Into Nepal: Walks & Wildlife
Into Nepal: Walks & Wildlife
Into Nepal: Walks & Wildlife
13 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TNC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
This immersive adventure is the perfect introduction to Nepal and Himalayan trekking. Our route takes us through the Annapurna foothills, staying at low altitude and certainly one of the most spectacular of the Himalayan massifs. Throughout the trek, we pass through villages among steeply terraced fields, where in spring the rhododendron forests provide a colourful foreground to the splendid mountain vistas. And after, we explore another side of Nepal by going in search of roaming wildlife at Chitwan National Park. With the help of an expert naturalist, we explore the home of the one-horned rhino, while also spotting birds, crocodiles, deer and boar.
Why trek with Exodus?
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid
All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselves
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Kathmandu
The tour starts at the Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing this evening with your leader and a chance to meet your fellow travellers. If you have free time after arrival, you may want to relax into the adventure with a drink at the in-house rooftop bar and lounge Foreign Affairs, with it's 360 degree views from the sun terrace over Kathmandu valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 2 : Fly To Pokhara, Drive To Birethanthi, Trek To Tirkhedunga
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take a 30-minute flight to the city of Pokhara this morning, which allows us to bypass a long, bumpy, uncomfortable drive and maximise our time in the Himalaya. On a clear day, we get magnificent views of those same mountains from the right side of the plane.
From the airport, we drive for 1hr 30min to Birethanthi, a riverside village at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Burundi Khola. After a lunch stop here, we begin our hiking in the Annapurna massif with a two to three-hour warm-up walk that follows a jeep track past the small village of Hille and into another small village, Tirkhedunga, where we spend our first night in a teahouse.
Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 5,050ft/1,540m)
Day 3 : Climb To Lower Banthanti
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is short in distance but quite tough as we are ascending all day. There is a long, fairly steep climb up a stone staircase through the neatly terraced hillsides to the village of Ulleri. Many of the trails in this area are stone steps made many years ago to prevent erosion. Don't worry though, there are many resting places and teahouses on the way up so we just take it slowly and stop for a refreshing cup of tea en route. Continuing through Ulleri, we stop tonight at lower Banthanti.
Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 7,250ft/2,210m)
Day 4 : Ascend Through Rhododendron Forests To Upper Ghorepani
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our trail winds onward and enters a rhododendron forest. In spring, the forest is ablaze with colour and, as we walk, trains of mules provide colourful and noisy interludes to the continuous ascent (there are many stone staircases today).
Finally, we emerge at Ghorepani, a splendid mountain vista appearing before us – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung and other Himalayan giants. We continue up through Ghorepani to our lodge in Upper Ghorepani, usually arriving by lunchtime.
Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 9,515ft/2,900m)
Day 5 : Walk To Poon Hill For Sunrise. Trek Via Deurali To Tadapani
Meals Included: Breakfast
We get up early this morning for our walk to Poon Hill (our highest altitude point at 10,530ft/3,210m). The early wake up will be worth it when we see the spectacular sunrise views of the Annapurnas, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung. The trail to Poon Hill takes just under an hour and is up a stone staircase.
Descending back to the lodge, we have a well-deserved breakfast and then set off for the village of Tadapani. We head east back into the forest and ascend to the Deurali Pass at 10,140ft (3,090m). We then descend into the rhododendron forest through Deurali, where there are a few lodges, and further down to Banthanthi for lunch. After lunch, the trail undulates on a rocky trail through the forest with a final climb up to Tadapani, where we stay tonight with magnificent views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 8,630ft/2,630m)
Day 6 : An Easy Walk To Ghandrung, Explore The Gurung Village
Meals Included: Breakfast
After wonderful sunrise views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare from the lodge, we descend through the forest to the Bhaisi Kharka area. We eventually emerge from the forest and see the large Gurung village of Ghandrung spread below.
It is the largest of the villages in this area and new lodges have been built around the traditional Gurung houses. We reach the lodge by lunchtime; in the afternoon, we can explore the village. There is a small Gurung museum that shows how the traditional houses once were. From the lodge, we can relax and take in the wonderful views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare.
Accommodation: Teahouse (sleeping altitude: 6,365ft/1,940m)
Day 7 : Trek Down To Birethanthi. Drive To Pokhara
Meals Included: Breakfast
We end our Himalayan journey today trekking through farmland and forest down to the Modi Khola valley and onto Birethanthi, where we meet our transport for the 1hr 30min drive back to Pokhara.
The afternoon is free to enjoy this lakeside town. There are plenty of shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and restaurants along the lakeside to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Dahlia (or similar)
Day 8 : Visit The Tibetan Refugee Camp In Tashiling With A Momo-Cooking Experience. Afternoon International Mountain Museum And Optional Boat Ride
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we head to the Tibetan refugee camp in Tashiling, a 15-minute drive out of Pokhara. Established in 1964, when hundreds of Tibetans fled instability in their home region, the Tashiling camp is now a permanent home to around 100 families. You meet some of the residents and take part in a cookery experience, learning how to make the popular Nepalese snack momos, which originated from Tibet and was introduce to Nepal by the refugees. Before leaving, you have a chance to look around the local carpet handicraft centre, souvenir shops and Tibetan traditional food shops with any purchases directly supporting the community.
