NAMASTE NEPAL

From the bustling, historic cities of Kathmandu valley to the quietude of Pokhara, this exciting journey through Nepal, showcases the cultural and architectural richness of the cities as well as nature’s splendor right from the sub-tropical jungles of the Tarai, reaching up to the mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

From the cities to the Himalayan foothills

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 showcase 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!

HIGHLIGHTS
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley.
- Countryside walks to discover picturesque Nepal.
- Possible Himalayan views from Namobouddha, Pokhara and Bandipur.
- Safari adventures in the Chitwan National Park.
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Gallery

Itinerary

  • Level of Trek: Easy
  • Best Period: February - May & September - December
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Number of walking days: 5
  • Highest Altitude: 2000 Meters
  • Flights: Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Accomodation: Hotel in Kathmandu & Lodge during trek
Leave No Trace

For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...

Day
Airport pick-up, transfer to hotel and check-in.
- Accommodation: Hotel Newa Chen.
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.
- Meals on your own
- Duration of hike: 1 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
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!
- Lunch on your own
- Accommodation: Guest House

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).
- Lunch on your own
- Accommodation: Namo Buddha Resort

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.
- Meal on your own
- Duration of hike: 3hr
- Accommodation: Guesthouse

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
- Accommodation: Hotel

Full day dedicated to the safari activities in the jungle. Canoe down the river for bird watching at sunrise; elephant ride 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.
- Accommodation: Same as previous day
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.
- Lunch on your own
- Duration of drive: 3 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Homestay
Take an easy walk between Bandipur and Chirkini via Ramkot, a traditional Magar (one of the ethnic groups) village. Then drive down to Pokhara.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel

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.
- Ascent: + 100 m.
- Descent: - 450 m.
- Duration of hike: 4 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Lodge

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.
- Ascent: + 600 m.
- Descent: - 400 m.
- Duration of hike: 3 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
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
- Ascent: + 50 m.
- Descent: - 250 m.
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
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.
- Meals on your own
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
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
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel

Free time and transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) depending on your flight time.
End of our services.

What's 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's 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.
Question? Make an inquiry or call (977-1) 451 55 73