Nepal Round Trip in Depth – Culture, Himalayas & Jungle

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – introduction to the trip and welcome dinner

  On your arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) you will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the late afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are warmly invited to the welcome dinner. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

  

• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and afternoon at leisure

  On the second day, sightseeing in Kathmandu is on the programme, accompanied by a local guide. Highlights include visits to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath with its cremation grounds, the Swayambhunath temple (also known as the Monkey Temple), the Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square and Kathmandu’s lively tourist quarter Thamel. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara – sightseeing

  On the third day the transfer to the airport takes place very early in the morning, in order to catch the flight to Pokhara. On clear days this flight offers a wonderful view of the Annapurna massif. After landing in Pokhara you will be taken to your hotel. Pokhara, also known as the Lake District, is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal and a popular destination for tourists. The valley is home to numerous lakes with impressive views of the majestic Annapurna massif. Pokhara offers a variety of activities such as trekking in the Annapurna region, rafting, paragliding, bird watching, ultralight flights and mountain biking. Among the sights are the lakes Phewa, Bagnas and Rupa, the Mountain Museum, the Barahi Temple, Mahendra Gupha, Devin’s Falls, the World Peace Pagoda and the old bazaar of Pokhara. The local people in this area are mainly from the Gurung and Magar communities. Overnight at the Hotel Mt. Kailash Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 4: Drive to Ghandruk, approx. 2½ hours of driving – afternoon village walk

  After breakfast we drive to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a mountain village mainly inhabited by the Gurung ethnic community. This village is known for the Gurkha soldiers who serve in the British and Indian armies, and it still preserves the traditional construction of its houses with stone-roofed tops. From here there are breathtaking views of the ranges of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m) and Machapuchare (6,997m). Especially at sunrise and sunset the view is simply fantastic. If you wish, you can also visit the village museum or simply take a walk through the village. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Day in Ghandruk – culture and hike

  Today we start the day with breakfast in view of Annapurna South, Machapuchare and Hiunchuli and enjoy the sunrise over the mountains. After that we have the choice of either taking an approximately four-hour day hike through the impressive landscape, or visiting the village museum and the two monasteries in the village to immerse ourselves in the culture and history of the region. After our experiences we return to the comfortable lodge in which we are staying and let the day come to a close in a relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at a comfort tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Drive Ghandruk to Begnas Lake – free time at the lake – approx. 2½ hours of driving

  After a varied drive from Ghandruk to Begnas Lake, which takes about two and a half hours, we reach an idyllic oasis of calm. There free time awaits us to relax by the glittering lake, enjoy nature or simply let the special magic of this place sink in. Overnight at the Begnas Lake Resort (B).

• Day 7: Morning yoga and relaxation at Begnas Lake

  The Begnas Lake Resort & Villas in Nepal is a stylish gem with its own Ayurveda centre in the heart of the spectacular Himalayan region. The snow-capped mountain backdrop, lush vegetation, rice fields and crystal-clear rivers form the resort’s unique setting on the quiet hillside on the southern shore of Begnas Lake. The clear water of the lake fascinates with its multifaceted reflections at every time of day. Begnas is above all a place of contemplation and relaxation – for both healing and non-healing guests alike. Overnight at the Begnas Lake Resort (B).

  

• Day 8: Drive to Bandipur and afternoon walk through the village – approx. 3 hours of driving

  After breakfast we drive to Bandipur. This small village sits on a mountain ridge between Kathmandu and Pokhara and offers wonderful views of the Himalayan peaks to the north, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Bandipur has been carefully adapted to tourism. As part of this, some of the old houses have been gently converted into hotels. Compared with the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, Bandipur is a very peaceful and rather quiet place, as no vehicles are allowed in the town centre. Overnight at the Hotel Old Inn or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 9: Drive to Chitwan National Park – 4 hours of driving

  Chitwan National Park, declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1984, is an impressive natural paradise in Nepal. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including more than 500 Asian rhinos that roam majestically through the overgrown grasslands of the surrounding wetlands. The park is also home to a stable population of Bengal tigers, which skilfully hunt their prey in the dense jungle – a sight full of suspense and fascination. After your arrival at Chitwan National Park and a delicious lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit a village of the Tharu people. The Tharu are an indigenous community native to the region who maintain a fascinating culture and way of life.
  The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, to further explore the beauty and diversity of Chitwan National Park and collect unforgettable experiences in this breathtaking setting. Overnight at the Machan Wildlife Resort or similar (B|L|D).

