This travel proposal, which has been specially developed for families with an adventurous spirit in both body and soul, gives you the opportunity to hike in Nepal’s beautiful mountains, get animal experiences in Chitwan National Park and get close to Nepalese culture.
In Kathmandu you visit the city’s Hindu and Buddhist temples but also have time on your own to go exploring among narrow alleys and lively markets. See economy of Nepal on ebizdir.
The journey then continues to the village of Nagarkot which is perfectly located to see the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas and take the opportunity to do a hike between the nearby villages or perhaps a mountain bike ride.
Then the trip goes west where you do an exciting trekking trip for four days. You are walking near the magnificent Annapurna region. The tour is designed so that most people in some form can participate. During the hike, you spend the night in simple but charming tea houses. You will walk through traditional small Nepalese villages, rhododendron forests with rich bird life and open landscapes overlooking the Himalayan mountain range.
After these experiences, you then go on to Chitwan National Park. Three days of fantastic animal and nature experiences await here. Chitwan is Nepal’s most famous national park and is located in the Ropian lowlands on the border with India. In the park you experience jungle and exciting wildlife – including the Far East’s largest population of the Indian rhino. In addition to them, you have the opportunity to see monkeys, over 270 different species of birds, deer and if you have turtles, leopards, crocodiles and wild elephants.
The trip then ends back in Kathmandu before you return to Scandinavia.
Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia
Departure from Scandinavia towards Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal where you will arrive the next day. Depending on which airline you choose, there are one or two stopovers on the way.
Day 2. Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Remember to bring about USD 50 in cash per person plus passport photos for your Nepalese visas that you get directly at the airport. You will then meet and drive to your guest house in Kathmandu. You also stop at our nearby service office where you can get lots of tips and inspiration for the trip in Nepal. The rest of the day is on your own to catch up with the times and maybe start getting to know Kathmandu a little bit.
Day 3: Sightseeing – Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square
Today you visit some of the city’s beautiful and interesting world heritage sites. You start with Swyambhunath – also known as Monkey Temple – which is located on a hill. This ancient Buddhist area consists of a stupa, various shrines and temples. The stupa itself has Budha’s eyes painted on the sides facing the four directions and is according to legend 2000 years old. You then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is an area with old royal palaces. Here also lives the living goddess “kumari” who sometimes greets visitors from the balcony of her palace. You end the day’s excursion by walking back to your guest house through the oldest Nepalese market filled with colorful little shops.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and on to Nagarkot
Today you visit the country’s largest stupa and the country’s largest temple. You start with Boudhanath – a stupa from the 5th century and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. There are also several Tibetan monasteries around the stupa and many of the monks fled Tibet after the Chinese occupation. Afterwards, the journey continues to Pashupatinath, which is one of the most sacred temples of the god Shiva. The temple is beautifully situated in lush, green surroundings by the sacred river Bagmati. The temple is built like a pagoda with beautifully carved wooden beams and a golden spire that symbolizes pious thoughts. It is not allowed for non-Hindus to visit the temple itself but one has the opportunity to stand on the east side of the river overlooking the temple. The Pashupatinath Temple is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus around the world. As a visitor, you get a unique insight into the Hindu funeral rituals as the area is a place for cremations. Here the crematorium burns with relatives who at a proper distance see how the ashes are brought down into the sacred river Bagmati where the sins of the dead are washed away. The area is also known for its iconic and sacred sadhus. These ascetics or yogis live in the temple area – they sit in their colorful garments and long, intricately twisted hair and receive alms from visitors. After these great and exciting cultural impressions, you go to the village of Nagarkot where you have the rest of the day to take it easy in the beautiful surroundings. The area is also known for its iconic and sacred sadhus. These ascetics or yogis live in the temple area – they sit in their colorful garments and long, intricately twisted hair and receive alms from visitors. After these great and exciting cultural impressions, you go to the village of Nagarkot where you have the rest of the day to take it easy in the beautiful surroundings. The area is also known for its iconic and sacred sadhus. These ascetics or yogis live in the temple area – they sit in their colorful garments and long, intricately twisted hair and receive alms from visitors. After these great and exciting cultural impressions, you go to the village of Nagarkot where you have the rest of the day to take it easy in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 5: Nagarkot on your own
The beautiful village of Nagarkot is located at an altitude of 2100 meters. The plate is known for being the place on earth where you best experience the sunrise over the Himalayas – on clear days it is a fantastic panoramic view of large parts of the impressive mountain range. Take a walk to the nearby small villages or enjoy the view from the lookout tower inside Nagarkot. You can also rent mountain bikes and do a wonderful bike ride in the hilly landscape.
