-6 hours’ drive
Departure: 9 am
After breakfast we will proceed for a village cultural tour at Tharu Village to meet Tharus – the indigenous people the Terai / jungle regions of Nepal. Those are farmers whose life style blends in total harmony with nature. One of the activities we will participate is visiting Tharus homes for a cup of tea and maybe a taste of a homemade rice wine. These people still do farming in a traditional way, rise animal with respect of nature and they live primally off the land. After, we check out from a hotel and drive back to Kathmandu. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11
In Kathmandu
Departure: 9 am
After breakfast we will pay a visit to famous Durbar Square a UNESCO World Heritage site known for ornate wood carvings, temples, old royal palace and revealing courtyards. It is called a Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey God at the entrance of the palace.
After about 2-3 hours of sightseeing we will have free time for the rest of the day for shopping for gifts, etc. Thamel has the best shopping options in the country, among many items one might want to purchase at the bargained price small packets of spices, chai, freshly ground masalas, jewelry – particularly silver, puppets made in Bhaktapur which make good gifts for children, shawls and scarfs made from fine pashmina, teas, clothes, prayer flags and different stones malas. Goodbye dinner and overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 12
Nepal Departure
Today there are no group activities. The only services provided is breakfast and mid-day check out from the hotel followed by transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. Whatever your plans are, our representatives will help you get on the right track.
Inclusive:
- Airport assistance on arrival and departures
- Accommodation in double / twin sharing on (Modified American Plan) MAP basis – bed, breakfast and dinner in 3-stars hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Pokhara
- Accommodation in double / twin sharing on (American Plan) AP basis – bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner in very simple mountain tea stalls / lodges during trekking section
- Accommodation in double / twin sharing on (Jungle Plan) JP basis – bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea and coffee, certified guide in a 3-star hotel or equivalent in Chitwan
- Baggage handling everywhere on tour
- Transportation by comfortable car, jeep or bus for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, including pick up and drop off to the Kathmandu International Airport
- Two bottles of good mineral water per day throughout the trip / during trekking we will drink stream boiled water
- Experienced and knowledgeable English and Polish speaking tour escorts / guides throughout the tour
- Local / monument guides
- Permits and entrance fees to all monuments and temples
- Permits and entrance fees to national parks
- Activities in Chitwan National Park as mentioned in the itinerary
- Trekking permit (ACAP – Annapurna Conservation Area Program)
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) registration card
- Experienced trekking Leader
- Trekking supporter who carry your bag pack – one porter for two trekkers
- Sleeping bag, trekking pole, water purified tablet
- Comprehensive first aid kit carried by guide
Rate does not include:
- Any air fares
- Nepalese visa fee ($25)
- Personal travel and medical insurance, mandatory to cover emergency evacuation, medical expenses and trekking up to 3000 meters
- Any alcoholic beverages, any other beverages besides tea and coffee, any lunches besides trekking and Chitwan sections, meals not specified, any extra meals
- Personal services during trekking section like WIFI usage and charging of electronic appliances
- Compensation for lost or damaged personal items like climbing / trekking gear and equipment, cameras and any valuable items
- Camera entrance fee, video making fee
- Donations in monasteries and temples
- Pony / horse rides
- Tips/gratuities – It is at your discretion to tip your guides, porters and drivers, as well as hotel and restaurant staff as per their service quality
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockages/ landslides/political disturbances and other events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature like shopping, laundry, ayurvedic treatment etc. and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
- Any expenses including accommodation, meals and transfers outside of the stipulated itinerary – i.e. any person leaving the group for personal travels, illness/injury or any form of extension of stay
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