We also have an optional visit to the International Mountain Museum in the afternoon, which delves deep into the history of mountaineering across the planet or maybe take some time to stroll by or perhaps even a boat trip on the lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Dahlia (or similar)
Day 9 : Drive To Chitwan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Pokhara this morning (with magnificent Annapurna views on clear days) and embark on a four to five-hour drive to Chitwan. Along the way, we are accompanied, in parts, by the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The road heads towards Kathmandu for about 56mi (90km) before turning south to Chitwan National Park.
We should arrive around lunchtime; this afternoon, we meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities for the next two days followed by a bird walk late afternoon in the local area.
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Day 10 : Dugout Canoe Ride And Jeep Safari. Evening Tharu Culture Show
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife of Nepal and exploring the jungle in Chitwan.
In the morning, we take a traditional dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk along the Rapti River, our naturalist guide helping us to spot birdlife and crocodiles as we gently cruise on the water.
After lunch, we head out from our resort on a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park. Along the way, we keep our eyes peeled for several deer species, wild boars, endangered one-horned rhinos and the very rare Bengal tiger. Our certified guides are typically local to the park, often from the indigenous Tharu community, who have a long history of living in close harmony with the nature of the Chitwan region. Their knowledge of the local ecosystem, animal behaviour and traditional practices makes them excellent nature guides.
This evening, we watch a Traditional Stick Dance performance, an important part of Tharu culture. The dance is performed by members of the Tharu community, who use long sticks to create an engaging, energetic performance. It is believed to have originated as a means of protecting the Tharu communities from various threats, including wildlife and evil spirits, and is now a celebration of Tharu identity and a way to preserve and showcase their cultural heritage to visitors.
Please note, the order we do activities is decided by the naturalist depending on local factors.
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
Day 11 : Optional Early Morning Bird-Watching Walk. Drive Back To Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you have the option to rise early and head out before breakfast for a bird-watching walk in the Bagmara Community Forest, around a five to 10-minute stroll from our resort, joined by a naturalist guide.
Then, after a leisurely breakfast, we set off for the five-hour drive back to Kathmandu arriving in the evening. Our journey takes us out of the lowlands to travel once more alongside the Trishuli River, before arriving at the Himalaya foothills. Taking a Chinese-built road running parallel to the range, the journey slows as we pass through the hilly region. Our reward, however, is plenty of amazing Himalaya views encompassing terraced farms, numerous villages and the adjacent Trishuli River.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we typically have time to refresh before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 12 : Optional Everest Mountain Flight. Sightseeing In Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those keen to see the highest mountain in the world, there is the option of an early morning Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. This can be booked and paid for locally with help from your leader.
Today is also your chance for sightseeing in the capital. A local Guide will escort you on a city tour, visiting one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, and the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 13 : End Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
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All accommodation
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Tibetan village with momo cooking experience
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Mountain Museum entrance (Pokhara)
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Dugout canoe ride and jeep safari (Chitwan)
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All transport and listed activities
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One internal flight
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
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Trekking permit and national park fees
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Sleeping bag (possible hire in advance through Exodus)
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Down jacket (possible hire in advance through Exodus)
Food
All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners are included in this trip.
The breakfasts on trek are fixed set menus, usually porridge or muesli with either toast, chapatti or pancake, plus an egg or omelette and a cup of tea/coffee. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish. Items not included in the set breakfast should be ordered and paid for separately.
We do not include lunch and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat. Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).
The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentils and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity, on this trip it is generally recommended to carry a 33floz (one litre) water bottle and drink at least 67floz (two litres) per person per day.
However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Nepal.
You can top up water bottles at tea breaks and lunch stops along the way with some villages offering safe drinking water stations selling UV-treated water for about 50 rupees (US$0.40) per litre.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 rupees (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder/Camelpak (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available including Steripens or purification tablets, which are the quickest and easiest options to use on trek – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Accommodation
This tour spends three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu, five nights on trek in lodges (teahouses), two nights in a hotel in Pokhara and two nights in a jungle lodge in Chitwan.
The hotels used may vary by departure date. In Kathmandu, we stay at the Hotel Ambassador within walking distance of the Thamel district. In Pokhara, we use Hotel Dahlia or Hotel Kausi and in Chitwan we use a jungle lodge on the edge of the Community Forest Reserve.
The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains. The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on).
Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all have electricity, but it is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch (flashlight) is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room (charged at approximately 150-350 Nepalese rupees per hour per device). Many of the lodges use solar power, so sometimes there is not enough electricity for charging. Many lodges have wifi – in some areas it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental.
The bedrooms are almost all twin share. Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are generally unheated and can get cold at night, so you will need to bring or hire a sleeping bag.
Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are outside the main lodge building, most of these are now western seated but some may still have Asian squat style. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it the bin provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty please either refill it or ask the lodge to.
Lodges now have hot ‘showers’ (charged at approximately 250-500 rupees per shower).
Standards of cleanliness vary, especially in the peak trekking season. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand-sanitiser gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and mealtimes.
Extra accommodation
If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please enquire with your sales representative.
Single accommodation
If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan only (subject to availability). In the teahouses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed so these have not been included in the single supplement price paid in advance. However, if a single room is available on arrival to a teahouse, you can pay locally on a day-by-day basis.
*Nepal teahouse images are provided as examples and may not always be the same properties used on every trek.
Check out our Q&As
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.