Temples, Homestay and Himalayas

This is the journey for those who want both nature and cultural experiences. We take you to Kathmandu’s amazing temple, on an overnight hike on a homestay at Chitwan – and you get to experience the mighty Himalayas from the first floor during an exciting flight over the mountains.

You start your journey in Nepal in the capital Kathmandu. Here you have a city tour booked where you get to see several of the city’s fascinating temples, markets – you get to taste bhat, a local Nepalese dish and experience the special atmosphere in Kathmandu. Know more about Nepal on best-medical-schools.

From Kathmandu you continue on to the lush lowlands. Here awaits a magnificent experience in the form of a three-day trekking where you spend the night at the home of locals on “homestays”. The hike is relatively difficult with the fantastic surroundings making the effort well worth it.

On to Chitwan National Park with three days of nature and animal experiences. Chitwan is Nepal’s most famous national park located in the lowlands towards the border with India. Chitwan has the world’s largest population of the Indian rhino, you also have the chance to see monkeys, over 270 different bird species, crocodiles, elephants and you are really lucky also tigers and leopards.

The next stop is Pokhara where you have two days on your own to stroll around this beautiful city overlooking the magnificent mountains. The journey then returns to Kathmandu where a flight across the Himalayas awaits – now you have the opportunity to experience some of the world’s most impressive mountains up close.

Two nights in Kathmandu and then on to the mountain town of Nagarkot which is famous for its magnificent sunrises across the Himalayas. You live in a guesthouse and can do walks in the beautiful surroundings. You then return to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur. You then have a half-day city tour before it’s time to return home again with soul and senses filled with impressions.

Best travel period

The best time to travel in Nepal is from the end of September to the end of November when the air is high and clear and the views most beautiful. The second best time to go is in the spring from March to May when the rhododendron blooms, but it rains a little more then than in the autumn. Winter is for experienced hikers or those who do not mind that it can get really cold this time of year, especially up in the mountains. The actual rainy season is from June to August except in the Mustang area little or not affected by the monsoon rains.

Detailed itinerary

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Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia

Departure from Scandinavia to Kathmandu

Day 2: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your guesthouse in Kathmandu where you will stay for two nights. You have the rest of the day to catch up on the time difference and maybe start getting to know the city and its surroundings.

Day 3: City tour

Today you have a city tour of Kathmandu – the city that has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On this day trip you get an insight into both Kathmandu and its inhabitants – history, culture and way of life. Among other things, you visit Bodnath, Nepal’s largest stupa where hundreds of colorful prayer flags wave in the wind. The Hindu temple Pashupatinath is one of the holiest in the city with holy men – sadhus and this is where you burn your dead. You will have lunch on Durbar Square surrounded by historic temple buildings and if you are lucky you will get a glimpse of Kumari – the living goddess. Towards the end of the day, enjoy views of the Kathmandu Valley from Swayambhunath Temple.

Day 4: Kathmandu to Hattibang – trekking and homestay

Early in the morning you head further south towards Nepal’s green lowlands. The journey goes along river valleys, cultivation terraces and small villages and after about three hours you arrive at the place where the day’s hike starts. This is beyond the highways and you will not meet many tourists or visitors here but you can look forward to a very different and down to earth experience. The first day’s hike consists of some hikes and you hike through several small villages before reaching the day’s destination; the village of Hattibang which is located 1410 meters above sea level. The total hiking time today is about 4-5 hours. Once in Hattibang, you can enjoy the view of the Himalayas and the Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Manaslu mountains. You spend the night with a local family in Hattibang and get a unique insight into Nepalese everyday life. Do not expect too high a standard but let the hospitality and experience outweigh. (L , M )

Day 5: Hattibang to Upper Dangadi – trekking and homestay

After a traditional breakfast, you continue on from Hattibang with some steep climbs through a large forest area to Siraichuli (1045 m). this is the highest point during the hike and offers yet another spectacular view of the mountain areas at Annapurna and Rolwaling. After a short stop here to soak up the views and surroundings, you continue walking through the lush forest areas to the village of Upper Dangadi. Here you visit the ruins of a 19th century fort that at the time protected the area from the enemies of the surrounding kingdoms. Today’s hike is a total of about 7 hours so it will be nice to “check in” with the host family and get dinner and a bed. ( F , L , M )

Day 6: Upper Dangadi to Chitwan – trekking and appetizing course

You continue the descent through green forest areas and along the paths before you reach the village of Shaktihor after about three hours of hiking. Here you hop on the bus on to Chitwan National Park where you arrive after about two hours bus ride. Upon arrival at Chitwang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be picked up by a driver and driven to your lodge. Here you are welcomed with a short information meeting about the park and the facilities. After lunch, pay a visit to the small village where you will also have the opportunity to take part in a cooking course to get to know the Nepalese food better. ( F , L , M )

Day 7: Safari in Chitwang

The day starts with a canoe trip up the river. This is perhaps the best way to experience nature and wildlife and there is a good chance to see crocodiles. You then walk through areas of forest, across grasslands and jungles in the national park itself. You of course have a guide with you who shows the way and tells you about the birds, plants and animals you see on the way. After lunch, you can then either continue with a jeep safari or take part in an exciting bike ride around the area. ( F , L , M )

Day 8: Chitwan – Pokhara

After breakfast, drive to the bus station and take the bus to Pokhara. Here you now have two days on your own. ( F )

Day 9: Pokhara

You can take shorter walks, take a boat trip on the beautiful Lake Phewa or just take it easy and stroll around the city.

Day 10: Pokhara – Kathmandu

Today the journey goes back to Kathmandu by tourist bus (about 7 hours). After arriving in Kathmandu, you then have the rest of the day on your own.

Day 11. Flight across the Himalayas

Today you get to experience what the term “roof of the world” really means. You have a one-hour flight that goes to Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu. This incredibly scenic flight departs from Kathmandu Domestic Airport and departs early in the morning to get the best light and weather.

Day 12: Experience the Himalayas from Nagarkot

Today you go on to Nagarkot. You have all day to explore the beautiful surroundings or just take it easy and enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas.

Day 13: City tour in Bhaktapur

After sunrise over the Himalayas, the journey then returns to Kathmandu. On the way you visit the former capital Bhaktapur where you also have a half-day city tour. Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful temples. You walk around the city’s nice little streets, see colorful little markets and after an exciting tour you go back to Kathmandu late afternoon.

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

Departure from Kathmandu and arrival in Scandinavia after a fantastic adventure in Nepal.

Overnight stays

Five nights at guesthouse in Kathmandu
Two nights homestay
Two nights at budget lodge in Chitwan
Two nights at guesthouse in Pokhara
One night at guesthouse in Nagarkot

Temples, Homestay and Himalayas