Classic Nepal Adventure

On arrival at Kathmandu airport we meet you, assist with the formalities and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. Settle in – take a first wander through the lively streets of Nepal’s capital. You have free time to rest after the flight or explore Thamel at your own pace. This evening we hold an informal briefing on the journey ahead and the local area.

We weave by rickshaw through the backstreets of Thamel and neighbouring quarters, passing tiny shops, stupas and busy workshops for a close–up glimpse of daily life. From here we continue on foot to historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, threading narrow alleys filled with shrines and courtyards as we uncover the city’s oldest quarters. In the square we explore intricately carved temples and royal palaces, learning about Newari architecture and the history of the ancient kingdom. We then visit Swayambhunath Stupa on its hilltop – we spin prayer wheels, soak up sweeping city views and watch the resident monkeys.

We leave the Kathmandu Valley for Chitwan National Park, driving past terraced hillsides, rivers and rural villages along the way. In the early evening we stroll through a traditional Tharu village near the park and learn about the community’s customs and daily life.

We explore Chitwan National Park on a guided jungle walk, keeping watch for rhinos, deer, monkeys and rich birdlife as we move between forest and grassland. We drift along a jungle river in a traditional canoe – an unhurried vantage point for crocodiles and water birds – and savour the calm of the lowland waterways. We travel deeper by jeep safari across varied habitats with chances to see wildlife such as rhinos, wild boar and, with luck, big cats. We round off the day with a Tharu cultural dance performance – traditional music and rhythmic movement that celebrates the heritage of the local community.

Leaving Chitwan, we climb into the hills towards Bandipur as the scenery shifts from the flat lowlands to forested ridges and distant mountain views. On arrival we take a guided wander through Bandipur’s restored Newari centre and stroll its traffic–free streets lined with temples and traditional houses. In your free time you can relax in town or take short independent walks to nearby villages and viewpoints, enjoying the peaceful hilltop atmosphere.

We drive from Bandipur to lakeside Pokhara, arriving beside Lake Phewa with the Annapurna range rising behind the town. We visit Devi Falls, where the water plunges into a deep chasm – we hear the legend behind its name and admire the unusual geological formations. We then stop at a Tibetan refugee camp to see handicrafts being made and hear about the community’s history in Nepal, and you can browse local workshops and stalls. We continue to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of Pokhara and the Annapurnas, walk around the gleaming white stupa, then hike downhill through forest trails to Lake Phewa. We cross the water by wooden boat – gliding over calm reflections of mountains and lakeside temples – and finish with a hands–on cooking class preparing traditional Nepali momos with guidance from local cooks.

We drive from Pokhara to Naya Pul – the starting point of our trek – passing village life and terraced hillsides en route. From Naya Pul we set off through the Annapurna foothills, following the trail via Birethanti before climbing steadily from Shauli Bazaar to reach Ghandruk.

We hike through rhododendron forest and moss–draped trees on our way to Tadapani, pausing for sweeping views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare – a memorable reward for the day’s walk.

We trek through forest, river valleys and hillside clearings, then make a steady ascent via Bantanthi to the ridge–top village of Ghorepani.

We set out before dawn to climb to the celebrated Poon Hill viewpoint, arriving as sunrise washes the Annapurna range with colour – vast Himalayan panoramas in every direction. After soaking up the views, we descend on forest paths via Nangethanti and Banthanti, then continue down the steep stone steps from Ulleri to reach Tirkhedunga.

We complete the trek with a walk from Tirkhedunga to Naya Pul, taking in final views of terraced villages and river valleys before rejoining our vehicle for the drive back to Pokhara. You have free time to unwind by the water – linger in cafés, browse the shops and enjoy the tranquil lakeside setting.

We travel by tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, tracing winding roads beside rivers as we leave the Annapurna region. On arrival you have time to rest or explore the lively lanes of Thamel at your own pace. This evening we meet for an informal briefing on the days ahead and the local area.

We explore Bhaktapur’s ancient centre on a guided tour, visiting temples, courtyards and traditional Newari homes. We take part in a practical pottery class, using traditional wheels and techniques with guidance from skilled artisans in Bhaktapur’s Pottery Square. We then drive from Bhaktapur to the hilltop village of Nagarkot, arriving to sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley. You can enjoy a peaceful evening in Nagarkot – cool mountain air and panoramic vistas – and, if the weather is clear, sunset is often spectacular.

We walk downhill through forest and terraced farmland towards Changu Narayan, then visit one of Nepal’s oldest and most important temples. From Changu Narayan we return by vehicle to Kathmandu – re–entering the lively capital after our time in the hills. We visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most significant Hindu temple, observe ceremonies along the Bagmati River and learn about its spiritual importance. We then explore the vast Boudhanath Stupa – a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism – and walk around it with pilgrims and monks.

You have free time to rest or explore the lively lanes of Thamel at your own pace before departure. This evening we meet for an informal briefing on the tour and the local area. When it’s time to depart, we transfer you from your Kathmandu hotel to the airport – say your goodbyes to Nepal as you check in for your international flight and complete the departure formalities for your onward journey.