Days 1-2 Kathmandu
Day 01 our tour representative will pick you from Kathmandu international airport, and will take you to the hotel booked for you. Today we will have an important group briefing and so our guide will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Our guide shall also collect your balance payment of your tour and he/she will provide the detail of your balance payments on this tour.

Kathmandu, the colorful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. It is rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a traveler,s centre for many years which is reflected in the international flavor of the bright lights. The real Kathmandu is a contrast. You can walk your way through manic traffic to the peace of the Great Stupa of Tibetan Buddhism at Bodhnath and the nearby holy site of Lord Shiva. Heighten your spiritual awareness as you witness the devotion of the people around the religious sites and feel the pulse of Kathmandu in the colorful local market.

On Day 2 we take a tour of the significant cultural and religious landmarks of Kathmandu, starting with a visit to one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world – Pashupatinath, dedicated to one of the trinity Gods in Hindu pantheon. Meet the saffron clad, dreadlock sporting ascetics who readily pose for photos for little alms. Witness the Hindu cremation on one of the funeral pyres on the other side of the Bagmati River. Bodhnath is a short distance away, located in the heart of the Tibetan community, Bodhnath’s stupa is the largest in Nepal, and the area is a maze of restaurants and workshops. Later, climb to the ‘monkey temple’ of Swayambhunath. Situated on a hill top, the instantly recognizable stupa, with its Buddha eyes, attracts a steady stream of pilgrims, and the views out over the valley are superb.

Days 3-8 Helambu Trek
If your time is limited and you cannot go far from Kathmandu valley, the Helambu Trek takes you to Sherpa area where you can see how these fine Buddhist people differ from their lowland neighbors. Our teahouse trek takes us through the Helambu region, north of Kathmandu. This is a land of diversity where steeply cut rice terraces and deep green valley give way to sparsely populated forests of oak and rhododendron, set against a horizon of mountain peaks. This is the home of the Tamang and Sherpa people, friendly and hospitable communities with strong family and cultural ties. Our trek takes us from the fields of the lowlands where handmade tools and water buffalo are still used, and past picturesque monasteries to remote mountain villages. Though our walk in over a steep elevation, we do not exceed 3500 m, so acclimatization should not usually be a problem. Starting from Sundarijal, our journey takes us to the delightful Tamang village of Gulbhanjyang, past the streams and meadows of Tharepati, the Sherpa village of Tarke Gyang and finally Melamchi.

Day 3: Drive to Melamchi (870m, approx. 3 hrs) and then trek to Kakani (2066 m, approx. 4 hrs)
Today, we will take micro bus hired for your trek and we will follow the road north-east of Kathmandu passing by fringe towns of Kathmandu- Banepa and Dhulikhel where from you can also have the mountain views slowly if the sky is clear today. We are on the Nepal-Tibet highway and we will take about 2 hours before we leave this highway. From here, we start moving off-road for the bumpy ride to Melamchi Bazaar (approx. 1.5 hrs) and lunch at one of the local restaurants. The real trekking on this route starts immediately after we cross a trail bridge over Melamchi River.

In fact, this is better way to start the trek than a steep uphill climb for couple of hours. Following the muddy track through Tamang villages, verdant farms and Sal tree forest, we end up at another Tamang village, Dhubachaur, (2.5 hrs). Leaving Dhubachaur, the gradient eases as we enter a pine forest featuring scores of tombstones. Emerging out of the forest, the trail passes sporadic settlements to finally reach Kakani (1.5 hrs). There are only few houses in the vicinity in Kakani, but the solitude of the place is graced by magnificent views of the Himalayas, which includes the peaks of Jugal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shanker, Shisapangma, and the view down below of the low-lying villages and twin-rivers of Melamchi and Indrawati.

Day 4: Trek to Tarkeghyang (2740m/approx. 6 hrs)
We might have a chance to watch the sun rise view at Kakani in the early morning. The day starts on a trail north inclining gradually through strands of tall pine trees then climbs up steeper slopes as the trail heads through Tamang settlements dotted with stone huts. The trail flattens out for about 15 minutes to reach a small stupa at Nigale Bhanjyang, where we can stop for tea before the trail again rises entering a forest passing a couple of chortens and walk along a mani wall – the views are amazing. Half an hour through the forest we emerge onto a broad, level trail towards the entry point to the Langtang National Park, where it is mandatory to show your permit and register your name. A short walk (approx. 40 mins) gets us to the large Sherpa village of Shermathang (2590m). We continue on the shady, easy track through dense forest of oak, chestnut and rhododendron (chances of spotting deer, wild boar, monkeys) for 1.5 hours to another Sherpa village of Ghang Yul (2770m). After lunch, we walk through paddy fields to find another forest stretching all the way up to the next village- Tarkeghyang (2 hrs). Tarkeghyang is a relatively prosperous village with about 60-70 Sherpa houses, and it is also home to the biggest monastery of the region.