  

• Day 10: In Chitwan National Park

  At sunrise we take a boat trip on the river to experience the beauty of the surroundings in the early morning hours. During the boat ride on one of the gently flowing waterways, our guide will always point out colourful birds or crocodiles to you, so that you are guaranteed not to miss any extraordinary photo motifs. Later in the day we visit the elephant breeding centre, where you can gain insights into the breeding and care of these majestic animals. In the course of the day there is also an exciting game drive through the park, to experience the fascinating wildlife of Chitwan National Park up close and to gather unforgettable safari experiences. Overnight at the Machan Wildlife Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

  

• Day 11: Drive Chitwan National Park – Pharping – approx. 7 hours of driving

  Before we return to Kathmandu, you have the choice between another early-morning game drive to observe the wildlife of Chitwan National Park in the morning calm, or another boat trip on the river to enjoy the picturesque landscape from a different perspective. Afterwards we drive to Kathmandu/Pharping. Thanks to the scenic diversity, the drive is very varied, but the road conditions make it somewhat bumpy.
  If you would prefer a flight, we can gladly arrange this for a surcharge. Overnight at the Neydo Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B|D).

  

• Day 12: Day in Pharping, sightseeing and gentle hike

  Today we start early at 5:00 a.m. First we listen to the morning chants of the monks. After breakfast we can take a gentle hike and visit the other monasteries. Pharping is a culturally flourishing Newari town associated with the sacred site of Hinduism and Buddhism, where Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava, known as the lotus-born god) attained Mahamudra Vidyadhara status. This village is famous for numerous religious Buddhist monasteries, the Bajra Yogini Temple, the Gorakhnath Temple and the Guru Padmasambhava meditation cave. It is believed that he attained enlightenment in the Asur Cave. In recent years, many Buddhist monasteries have been built in the area. Overnight at the Neydo Monastery Inn (B|D).

  

• Day 13: Drive to Bhaktapur and sightseeing, then drive to Kathmandu

  Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, has preserved its medieval charm to this day, and visitors to this old royal city will be enchanted by countless cultural and artistic treasures. The palace courtyard (Durbar Square) bears witness to the past splendour of the Malla dynasty. Pottery and weaving are the two traditional crafts in Bhaktapur. In addition, Bhaktapur is famous for its wood carvings and for the Bhadgaolen hat or cap (the old name for Bhaktapur is Bhadgaolen). The cultural treasures of Bhaktapur include well-preserved temples, palaces and buildings from the time of the Malla dynasty. Visitors can admire the impressive architecture and elaborate carvings that reflect the history and traditions of this city. The craftsmanship of Bhaktapur, including pottery, weaving and wood carving, is an important part of the city’s cultural heritage and attracts art lovers from all over the world. In addition, Bhaktapur offers a rich culinary diversity with local specialities that delight visitors’ taste buds. The traditional Nepalese cuisine of the city is known for its variety and authenticity. During your stay in Bhaktapur you should definitely try the local delicacies such as Juju Dhau (yoghurt) and Chatamari (a kind of rice crepe) to discover the culinary delights of the region. In the afternoon we drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

• Day 14: Journey home with unforgettable memories

  Today it is time to leave Nepal with all its treasures and experiences. After a warm farewell and a transfer to the airport in Kathmandu, the journey home begins. The trip may be at an end, but the memories of the fascinating culture, the breathtaking landscape and the heartfelt encounters will remain forever. A farewell with a smile on your face and the knowledge that Nepal will always be a part of your heart (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner