Journeys: Discover Nepal
10 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 1Kathmandu
Arrive any time. Arrival transfer and welcome dinner are included.
Arrive at the joining point hotel at any time on Day 1 as no group activities are planned except for a group meeting in the early evening, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a six-course dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant, serving fine Nepali cuisine (organic, too), a slow dining experience reminiscent of the meals relished by the kings of yesteryear.
Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn and a great place to just wander, seeing where the city may lead you.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Nepalese Welcome feast
Enjoy a six-course welcome dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant, a culinary journey through the cuisine of Nepal. Serving some of the finest of Nepali flavours, enjoy this slow dining experience reminiscent of the ritual feasts enjoyed by the Kathmandu Valley's Newari community.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu, including Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist shrines, and the Royal City of Bhaktapur. After, visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) from some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch and lecture with one of the women who have graduated from the Sasane paralegal program. Also, visit a local home and learn about National Geographic grantee Chhing Lhomi, who works to preserve ancient weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through the Himalayan Indigenous Society.
Some of the sites visited in Kathmandu were damaged in the earthquake in 2015. Restorations are ongoing to bring these beloved landmarks back to their previous glory.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bodhnath Stupa Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa.
Bhaktapur Excursion
Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.
Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project
Visit this G Adventures-supported grassroots organization that is helping to support rehabilitated survivors of human-trafficking and other at-risk women. SASANE, our project partners, train once vulnerable women to be certified paralegals, so that they are the first point of contact for other women coming out of abuse. Where survivors lack a high school diploma, the minimum requirements to be a paralegal, Planeterra and G Adventures have helped catalyze a hospitality program for these women to be reintegrated into a dignified work environment. The survivors will teach you how to make momos (traditional dumplings) as well as a Nepali lunch. The program helps support SASANE's outreach and education programs across Nepal.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: SASANE Lecture
Enjoy a talk with a woman who has graduated from the SASANE program, which trains victims of human trafficking and other at-risk women to be paralegals who, in turn, fight trafficking. Gain valuable insight and learn about the struggles these brave women face in helping others in their new roles as paralegals.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Weaving and Indigenous Peoples Lecture
In Kathmandu, National Geographic grantee Chhing Lhomi works to preserve the ancient traditions of the Lowa community of the Upper Mustang region. We'll take the unique opportunity to visit a local home of a family from this region and enjoy a lecture from Chhing or one of her colleagues on traditional weaving methods, and hear about ongoing efforts with the Himalyan Indigenous Society.
Swayambhunath Temple Visit
Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Kathmandu/Pharping
Opt to take a morning Everest experience flight. Explore Patan Durbar Square then drive to Pharping for a unique overnight stay at a Buddhist Monastery guesthouse. Learn about life in the monastery from the inside, enjoying a behind the scenes peak at chanting and prayer services and opt to meditate alongside the monks or walk in the surrounding Village.
Experience the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. There are approximately 200 monks in residence following the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guest house directly supports it.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Patan Durbar Square Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular square built primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. Located within it are the Royal Palace and many temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. We also visit the Golden Temple and Patan museum. South of the square lies the Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess, the Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Talejn. The Kumari lives a cloistered life, rarely leaving the confines of the chowk. When she does, it is for important religious festivals, but her feet are not allowed to touch the ground. Once the Kumari reaches puberty, another 3-5-year-old girl will take her place. If she is receiving visitors, we may be able to stop by for a blessing.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Overnight at a Buddhist Monastery
Experience the serenity of a Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. Opt to participate in the life of the monks: take tea alongside them and enjoy the early morning chanting before experiencing the sunrise from the roof of this stunning monastery. There are approximately 200 young monks in residence, training in the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guesthouse directly supports it.
Free Time
Free time to explore the monastery and gain insight into both Buddhism and the life of a monk. Set in a peaceful wooded area only 22kms (13.7 mi) from Kathmandu, popular options at the monastery include walking in the hills and small surrounding village.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Swayambhunath Temple Visit
Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.
Everest Flight
Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Pharping/Kurintar
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise and morning chanting from the monastery. After, drive to Kurintar and hike to our remote lodge on the banks of Trishuli River and valley. Opt to relax and enjoy the pool or take a hike in the surrounding countryside.
Arrive at our remote lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills and overlooks sandy beaches and a river. Forests cascade down the hillsides, enclosing tiny settlements of tribal people.
