Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 14 Days
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Trip Difficulty Inspiring
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Maximum Altitude 3,637 m
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Best Season To Visit Spring, Autumn, Winter
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Average Group Size Max. 10

Trip Overview

The shrine to mystical mountains and wildlife in Nepal tour offers views of snowy mountains and an idea of the typical Nepali countryside life. This tour encompasses a combination of trekking, wildlife adventure, a culturally immersive tour, and magnificent views of the mountain. The travelers experience the clean mountain air and the spiritual soul of the locals. The diverse culture and customs are revealed to guests as they discover indigenous Tharu and Gurung villages and Tansen town.

Further, you visit  Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the Terai plains of Nepal. Dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River gets an opportunity for travelers to see marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds. The trip also brings the opportunity to witness the mountain’s magnificence and beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas. You will treasure the experience and memories that you get from this trip.

This is a sample itinerary, and we shall customise the program as per your needs and preferences. Get in touch with our travel expert or email us at info@nepalsanctuarytreks.com.

Note: Below trekking hours, altitudes and distances are approximate, and absolutely for general ideas only.

 

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Our staff will accompany you and help you with the check-in at your accommodation. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Day 02: Local Market Tour and Explore Cultural Heritage Sites

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

9:00 AM: After breakfast, you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Local Market Tour

Take a short drive to Ason. Then, start wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. Witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer. Observe firsthand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Thereafter, take a short drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal, built in the 5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. Observe a beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. Witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, see elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 03: Flight Kathmandu – Pokhara-Drive NayaPul- Trek Ulleri

Altitude above sea level: (895m) Pokhara, (1,074 m) Nayapul  (2,080 m) Ulleri

Flight Duration: Approx. 25 minutes

Driving time: 1.5 hours approx.

Hiking duration: 6 hours approx.

After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Pokhara. From Pokhara you will be driven to Nayapul from where the trek begins. Today’s trail is rewarded with lush countryside, rice paddies, and a crystal-clear river. Along the way, you pass through picturesque villages – Birethathti, Sudame, Hile, and Tikhedhunga – getting a glimpse at the local rural way of life.

You start the first part of the trek to Hille via Birethanti. You cross a couple of steel bridges and reached Birethanti and your first TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) checkpoint.

Following the main trail of Birethanti, pass by a small waterfall and continue until you reach Sudami where you will stop and have lunch.

Further, you follow an easy slight uphill terrain to Hille following the Bhurungdi Khola River. Then ascend gradually along the side of the valley until you reach Tikhedhunga. Thereafter, continue a path with an interminable climb of 3,200 steps that will lead you to Ulleri.

Day 04: Trek Ulleri– Ghorepani

Altitude above sea level: (2,750 m) Ghorepani

Hiking Duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you ascend steeply and then climb gradually until you reach Nangethathi.  This trail offers you a breathtaking view of Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6,997 m.), Hiunchuli (6,441 m.), and the Annapurna (7,219 m) South on the way.

Continue the climb until you start noticing more densely populated houses- Ghorepani. It is believed that the village was named Ghorepani as in the past it used to be a resting place for merchants where they found water for their horses, from where the name became ‘Ghora’ horse and ‘pani’ water.  This village is different from other towns with distinctive blue roofs and houses. It is also a gateway to the most important point of the trek – Poon Hill.

Day 05: Sunrise hike to Poonhill-Ghorepani - Dobato

Altitude above sea level: Poonhill (3,210 m), Dobato (3,420 m)

Hiking duration: Ghorepani-Poonhill 45 minutes, Poonhill-Ghorepani -40 minutes approx. Ghorepani-Dobato- 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Tea house lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start out with an early morning wake-up call and start your pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill. Once you are at the top, you will be greeted with clear panoramic views of several snow-capped mountains and peaks like Gangapurna, Annapurna South Mountain, Annapurna- I,  Dhaulagiri,  and the Hiunchuli with a magnificent sunrise.

After soaking in mesmerizing views, you will return downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then you follow the ridge at the beginning. Further, hike through a bit narrow and uphill, downhill, and fairly level trail. If you happen to trek during spring, then you can see the rhododendron blooming along the trail.

About 45 minutes hike from Deurali, you start to ascent steep uphill to the Mulde Peak Ridge. Once you get to the top of the ridge, the down-the-valley view is absolutely awe-inspiring. The vantage point provides an incredible eyes level panorama mountains views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, Fishtail & Gangapurna, and diverse landscapes of the surrounding valley. After savoring the mountain vistas and breathtaking sceneries, you take downhill to Dobato.

(Optional: If you wish to witness the sunrise and mountain views, then you also can hike towards Mulde View Point the next day morning.)

Day 06: Trek Dobato– Ghandruk

Altitude above sea level: (1,970 m) Ghandruk

Optional Sunrise hike; (3,637 m) Mulde Peak

Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours approx. 