Day 6: From Nagarkot to Bhaktapur, sightseeing in Bhaktapur and back to Kathmandu
After enjoying the beautiful sunrise, make a short drive to Bhaktapur which is one of the three ancient royal capitals of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is known as the city of the devotees and offers incredibly beautiful medieval art and architecture. This is one of Nepal’s historic cities, filled with cultural richness where ancient traditions are preserved and still live. Well then return to Kathmandu where the evening is on its own.
Day 7: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Early breakfast and then off to a 7 hour bus ride through valleys with rivers, rice terraces, small and large villages along the way to beautiful Pokhara. Once there, you have the rest of the day to take it easy at the hotel or explore Pokhara. You can also book a private transfer if the bus journey feels long, you can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara – ask us for advice and we will help you find the transport that suits you best.
Day 8: Trek to Australian Camp
Today you lace up your hiking boots and head out on a beautiful trip to the mountains. First an hour’s drive to Kande where you begin the hike through the forest up to where you are rewarded with a fantastic view of the Himalayas. From here you can see both Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain. At Australian Camp you spend the night in a tea house and in the evening a delicious local meal is served. There are tea houses everywhere among the Nepalese mountains. These were – and still are – places where porters, travelers and merchants spent the night and ate under simple conditions. Today, many tea houses have been renovated and the standard is significantly higher than before, but it is still a simple accommodation. Accommodation is in double or single rooms with shared toilets in the corridor. ( L , M) Trekking time: 2-3 hours. Elevation: Australian Camp 1900 masl
Day 9: Trek to Landruk
The path you walk on today gradually ascends through rhododendron and coniferous forests to Deurali from where you have a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchre (Fishtail) Mountain. The path then leads down to Tolka and an easy hike from here for you to Landruk, a beautiful little village in Gurung style at the foot of the Annapurnaa Himalayas. ( F , L , M ) Trekking time: 4-5 hours. Elevation: Landruk, 1550 masl
Day 10: Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk
Today you walk along rice terraces to the Modi River. After crossing the bridge, it is a steep hike in hilly terrain up to the beautiful village of Ghandruk. Be impressed and captivated by the wonderful views to the south side of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Fishtail Mountain. This small village is also an open-air museum and model village that shows the typical Gurung style and culture, here are in all 1318 houses. ( F , L , M ) Trekking time: 3-4 hours. Height: Ghandruk, 1940 masl.
Day 11: Ghandruk trek to Syauli Bazaar and drive back to Pokhara
Today’s hike starts with a marked descent – followed by a hike in relatively flat terrain. You continue down slopes through small villages to Syauli Bazaar. Here your transport is waiting and you go back to Pokhara, the journey takes about 2 hours and you then have the rest of the day to enjoy Pokhara and take it easy. ( F ) Trekking time: 2-3 hours.
Day 12: On your own in Pokhara
Explore Pokhara on your own. There are beautiful lakes, viewpoints and waterfalls in the surroundings. Pokhara is one of the country’s larger cities but far from as hectic as Kathmandu without a perfect place to let the hiking of recent days sink in. Here you will also find nature around the corner and many exciting places to visit.
Day 13: To Chitwan National Park
The trip to Chitwan National Parks approx. 5 hours. Chitwan is located in the lowlands of southern Nepal. The park has an area of 932 square kilometers and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984 thanks to its varied and rich wildlife. After arrival you will be driven to your local guest house. Lunch is served here, there is time for a little walk in the village where you live and then you have booked a cooking course where you learn how to cook some of the country’s most common dishes. In the evening there is dinner with a cultural dance performance. ( L , M )
Day 14: Safari in Chitwan
The day begins with a canoe trip on the river, this is one of the absolute best ways to experience nature and wildlife. If you are a little lucky, you will be joined by the river’s crocodiles. You then continue with hiking through forest, steppe and jungle in the national park. You have a local guide with you who tells and shows the different birds, plants and animal species that you encounter during the journey. After lunch, you can either continue exploring the jungle on a guided jeep safari or join an exciting bike ride in the area. ( F , L , M )
Day 15: Back to Kathmandu
After breakfast you go back to the capital Kathmandu – the road is beautiful with rivers, valleys and villages. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Kathmandu. ( F )
Day 16: Relaxation and day off in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an exciting and interesting city and you have all day to explore and experience for yourself. Maybe you take the opportunity to shop with some souvenirs at one of the local markets, do not miss the Thamel market area with lots of shops, restaurants and cafes.
Day 17: Departure
Then it’s time to leave Nepal and start the journey back to Scandinavia. You drive to the airport well in advance.
Day 18: Return to Scandinavia
Overnight stays
Five nights at a guesthouse in Kathmandu
Four nights in a tent during the hike
Two nights at a budget lodge in Chitwan
Two nights at a guesthouse in Pokhara