Nepalese Hiking from royal cities to the Himalayan foothills
From the bustling, historic cities of Kathmandu valley to the beautiful Pokhara, this exciting journey through Nepal, showcases the cultural and architectural richness of the cities as well as nature’s splendour right from the sub-tropical jungles of the Tarai, reaching up to the mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
We begin our journey in the heart of the Capital city and drive up to fascinating monuments: Swoyambhu and Boudha (the two oldest Buddhist stupas in the valley) and move on to Pashupatinath (a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva) which showcases the harmony of these two ancient religions which have existed side by side for centuries. We then bring you to a city from the past: Bhaktapur, the most beautiful medieval city of the valley with brick-paved roads that lead you to busy squares where life has changed little over the centuries. We then drive to another world: full of lakes, greenery, and adventure in the valley of Pokhara. Two days of excursions, as we discover life in the villages at the foot of Mount Machhapuchhare before we reach the Tarai (plains). The last leg is the most exciting; canoe rides and elephant rides in the pristine Chitwan National Park, encountering the One-horned rhinoceros, deer and Langur monkeys… and if lucky, maybe a tiger!
- Nepal Country
- Culture and discovery Thématique
- Easy Difficulté
- 15 days Duration
- 5 days Hiking days
- 2 000 m Max. altitude
- Yes Guide
- kathmandu → Visit Swyambhunath temple Departure / Arrival
- Pokhara – Kathmandu Domestic flights
Itinerary
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel and check-in.
We take a tour of Patan, one of the three ancient royal cities of the valley, famous for statue making. We drive on to Bungamati, a 15th-century village populated by Newar craftsmen and farmers. Walkthrough terraced rice fields to the quiet village of Khokana on a hill. Back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
A day to discover the gems of Kathmandu valley: Pashupatinath, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva and cremation site dating back to the 12th century where pilgrims come to bathe in the holy Bagmati River. We then head for Bhaktapur, 15 km from Kathmandu, a city that retains much of its past. Walkthrough this beautiful city of red brick buildings and brick-paved roads. Learn of their ancient ways and stay overnight. Enjoy Bhaktapur when all visitors have left for the day!
Spend the morning strolling down the narrow, shady alleyways of Bhaktapur. Then drive up to Changu Narayan on a hilltop nearby to see the oldest pagoda temple of the valley, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Enjoy the panoramic views before moving on to Dhulikhel for superb views of the Himalayas. Drive on to the historic site of Namobuddha, a Buddhist pilgrimage site where once a holy boddhisatva is said to have sacrificed his flesh to a starving tigress. (Option of climbing up to Namobuddha Monastery).
This morning, we walk to the village of Balthali and stay for lunch. Then walk to Khopasi, a farming village, followed by a short drive to the Newar settlement of Panauti with beautiful pagoda temples that have been restored. Drive back to Kathmandu and visit the great stupa of Boudha, located in the heart of the Tibetan district dominated by large monasteries that teach Tibetan Buddhism.
We leave Kathmandu Valley and head for Chitwan National Park in the Tarai (plains) region. We arrive at the Community Lodge near a Tharu village. The lodge is located near a river where Tharu people come to fish. Optional activities you can engage in: fishing, cooking, or dance workshop…
Full board ; Duration of drive: 5 hr
A full day dedicated to the safari activities in the jungle. Canoe down the river for bird watching at sunrise; Safari in search of rhinoceros, bear and possibly tiger; walking in the jungle Kipling style, encountering varieties of deer, peacocks and monkeys. The evening is reserved for entertainment by Tharu warrior dances.
From Chitwan, we drive to Bandipur, a magnificent resort village of Newar traders up on a hill above the highway. Superb views of the Himalayan range and fascinating sunrise views. Accommodated in a guest house, in single rooms, close to our host.
Duration of drive: 3 ½ hr
Take an easy walk between Bandipur and Chirkini via Ramkot, a traditional Magar (one of the ethnic groups) village. Then drive down to Pokhara.
Drive to Kande for a short trek. Climb up to Australian Camp to discover a splendid viewpoint looking towards Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. A gradual climb follows to reach the small pass of Deurali. Cross the pass and descend to Tolka to arrive at the Gurung village of Landruk. Enjoy marvelous views of Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South.