Accommodation: Tea house lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will start early morning hiking towards the Viewpoint from where you can witness the marvelous Annapurna Himalayan peaks such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Hiuchuli, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III, and neighboring peaks. After enjoying the views, you trek down to the lodge for breakfast and leave for Ghandruk.

You take a gradual descent to Tadapani through the mystical rhododendron, oak, and pine forest. On the way, you might encounter a troop of Langur Monkeys. After a lunch break in Tadapani you hike downhill further to Ghandruk.

Ghandruk is a major settlement of the Gurung, an ethnic group of Nepal. Exploring around this village gives you a glimpse of the local way of life in Nepal’s mountains, especially that of the Gurung people. From here, you have an incredible panorama of the surrounding Annapurna massif. Also, it is a famous Gurung village with terraces and offers splendid views of sunrise and sunset. After arriving, you can stroll around to explore the large old-style village, visiting a cultural museum and monastery.

Day 07: Trek Ghandruk-Nayapul -Drive Pokhara

Hiking Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Driving Duration: Nayapul-PKR approx. 1.5 hrs.

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar

Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

Early morning starts with the superb view of Annapurna range and adjacent snowy peaks smiling towards us. You will have a hearty breakfast in Ghandruk and admire the sunshine and mountain views.

Then you set off on today’s trek, passing small villages and scenic rice fields to reach Nayapul. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your private jeep transfer waiting to take you back to Pokhara.

Check-in at the hotel and spend some time at leisure exploring Pokhara. You can either visit caves and pagoda or hire a boat that takes you to Tal Barahi, a temple that sits on a small island in Phewa Lake.

Day 08: Witness Sunrise, Hiking to World Peace Stupa, and Sightseeing

Altitude above sea level: 1,600 m

Driving duration to Sarangkot: Approx. 30 minutes

Hiking duration to World Peace Stupa: 45 minutes- 1 hour approx.

Tour duration: 8 hours approx.

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar

Meals: Breakfast

Wake up early in the morning to experience the breathtaking view of the Himalayas and sunrise. You will take a short, spectacular drive to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is located on the top of a hillock just north of Phewa Lake.  Gaze the mesmerizing scene of sunrise from the Sarangkot as the sun splashes hues of red on the Himalayan Range. You can get a marvelous view of the panoramic Range of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Ganesh Himal.

After spending time at Sarangkot, you will drive back to the hotel for breakfast, and depart for sightseeing in the prominent places of Pokhara.

Peace Pagoda (1,100 m) Hike:  You will take a scenic cruise on Phewa Lake. In this lake, you can involve yourself in various activities like boating, sailing, bird watching, etc. The image of the Fishtail Mountain in the crystal clear and calm water of Phewa Lake is something not to be missed. In the middle of the Lake, you will be landed on the island of the Barahi temple, which is the major attraction of the tour.

Further, you cross the lake by boat and get down to the shore and start hiking. The walking path goes through a dense forest filled with pine trees, Cyprus trees, wildflowers, and you will get chances to bird watching as well.  Upon reaching the pagoda, you can see the impressive gleaming-white World Peace Pagoda. The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. After finishing Stupa exploration, we take a drive to Devi’s fall and Gupteswor Cave.

Devi’s fall & Gupteswar Gupha (cave):  Further, you visit Devi’s fall, also locally known as Patale Chango which means “Underworld Waterfalls”. The waterfall directly goes into a deep canal underground, leaving no clue of its existence. With gushing water splashing and making its way through the rocks, the waterfall takes its real form in the monsoon season.

Then you visit Gupteswor Cave, located close to Devis Falls. Admire the Gupteshwar cave for its different natural forms made from limestone deposits. As you enter the cave, you can see the water dripping and the peaceful atmosphere of the cave will definitely soothe your senses. You can see shrines, Shiva temple, and a very remarkable view of the waterfall inside the cave.

Tibetan Refugee Camp: Then you drive towards the Tibetan refugee camp in Hyangja. This village is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and reflects Tibetan culture all over. Home to over 200 Tibetan monks, you can get a glimpse into their lifestyle.

After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 09: Drive Pokhara - Tansen

Altitude above sea level: 1,350 m (Tansen)

Driving duration: 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Srinagar

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast,  take a scenic drive to Tansen. Popular for Palpali hand woven Dhaka, there are various products made from Dhaka namely Dhaka Topi (cap), shawls, purses, and many more. The metal crafts are the specialty of Tansen.

Check in at the hotel and spend some time at leisure exploring Tansen. During the tour, witness the ancient culture, including attractive Newar houses. Enjoy the magnificent mountain views of the long Himalayan range such as the whole range Dhaulagiri in the north-west, Annapurna in the north, and Manaslu in the north-east.

Day 10: Drive Tansen -Lumbini

Altitude above sea level: 150 m

Driving duration: 2 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Buddha Maya or similar

Meal: Breakfast

After having a hearty breakfast, you take a drive to Lumbini. This sacred place is located some 250 km west of Kathmandu, in the plains of Kapilvastu.

