Classic Nepal itinerary with Himalayan trek

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Kathmandu
• 2 nights Pokhara
• 4 nights on trek in local villages
• 2 nights Nagarkot
• 1 night Kathmandu

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu 

On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for two nights. Kathmandu is a beguiling city, with twisting alleys and bustling markets, as many idols as men and as many temples as houses. The concentration of art, culture and tradition that is found in the Kathmandu Valley, is hard to come across anywhere else in the world.  

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Kathmandu    

Start your trip with an incredible experience - a scenic flight to see Mount Everest. You’ll soar over the Himalayas, looking down upon the tallest peak in the world, as well as the majestic ranges around the famous mountain. It’s a wonderful way to experience the Himalayas and start your trip in style!

In the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore Kathmandu with your guide. First you’ll visit Durbar Square, full of temples, monuments and ancient palaces in the heart of the city. You’ll see the Taleju Temple, towering over you at over 40m high, Kumari, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the giant pagoda, Kasthamandap, said to have been build from a single tree. Next, you’ll head to the famous monkey temple, Swayambhunath, which sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The oldest reference to this stupa is from the 5^th Century but it could date back even further. Finally you’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, around 5km from Kathmandu, where you can admire the Newari architecture and various temples, filled with stone carvings, metal statues and dozens of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 4: Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. Known as the ‘jewel of the Himalayas’, Pokhara is nestled amongst a backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and lush greenery, with something for every visitor, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. It’s the start point of many of Nepal’s most famous treks and has been luring mountain climbers for decades. 

After checking into your hotel, you’ll head out to visit Tibetan Refugee Camp, to learn about the history of Tibet and their home in Nepal since the 1960s. It’s a wonderful way to interact with the community and learn about their plight. You’ll also take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda, with spectacular views over Phewa Lake. 

In the evening, you’ll take a boat ride on the lake – sit back and soak up the views of colourful boats along the shoreline, clear fresh water and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to explore the lakeside souvenir shops and restaurants. 

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, 4* hotel                

Day 5: Pokhara

Today you’ll be up early to visit Sarangkot village, a small hill station near Pokhara. With panoramic views of the Himalayas you can enjoy the best sunrise views over the mountains, Pokhara City and Phewa Lake before returning to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a delicious meal, you’ll head off to explore Pokhara, starting at the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Here, you’ll learn about the history of mountain climbing in this area before exploring the Bindabasini Temple with its colourful views over the city below. You’ll be able to explore the traditional bazaar, haggle over pretty bangles and scarves and enjoy friendly interactions with the locals. 

In the afternoon you’ll leave the city and explore Seti River Gorge, where you can stand on the bridge and watch the turbulent river rush through the gap before visit Devi’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall nearby. Across the road, you’ll also see Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, with a huge stalagmite that is worshipped as a Shiva lingam. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel           

Day 6: Begin your trek to Ulleri 

From Pokhara, you'll be driven to Nayapul, around 2 hours away. Here, you'll start your trek to Birethati, a prosperous town beside the Modi River. The trekking trail today follows winding bamboo forests and waterfalls. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches a small village Sudame before climb steadily up the side of the valley to reach Hille and then Tikhedunga for lunch. You'll pass by houses, shops and different settlements where the Magar tribe live and after the final series of tough steps you will arrive at Ulleri for the night.

NB: We will provide the best available local lodges in Annapurna region based on the room availability but please note that some local lodges may have shared bathrooms. 

Included: All meals, transfers, guide, local lodge           

Day 7: Trek to Ghorepani 

Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out to continue your trek. From Ulleri, the trail gently climbs through pastures and cultivated fields. You walk up beside the cascading river through refreshingly cool oak and rhododendron forest. The trail crosses two sparklingly clear streams, climbs over a small ridge and another stream before making a short climb to Nangathanti  at around 2460m. Your final de

Today destination Ghorepani will be reached after about an hour past of Nangathanti. Settle in for a relaxing night in the cool Himalayan Mountains.

Included: All meals, transfers, guide, local lodge 

Day 8: Trek to Poon Hill & Tadapani 

Wake up early this morning to take an hour hike to Poonhill (3210m) one of the best Himalaya viewpoints in Nepal. The spectacular panorama stretches from Dhaulagiri I and Tukuche to Nilgiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre and is a stunning view to watch the sunrise.

You'll return back to the lodge for breakfast and then start your trek to Tadapani. Embark on a short climb to the Deurali Pass for a spectacular panorama over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail descends steeply through the dense moss-covered forest with rich bird life to Tadapani whhere you'll watch the sun set over the mountains. 

Included: All meals, transfers, guide, local lodge 

Day 9: Trek to Jhinu Dada

After Breakfast, you'll start your final day of trekking to Jhinu Danda. Your hike today is mostly downhill until Ghurjung Khola before crossing the suspension bridge to begin the climb uphill till Chhomrong Dada. After lunch at the top, you'll head downhill again to Jhunu Dada - a natural Himalayan hot spring famous among the travellers who come to this region. Take the plunge to loosen up your tired muscles and relax in the warm waters. 

Included: All meals, transfers, guide, local lodge 

Day 10: Travel to Nagarkot

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll head back to Pokhara in time for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you'll be be met and driven to Nagarkot, a sleepy town that enjoys spectacular sunrise views of the Himalayas. If you're lucky, you can even spot Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a very clear day from an observation tower at the very top of the village’s hills.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flight, 4* hotel      

Day 11: Nagarkot

This morning you'll head out on a day hike to Changunarayan, along a hiking trail that descends gradually from Nagarkot. You'll trek through terraced fields and forests to the ancient town of Changu Narayan, which is home to one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy the peaceful countryside and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Changu Narayan temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures; it's one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Nepal.

The entire trek is about 12 km and takes around 5-6 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the trekker. After you've finished, you'll be picked up by your vehicle at Changunarayan n drive back to Nagarkot. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel     

Day 12: Travel to Kathmandu     

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur, to explore the city. Named as the City of Devotees, this place is a hub oof medieval art and architecture. Around 9 miles away from Kathmandu, it is shaped like a conch shell, with the Durbar Square in the heart of the streets. You’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, with five terraces making up the pagoda, as well as the 55 window palace that overlooks the square. 

In the evening you’ll head back to Kathmandu for your final night in the city – why not head out for a delicious dinner to celebrate your final night in Nepal and begin to get excited to arrive in Bhutan tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel          

Day 13: Depart Kathmandu 

This morning you'll be driven to the airport in time for your flight home. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Arrive UK