Nepal: Annapurna Hiking, Rafting and Chitwan National Park - 12 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Kathmandu: A Royal WelcomeArrival Day

  Nepal has one of the most fascinating dynastic histories the world over-just ask our hotel hosts at the Baber Mahal Villas. What's more, it offers some of the most thrilling adventures you might ever find. Lucky for you, this trip explores it all. We welcome you to Kathmandu, and to Nepal, and we invite you to discover the adventure within each day. After a welcome meeting with your CEO and fellow travellers, tuck into a delicious three course Royal Thali meal served on-site at the hotel. We can't guarantee that life will always be served up on a silver platter, but your very first meal in Kathmandu certainly will be.

• Days 2-1: Kathmandu: Patan Durbar Square

  With so much active adventure to come, a day to acclimatize and adjust to your new surroundings is the perfect opportunity to dive into the history and culture of Nepal before heading further afield to explore it on your own two feet. Located in the Kathmandu valley, Patan is home to the Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture and ancient palaces, Patan Durbar Square is adorned with intricately carved wooden temples, pagodas, and statues that reflect the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Malla dynasty. After a walking tour throughout the square, make your way to Kirtipur where your friendly hosts welcome you. Women from the Kirtipur community are eager to interact with you-providing a Newari script demonstration and serving you a delicious Newari lunch. Join your hosts and try your hand at Ranjana Newari Script writing.

• Days 3-2: Dhampus: Trekking Begins

  Rhododendron and oak trees line the stone pathways of the trails from Phedi to Dhampus. As you begin to settle into your trekking pace, take a pause to breathe in the fresh cool air and the mountain views that start to appear as you crest the peaks of the trails. Three hours of trekking brings you to the mountain lodge where you spend the night. Gorgeous mountain views from the lodge await. A short flight brings you from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and after a short drive you arrive to the start of the trek. Grab your hiking poles provided, and join your guide for a 3 hour trek from Phedi to Dhampus. Upon arrival to the mountain lodge, relax with a cold drink and devour a delicious local lunch. Your CEO will take you on a fascinating walk through Dhampus village in the afternoon. Don't forget to grab a cold drink and take in the views of the Phedi valley.

• Days 4-3: Tomijong: Trekking Onward

  As the sun rises, wake and prepare for another stunning day of trekking. Your destination is the village of Tomijong and the Tomijong Mountain Lodge. Tomijong village is known for their unique history of bee-keeping and your trek from Dhampus begins after breakfast. Descend through stone steps and trails that wind through beautiful terraced fields and traditional villages. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, butterflies and occasionally a langur monkey or Himalayan monal. The terrain during this 5 hour trek consists well maintained dirt trails and stone steps. Plenty of stops along the way allow for time to refuel with water and snacks and most importantly, to soak in the panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges before you. After a delicious lunch, explore Lumle village with your CEO.

• Days 5-4: Ghandruk: Over the bridge

  Departing for Ghandruk after breakfast, follow the trail down to the riverbank. Waterfalls dot the trail today as you trek to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village. Continue along the river and eventually cross a suspension bridge over the Kimrong river. Break for lunch and tea in villages throughout the afternoon's trek. Today's 8 hour trek takes you from Lumle to Ghandruk on the longest day of your Annapurna adventure. Stop for lunch along the way, and a refreshing tea break in the village of Kimche. For your incredible efforts today, you are rewarded with beautiful views of the peaks of Annapurna South and neighbouring Hiunchu. Dinner is crafted by your local lodge hosts this evening.

• Days 6-5: Pokhara: Descent to Sayauli Bazaar

  It's all downhill from here. We only mean that literally of course, as there is plenty of incredible adventure to come, but this morning's trek is an easy and light 2 hours mostly downhill to the village of Syauli Bazar where your trek concludes. There is nothing quite like accomplishing a trek like this one that we do together on this trip, and you will have seen and experienced more than you could have ever done by staying on the beaten path. After returning to Pokhara this afternoon, revitalize your muscles with a complimentary one hour massage at your hotel.

