Highlights of Nepal, Culture & Trek

The day is spent visiting some of the major World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Nepal’s kings were crowned, lived and worshipped. Visit temples and buildings, including Kumari Chowk (the courtyard of the living goddess), the Aakash Bhairav Temple, the Temple of Lord Machhendranath, and Itumbahal courtyard.
Patan Durbar Square, located in the heart of Lalitpur (Patan), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning Newari architecture and rich history. Dating back to the 3rd century, the square was once the royal palace of the Malla kings and served as a vibrant center of art, culture, and politics. The area is adorned with intricately carved temples, such as the Krishna Mandir and the Bhimsen Temple, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the Newari artisans.
Immerse yourself in the heart of Nepali culinary tradition with the Momo Making Workshop in Patan , a delightful journey into the world of delectable dumplings. This hands-on experience doesn’t just reveal the secrets of Nepalese cuisine; it invites you to forge connections with locals and embrace their culture. You will learn the intricate art of crafting momos. From dough preparation to the meticulous assembly of ingredients and the creation of flavorful fillings, every step is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Nepali culinary tradition.

Accommodation: Hotel Traditional Stay or Similar
Activity Duration: Momo making 2-3 hours approx.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Kathmandu city on one of the country’s busiest roads may be slow, but as we leave the city on the Tribhuvan National Highway, the views are impressive. For the first hour of the drive, the roads are winding and downhill and then continue along the Trishuli River. As we cross the Mugling Bridge, our drive passes through Marshyangdi Hydroelectric Powerhouse as well as villages with typical Nepalese houses backed by steep rice terraces and mountains beyond. As we approach Pokhara Valley, we will again be welcomed mighty Annapurna Range Himalayas and Seti River
After checking into the hotel, you will explore the lake side area in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Temple Himalaya or Similar
Driving Distance: 205 km approx.
Duration: 4-5 hrs. approx.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey begins on the first day of trekking, with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande. You will be traveling on the Pokhara-Baglung highway until we reach Kande, a small village settlement, after breakfast at your Hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu. This is where our trek officially starts.
Today’s walk is gentle ascents through terraced farms and a Rhododendron forest. Along the way, we will come across an Australian camp which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massifs. After approximately four hours of trekking, we will arrive at Pitam Deurali for Lunch. Pitam Deurali showcases the typical rural village setting in Nepal, with its stone-built houses and terraced farms. Today’s path is immersed in dense forests, mostly consisting of evergreen foliage. As we make our way to the forest camp, we will traverse Rhododendron and Oak forests. This particular stretch of the trek is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of 488 bird species, including the colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Blood Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge and Kalij Pheasant. As you continue towards Low Camp, you will catch a first glimpse of the magnificent Annapurna massifs in the distance. By evening time, we will have arrived at Forest Camp where we will spend the night

Altitude: 2600m
Trekking Distance: 14 Km
Trekking Duration: 6 – 7 Hours Approx.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast

After your breakfast you will continue the trek towards the High Camp. The flora will change the more we climb higher and the rhododendron forests will now be less as mosses and lichen will take over nature on today’s trail. The view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli is just imposing. We will reach High Camp in the afternoon where we will be spending the night. Though still surrounded by forest, we have spectacular northerly views of the ever-closer ‘Fishtail’.

Altitude: 3400m
Trekking Distance: 8 Km
Trekking Duration: 4-5 Hours Approx.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: None

The plan for today is to wake up early for a sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the Zobkyo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as the Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We come back to High camp for a meal and continue toward Low Camp.

Altitude: 4500m
Trekking Distance: 14 Km
Trekking Duration: 6-7 Hours Approx.
Accommodation: Basic Tea House
Meals Included: None

Today marks the commencement of our descent from the Mardi Himal trek. We will retrace our steps on the same path we took during our ascent. The journey is relatively straightforward as we gradually make our way down until we reach Badal Danda. From there, our trail veers off towards Sidhing, guiding us through dense jungles nestled at the foothills of Mt.Machhapuchhre. The descent becomes steeper and more challenging, with a trail that proves to be quite slippery. After approximately five hours of hiking, we finally arrived in Sidhing and proceeded to board a jeep that would transport us back to Pokhara.

Trekking Distance: 6km
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Driving Distance: 3 Hours
Accommodation: Hotel Temple Himalaya or Similar
Meals Included: None

Today is a leisure day. You can wander around the streets of Pokhara on your own or choose to be involved in various activities.
Optional Activities: Guided Tour of Pokhara/Nature Hikes/Paragliding and so on.

