Compare Classic Nepal by Intrepid Travel vs Nepal Multi Sports Adventure – 11 days by Ace the Himalaya

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Day 3 Pokhara

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.

Day 4 Pokhara

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast, you'll visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal). You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat.

Day 5 Bandipur

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Day 6 Bandipur

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

Day 7 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to spot wildlife and explore the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Day 8 Chitwan National Park

Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 9 Bhaktapur

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You’ll also visit the Pashupati Temple – a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

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.