Mountains and monasteries, temples and tigers all make an appearance on this tour. First, take a turn in the capital, Kathmandu with its colorful contrasts. Stroll the cobbled-stone streets to the ancient temples and monasteries then to the cybercafes of the Thamel district. Trekking is never easy but this trek is made for the first timer. From Kathmandu, the journey heads to the foothills of the western mountain ranges of the country. Here, take in the mountainous areas yet to be trekked on your journey--where the low-lying hills hold villages tucked into the mountainside. Set your sights on the physical climax of the trek, Poon Hill, the famous look-out point to the Annapurna Himal. The snow-capped peaks at sunrise hold the world at a standstill for those waking minutes to a cloudless day in the Himalayas. Go the distance--from the highlands to the lowlands--trace a trail to the sacred and a sanctuary. Wander among the gardens and stupas of Lord Buddha?s birthplace in Lumbini, close to Nepal?s border with India. Then, journey to the Royal Chitwan National Park, a private park with rhino and tiger refuges. Trek in the forests and take wildlife safaris?ride decorated elephants and learn about the conservation efforts to protect Nepal?s vanishing animals. You?ll never tire of these majestic mountains and grassy valleys. With every new footprint on the trail, there?s another breathtaking sight to behold. *This is a moderate trek.
Please note: because trip highlights can be subject to change, please contact one of our trip specialists to discuss the specifics as they will pertain to your trip.
DAY 1 | TO KATHMANDU
Touch down in Kathmandu. A representative will meet and greet you at the airport. Transfer to the Hotel Tibet near the Royal Palace. If this hotel is not available, then equivalent accommodations will be arranged.
DAY 2 | IN KATHMANDU
It’s a day of sightseeing tours to Swyambhunath, Old Kathmandu, Paashupati and Bhaktapur. This city is awash of old and new. Your tour will cross cobble-stoned streets with lovely antique shops to cybercafes. Return to the hotel in the evening. [B]
DAY 3 | TO HILLE IN THE HILLS
In the morning, there’s a six-hour drive through the countryside to Pokhara then on to Nayapul. Here, unload, and the trek starts as you head to Hille. Hille, located on a hill, reaches steadily towards the mountains to the lodge for an overnight stay. The lodges along this trek are simple and clean and are equipped to accommodate the daily trekker. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | TO GHOREPANI
From Hille, trek to Ghorepani. This village has spectacular views of the mountains and the Modi Valley. Walk around then, take a rest. Stay at a lodge in Ghorepani. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | POON HILL AT DAWN THEN TO TADAPANI
Wake up before dawn and trek to Poon Hill. With views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himals, the sun’s first rays over this corner of the world are a sight to behold. Return to the lodge in Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, continue the descent through rhododendron fields via Deurali and take lunch in Banthanti. Next, ascend ever so gingerly to Tadepani. Stay overnight at a lodge there. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | TO GHANDRUNG
Take breakfast at the lodge then the morning’s trek starts with a descent to a stream then up again to a ridge with a little teashop. From then on, it’s easy walking, passing oval-shaped cottages to the flagstone-lined streets of Gurung settlement, the largest settlement in the Ghandrung area. Explore Gurung with a sardar--a guide. Gurung is a village settlement with its own dialogue, culture and traditions. Return to the lodge in the evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | TO POTANA
The morning’s three-hour trek starts with a descent to the Modi River. Cross the wooden bridge and walk through a field passing a cascading waterfall on your way to Landrung. Just 45 minutes out of Landrung is Tolkha, a town in a majestic oak forest. For the next two hours, meander through the forest on you way to Potana. Stay overnight in a lodge in Potana. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | TO POKHARA
It takes about an hour to reach Dhampus—just at the end of a ridge but before a steep descent to the valley floor. Next, it’s time to give those tired, trekking feet a rest--head back to Pokhara via vehicle on the newly opened road. Stay overnight in a hotel there. [B]
DAY 9 | IN POKHARA
The day is yours in Pokhara. This lakeside town has little shops and restaurants. Use this time to rest, boat on the lake and/or tour the town. Stay overnight in the hotel. [B]
DAY 10 | IN TANSEN
There’s a morning drive to Tansen, about 75 miles away from Pokhara. Tansen is a 17th century city with spectacular views of the western Himalayas from the Srinagar Hills. Tansen has the distinction of being the sister town of Kathmandu and some of Kathmandu’s striking temples have been replicated in Tansen’s mountainside. [B]
DAY 11 | TO BUDDHA’S BIRTHPLACE
Today, drive to Lumbini and the glorious gardens of Lord Buddha’s birthplace. Visit the ruins of Kapilvastu, Buddha’s hometown--a pilgrimage site with temples and ashrams amidst the trees. A pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka of India in the third century, marks the exact place of Buddha’s birth in Lumbini Gardens. See the glorious Temple of Mayadevi, a shrine to Buddha’s mother. Other countries like Japan, Burma, Korea, Thailand and Sri Lanka have constructed monuments to Buddha in Lumbini. Stay overnight in a hotel in the area. [B]
DAY 12 | TO ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Spend a good part of the day on your way to Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a five-hour drive through the verdant, subtropical lowlands of the Terai region, crossing the Tikauli forests. Stay overnight at a jungle lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | PARK DAY
At the foothills of the Himalayas, explore this tropical park for the entire day. The government created a buffer zone around the park to protect its plant and animal life. Home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and a refuge for the Bengal tiger, take your pick of park activities--from guided jungle walks to riding on decorated elephants to birdwatching and canoeing the ox-bow lakes. [B,L,D]
DAY 14 | BACK IN KATHMANDU
After mingling with the animals, it’s a four-hour drive back to the capital. The remains of the day are yours. Return to Durbar Square or the Thamal District. Follow the streaming flags from temple to temple and watch how the eyes of Buddha seem to follow you. Return to the hotel in the evening. [B]
DAY 15 | DEPART KATHMANDU
There’s some time to head back to the city for any last minute finds. Make your back to the hotel then transfer to the airport for your flight home. [B]
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