Day 5: Trek to Melamchigaon (2530 m/approx. 4.5 hrs)
Today our trek begins on a downhill trail through the pine and rhododendron forest then we will continue through small settlements and farms to the banks of Melamchi River (1.5 hrs). Across the trail bridge, the steep trail inclines all the way to Melamchigaon (2.5 hrs). If you’re an avid bird-watcher, you’ll have a field day here. Get a feel of the ‘Sherpa’ culture roaming around the village mingling with the locals and also visiting a nearby school (4.5 hrs approx).

Day 6: Trek to Tharepati (3510m/approx. 4.5 hrs)
Today we will walk to north-west, after a short level section, the long and tough uphill section of today’s trek awaits us, as we make our way through dense forest, primarily made up of oak, chestnut and rhododendron trees (1 hr). We will also pass through a flat stretch of trail (20 min) takes us past a small pasture, an old ‘chorten’ and over a small stream before the relentless climb (2.5 hrs) resumes to take us straight to Tharepati, perched on the crest of the hill ahead. The highest point of the trek offers the best view on the trek, including the high pass to the holy lake of Gosainkunda. If the grandeur of the view from the village is not clear, you can also take a hike to a viewpoint (1 hr up & down) above the village (4.5 hrs approx).

Day 7: Trek to Kutumsang (2470m/approx. 5.5 hrs)
A comfortable day’s walk starts on a trail that immediately arches to the right, briefly along the ridge and then drops down the right-hand flank across the rhododendron strewn meadows and streams. The well-defined path returns us to the ridge and down stone steps along the ridge-crest and another trail to Mangengoth (3150 m). We descend slightly and climb again to the main saddle, marked by fluttering prayer flags. An hour from Mangengoth, the forest opens up to a wide hillside to reach another trail junction by the ‘mani’ wall before entering the ‘Tamang’ village of Kutumsang, set upon a saddle in the ridge overlooking terraced fields on either side (5.5 hrs approx).

Day 8: Trek to Chisopani (2215m/approx. 7 hrs)
The trail passes along the ridge turning into a rougher one as we get close to Gul Bhanjyang (2142m). You need to pass the village, uphill again to the ridge, and then we cross to the right-hand side as the gradient becomes gentler for a while. The way re-crosses to the left-hand side, climbs again and returns to the western flank through oak forest ultimately leading to Namche Danda (2453m). A long descent down stone steps to Chipling follows (2165m). Resuming on a descending trail, zigzagging among terraces, you’ll soon reach Thana Bhanjyang (1780m). Further ahead, the trail branches out into three directions, take the middle one which leads to Pati Bhanjyang (1768 m). Just beyond the village, the path again divides, take the right-hand option and make a steep 400 m ascent to Chisopani. Morning views from Chisopani are splendid to say the least (7 hrs approx).

Our accommodation along the way is at local lodges, better known as teahouses, which are comfortable without being luxurious, toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, we are provided with small private rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are a limited number of teahouses, we may have some nights in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don’t have access to electricity and depend on solar powered lighting. In remote regions, teahouses don’t have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a price although in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water.

Days 9-10 Bhaktapur
After completing your trek in the great mountain views for the one last time, start on a return trek to Kathmandu. We follow the rising trail for an hour to Burlang Bhanjyang (2438 m) through the forests teeming with verdant flora and go past the abandoned army camp to arrive at the large village of Mulkharka (1768 m). Descending down through the village we reach at the water reservoir of Sundarijal to finally exit from the Shivapuri National Park. Enjoy the sights of thundering waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the trek at the bazaar where our ride takes us to the medieval town of Bhaktapur (approx. 5 hr trek/ 1 hr drive).

Crowded with visitors from Kathmandu during the height of the day, the rest of the time this town offers a true Nepali experience. Simply wander the narrow streets from square to square or down cobblestone laneways to watch the local traditions come alive before your eyes, and appreciate the peaceful simplicity of this town. Bhaktapur has its gem in the Durbar Square – a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO. The wooden palace and the five storey pagoda temple are two of the most beautiful buildings in Nepal and the people here live up to their town’s name, which translates as ‘town of devotees’. This palatial enclave has bewitched pilgrims and travelers for centuries.

