Nepal Family Essentials
Nepal Family Essentials
Nepal Family Essentials
11 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Bandipur, Bhaktapur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
667
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
5-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Get ready for an incredible journey filled with adventure, culture, and natural wonders! This carefully crafted itinerary is perfect for families, offering a mix of exciting activities and relaxing moments that everyone will enjoy.
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital. Take a thrilling rickshaw ride through the city's backstreets, marvel at the ancient architecture of Durbar Square, and encounter the Living Goddess Kumari. Ascend to Swayambunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, for stunning views of the city and a playful encounter with its furry residents.
Next, fly to the picturesque city of Pokhara, nestled amidst the Himalayas. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Phewa, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Learn the art of making delicious momos, a traditional Nepali dumpling, and savor the fruits of your labour. Then, hop on a bike for a scenic ride to Devi Falls and the mysterious Shiva Cave.
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with a family-friendly white-water rafting trip on the Lower Seti River. Camp overnight by the riverside, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Journey to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and embark on thrilling safaris in search of rhinos, tigers, and other fascinating wildlife. Immerse yourselves in the local Tharu culture with a visit to a traditional village.
Travel to the charming hilltop town of Bandipur, where time seems to stand still. Explore its well-preserved architecture and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Return to Kathmandu for a final taste of the city's vibrant energy.
Visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning temples and traditional crafts. Participate in a pottery class and create your own unique souvenir. Conclude your journey with visits to the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the iconic Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath.
This tour is packed with fun and adventure for the whole family. You'll experience the best of Nepal's culture, nature, and wildlife, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Note: For those passengers who prefer not to partake in the white-water rafting, you may stay behind in Pokhara for one additional night and rejoin the group the following day. We also offer a longer version of this tour which includes a 4-day trek in the Annapurna Range, ideal for those looking for even more adventure, this is our Nepal Family Adventure Tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Arrive In Kathmandu: Transfer To Hotel
Location: Kathmandu
Namaste! After arriving into Kathmandu today, our reps meet you at the airport and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your tour. In the evening, your rep will give you a brief introduction to the local area of Thamel.
Day 2 : Day 2: Thamel Rickshaw Ride And Durbar Square. See The Living Goddess & Visit Swayambunath Stupa
Location: Kathmandu
Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. We'll make time whilst in Durbar Square to visit the Living Goddess, Kumari. In Nepal a young pre-pubescent girl is chosen from the Newar community to embody the goddess Taleju, a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga. She is believed to be the living incarnation of the divine feminine and is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 3 : Day 3: Fly To Pokhara. Enjoy A Boat Ride On Lake Phewa And Learn How To Make Momos
Location: Pokhara
Start your day with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayan range as you soar through the skies. Upon arrival in Pokhara, a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, head straight to the serene Lake Phewa. Here, embark on a leisurely boat trip, allowing the tranquil waters and the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna mountains to captivate your senses.
Day 4 : Day 4: Morning Cycling Trip To Devi Falls & Shiva Cave
Location: Pokhara
Today, we're going on a fun cycling trip to Devi Falls and Shiva Cave. We'll cycle through some beautiful scenery and see these two amazing natural spots.
Day 5 : Day 5: Family Friendly White-Water Rafting On The Lower Seti And Camping By The Riverside
Location: Pokhara
Embark on a scenic drive from the bustling city of Pokhara towards the tranquil banks of the Lower Seti River. The journey itself offers glimpses of the picturesque Nepali countryside, setting the tone for the adventure that awaits. Upon arrival at the river's edge, you'll be greeted by the experienced rafting team who will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equip you with all the necessary gear. The day will unfold with thrilling white water rafting, navigating gentle rapids and calm stretches alike, perfect for families.
Day 6 : Day 6: Drive To Chitwan National Park: Begin Safari Activities And Explore The Local Tharu Village
Location: Chitwan National Park
After breakfast at our riverbank setting, we'll pack up our camp and bid farewell to the tranquil Lower Seti River. Our journey continues onward to the renowned Chitwan National Park, nestled in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. This dramatic shift in landscape will transport us from the refreshing river valleys to the heart of a lush subtropical jungle teeming with diverse wildlife.
