HGT Travels

Nepal Explore - 13 Days

Starting From
$ 0 USD
(twin sharing basis)

Trip Highlights

  • Exploration of Temples, god and goddess of medieval square of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur
  • Everest Scenic Flight
  • Jungle Safari at Chitwan National Park
  • Pokhara and 5 Days Hike around Annapurna valley
  • Experience an array of Nepalese climate zones, landscapes and culture

Trip Description

The Nepal Explore trip encompasses the very essence of a holiday in Nepal: you will journey across the southern plains of the country to high up in the mountains in the north, from the hot subtropical environment to near-alpine conditions. All along, you will also have a chance to observe the tradition, heritage and diversity of Nepal.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will begin with sightseeing and visit to local point of interests of the city. This will be followed by a visit to the most popular national park of Nepal—Chitwan National Park. From here on, we head for Pokhara, which is possibly the second most visited city in Nepal, next only to Kathmandu. After exploring Pokhara, we embark on a five-day trek around Annapurna Valley. Also known as Annapurna Panorama Trek, it is one of the relatively easier trek that encompasses a journey through beautiful ethnic villages of the Annapurna region, all the while you gorge on the Himalayan panorama. A photographer’s paradise indeed, the route lets you witness terraced slopes, quaint villages, paddy fields, subtropical to temperate forests, and at the same time showcasing the cultural aspect of indigenous people that inhabit the area. Some of the highlights of this Annapurna short hike include the Poon Hill Trek for a spectacular sunrise view, and a visit to the Ghandruk Village, stronghold of the Gurung people known for their distinct language, culture and hospitality.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 :
 Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu, Pick up and then transfer to our hotel.
Day 02 :
 Kathmandu: Morning Mt Everest Scenic Flight, city tour of Kathmandu (Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 03 :
 Bhaktapur: City tour of Patan, Khokana and Bhaktapur, and overnight at Bhaktapur.
Day 04 :
 National Park: 30 minute flight to National Park, Activities and O/N at National Park.
Day 05 :
 National Park: Activities and O/N at National Park.
Day 06 :
 Pokhara: 4 hours drive to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), short tour around, O/N Pokhara.
Day 07 :
 Drive to Hile - Trek to Ulleri(1,970m/6,463 ft): 2:30 hrs drive, 3-4 hours trek
Day 08 :
 Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,429 ft): 9km, 4-5 hours trek
Day 09 :
 Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,600m/8,530ft), visit Poon Hill (3,210m/10529ft): 9.5km, 5-6 hours trek
Day 10 :
 Trek: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft): 5km, 3 - 4 hours.
Day 11 :
 Trek to Kimchi(1830m/6002ft) Drive to Pokhara: 1-2 hours trek, Drive- 2hrs 30 mins
Day 12 :
 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25 minutes flight
Day 13 :
 Final Departure: Fly back home or extend 4 N/ 5 D Golden Triangle India or 4 N/ 5 D Lhasa Explore.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu, Pick up and then transfer to our hotel.
We will pick you up from the airport, and transfer to your hotel room. Depending on what time you arrive in Kathmandu, you have the option of taking a quick peek around your hotel area or you could just relax on your room. Later in the evening, your guide will provide you with an informal briefing about your trip for the duration of your stay.
Day 02 : Kathmandu: Morning Mt Everest Scenic Flight, city tour of Kathmandu (Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple.
Your Nepal Explore trip will begin with a morning Mt. Everest Scenic Flight that lasts for about an hour. Flying east of Kathmandu, it offers an excellent aerial view of the Himalayas, including Everest. This will be followed by a city tour of Kathmandu, which includes a visit to UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple); Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia; Pashupatinath, a religious power center of the Hindus; and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Day 03 : Bhaktapur: City tour of Patan, Khokana and Bhaktapur, and overnight at Bhaktapur.
Another of the historical point of interest in the Kathmandu is the Patan Durbar Square, with a rich tapestry of artwork, dating back to the Malla dynasty. This will be followed by a visit to Khokana, a small Newari community on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. Despite its proximity to a cosmopolitan, this village showcases a very traditional way of life and hospitality of an era gone by. We will then travel to the old town of Bhaktapur, fully reminiscent of medieval times, characterized by its architecture seen among the palaces, old-fashioned homes and streets, and of course the ways of the inhabitants themselves.
Day 04 : National Park: 30 minute flight to National Park, Activities and O/N at National Park.
Today, we will venture out of Kathmandu valley via a domestic flight to Bharatpur Regional Airport, from where a short drive will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chitwan National Park. Whereas the very thought of Nepal brings forth a land studded with mountains, here you will encounter a sub-tropical flatland, complete with dense jungles that form the home of Royal Bengal tigers and the endangered Asian one-horned rhinos. Strolling around the town, we will take a Village tour and visit the Tharu Museum that showcases the heritage of the Tharu people of Nepalese Terai.Later, we will enjoy the sunset view from the nearby Rapti River Beach.
Day 05 : National Park: Activities and O/N at National Park.
After breakfast, we will explore the jungles of the national park on elephant back safari, which is an excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Sightings of deer, rhinos, alligators and a host of other faunas are common, and if you are lucky enough, you may have a glimpse of leopards and even the Bengal tiger itself.Our jungle safari will be followed by a canoe ride in Rapti River. Another mode to explore the rich aquatic life of the park that includes Marsh Mugger, Gharial crocodiles, and a plethora of birds. During the afternoon, we will go for a Nature Walk on a jungle trail that includes bird watching and visiting the Elephant Breeding Center. Later in the evening, we will witness the Tharu Cultural Dance show, and wrap up our day.
Day 06 : Pokhara: 4 hours drive to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft), short tour around, O/N Pokhara.
After breakfast, we will take a four-hour drive to the lakeside town of Pokhara. Today we will spend our afternoon exploring the city that includes a visit to David’s Fall and Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. A boat ride on the Phewa Lake is a popular activity, and you can pay a visit to the Bindyavasini Temple located on the lake itself. You can indulge yourself further and explore the popular tourist hub of the lakeside area, try a restaurant, get a souvenir or just call it a day and relax at your hotel room.