Accommodation: Hotel Temple Himalaya or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive to Damauli in the early morning. The warm Seti river rafting is the most picturesque during two days rafting on this destination. This trip offers beautiful jungle scenery with a variety of landscapes, waterfalls, jungles and white sandy beaches for camping. It is ideal for groups of all ages of travelers and would make a great family adventure fun.

River Distance: 63-70kms
Grade (high water): II-III
DAY TO DAY PLAN (pls note: the below-mentioned are approx. time-frame)

Day 1-Rafting

07:30-Depart Pokhara by Private vehicle and drive to Damauli (1.5-2hrs approx)
10:30-Arrive at Damauli, our ‘put-in’ point. Safety drill demonstration
11:00-Raft for 2 hrs approx. Practice boat skills on easy whitewater
13:00-Lunch
14:00-Raft for 3 hrs approx. Grade II+ and III rapids
16:00-Conclude the day’s rafting near Saranghat @ The Seti River Camp.
18:30-Dinner

Day 2- Rafting

06:30-Wake-up call with tea and coffee
07:00-Breakfast
08:00-OPTIONAL: Short hike to nearby villages – recommended village Dharampani
10:30- Return back to the camp to prepare for rafting.
11:00-Commence rafting stunning scenery, some grade II and III rapids plus drifting and swimming from rafts. Raft for 2hrs approx.
13:00-Lunch
14:00-Raft for 1-2hrs approx – Best grade III rapids saved until last then confluence with Trisuli River and reach ‘take-out’ point.
15:00-Reach ‘take-out’ point just after the Trisuli River. Based on the water flow this will be either in Gaighat or Jugedi or Dev Ghat.
15:30-Pack-up gear then proceed with your onward journey to Chitwan.

Reaching Chitwan you will be welcomed by Community Women with garlands followed by a welcome drink. Accommodation is in cottages especially built. They are simple, yet attractively furnished and offer you everything you need for a comfortable stay – each has a modern attached bathroom and comfortable beds. The village women live close by and ‘own’ the cottages, with their names on a board outside. The purpose of Community Lodge is to provide a platform for locals to generate extra income yet protecting their culture and traditional values whilst offering guests a close-up glimpse of typical village life.

Reaching Chitwan you will be welcomed by Community Women with garlands followed by a welcome drink. Accommodation is in cottages especially built. They are simple, yet attractively furnished and offer you everything you need for a comfortable stay – each has a modern attached bathroom and comfortable beds. The village women live close by and ‘own’ the cottages, with their names on a board outside. The purpose of Community Lodge is to provide a platform for locals to generate extra income yet protecting their culture and traditional values whilst offering guests a close-up glimpse of typical village life.

Your nature adventure begins after breakfast with Jeep Safari, Village walks andCultural dances.
Village Walk: Walk through the village and explore and learn the daily lifestyle of Tharu culture.
Jeep Safari: With Barauli located on the edge of Chitwan National Park, jungle safaris are one of the many highlights of our homestay. We have our own jeeps and excellent naturalists. There is no chance that you will miss anything there is to see on your jungle safari. Cycling: We assure you that cycling via small Tharu villages and fish farms to the shore of the Narayani River is an experience you will recount often.

Cultural Dance: Tharu are proud of their culture, perhaps because they have one of the best cultures in Nepal. The famous Tharu stick dance; when women dance and sing, is simply amazing. The dancing takes place in front of our homestay, normally at night, to provide a bit of recreation and relaxation from the days’ activities. If guests enjoy the dance, then they are more than welcome to join in.

Accommodation: Barauli Community Stay or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From the plain Terai terrain of Chitwan (Barauli), you drive to the Hills on Prithivi Highway from Mugling. It is then a slow journey east along Nepal’s busiest highway, to Kathmandu. It is however a scenic route with steep rice terraces making a dramatic backdrop to the river, funeral pyres, suspension bridges and villages.

Driving Distance: 175km Approx.
Duration: 4 hrs. Approx.
Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

You have a leisure day. You can just wander around the Thamel areas, do the last minute shopping or get involved in some sightseeing activities. You can also pamper yourself with various wellness activities.
Optional Activities: Guided Tour/Experiential Activities
In the evening you will have a private vehicle to transfer you to a restaurant for farewell dinner to end your tour.

Accommodation: Hotel Mulberry or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Check-in is 3 hours prior to departure, and it is best not to skim on time as queues can be long and slow. Your booked airport transfer will be at your hotel ready to take you to the airport in time, allowing approximately 30mins driving time depending on time of day. At the airport security will check your flight ticket – either hard copy or on your mobile – along with your passport before you are allowed to enter the departure hall.

Suggestions: You can book a guided tour and explore the heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley, join a Dal bhat at a local’s house, or grab your map and explore the city on your own. Your options are limitless. Check out our Day Tours for more options