Compare Nepal Multi Sports Adventure – 11 days by Ace the Himalaya vs Annapurna Trails & Chitwan - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.

Overnight at Hotel. No meals included.

Day 2: Pre-trip meeting and guided sightseeing in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

We host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

After the pre-trip meeting, your sightseeing trip will start. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal.

The sightseeing places we visit will include UNESCO World Heritage Sites of,

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Lies about 6 kms to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Buddhanath is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during the construction of Bouddhanath.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

As you walk in, you will feel a sense of inner harmony. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty five windows, art galleries, and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Morning drive to Charaundi for rafting. Transfer to Pokhara on a private tourist vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast we drive to Charaundi (the starting point of our rafting adventure) by tourist vehicle. Surrounded by green hills and flanked by traditional farms, Charaundi is a scenic spot. The river Trishuli cuts through the scenery with its fast-flowing rapids and amazing gorges. Rafting in this Himalayan river is one of the most thrilling adventure activities. Upon reaching Mugling, the ending point of your rafting adventure, you board a private tourist vehicle and drive(3 hrs.) to Pokhara.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 4: Morning paragliding. Afternoon guided sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head to the paragliding point for an exhilarating flight. Flying tandem(harnessed safely to an experienced paraglider) enjoy flying like a bird for about 30 minutes. Capture amazing views of the city, Phewa Lake and the Himalayan giants – Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.

Afternoon is reserved for sightseeing in Pokhara. A private vehicle and a professional tour guide will be provided. We will visit the following places:

Phewa Lake & Barahi Temple

Situated at an altitude of 800m above sea level, it is the second largest lake in Nepal. The lake sits like a sparkling jewel with the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhare(Fishtail Peak), Annapurna and the Peace Pagoda reflected on its calm waters. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.

Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake is the island temple of Barahi. The two-storied pagoda temple is  dedicated to the female force Shakti.

Seti River Gorge

Carved by Seti-Gandaki, the gorge is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh bridge at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi highway Bridge near bus park, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water.

Davis Falls

Locally known as Patale Chhango, Davis Falls lie in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley. Here the stream flowing from Phewa lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, leaping through several potholes. This is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike.

Gupteshwar Cave

The revered Gupteshwar Cave is situated 2 kms from Pokhara airport. The entrance is right across from Davis Falls. The cave is almost 3km long and has some big hall-sized rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value to Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.

Tibetan Refugee Camp

The Tibetan village Tashiling in the south and the Tashi Palkhel village in the north of Pokhara are renowned for the production and trade of woolen carpets and other handicrafts. The original Tibetan settlers in this region migrated to Nepal in the ‘50s.

Museums

During the tour, we will visit two different museums: one museum displays the lifestyles and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharu while the other, Gurkha Memorial Museum, is dedicated to the famous Gurkha Warriors who earned their name in many fierce battles fought during the World Wars and numerous operations around the world since 1815. The soldiers of the Gurkha regiment won 13 Victoria Cross medals awarded for exceptional bravery shown in the field.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 5: Hike to Sarangkot(3 hrs.) after breakfast. Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.

Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast hike up to the hilltop viewpoint of Sarangkot. Explore the local village on the way to Sarangkot (1605 meters). Sarangkot, one of the best destinations in Nepal to view the sunrise and sunset over the snowcapped mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchre.

Overnight at Guesthouse in Sarangkot

Day 6: Early morning see the sunrise and mountain view from Sarangkot. Drive to Pokhara after breakfast, transfer for the Bungee from your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

A drive of 45 minutes with 25 minutes hike brings us to the view point of Sarangkot. It is the best spot in Pokhara to view the Himalayas. Get mesmerized with the magical sight of the golden sun rising over white spires of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and Machhapucchre (Fishtail Peak), including views of the beautiful the Pokhara Valley and Phewa lake. It takes about 15-minute walk down and 45 minutes drive to the hotel in Pokhara.

Drive back to your hotel after breakfast and transfer to the Bungy Jumping spot. It takes only about 30 min drive to reach the bungy spot. After the bungy you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day is free for you to spend it as you wish. You can relax at the hotel or stroll around the lakeside area.

Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara

Day 7 - Drive to Chitwan National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast you take a drive to Chitwan. Once in Chitwan head to Chitwan National Park, the first national park of Nepal established in 1973. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of the endangered one- horned rhinoceros, tiger, and gharial crocodile along with many other common species of wild animal.On reaching the resort, you would be briefed by the Guest Relations Officer. After lunch take a Tharu Village tour on a bullock cart. Dinner will be ready by the time you return to the resort.

