Essential Nepal Adventure - 13 days
Essential Nepal Adventure - 13 days
Essential Nepal Adventure - 13 days
13 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini, Pokhara, Poon Hill, Bandipur
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Nepal Adventure - 13 days" tour and immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Nepal. Begin your journey in Kathmandu, exploring iconic temples and vibrant local life. Marvel at the temples of Lalitpur, hike to scenic viewpoints in Nagarkot, and stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur. Experience the wildlife of Chitwan National Park with a jeep safari and canoe ride, and find tranquility in the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini. Enjoy a momo-making class in Pokhara, and choose between a 3-day Poon Hill trek in the Himalayas or a rejuvenating yoga retreat. Conclude your adventure with a thrilling white-water rafting experience before returning to Kathmandu. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking treks, all guided by a local adventure tour leader.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: hostel
After arriving in the city of Kathmandu, make your own way to the hostel where you will meet your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome meeting on the rooftop at 6pm. Then consider heading to Durbar Square with the group to get a taste of delicious Nepalese food from one of the local restaurant before heading to the Thamal District to check some live music.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: hostel
This morning there's an optional Everest sightseeing flight for early risers. Marvel at the sunrise over Everest, a truly stunning sight! We then re-group later in the morning to take in some of the highlights of Kathmandu, including the Swayambhunath Stupa Temple, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 3: Nagarkot
Location: Nagarkot
Accommodation Name: hotel
Kathmandu - Lalitpur - Nagarkot. Today, we depart from Kathmandu and head towards Nagarkot. Enroute, we make a stop at Lalitpur with an abundance of temples to visit -such as the Golden Temple and the Bangla Mukhi Temple. We also have the pleasure to meet a living goddess who lives in the area. We then resume the journey, arriving Nagarkot in time for lunch, with options aplenty. The rest of the afternoon and evening is for leisure. However, there's an optional 30-minute hike with the guide and group to a picturesque viewpoint to witness a magnificent sunset.
Day 4: Bhaktapur
Location: Bhaktapur
Accommodation Name: hotel
Nagrkot - Bhaktapur - Pharphing - Kathmandu. It's now back to Kathmandu, with a couple of stops enroute. In the morning we visit Bhaktapur, partaking in a morning walking tour of this city (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We continue onwards to Pharping, which houses a fantastic monastery for us to explore. In this monastery, we're amongst the local monks. Make sure to explore the cave which was home to the meditations of Great Master Padmanabhanagar. We then arrive back in Kathmandu, with a free evening for exploration or relaxation.
Day 5: Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: hotel
Kathmandu - Chitwan. Rise and shine! Today's early start begins our adventure to Chitwan. We stop for breakfast on the way, and reach Chitwan around midday with time for lunch. Once re-fuelled, we embark on a jeep safari! Spectate the wonderful abundance of wildlife this region offers - such as deers, monkeys, rhinos, sloth's, tigers, leopards and more. We then cruise along a river in a canoe, with many more sights to behold. After our canoe ride, we enjoy a cup of coffee with the sunset in the background. We finish the evening with a Tharu Cultural Show which will showcase traditional Nepalese songs and dances.
Day 6: Lumbini
Location: Lumbini
Accommodation Name: hotel
Chitwan - Lumbini. We travel onwards to Lumbini today, arriving in the early afternoon, where there's time to get lunch. We then enjoy a guided tour of the marvelous temples this area has to offer. We then spend the rest of the day exploring the Maya Devi Temple, which is the birthplace of Buddha! There's the opportunity to participate in meditation in the Ashok section of the temple grounds. We also visit a variety of other temples, built by Buddhists communities from various countries.
Day 7: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Lumbini - Pokhara. Today we travel to one of the most iconic cities in Nepal - Pokhara! Take some time in the afternoon to acclimatise before we enjoy a momo making class. Learn the traditional methods of Nepalese cooking, with chance to taste these iconic dumplings.
Day 8: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today if free for you to explore Pokhara, with many laid back options such as local sightseeing, visiting the Mountain Museum, or relaxing by the lakeside. However, for tour-goers with action in mind, there are several optional activities which can be undertaken, such as - The Kushma bungee jump (second highest in the world!) or Paragliding.
We then gather mid-afternoon for a boat ride on beautiful Lake Phewa. This evening you can opt to join the group for a movie night at the nearby Movie Garden.
Day 9: Poon Hill Trek Or Yoga In Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: teahouse
Meals Included: Dinner
Pokhara - Ghorepani. The next three days offers one of the most amazing hikes in the Poon Hill region of the Himalayas. From Pokhara we head into the Himalayas embark into the Himalayas and start our hike with a largely uphill 2-3 hour trek through the jungle in Ghorepani village. Arriving in the evening, we stay in a local guesthouse for dinner and amazing sunset views.
Please Note: If you do not wish to partake in the 3 day Poon Hill Trek on days 9 - 11, you can opt to stay in Pokhara for a 3-day yoga retreat. Note - there is a surcharge for the yoga experience. If you choose to stay for the yoga experience, you can expect three days of restorative yoga practices, dance classes, tea ceremonies, candlelight meditations, and nature walks – interspersed with some leisure time for you to spend how you see fit.
