Land in Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to the hotel. You’ve the first day at your leisure to explore and rest as you’d prefer. On the second morning, join us as we explore the city of Kathmandu, the lively, buzzing capital of Nepal. The emphasis of this day tour will be on experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the city.

We set off early next morning to drive to Pokhara (3.5 hours drive). Pokhara is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley. The Seti River and its tributaries have dug impressive canyons into the valley floor, which are only visible from higher viewpoints or from the air. In no other place do the mountains rise so quickly. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, three caves (Mahendra, Bat and Gupteswor) and an impressive waterfall, Patale Chhango (Devi’s Fall) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. Due to this sharp rise in altitude the region of Pokhara has one of the highest precipitation rates in the country (over 4000 mm/year). We spend the night in the valley amidst wonderful landscapes all around.

The next day begins with an early transit from Pokhara to Nayapul and a climb up to the main village located on the ridge, Birethanti. Ghandrung is the largest Gurung village (or village of a renowned Gurkha soldier) in the region. We also visit the ACAP Museum. Rise early next morning for a 6-8 hour long trek to an altitude of 2800 meters. Ascend through forests and open landscape to arrive at a small village. Continue to climb steadily with chirping birds for company as we arrive at Banthanti, located near a river. Trekking through the rhododendron forests along the ridge line, arrive at a clearing to get views of the Annapurna South Peak and the Ghorepani village far down below. As an interesting side, we pass through a densely populated village of a different ethnic community, Magars. After a good night’s rest, embark upon a short, one and half hour trek to Poon Hill (10,200 ft) to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna range. Shortly afterwards, return to Ghorepani. The trek descent gradually intensifies as you descend steeply to the river. Then there is more descending through a trail of gurgling streams and forests till our arrival at the Magar settlement of Ulleri.

Narrow lanes are followed by a steep knee wobbling descent on stone steps all the way down to the bridge on the Bhurgundi Khola which is dreaded by all trekkers. Challenge yourself to the edge of your adventurous self, as the trail becomes more hazardous with the mule train also vying to get in front (ascending and descending) and sometimes leading to traffic jams. Finally, make a short climb to Tirkhedhung, followed by a hard-earned night of rest! The next morning, descend gently to the banks of the Bhurgundi river and follow the trail along the river to arrive at Birethanti. Birethanti located on the confluence of the Bhurgundi and Modi Khola is a booming village with rows of tea houses and also boasts of a bank. We then walk back to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.

The next morning, we leave early to transfer by bus to Chitwan National Parl (3 hours drive). Formerly known as the Royal Chitwan National Park, the 932 sq km. national park is the oldest nationa park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district. Chitwan National Park is rich in flora and fauna, including one of the last populations of single-horned Indian rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, the managers and naturalists will brief you. After lunch, you will start your jungle activities such as an elephant safari for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters followed by a bird watching tour. Spend the night amidst wilderness at the jungle lodge. Wake up call next morning will come at 5:30 am. Tea will be served followed by either an elephant safari or a nature walk. After breakfast, participate in a canoe ride or a bird watching tour. Lunch at the lodge, followed by an elephant briefing at the elephant stables where naturalists will share insights and experiences on the Asian elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant.

We leave early next morning to transfer you to Bhote Koshi. Participate in a three hour practice with Nepal’s top rafting agency on the lower section of the Bhote Koshi which as III and III+ rapids. Spend the night at a resort near the Tibet border.

Early next morning embark upon a mountain flight to see the splendor of the Himalayas before transfer back to Kathmandu. You have the last day to explore the place to your leisure before an airport transfer for onward journey.

Land in Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to the hotel. You’ve the first day at your leisure to explore and rest as you’d prefer. On the second morning, join us as we explore the city of Kathmandu, the lively, buzzing capital of Nepal. The emphasis of this day tour will be on experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Early next morning, we set off to the trail head at Hugdi on the Kathmandu – Narayanghat Highway. After breakfast along the way, we begin a trek uphill to about 1400 meters at Hattibang. The nature of the trek is moderate to strenuous and extremely picturesque in nature. You will pass countless tiny villages and behind you will be the stunning scenery of the Trishuli river, flanker by mountains in the horizon. We camp for the night in homestays amidst Magar houses in Hattibang.

