TREKKING HOLIDAY: Take in the highlights of Nepal and enjoy a wonderfully varied and easy-paced 6-day trek through the stunning Annapurna region. Marvel at the spectacular, unobstructed views of the High Himalayas from Poon Hill and experience Nepali mountain village life. Explore the Kathmandu Valley, visiting beautiful ancient temples, palaces and bustling markets. Go in search of wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, looking out for elephants, rhinos, leopards and tigers. Take a boat ride on picturesque Lake Phewa in Pokhara and visit a monastery to see the monks at prayer. Topped it off with an optional Everest scenic flight, this is the best of Nepal in 13-days.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
The Kathmandu Valley
Today we explore the Kathmandu Valley, starting with the Buddhist Stupa of Bodhnath which is a fabulous example of Buddhist temple architecture and a great place to observe Buddhist life and culture. Our next stop is the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s cultural gem which has maintained its traditional way of life and is famous for its pottery. We visit Bhaktapur’s incredible Durbar Square and try our hand at pottery making in Pottery Square. Our final stop of the day is Patan Durbar Square, home to more than 50 temples and shrines. This evening we enjoy dinner and a cultural Nepali dance performance.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Breakfast, Dinner
Chitwan National Park
Kathmandu – Chitwan. On day 3 we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hr drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is hailed as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to more than 500 species including the endangered one horned rhino, various types of deer, Indian elephant and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Over the next two days we enjoy a selection of activities offered by the lodge including a jeep safari, hoping to encounter the one horned rhino, various types of deer, boar, monkey, leopard and if we're very fortunate the Bengal tiger. Other activities at the lodge include a local village walk and nature walk in the jungle, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River and bird watching. We'll also watch a traditional Tharu dance performance one evening with dinner.
Overnight: Chitwan National Park | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Pokhara
Chitwan National Park – Pokhara. Today we take the short flight from Chitwan to Pokhara. Arriving early afternoon the rest of the day is free to relax and take a stroll around this scenic lakeside town. Pokhara is the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range, which boasts five mountains over 7200m and has one of the Himalayas most distinctive mountains - Machhapuchare with its unique ‘fishtail’ peak.
Overnight: Pokhara | Breakfast
Annapurna Region
Pokhara – Nayapul - Ulleri. We meet our trekking guide and porters at the hotel this morning and drive to Nayapul (1070m). From here we travel by jeep to Hile where we begin our Annapurna trek. The picturesque trail climbs steadily and as we climb, the tops of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli begin to merge from behind the hills. We continue trekking to Ulleri, where we spend the first night of our trek in a lodge.
Overnight: Ulleri (lodge) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ghorepani
Ulleri – Ghorepani. From Ulleri, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields. The fields soon give way to deep forest as the trail climbs to Banthanti where we stop for our lunch. Beyond the village of Banthanti, there are magnificent oak and rhododendron forest. From here, Ghorepani is reached in about 3 hours, after passing some sparkling clear streams and tea shops.
Overnight: Ghorepani (lodge) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tadapani
Ghorepani – Tadapani. An early morning trek up Poon Hill provides spectacular unobstructed views of the High Himalayas. After enjoying the mountain scenery we return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing our trek. Our trail climbs a stone staircase until we reach the ridge where we’ll then trek downhill to the village of Banthanti for a lunch break. From Banthanti the trail starts climbing, leaving the high mountain forests behind and entering a field of cane. The trail then climbs steeply again before reaching our base for the night.
Overnight: Tadapani (lodge) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chomorung
Tadapani – Chomorung. Our trek today starts with a steep downhill walk through the forest before the trail eases as we reach Gurjung, the village of the Gurung people. From here its an easy walk to Chomorung.
Overnight: Chomorung (lodge) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ghandruk
Chomorung – Ghandruk. Today our trail heads gradually downhill to Kimyo Khola. Crossing the river we start our ascent to Ghandruk, a beautiful village which is also inhabited by the Gurung tribal people.
