Compare Nepal: Himalaya Highlights by G Adventures vs Nepal Multi Sports Adventure – 11 days by Ace the Himalaya

Day 1 Kathmandu

Arrive any time. Arrival transfer is included. Enjoy a relaxing wellness experience with a sound bath demonstration followed by a six-course vegetarian welcome feast tonight, savouring the diverse flavours of Nepali cuisine.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Spend the day exploring Kathmandu, the colourful capital of this Himalayan nation. Pay a visit to Bodhnath Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet, and explore the wood-carved temples, pagodas, and palaces of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s medieval capital.

Day 3 Kathmandu/Pharping

Venture to the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, decorated with vibrant prayer flags and home to troops of rhesus monkeys. Later, we’ll hear about National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi’s efforts to preserve the weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through her work with the Himalayan Indigenous Society, a Kathmandu-based nonprofit. Then depart for nearby Pharping, known for its Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and settle into a tranquil monastery guesthouse for the night. Get an insider’s view of monastery life, and enjoy a chanting and prayer service; or opt to take a walk in the monastery’s peaceful grounds. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at local community restaurant and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste your delicious creations.

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.

Please note that on select departures, the itinerary may be re-ordered to have the Monastery visit at the end of the itinerary.

Day 4 Pharping/Kurintar

Rise at dawn to listen to the monks’ morning chanting, and witness a stunning sunrise. Then drive to the small riverside village of Kurintar and hike to our lodge, nestled on a forested hill overlooking the Trishuli River. Opt to relax by the pool or take a guided walk through the surrounding countryside, stopping at local villages.

Arrive at our remote lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills overlooking 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.

Day 5 Kurintar/Royal Chitwan National Park

Today, we travel towards Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to 68 recorded mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger, as well as hundreds of species of birds. Check in to our lodge, located on the banks of the East Rapti River. After lunch, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a river safari, keeping your eyes out for aquatic birds, crocodiles, and other riverine fauna.

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.

Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park

Spend the day exploring Chitwan National Park on a variety of excursions; activities differ depending on the season. Set out on a jeep safari through the grasslands and forests, seeking out rhinos, leopards, elephants, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Meet with a “tiger technician” from the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and conservation of these majestic cats. Visit a farming village bordering the park for a glimpse of rural life, and return to our lodge this evening in time for a dance performance by the local Tharu people.

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.

Day 7 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara

Drive to Pokhara, an enchanting town set on the shores of turquoise-hued Phewa Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a guided walk around the city, and opt to have dinner at a popular local restaurant.

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's a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Day 8 Pokhara

Venture to Sarangkot village early this morning and hike to the famed Sarangkot lookout to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. Back in Pokhara, climb up a lush forest path to the gleaming white Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks after World War II. Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement, established by the United Nations in 1964. Learn about the history of the community on a walk through their photo gallery, and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch. In your free time, opt to take a boat tour of Phewa Lake.

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.

Day 9 Pokhara/Kathmandu

Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu. Enjoy time to shop in the bustling Thamel district, or choose to visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple complex in Nepal.

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.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Depart at any time.

Feel free to depart at any time today, but remember that check out time from the hotel is 12:00pm.

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.