Day 7 : Day 7: Chitwan National Park Safari Activities
Location: Chitwan National Park
We spend the whole day today exploring Chitwan National Park in search of the endangered Asian one-horned rhino, which Chitwan is famous for protecting. If you're very lucky you may also see a leopard, wild elephant or sloth bear, or even an elusive Bengal tiger, while the rhino, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, wild boar and numerous different birdlife are common sightings. Activities included are a jungle walk, river canoe trip and jeep safari.
Day 8 : Day 8: Chitwan To The Hilltop Village Of Bandipur. Bandipur Walking Tour
Location: Bandipur
Early this morning you can take a walk outside the park dedicated mainly to bird watching. After breakfast we then leave Chitwan and the Terai and drive to the ancient hilltop Newari trading village of Bandipur. The centre of Bandipur has been restored, and is vehicle free, with some lovely old buildings. We'll have a short guided walking tour around the centre of Bandipur before you have free time this afternoon to relax, or take a walk or hike through the surrounding fields, villages and hills. Walks include a 2-hour downhill hike through fields and forest to Siddha Cave, one of the largest in Asia and full of impressive rock formations (bring a torch). You can hike back uphill to Bandipur from here or walk down to the highway for our vehicle to pick you up. A shorter walk from the town centre can take you uphill for around 30min to the Thani Mai Temple, which is well worth it for its views at sunset if the weather is clear. In fact the whole of Bandipur affords good mountain views.
Day 9 : Day 9: Return To Kathmandu: Free Afternoon
Location: Kathmandu
Today, we bid farewell to the charming hilltop town of Bandipur and embark on a scenic drive back to the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu. As we wind our way through the picturesque countryside, relish the final glimpses of terraced fields, quaint villages, and the majestic Himalayan peaks that have graced our journey.
Day 10 : Day 10: Bhaktapur Ancient Centre With Pottery Class: Pasupatinath & Boudhanath
Location: Bhaktapur
This morning we'll visit one of the ancient cities in the Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur. The centre of Bhaktapur has been designated a World Heritage Site, and hosts the best preserved ancient buildings and temples in the Kathmandu valley, with some great examples of traditional wooden architecture to be seen. Our tour here will really give you a taste for how life has been led in the valley for centuries, and you'll see several traditional crafts still taking place, including a whole square dedicated to pottery - You'll even have the chance to partake in an included pottery class.
Day 11 : Day 11: Kathmandu: Tour Ends: Airport Transfer
Location: Kathmandu
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Travel in a private car, minivan, or minibus depending on group size, with all transfers included, including a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service and an internal flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, with a unique camping experience by the riverside during the white-water rafting adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the Chitwan National Park visit?
During the visit to Chitwan National Park, you will participate in a jungle walk, a river canoe trip, and a jeep safari. These activities offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Asian one-horned rhino, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, wild boar, and numerous bird species. If you're very lucky, you might also spot a leopard, wild elephant, or even a Bengal tiger.
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What can I expect during the white-water rafting experience on the Lower Seti River?
The white-water rafting experience on the Lower Seti River includes a scenic drive from Pokhara to the river, followed by a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment provision by the experienced rafting team. The rafting itself involves navigating gentle rapids and calm stretches, making it suitable for families. After rafting, you will set up camp along the river banks, with all camping equipment provided, and enjoy a night under the stars with a campfire.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cultural experiences such as a visit to the Living Goddess Kumari in Kathmandu, a momo making class in Pokhara, a visit to a Tharu village in Chitwan, and a pottery class in Bhaktapur. Additionally, you will explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, visit the Pasupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu, and take a walking tour around the hilltop village of Bandipur.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, as well as a rafting camp along the Lower Seti River. All accommodations are included as stated in the itinerary.
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Are there any special activities for children on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes several child-friendly activities such as a rickshaw ride in Kathmandu, a momo making class in Pokhara, and family-friendly white-water rafting on the Lower Seti River. Additionally, the safari activities in Chitwan National Park and the visit to the hilltop village of Bandipur are suitable for children.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Meals included in the tour are as indicated in the itinerary. Generally, breakfast is provided daily, with additional meals such as lunch and dinner included on specific days, particularly during the rafting and Chitwan National Park segments of the tour.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes private cars, minivans, or minibuses, depending on the group size. The tour also includes an internal flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and all necessary transfers, including a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.