The lodge is only accessed by foot, so please expect a walk of approx. 30 to 45 minutes. Porters will be hired to carry our bags but please pack what you need for the night, as we will leave our larger bags in the vehicle.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Neydo Monastery Sunrise Chant
Rise before sunrise and enter the main hall of the Monastery to listen to the monks practicing their chanting. After, we enjoy the sunrise over the Valley from the Monastery roof.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walking
Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Kurintar Nature walk and Village visit
FreeTake a guided walk through the forests that cascade down the hillsides of Kurintar. Visit local villages inhabited by tribal people: Chepang, Dorai, Magar, some Brahman, and Chettri, making a living from foraging in the forests.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Kurintar/Chitwan National Park
Drive to our lodge located on the bank of the Rapti river which borders the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chitwan National Park. After lunch, board a traditional boat to view wildlife along the river.
Spend two nights enjoying cultural and wildlife excursions in and around Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), the oldest national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Within its area of 932km² (579 mi²), RCNP is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including sambars, chitals, rhesus monkeys, tigers and langurs.
The specifics and order of activities may change, depending on the season and local conditions. Your CEO will confirm the exact activities and timing with the naturalists upon arrival at the lodge.
Walking
Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Chitwan Area Boat Excursion
Embark in traditional patela boats on a silent trip down the Rapti River, which boarders the National Park to view aquatic birds, crocodiles, gharials, and the animals along the river banks.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Chitwan National Park
Explore Chitwan National Park and the village surrounding it. Activities can include a village walk, boating, nature walks, and a jeep safari in the park in search of rhinos, leopards, wild elephants, black bears, monkeys, and crocodiles. If we are very lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger. This evening, also enjoy a Tharu cultural dance program presented by local Villagers.
The jeep safari is often prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities; monsoon season is from June-September, and sometimes it can last till October. When the park is inaccessible, we will search out wildlife in the surrounding forest which is unfenced and just as likely to view animals. Boating is also subject to the water levels and local conditions on the Rapti River.
Jeep Safari
Enjoy a jeep safari that begins in open grassland and moves into the dense Sal Forest, crossing the Reu River to see different wildlife. Continue down to the banks of Narayani River and spot gharials (freshwater alligators) basking in the sun. Also, view wildlife from Bhimle Machan (a wooden platform).
Chitwan Village Visit
Enjoy a visit to the farming Village bordering the National Park. Learn about the social and cultural aspects of the village people, what they farm, and see how they live day-to-day.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Drive to beautiful Pokhara and immerse yourself in stunning views of the Himalayas. Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO and opt to have dinner at one of the popular restaurants in town.
Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), beautiful Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. It is popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Pokhara
Enjoy the early morning sunrise and mountain views from Sarangkot, go boating in Phewa Lake, and hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Visit a Tibetan refugee settlement to learn more about this community, visit a photo gallery and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon, opt to try paragliding.
The hike up to the World Peace Pagoda can be quite strenuous and is all steps up and back down. If you are not feeling so energetic, please let the CEO know and you can opt out of this activity.
Sunrise at Sarangkot
Rise early and experience a spectacular sunrise with a panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayas. The highest altitude on this trek is at 1600 meters.
World Peace Pagoda Excursion
Walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, which was constructed by Buddhist monks. Enjoy the structure and the beautiful view around it.
Phewa Lake Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake and take in the serene environment and natural beauty, including the magnificent fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977m, 22,890 ft) rising behind it.
Tibetan Refugee Settlement
Visit the Tashiling Tibetan Refugee Camp, established by the United Nations in 1964 as a temporary settlement for the large number of refugees fleeing Tibet. Walk through this friendly quarter, now home to over 500 people. Visit the celebrated photo gallery here and then enjoy a traditional momo lunch at the local restaurant to support this incredible community.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Paragliding
8500INR per personEnjoy a view from above of the beautiful city of Pokhara, which is surrounded by the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Pokhara/Kathmandu
Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu. Enjoy free time for shopping or opt to visit the Pashupatinath Ghats
Enjoy free time in the afternoon for exploring. Visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, or the monkey temple. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, and some travelers prefer to just wander, seeing where the city may lead them.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time
Take some time to explore on your own or do some last minute shopping.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit
1000NPR per personVisit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this is the final stop for many Hindus, who's families bring them here to set funeral pyres on the ghats to cremate their loved ones. Respectful viewing from across the river is culturally acceptable, you also will see sadhus (Hindu holy men) and pilgrims perform bathing rituals.
Please note the inclusion of a taxi costs extra.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Feel free to depart at any time today, but remember that check out time from the hotel is 12:00pm.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.