Day 07 : Drive to Hile - Trek to Ulleri(1,970m/6,463 ft): 2:30 hrs drive, 3-4 hours trek
First day into our five-day long Annapurna short trek, we will commence our journey in the morning by taking an hour drive to Nayapul, from where our trek begins. Walking alongside the Modi River, we reach Birethanti, a prosperous and vibrant town on the river bank. Following the trail, we pass several villages, river springs and interspersed bamboo forests to arrive at Tikehedhunga. From here on, we ascend steeply for a couple of hours, followed by a gentle uphill walk along a stony trail to reach Ulleri, a traditional Magar settlement and the site of our first overnight halt.
Day 08 : Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,429 ft): 9km, 4-5 hours trek
Compared to our previous day, today will be a relatively easier walk, climbing gently along cultivated fields and hill pastures, followed by a walk through rhododendron and oak forests to arrive at Nangethanti, where we stop for our lunch and a quick rest. Further trek will lead us to Ghorepani. From here, we are duly greeted with one of the most spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges—a quick overview of what is to come ahead.
Day 09 : Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,600m/8,530ft), visit Poon Hill (3,210m/10529ft): 9.5km, 5-6 hours trek
Early in the morning, we begin with an hour long Poon Hill trek—the highlight of our trail—from where we will be greeted with a mesmerizing view of sunrise over the Himalayas, including a clear sight of two 8000ers: Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8091m). Basking on the early morning view as the first rays of the sun hits the snow-capped mountains, it is indeed a moment of glory to behold. Take your time for a mandatory snapshot of the vistas around. We will then retrace our path back to Ghorepani, have our breakfast, and head for a six-hour walk to the village of Tadapani. This section of the trail passes through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, with sparse settlements in between. Of course, it goes without a saying that all along the trail, the pleasant greenery and the conspicuous sight of Fishtail Mountain are there to break the monotony, if any.
Day 10 : Trek: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/6360ft): 5km, 3 - 4 hours.
Next day, a few hours of gentle descent through a mountainous countryside leads us to Ghandruk Village, a thriving Gurung settlement and a hub of cultural galore. This area also boasts some of the greatest varieties of bird species in Nepal, and the sight and sound of avian fauna is a common occurrence throughout. Just like the Sherpas of the Everest region, the Gurungs are the one of the better known ethnic people inhabiting the Annapurna region. Showcasing a distinct language, culture, and lifestyle, a tour of this village will provide you an opportunity to observe and understand these people in their native domain. Cultural shows and traditional dances are common events as well. If you are further interested, you can visit the Gurung Museum and a handicraft center, places of additional insight to your already culture-soaked experience.
Day 11 : Trek to Kimchi(1830m/6002ft) Drive to Pokhara: 1-2 hours trek, Drive- 2hrs 30 mins
Descending through the stone steps of Ghandruk Village, today we will trek the first leg of our journey back to Birethanti via Syauli Bazar. The journey is mostly downhill, and as we approach towards Syauli Bazar, more and more villages and terraced cultivated areas come into view, indicating our return to civilization. After lunch at Birethanti, we take a short walk to Nayapul, and drive back to Pokhara, where we check in our hotel by the Phewa Lake. After cleaning up, you can go out and relax in the garden area of a lakesiderestaurant, enjoying the view of the lakeside activities on one side and Annapurnas on the other. Pokhara has some of the best restaurants in the country, and later in the evening we will go out for a celebratory dinner to markour successful completion of the Annapurna short trek.
Day 12 : Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25 minutes flight
Bidding a good bye to this laid-back city of Pokhara, a short flight will take us to Kathmandu. Once at Kathmandu, you will have ample time to go around the city independently, visiting places that you may have missed, walk the crowded and bustling streets of Kathmandu, go on some shopping, or just spend your time at leisure in your hotel.
Day 13 : Final Departure: Fly back home or extend 4 N/ 5 D Golden Triangle India or 4 N/ 5 D Lhasa Explore.
You have come to the end of a wonderful holiday. Should you decide to extend your stay, there is an option of continuing your journey to India for a visit to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur (Golden Triangle India), or head north to explore the ancient city of Lhasa, Tibet.
It has been a pleasure serving you through these weeks. If you are ready to head back home, our representative will see you off at the Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight. Bon Voyage!

Want to customise this trip? You can contact us

What's Included

  • 4 nights accommodation in standard, comfortable and clean tea houses on trek
  • All meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Fully, trained English speaking trekking leader
  • Assistant trek leaders (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) 
  • Staff salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • T -Shirt, and trekking map which can be taken home
  • Road travel in comfortable private vehicle(s)
  • Trekking permits and fees
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

What's not Included

  • Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photograph)
  • Accommodation in Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation if required
  • Lunch and evening meals in Pokhara
  • Any optional activities other than above included ones during free time
  • International flights
  • Domestic flights to/from Pokhara
  • Insurance for rescue and travel
  • Personal trekking equipments, down jacket and sleeping bag (can be either bought or rented in Kathmandu)
  • Personal expenses (battery recharge, laundry, beverages, telephone calls, if extra porters needed, shower, bottled and boiled water etc)
  • Gratuities for porters and guides
  • Services not mentioned in the ‘Trip Cost Included’ section

The given prices are per person with excluded international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

HGT Travels also organizes trips on small groups, so we recommend you to reserve a seat for yourself by booking with us right away. Hurry! The adventure awaits you.

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