Another early rise is followed by an uphill walk for 2 hours to reach Sirauchuli – the highest point in the Chitwan district at ~1945 meters to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Gauri Shankar. Locals claim you can see right up to Mumbai in India. After a short rest, we start the up-down (so called Nepali flat) trail to Upardangadi which will take about 4 hours. We go for a moderate trek through an excellent trail meandering through forests and grazing fields. By afternoon, after the last long descent, arrive in the village for a well deserved rest. In the early evening we walk up to the Upardang fortress for a stunning sunset, before walking back to our home stays in this Gurung village which is highlighted by a cultural performance by the people of the village (provided our group size justifies it).

The next day after breakfast, we bid our lovely hosts a goodbye and start trekking the long way down to the river and then along the river bed to Shaktikhor. This trek will take about 3 hours maximum. Comfortable vehicles await to transfer you to Chitwan National Park. Formerly known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. The 932 sq km. national park is the oldest nationa park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district. Chitwan National Park is rich in flora and fauna, including one of the last populations of single-horned Indian rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, the managers and naturalists will brief you. After lunch, you will start your jungle activities such as an elephant safari for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters followed by a bird watching tour. Spend the night amidst wilderness at the jungle lodge. Wake up call next morning will come at 5:30 am. Tea will be served followed by either an elephant safari or a nature walk. After breakfast, participate in a canoe ride or a bird watching tour. Lunch at the lodge, followed by an elephant briefing at the elephant stables where naturalists will share insights and experiences on the Asian elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant.

Rise early once again next morning. Another elephant safari or a nature walk awaits you. After breakfast, transfer to a waiting vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu. You have the last day at your disposal, before an airport transfer for onward journey.

Land in Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to the hotel. You’ve the first day at your leisure to explore and rest as you’d prefer. On the second morning, join us on a heritage tour of Kathmandu. Over the next couple of days, we will cover 7 living hereitage sites that dot Kathmandu; what makes each of these an incredible experience is that all of these are places people use on a daily basis. Just walking through one of these sites and watching the people go about their daily lives is a remarkable experience in itself. Visit the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and then the oldest temple in the valley – Changu Narayan before departing for the beautiful city of Bhaktapur. The next morning, we continue the heritage tour to complete the seven world heritage site circuit. We begin at the Patan Durbar Square, followed by Boudha – the holy Buddhist stupa and then to another stupa called Soyambhunath and finally circle back to the amazing Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Early next morning, drive to the Chitwan National Park, formerly known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. The 932 sq km. national park is the oldest nationa park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district. Chitwan National Park is rich in flora and fauna, including one of the last populations of single-horned Indian rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, the managers and naturalists will brief you. After lunch, you will start your jungle activities such as an elephant safari for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters followed by a bird watching tour. Spend the night amidst wilderness at the jungle lodge. The next day, you can go for a nature walk and canoe ride. After another sumptuous lunch at the lodge, participate in an elephant briefing at the elephant stables where naturalists will share insights and experiences on the Asian elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant. The following morning, we visit the elephant dung paper making project and other project-related activities. There are also visits to Tharu museum and culture village, which are local initiatives. The Tharu museum houses the history of the Tharus and is a one stop snapshot of the Tharu lifestyle. It is simplistic and at the same time well done. Closeby, is the Tharu culture village - a collection of three four huts where you can walk in and experience the Tharu lifestyle. It is maintained and run by Tharus themselves and care is taken that our activities are not an intrusion but a facilitation & celebration of their livestyle. They are proud to show this to visitors. Later we will visit the new project of the Green Society where hand made paper is made out of Elephant dung. Apparently the Elephant conducts about one third of the processes required to make paper in its stomach itself.

We drive back to Kathmandu in the evening and you have the rest of the day at your leisure. The next morning, visit the Association for Craft Producers, an organization where individual producers are owners and they produce excellent fair trade gift items which are exported. Buying them in Nepal is excellent value. Walk through their four storied craft store which is in a street with other fair trade craft retailers. On the last day, stroll through Kathmandu, shop in and explore the city at your own pace, before departing to the airport for onward journey.