Overnight: Ghandruk (lodge) | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pokhara
Ghandruk – Nayapul – Pokhara. After breakfast we begin the final leg of our trek. We descend steeply on flag stone steps, then continue through forests and a landslide area. The trail is downhill for about two hours until we reach Shyauli Bazaar. From here we continue our gentle descent; walking along the river bank and passing terraced fields and stopping for lunch in Birethati village, en route to Nayapul. Here we meet our waiting vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. After hotel check in, relax and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Pokhara | Breakfast, Lunch
Swayambhunath & Durbar Square
Pokhara – Kathmandu. Fly back to Kathmandu this morning and in the afternoon we explore more of the city. After visiting the beautiful Swayambhunath stupa, we walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is home to more than 50 stunning temples and shrines. We’ll also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the bustling back streets of the city which is a great way to observe the everyday life of the locals.
Overnight: Kathmandu | Breakfast
Kathmandu
Wednesday. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
An optional Everest scenic flight is offered on the morning of day 2 or day 13 (subject to availability) so if you’d like to book this please ensure that you onward flight on day 13 does not depart before midday.
Breakfast
Trek Info
Area covered: Pokhara Valley - Annapurna region
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Walking duration: 5 - 6 hours daily
Altitude: Max. 3210m
Average group size: 2-8
Please read the Trip Notes for more information about the time spent trekking and the distance covered each day.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Vivanta Kathmandu, Kathmandu
This stylish 4 star hotel offers an oasis of modern comforts in the bustling city of Kathmandu. Conveniently located in the vibrant Patan District, just 1.1km from Patan Durbar Square, Vivanta Kathmandu offers spacious en suite guest rooms, equipped with a desk, flat screen tv, mini bar and free WiFi. After a busy day of sightseeing, head to the rooftop to relax in the heated infinity pool, enjoy a drink at the Koko Bar and watch the sunset, taking in the wonderful panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. For those that like to work up a sweat there's a state-of-the art fitness centre and a spa complete with a steam room and sauna to rejuvenate. The hotel has a choice of two restaurants, offering authentic local dishes in addition to international cuisine, and the kitchen is open 24/7, so you can enjoy delicious food at any time of the day or night.
The Soaltee Westend Resort , Chitwan National Park
Nestled in the heart of the lush jungles of Chitwan, Soaltee Westend Resort offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. Surrounded by verdant landscapes and exotic wildlife, this luxurious retreat seamlessly combines modern comforts with the tranquility of the Nepalese wilderness. The resort boasts an array of elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to provide utmost relaxation and convenience. The air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, a desk and seating area, a kettle and minibar, safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can indulge in a variety of experiences, from thrilling jungle safaris to peaceful nature walks and birdwatching excursions. After a day of exploration, unwind by the sparkling outdoor swimming pool, work out in the fitness centre or rejuvenate your senses at the spa, offering a range of holistic treatments inspired by ancient traditions. With its impeccable service, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking surroundings, the 5-star Soaltee Westend Resort promises an unforgettable stay amidst the enchanting beauty of Chitwan.
Atithi Resort and Spa, Pokhara
Atithi (Sanskrit for 'guest') offers genuine Nepalese hospitality in the centre of Pokhara, just a 5 minute stroll from beautiful Lake Phewa. At the heart of the resort is its spa, which incorporates yogic methods into a range of modern treatments, and an outdoor pool looking out upon the majestic Annapurna range. The all-day restaurant serves tasty Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine and the lounge-bar is the ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy light bites, after a day exploring the enchanting Lake City. The comfortable rooms are ensuite, with rosewood furniture, LCD television, free WiFi and mountain views.
It has always been a dream to hike in the Himalayas and I am so glad I chose On The Go to do it with! The group size was absolutely perfect, and the guides were incredible! This tour really does combine the perfect balance of culture and adventure! We were able to witness how Kathmandu is recovering from the earthquake in 2015, and how their conservation efforts are being implemented in Chitwan! We even saw a Rhino when relaxing in the pool, our safari hadn’t even started yet! Once on the trail, we could not have been in better hands. Our mountain guide Pasang was so knowledgeable about the mountains, the history and folklore. Even with hours of hiking per day he always kept us entertained. The pressure of “trying to keep up” was alleviated immediately and everyone felt really comfortable to go at their own pace. The teahouses used were so much better than we expected and the food inclusions were always more than we could eat with heaps of options available to us everyday! I will absolutely return to Nepal, and continue booking with On The Go Tours! It was the best experience!!”
A very good introductory tour of Nepal. Trekking through the jungle was a great experience and views of the mountains - simply amazing! We was very impreesed with the guides. They were gracious, knowledgeable and pleasure to trek with.”