• Days 7-6: Pokhara: Your OMG Day

  Sunrise at Sarangkot is famous for its breathtaking sunrises over the peaks of the mountains. Rise early and join your CEO for sunrise at Sarangkot. OMG indeed. Waking at dawn for a life-affirming sunrise may have you feeling ready to take on the world. Or, you may be ready to take time to reflect on your accomplishments and give your body a chance to rest. We have options to suit either choice on your OMG Day in Pokhara. If you're ready for more adventure, join a cycle tour through Pame, along the river that feeds the Phewa lake. If you are looking for a slower pace today, choose to board a paddle boat ride across the lake and join a restorative yoga class with the Himalayas as your backdrop. Your group comes back together this afternoon as you travel together to a Tibetan refugee village to engage in a fascinating momo making class with your local hosts. Momos were brought from Tibet to Nepal by the refugees who came during the Chinese invasion. The village you visit this afternoon are preserving their cultural heritage by continuing to tell their story and cook their cuisine. Engage with your hosts by getting involved in kneading the dough, filling the dumpling with their savoury filling, and sharing a delicious meal with your new friends.

• Days 8-7: Seti River Camp: Rafting to Camp

  River rafting is not just for adventure seekers. Being on the river provides a new perspective on the lush jungle surrounding the river. Spot monkeys from below and watch birds move from branch to branch. Your first day of the river adventure is on mostly Class II rapids, which means there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the float. Without the appearance of roads, villages or cars-your journey into this secluded part of Nepal offers a chance to disconnect and recharge your battery. Kingfishers and egrets mingle about as you arrive to your remote tented river camp and settle in with the jungle soundtrack in the background. Rustic tented wooden cabins are dotted along the riverbank with a communal fireplace area to gather and sip a warm beverage after your days adventure. Get dry and fill up on a delicious meal, and settle in for an evening around the fire. Tonight you are fully disconnected from the world.

• Days 9-8: Chitwan: Jungle Safari

  After your rafting practice yesterday, its time to test out your paddling skills. Class III rapids bring you swiftly through the final chapter of your rafting adventure, a thrilling way to conclude this remote wilderness experience. The adventure continues after you dry off-traveling a short distance to Chitwan National Park. Begin your exploration with a safari drive in the park-looking out for elephant, leopard and tigers. Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park, covers an area of over 900 square kilometres. Spend a full afternoon exploring by vehicle with your local guide. Your lodge this evening welcomes you with a captivating cultural performance after dinner.

• Days 10-9: Chitwan: Safari on the Rapti River

  Wooden canoes, seating only six people, carry you slowly down river, expertly paddled by your local guide. In relative silence, watch for kingfishers diving into the river. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodile on shore sunning themselves. Your boat ride brings you down the Rapti river until it meets with the Narayani. This morning river safari is an incredibly unique experience in Chitwan, and without the noise of the vehicle motor, witness as wildlife comes remarkably close. Your river safari ends at midday as you approach the riverbank, greeted by welcoming new friends. Your hosts for lunch are from the Barauli Community homestay. This social enterprise provides meals, accommodation and much more to travellers visiting this remote part of Nepal. Dine on a delicious Tharu specialties and learn more about the community.

• Days 11-10: Kathmandu: Bhaktapur Discovery

  Kathmandu is calling. One final afternoon to explore beautiful Nepal. After so many thrilling adventures, your final afternoon and evening is spent in Bhaktapur, a small city just 5 miles from downtown Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is known for its cuisine and artisan craftsmanship. Choose to join your CEO on an informative walking tour of the town, and visit a traditional pottery workshop. A relaxed morning and short flight from Chitwan back to Kathmandu brings you to your hotel by lunchtime. In the afternoon, your CEO will lead a walking tour of Bhaktapur town. In Bhaktapur, local people are predominantly farmers or engaged in the traditional crafts of pottery, metalwork, art and woodwork which have supported the city since its establishment in the 12th century. Visit an expert potter and try your hand using ancient techniques. This evening, join your CEO and fellow travellers for one final farewell feast.

• Days 12-11: Kathmandu (Bhaktapur)

  Your adventure has come to an end, you can depart at any time.