Overnight at Resort

Day 8: Activities in the Chitwan National Park

After breakfast we explore the park on foot or take a jeep ride and watch the endangered animals in their natural habitat. We also enjoy a canoe ride through the grassland and forest upstream of Narayani River. We will take local boats to watch crocodiles along the banks and also visit the Elephant Breeding Centre. Late afternoon you would be entertained with the Tharu Cultural Program. Tharutribes are the indigenous inhabitants of Chitwan.

Overnight at Resort. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu (6 hrs) on a Tourist vehicle

Meals: Breakfast

Today, after morning tea, we follow our guide and  head to the nesting sites for some bird watching adventure.  Afterwards we return to the resort have breakfast and take the return drive to Kathmandu in a tourist vehicle.

Once in Kathmandu, spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or explore the city on your own. You may want to stroll along the streets and visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum at the heart of the city, or perhaps do some shopping.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 10: Day biking trip in and around Kathmandu. Farewell Dinner in the Evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today we will do the best single track biking in the northern side of the Kathmandu valley. The zigzag way winds through paddy fields and rural villages. You can test your skill on some fine sections of single track. The ride combines sharp, steep climbs anbd sweet down-hills. There are many variations on this route so you can choose and take assistance from your guide depending on your fitness and skill. It is about 70 km of moderate ride, which takes 6 to 7 hours to complete. Ride back to hotel. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Transfer to airport for your final departure

Meals: Breakfast

The trip concludes. Our airport representative will drop you at Kathmandu’s Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Day 1 Start Kathmandu

The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. This evening there will be a trip briefing followed by a group welcome dinner, a great early introduction to get to know your Leader and fellow travellers. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 2 Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa

For those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on Day 1 We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. After lunch overlooking the stup, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There is also the chance to stroll through the bustling markets of Asan Tol, the oldest bazaar in Kathmandu, into the Thamel area, the newer main tourist area of Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing today. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara; orientation walk

We fly to Pokhara this morning, a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna Range. The flight takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day offers great views of the Himalaya from the right hand side of the plane. We should arrive by lunchtime and in the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa

Day 4 Walk through farmland and forest down to the Modi River Valley to Sanctuary Lodge, offering fine views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain

We have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Mountain Lodges of Nepal's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon we can either relax in the wonderful garden or your leader will take you on a bird watching walk to Birethanthi village. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Sanctuary Lodge, 3,363ft/1,025m)

Day 5 Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk

After breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the afternoon. Tea and snacks are served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhare. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Himalaya Lodge, 6,601ft/2,012m)

Day 6 Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to La Bee Lodge in Landruk

Although we can see Landruk across the valley, we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up ropes to harvest wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (La Bee Lodge, 5,135ft/1,565m)

Day 7 Gentle walk to Gurung or Mala Lodge at Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the village

An easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep up or downhills and no stone steps passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided village walk to Thanchok, an old traditional Gurung village and home to many blacksmith families. (Occasionally if Gurung Lodge is full we walk on another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Malla Lodge in Tomijun village). Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Gurung/Mala Lodge, 4,593ft/1,400m)

Day 8 Trek through sub-tropical forests to Basanta Lodge at Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal

After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South we walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed. We can see all the way from Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, and the Lamjung and Manaslu Himals. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Basanta Lodge, 5,003ft/1,525m)

Day 9 Short descent through wooded hillside to Ghatte Khola; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa)

After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. The trek time is 90 minutes to two hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (one hour). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting Mountain Museum, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa

Day 10 Drive to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan; boat ride to sunset point. In the evening see traditional Tharu dancers

We drive from Pokhara to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which will take about 4-5 hours. On a clear day, we look to the left as we leave Pokhara for magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime, after which we’ll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities. In the late afternoon, we take boat trip on the river looking out for crocodiles and birds to sunset point. After the sun has gone down, we drive back to the lodge. Before dinner there will be a traditional cultural dance programme. Our naturalist from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Day 11 Explore the jungle and village life on a bird-watching walk and afternoon, jeep safari in the park wildlife spotting/

Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme today will include a village and bird watching walk and a jeep safari. We will do one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and can spot the many birds for you. We will also visit a traditional Tharu house. The jeep safari will take us into the National Park where as well as great bird life there is a chance to spot several species of deer, wild boar, the one horned rhino and hopefully, the rare Bengal Tiger. Before dinner there will be a different cultural programme at the lodge. Dinner is served inside or outside by the pool depending on the time of year. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Day 12 Morning drive to Kathmandu; free time

For those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Chitwan and head on the road for Kathmandu. The drive is approximately five hours and we should arrive in Kathmandu early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 13 End Kathmandu

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.