Just arrived home from my first overseas holiday and my first ever trekking adventure. On The Go handled every detail of our trip with great precision and it was very well managed througout the entire 2 weeks. Our transport and city accomodation was always comfortable and air conditioned and our trek guides Dawa, Nishal and Tsewand were amazing. The trek itself was quite difficult but I managed to do the entire circuit even though I am aged 60. Some pre trek fitness training would be required for this one as there is a lot of uphill climbing, which was challenging, but the views of the Annapurnas made every step rewarding. I would not hesitate to travel with On The Go again and all which needs to be done now is to choose a destination. This was the best 2 weeks of my life, thank you On The Go!!”
Our tour and guides were fantastic! The guided tours around Kathmandu at the beginning and end of the trekking were informative and well paced and gave us a great insight into the country, culture and history. This gave us a great platform for the rest of the tour. Transferring to the trek, via Chitwan National Park, was interesting with rough roads and a variety of road users ranging from donkeys to tankers. All of our drivers were excellent showing great patience at all times. Moving on to the trek our group leader, Srikishna Roy, was first class. He led the trek with experience, patience and humour and I felt completely safe in his hands as he described the trek and advised us at all times, “slowly,slowly....drink water”. Pemba, our ever smiling Sherpa led the pace from the front and kept us from too much exertion as we climbed, Our fantastic porters, Birkha and Shankar were immense! Carrying our packs in advance of the trek and usually arriving hours ahead of us. When we arrived at the lodges for our overnight accommodation our bags were already in our rooms, ready and waiting. The trek was challenging but not impossibly so. The exhilaration of the views and the friendliness of all the Nepali locals enabled us to feel comfortable at all times and we never felt over tired. I was amazed that when Roy pointed our next days trek, “all the way down to the river...and all the way up the other side” I no trepidation and was confident that I would be able to succeed.
The trek was a challenge to celebrate my wife’s 60th birthday and we are already talking about the next trek to celebrate my 65th!! I can thoroughly recommend On the Go, the guides and leaders and am looking forward to my next adventure.”
Really good varied tour. Tiring but fantastic. The tea houses were a little more basic than we imagined but we were so tired from trekking that we didn't care and slept well. Great food everywhere we went and lovely polite, helpful people. Loved the variety of Kathmandu. Pokara, Chitwan Safari and Trekking. Are already considering returning.”
Dawa, who led the trek, and his team were excellent.
In the Kathmandu and district sightseeing part of the holiday the yoghurt making demonstration and the "cultural evening" were a complete waste of time. Happily this did not spoil the overall experience.
I feel that it would be better to do the sightseeing in Kathmandu on before the trek as this gave a flavour of the capital where we were staying. The trip out to Pathan, Bodhnath and Bhaktapur could be done, if required, at the end.”
Hi Sarah,
We are just back from our trip.
It was wonderful. We were so well looked after, enjoyed every day, and felt it to be one of the best trips we have had. We enjoyed the attention to detail, quality of the hotels and generally had little to worry about.
Thank you so much for all your help. We will be recommending this trip to our friends and family, and will definitely book with On The Go Tours again in the future. ”
Hi Cherylyn,
Well, we just got back Sat. night from our fantastic trek. Everything about the trip went smoothly. On The Go in Nepal was fantastic. We had a really great guide and porter. The scenery was ever changing and on the high ridges we even had snow and saw yaks which was very rare. The lodges were basic but fine and I was constantly amazed how they could cook such delicious food in such tiny kitchens with only a wood stove.
I would say that if you are talking to future clients about this trip, I would inform them that it isn't easy and it is 90% steps straight up and down. Luckily we did a lot of training and were fine. Our guide said that, because of the steps, it is harder than Everest Base Camp except for the altitude. The Sherpa Society that ran our trek was very professional at all times. Also, I can highly recommend upgrading to the Yak and Yeti and Atithi hotel in Pokhara. Also, as the roads are a nightmare and the drivers even worse, I would really recommend a private car and driver. It was much safer and much quicker.
We are already thinking of our next trip--maybe trekking in Jordan. ”
Our guide Mohan and our porter Padam were the best and helped us the whole time. They made our trip perfect!”
All of our guides were very friendly and informative in particular Mohan and Gilly on our trek were excellent. ”
At a Glance
A very good introductory tour of Nepal. Trekking through the jungle was a great experience and views of the mountains - simply amazing! We was very impreesed with the guides. They were gracious, knowledgeable and pleasure to trek with.”