Day 10: Poon Hill & Tadapani
Location: Poon Hill
Accommodation Name: teahouse
Meals Included: Dinner
Ghoerpani - Tadapani. On the Poon Hill trek wake up early and take an optional 1-hour hike to Poon Hill to watch an incredible sunrise with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. We then re-group and set off for our 6 hour hike, across varied terrain, mostly up hill, with a break for lunch. We arrive in Tadapani village for group dinner and more breath-taking views.
Day 11: Jungle Trek
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tadapani - Pokhara. On the final day of our trek enjoy breakfast before a 3 hour hike through jungles and local villages. On this mostly flat path we eventually arrive at our end point, with a private transfer back to Pokhara. Arriving in the mid-afternoon we have free time for leisure. It might be a good idea to enjoy a foot massage after all that walking!
Day 12: Bandipur
Location: Bandipur
Accommodation Name: hotel
Pokhara - Bandipur. There's an early transfer today to Bandipur, the location of our final overnight stay. Arriving in the afternoon, partake in a walk through this preserved town with an abundance of charm. The evening is at leisure, and it is recommended that the group look to head into town for one final meal together.
Day 13: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Bandipur - Kathmandu. Today is our final day on the tour, however we have time to embark on one last thrilling activity - white water rafting! We'll spend a couple of hours enjoying the waters before we transfer back to Kathmandu, where our Nepal adventure tour comes to an end at approximately 6pm.
What's Included
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2 nights hostel in Kathmandu in 2024 (simple hotel in Kathmandu 2025 & 2026), 8 nights simple hotels and guesthouses, 2 nights in teahouses on the Poon Hill Trek (shared dorm style rooms)
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All relevant transportation
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Escorted by a local English/bilingual adventure tour leader
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Kathmandu full day tour including Swayambhunath Stupa Temple, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath Temple
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Lalitpur temple tour
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Walking tour of Bhaktapur (Bhaktapur) and monastery visit
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Chitwan jeep safari experience, canoe river trip and Tharu Cultural Show
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Lumbini temples tour and Maya Devi Temple
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Pokhara Momo making class and boating on Phewa Taal lake
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3-day Poon Hill trek
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visa
International flights and visa are not included
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities are not included
Mode of Transport
All relevant transportation is included, ensuring a seamless journey through the highlights of Nepal, from city tours to scenic treks and safaris.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in a hostel in Kathmandu, 8 nights in simple hotels and guesthouses, and 2 nights in teahouses on the Poon Hill Trek with shared dorm-style rooms.
Age Policy
Please note these are backpacker type tours, please bear this in mind when quoting passengers. There is some flexibility with the maximum age on this tour. Min age: 18 years old for group tours.Avg age: 28 years old. GH requires our OTG Tour Suitability Form to be completed by all passengers aged 55 plus.Â
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in a hostel in Kathmandu, 8 nights in simple hotels and guesthouses, and 2 nights in teahouses on the Poon Hill Trek with shared dorm-style rooms.
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What activities are included in Chitwan National Park?
In Chitwan National Park, you will go on a jeep safari to see wildlife such as deer, monkeys, rhinos, sloths, tigers, and leopards. You will also enjoy a canoe ride along the river and a Tharu Cultural Show featuring traditional Nepalese songs and dances.
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Is there an option for a yoga retreat instead of the Poon Hill Trek?
Yes, if you do not wish to partake in the 3-day Poon Hill Trek, you can opt to stay in Pokhara for a 3-day yoga retreat. This includes restorative yoga practices, dance classes, tea ceremonies, candlelight meditations, and nature walks. Note that there is a surcharge for the yoga experience.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
All relevant transportation is included, ensuring a seamless journey through the highlights of Nepal, from city tours to scenic treks and safaris.
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Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for group tours is 18 years old, with an average age of 28 years old. There is some flexibility with the maximum age, but passengers aged 55 and above are required to complete the OTG Tour Suitability Form.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Kathmandu and make your own way to the hostel. You will meet your fellow travelers and tour leader for a welcome meeting on the rooftop at 6pm. Afterwards, you can head to Durbar Square with the group to enjoy delicious Nepalese food and check out live music in the Thamal District.
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What activities are available in Pokhara?
In Pokhara, you can participate in a momo making class, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Phewa, and explore local sights. Optional activities include the Kushma bungee jump and paragliding. You can also opt for a movie night at the nearby Movie Garden.
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What is the itinerary for the Poon Hill Trek?
The Poon Hill Trek spans three days. On the first day, you will trek through the jungle to Ghorepani village. On the second day, you can take an optional hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views, followed by a 6-hour hike to Tadapani village. On the final day, you will hike through jungles and local villages before returning to Pokhara.
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What is the final activity of the tour?
The final activity of the tour is white water rafting. After enjoying a couple of hours on the waters, you will transfer back to Kathmandu, where the tour concludes at approximately 6pm.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.