Day 11 Bandipur
We are in another early start, as we leave Pokhara by tourist bus or micro bus. In about 2 hours, we reach Dumre, a major thoroughfare on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. From here, we hop on board a local jeep (only available mode of transportation to Bandipur) for the half an hour drive up the hill to Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town. The local transportation drops us off at the entrance of the town (the movement of vehicles restricted beyond this point).

Bandipur, located high on a ridge (1000 m) above the road to Pokhara, is a relatively non-touristy town so it is unlikely that we will meet many other travelers there. On a clear day the views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges are amazing – as is the warm local welcome. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside makes for great walks and all the locals will want to talk to you and guide you on your way.

At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which acts as the abode of the goddess Durga, Bandipur’s guadian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadka Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival.

Days 12-13 Pokhara
Early we start as we leave for Bhaktapur by private vehicle (approx 45 minutes) for the run into Kathmandu to catch the 7 am bus to Pokhara (approx 7 hrs including stops). Pokhara enjoys a delightful setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, making it an excellent place to relax. There may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. The afternoon of day 12 is free for you to explore the town.

In the morning of day 13, we need to wake-up early as this is the day we have an opportunity to witness one of the grandest spectacles; the first rays of sun splashing the snow garbed mountains of Annapurna range. The nearest one, Fishtail, is a mere 25 km away from the viewpoint at Sarangkot. We drive by chartered vehicle to Sarangkot (approx. 25 minutes). There’s also an option of walking up to the top most viewpoint at Sarangkot, about a 45 minute walk from the lower viewpoint. After breakfast down at the Lakeside or in Sarangkot, we visit one of the famous natural wonders of Pokhara- Devi’s Fall, where the water from Fewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. We then proceed to the Tibetan Refugee Camp, located in close proximity to the Fall, where we can go bargain hunting for the Tibetan handicrafts in the many shops dotting the open-air market. Otherwise, you can simply roam around visiting the local monastery and the carpet factory witnessing ‘girl-power’ at work.

Days 14-15 Seti River
We start to move to Damauli (approx. 1 hr) by a jeep. We meet up with our crew of rafting experts who lead us safely through 2 days of river life. Perfect for beginners or intermediates, the Seti River has plenty of easy rapids for us to race through surrounded by a green jungle corridor full of birdlife. The water is usually warm, the camping is on white sandy beaches and the food is plentiful. The Seti River is rated as having grade 2 to 3 rapids. Depending on the river current, we’ll be paddling for between 4-5 hours each day. The open rafts hold 8 persons and international standard lifejackets and head gear are provided. The rafting guide will give you a safety drill and demonstration of the commands.

We camp in twin share tents pitched on the river banks with individual foam mattresses, linen and bed-sheets provided. Toilet tents are also set up.

Days 16-18 Chitwan National Park
After a short but exciting ride (approx. 2-3 hrs) we leave the river behind and travel down to Sauraha village on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park (approx. 2.5 hrs). We spend our first and last night in Chitwan here, with the middle night spent at Ghatgai. Though the village itself is now developing, there are still some perfect settings, particularly where small restaurants look out over the river to the jungle beyond. We walk out to the Elephant Breeding Centre which will give us a wonderful introduction to these incredible animals – ideal, as we will have an opportunity to ride on one during our jungle safari on the afternoon of day 18.

On day 17, in the company of a local expert park guide we spend a short while in the morning canoeing deeper into the park (approx. 1.5 hrs) before we start our leisurely walk to Ghatgai, a village in another section of the park. The walk takes us approximately 6 hours total but much of this time will be stopped at various watch-towers known as ‘machans’, for animal sightings and identifying various birds, wildlife and flora. The group splits, with no more than 5 or 6 people plus a guide in each group. We walk slowly and quietly to maximize our chances of seeing animals. Royal Chitwan Park offers some of the best wildlife-viewing in Asia, with rhinos, deer, monkeys and a wide array of bird life including the infamous Nepalese wild chickens. Accommodation in Ghatgai is a simple riverside lodge with cottage-style rooms which may be multishare. Toilet and bathrooms are shared.

On day 18 we return to our hotel at the edge of the National Park via Twenty Thousand Lakes and will get the chance to visit a crocodile breeding centre. The walk to the crocodile breeding centre is approximately 1.5 hours, with more opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. Following our visit here its another half and hour walk to meet our vehicle, which will transfer us back to the hotel. After lunch and time to relax we head for our elephant jungle safari.

We stay in a hotel by the small village of Sauraha on the edge of the park and on the banks of the Rapti River.

Days 19-20 Kathmandu
It is a long bus journey back to Kathmandu (approx. 5 hrs). Arriving in the early afternoon, subject to road conditions, we’ll check back into our hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore more of this legendary city.

There are no activities planned for day 20 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.