In the 6th Century B.C., during the time of the Buddha, a confederacy of Shakya clan people lived here.  There are numerous buildings of religious significance in Lumbini, the most important of which is a massive stone pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 250 B.C.

It was discovered only in 1895 during excavations.  Beside the Ashoka Pillar and the Maya Devi Temple, plinths of huge temples and a pond, where the newborn infant and his mother bathed, have been unearthed. Many monasteries and libraries have been constructed by nations from around the world in Lumbini. Later in the afternoon, we explore with a local guide.

Day 11: Drive Lumbini- Chitwan for wilderness safari

Altitude above sea level: 415 m

Driving duration:  4- 5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Jungle Villa Resort or similar 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After having a hearty breakfast, you will be making your way to Chitwan National Park. It is one of the most beautiful and well-known wildlife parks in Asia that boasts a beautiful setting and abundant wildlife. The park comprises diverse forests and grassy marshland with creeks and pools. There are more than 50 different species of mammals and 450 different species of birds! Upon arrival, the hotel representative will warmly welcome your arrival.  Check-in at the hotel and spend some time at leisure.

TENTATIVE PROGRAM

7 am: Breakfast at the hotel

8 am: Drive to Chitwan

On arrival at the resort, we will give the guests a short briefing on their program, and assign them their rooms.

12:30 pm Lunch

2:30 pm Tharu Village Walk

The Tharu people are indigenous to the area, and their culture is unique, different from what can be found in Nepal. Guests can immerse into the local culture by strolling through the local Tharu village. This also includes a visit to the Tharu Cultural Museum. During this walk, our naturalists will also brief them about the social and cultural aspects of the villagers and their lifestyles.

5:00 pm Sundowner

You can take a breather and enjoy the peaceful view of the river at our deck area, watch the wildlife and nature, lounge around the resort premises, order drinks at the bar, and just relax. The sunset is very beautiful as well and is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

06:30 pm, A Wildlife Paradise

One of our wildlife experts will give a short presentation about Chitwan National Park. This presentation also includes more details about the local wildlife and also a brief history of the park. Guests are welcome to ask any questions.

07.30 pm: Dinner

Day 12: Jungle Activities

Accommodation: Jungle Villa Resort or similar 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6:30 am: A wake up call

Guests will be given a wake-up call to get ready for the day’s activities.

07:30 am Breakfast

08:30 am Crocodile Conservation Project visit

You will be taken to the Crocodile Conservation Project, an initiative to preserve and protect the endangered crocodiles of the park. Established in 1971, the Gharial (distinguished from other crocodiles by its narrow snout) conservation center has been breeding this endangered species and releasing them into the wild every year. Our naturalist will accompany them, guiding them and providing information about various methods and programs being undertaken to increase the Gharial population in the wild.

09:30 am Canoeing

After the visit to Crocodile Conservation Project, you will be taken on a boating tour in a traditional Patela boat, which will take them down serenely along the Rapti River, which will also have aquatic birds, Gharial crocodile, and other animals on the river banks. The boat ride lasts for approximately 45 minutes

12:30 pm Lunch: A delicious lunch prepared by our team of expert kitchen staff will be served to you.

02:30 pm Jeep Safari

Ride a jeep through the wilderness, experiencing the local wildlife for themselves. Observe birds, flora, and fauna, like the one-horned Rhinoceros, countless species of deer, bison, and if lucky, even the Royal Bengal Tiger. The whole experience lasts for 2-3 hours, after which you will return to the resort.

6:30 pm Tharu Cultural Dance

Enjoy the local Tharu from the village showcasing their traditional Tharu stick dance. The dance is an age-old tradition of the Tharus and is usually performed to appease the gods during religious festivals.

07.30 pm: Dinner

Day 13: Flight back to Kathmandu

Driving duration HTL- Bharatpur APT:  35 mins approx.  KTM APT-HTL: 20-30 mins approx.

Flight duration:  25 minutes approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will transfer to Pokhara airport for departure to Kathmandu. Check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. You can visit Thamel, a buzzing, visitor-friendly area, Thamel is the city’s main tourist zone with bars and lively eateries serving Nepalese and international dishes.

Designed in 1920, the stately Garden of Dreams is dotted with pavilions, fountains, and urns. Markets and stores sell metal handicrafts, colorful jewelry, and trekking gear, while pedestrianized Mandala Street has upmarket shops and spas.

Day 14: Final Departure

Driving Duration HTL-APT: Approx. 30 minutes depending on traffic

Meals Included: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. Make sure you reach TIA airport on time, as you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. If you wish to stay a few more days, there are still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.

Reviews

Ray & Lindsey, April 2018 Nepal Visit 

Our entire holiday went like clockwork, especially our tour to Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan. We have already started saving for a return trip to Nepal next year.We really had truly...

Ray & Lindsey, April 2018 Nepal Visit

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