Day 1 - Kathmandu
Monday. A warm Nepalese welcome! Arrive Kathmandu, included transfer to hotel. This evening attend a welcome meeting, where you will be briefed on your trip.
Day 2 - The Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest
city and one of the most important points on the
caravan routes between Tibet and India. This culturally
diverse city is the meeting place for dozens of ethnic
groups, giving it a truly cosmopolitan feel. After
breakfast explore Kathmandu and its surrounds with our Kathmandu guide. The highlights of today's sightseeing include the Buddhist Stupas of
Bodhnath and Swayambhunath, which are fabulous
examples of Buddhist temple architecture and a great
place to observe Buddhist life and culture. Also
discover the delights of Patan Durbar Square, home to more than 50
stunning temples and shrines. This evening enjoy
dinner and a cultural Nepali dance performance.
Day 3 - Annapurna Region
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Syauli Bazaar. This morning fly to Pokhara at the foot of the spectacular Annapurna mountain range; the views are simply breathtaking. Your tour leader will not escort you on your flight, in Pokhara we meet our local guide and drive to Phedi where we’ll have lunch before starting our trek. Following the Modi Khola River, we reach Chimrong, where we cross a bridge and climb to Chandrakot before reaching the picturesque valley of Syauli Bazaar. The highlight of Syauli, is the stunning backdrop of the ‘fishtail’ peak of Machhapuchre. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views!
Day 4 - Ghandruk
Syauli – Ghandruk. The Annapurna region has a truly diverse landscape; agricultural land, beautiful rhododendron forests and austere alpine climes, the thundering Modi Khola river and an array of pretty blooms in spring. Today we continue our steep ascent, through terraced fields and small thatched hamlets to Ghandruk. Our lodge is located in the heart of the village and you’ll have plenty of time to explore and meet the friendly villagers. The skyline beyond the village is dominated by the snowy flanks of Annapurna South, Humchuli and the famous spire of Machapuchare, known as the ‘Matterhorn of Nepal’.
Day 5 - Tadapani
Ghandruk – Tadapani. We follow a well trodden trail, climbing higher, through magnificent forests of oak, witnessing Himalayan village life along the way and stopping at the local Gurung museum. We spend the night at Tadapani, where the views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli are spectacular.
Day 6 - Ghorepani
Tadapani – Ghorepani. From Tapadani we head to the Bhurungdi Khola (stream) to begin our ascent to Banthanti village. We pass a series of picturesque waterfalls, cascading down stream to a beautiful rhododendrum forest. At Gurung Hill we are treated to some fabulous views before crossing Deurali for our final ascent of the day to Ghorepani village. Take time to meet the locals, many of whom have served as Gurkha soldiers in the Indian and British army.
Day 7 - Poon Hill
Ghorepani – Poon Hill - Tikedhunga – breakfast. It’s an early start, as we take an excursion to Poon Hill to view the sunrise over one of the most spectacular panoramas in Nepal, a sea of 30 majestic peaks line the horizon, encompassing three of the highest mountains including the mighty Manaslu. We then begin our steep descent, through forests, pastures and fields to the village of Tikhedhunga.
Day 8 - Pokhara
Tikhedhunga – Pokhara. Following the old trading route we trek past waterfalls and through bamboo forests to the prosperous village of Birethanti, where our expedition ends and we drive back to Pokhara. After a chance to freshen up, we visit Lake Phewa, a popular tourist spot where you can hire sail boats, shop or simply relax and enjoy the picturesque views.
Day 9 - Chitwan N.P.
Pokhara – Chitwan. Leaving Pokhara this morning journey to Royal Chitwan National Park on a public tourist bus (upgrade to private transfer available), arriving in the afternoon. Widely acknowledged, as one of the finest National Parks in Asia, Chitwan has an amazing array of animals including, Indian one horned rhino, bison, leopard, wild boar, sloth bear, deer, langur and rhesus monkey, not to mention of course the magnificent if elusive, Bengal tiger. Spend the remains of day 9 and day 10 enjoying various activities such as an elephant safari, jungle walk and a Tharu cultural dance with Nepali dinner.
Day 11 - Kathmandu
Chitwan – Kathmandu. On day 11 travel back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus (upgrade to private transfer available), arriving early evening. Day 12, enjoy your final day, independently wandering around the maze of streets, courtyards and alleys, taking in all of the amazing sights and sounds of this bustling Capital. Kathmandu is like a museum with hidden temples and shrines tucked away in the most unexpected places.
Day 13 - Kathmandu
Saturday. Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.