Today we descend to the Madi Khola (river) which we soon cross. Then we start a steep ascent to a delightful little Gurung village of Ghandruk with its lovely dry-stone houses. The hilltop has a superb panoramic view of the Annapurna range.
Descend via the steep stone steps that gradually lose gradient and go along the river after Kimche. Stop for lunch at Birethanti. Then we drive back in a private car to Pokhara.
Dinner on your own
In the morning we drive to the Gurung village of Bhumdi, then climb up the hill. We enjoy superb views of the Annapurna range and the Machhapuchhare. Climbing up to the flat top, we reach the Shanti Stupa (the “Peace Pagoda”). Then we walk down to the Phewa Lake and cross over by boat. Free time in Pokhara.
Catch the mid-morning flight to Kathmandu. Visit the famous Swoyambhu shrine, a Buddhist stupa on a hilltop overlooking the city. Drive back and take a tour of the old quarter of Kathmandu city. Walkthrough the crowds of shoppers in the narrow streets and alleys of the market place. Walk all the way to Thamel, the tourist district where you can shop for souvenirs.
Free time
Free time and transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) depending on your flight time. End of our services.
Practical Info
What is included
- All transfers and transports in private vehicle as per itinerary.
- 2 nights in Newa Chhen or similar in Patan on a B&B basis
- 2 nights in Lake View Resort or similar in Pokhara on a B&B basis
- 2 nights in Maruni sanctuary in full board, with national parc entrance tickets and activities (included the elephant ride)
- 1 night in Shiva Guest House Deluxe or similar in half-pension
- 1 night in Old Inn in half-pension in Bandipur
- 1 night in Namo Budha Resort in a cottage in half-pension
- 1 night in Dhundrup Guest House or similar on a B&B basis
- During the trek : 2 and ½ day in lodges full board
- Trekking team: 1 porter for 2 people and 1 Sherpa for a group of 4 people or more
- Visits and site entrance tickets as per program
- ACAP trekking permit & TIMS card
- English -speaking cultural guide
- Domestic flight Pokhara – Kathmandu (125 US$, might change)
What is not included
- Meals other than breakfast in Patan, Kathmandu, Pokhara. In Chitwan and during the treks, all meals are included.
- Visa for Nepal ($30 + Photo)
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, hot showers, charging batteries during the trek, etc.
FAQ
It is impossible to speak of Nepal without stopping in its most iconic valley: Kathmandu, a true open-air museum. This journey takes you to the UNESCO-listed sites that make up the cultural wealth of the country: Patan, a royal city of paved courtyards and richly carved temples, the Boudhanath stupa, heart of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, a sacred place vibrating with intensity. Here, Buddhism and Hinduism intertwine in an atmosphere unique in the world, between spirituality, religious fervour and architectural beauty.
Far from the bustle of the cities, this tour invites you to take your time in the Nepalese countryside. Country walks around Bandipur, Namo Buddha and the Gurung villages offer a real breath of fresh air. You walk through cultivated terraces, forests and traditional hamlets where life follows the rhythm of nature. These easy stages are also an opportunity for warm encounters with the inhabitants, always eager to share a smile or a cup of tea. This is authentic Nepal, as you will never see it on a postcard.
Throughout the itinerary, striking viewpoints over the Himalayan giants punctuate the journey. In Pokhara, the sharp summit of Machhapuchhare watches over the valleys below; at Namo Buddha, the Himalayan range reveals itself in all its splendour at dawn. You will enjoy magical sunrises as the peaks turn gold and pink. These suspended moments, both powerful and silent, offer a rare communion with the mountains that dominate Nepal.
The journey ends on a wild note, in the heart of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guaranteed change of scenery: dense jungle, lazy rivers, the songs of tropical birds… On foot or by dugout canoe, you explore this emblematic reserve, home to one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, deer and perhaps even the Bengal tiger. A complete immersion in nature, with ethical safaris, gentle sensations and unforgettable memories to round off this journey of contrasts in Nepal.
