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Experience Nepal with your family over an action-packed 11-days on an adventure that’s designed especially for teens and adults. Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River, challenge yourself on a breathtaking multi-day trek through the Annapurna foothills and soak up the sunrise at Poon Hill. Discover Nepal’s rich culture with hands-on pottery-making in Bhaktapur, meet the welcoming Gurung community in Ghandruk and learn the stories of the Tharu people in Chitwan. Spot rhinos and crocodiles on a jeep safari, then hop in a canoe through the lush Chitwan National Park, spotting wildlife as you go. Cruise across Pokhara’s beautiful lakes and explore Kathmandu’s busy local markets. Combining outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, mountain scenery and cultural connections, this unforgettable family journey will show you the very best of Nepal.
Call or email our experts to find out more and help with ideas and planning.
Sarah
Petra
CharlotteNamaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the streets of Kathmandu, where you’ll see the city’s mixture of ancient architecture, modern development and rich artistic heritage. 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. After your meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your leader and the other families in your group.
After breakfast this morning, you’ll set off for Bhaktapur. Stop along the way to visit the Boudhanath Stupa – one of Nepal’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recognised as one of the largest stupas in the world, this is the perfect setting to listen to stories about the sacred site’s rich history – the perfect spot for your teens to grab a photo. After, continue to Bhaktapur – one of Nepal’s most culturally rich medieval cities. When you arrive, take a guided walking tour through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its temples, courtyards and intricate woodcarvings. Then, visit Pottery Square for a sculpting session led by local artisans. Later, return to Kathmandu for the evening.
Drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, passing terraced fields, river valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. Swap the road for the Trisuli River where you’ll stop for a half-day white-water rafting adventure through Grade II to III rapids, jungle gorges and some quiet stretches of water (to calm the adrenaline!). Fuel up with lunch by the river, then carry on to Pokhara. When you arrive, spend some more time on the water, this time on Phewa Lake – the third largest lake in Nepal. After your relaxed boat ride, join your leader for an orientation walk along the lively lakeside promenade, with the Annapurna range rising beyond the city.
Make your way to Nayapul, where you’ll trek through terraced fields and riverside trails, moving from river valleys to terraced hillsides. Cross the river on suspension bridges, winding past waterfalls and the snow-capped Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) that peeks over the hills. Tonight, you’ll stay in Tikhedhunga village, known for its traditional stone houses and friendly locals. This village is also known as the starting point for the famous Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek, which you’ll tackle in the morning.
Fuel up with a good breakfast this morning, then start the steady climb up Ulleri’s stone steps into rhododendron and oak forests. Reach Ghorepani, the hub for the local Magar communities, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views. Tonight, enjoy a storytelling session with local guides, who will share tales of their ancestors, folk mythology and their deep-rooted spiritual connection to the mountains.
Wake up well before dawn to hike roughly 1.5 km (1 mi) up to the summit of Poon Hill. Watch the sunrise over snow-capped peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek down through the forest to Tadapani. The main trail starts with a steady climb through mossy, dense rhododendron forests to Deurali Pass (3210 m or 10,531 ft) – the highest point of the day’s trek. Descend through thick woods to the village of Banthanti, head across streams and through the scenic, misty forest before arriving in Tadapani. You’ll be treated to incredible views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri as you approach. This evening, rest your legs at the tea house with your fellow families.
Descend into Ghandruk – a large, traditional Gurung village that’s home to the Indigenous Gurung (Tamu) people. Sitting at approximately 2012 m (6601 ft), Ghandrunk is a cultural and agricultural hub of the region, famous for its stone houses, narrow alleyways and breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. While you’re here, you can visit the Gurung Museum and learn about the culture’s deep ties to the land and if you like, don some Gurung attire for photos. After, drive back to Pokhara, where you’ll spend the night.
Arrive in Chitwan today and check into your jungle lodge. Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon to rest your legs after all that trekking, then regroup in the evening for sundowners on the banks of the Rapti River. You’ll also watch a cultural Tharu dance performance, introducing the traditions of the Indigenous Tharu community.
Venture out this morning on a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site home to one of Asia’s best wildlife experiences. While you’re here, you may be fortunate enough to see one-horned rhinos, deer and with any luck, Bengal tigers. You’ll also hop in a canoe for a gentle ride along the Rapti River to observe crocodiles and aquatic birds in their natural habitat.
Return to Kathmandu today, check into your hotel, then head out for the afternoon with your group. First, you’ll visit Ashon Bazaar – the oldest market in Nepal, known for its narrow lanes, traditional shops and vibrant atmosphere where locals gather for daily essentials and local spices. Continue to Thamel – the tourist district in Nepal with many shops offering a wide range of local products, gifts, outdoor gear and handicrafts. Thamel is also home to many great restaurants, so you’ll have lots of delicious options for dinner. Maybe get together with your fellow families tonight and toast to an incredible adventure.
Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today and you’re free to depart any time after checkout. If you would like to book additional optional trips, post-trip accommodation or an airport transfer, just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. MINIMUM AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old unless otherwise approved by Intrepid. 3. CHILD PRICE: Children aged 17 years and under at time of travel on this trip, are eligible to receive 20% off the full adult price. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. It applies to all nights of your trip except those spent in teahouses (Days 4-6) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 5. PASSPORT PHOTO: You must bring 1x passport photo per person with you to the welcome meeting on Day 1 to receive your trekking permit. 6. EMERGENCY EVACUTATION: Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. In Kathmandu, you will be provided with an individual duffel bag to carry your trekking gear. The weight limit per person is 10kg each. Porters carry two bags each as well as a their own backpack. Porters weight limit is 25kg each. Excess luggage can be stored in Kathmandu. Please keep the weight and bulk of your trek bag to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. However, as the weather conditions in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonable cold or heat. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect it from the weather - dry clothes are essential for your comfort. Your trek leader will assist you in packing your kitbag and can advise what to bring and what can be left behind in Kathmandu. Day pack - Your day pack must have the capacity for the items you will be carrying on a day's walk: rain jacket, spare trousers, warm clothing, water bottles, camera equipment, washing items and other personal effects. A hip/waist strap provides additional comfort. You only need to carry your day pack when trekking each day. SLEEPING BAG & INNER SHEET A good quality, warm sleeping bag is essential while trekking as only blankets are provided at tea houses. Please note that sleeping bags, are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu at very reasonable rates. Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear after your joining meeting. If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleep sheet, which adds another layer of warmth. In winter a thermal inner sleep sheet is warmer. If you bring your own sleeping bag, please think about the time of year of your trek. We recommend a four season bag with a rating to around -10c. In Winter (Dec-Feb) a five seasons bag (-15 to - 20 C) is recommended. WATER BOTTLES It is essential to bring 2 x 1lt water bottles to refill along the way. While trekking, boiled or safe drinking water is available to purchase in tea houses. However, you should also carry a water purification method. Options include: - purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur. - 2% tincture of iodine, available from pharmacies, used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes - longer in very cold weather. ESSENTIAL TREKKING EQUIPMENT Trekking boots (broken in) Gaiters + mini spikes (for winter departures Dec-Feb only - can be hired in Kathmandu if required) Waterproof 3/4 season jacket and trousers (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu if required) Camp footwear (ie sneakers, thongs or booties) Several pairs of high quality hiking socks T-Shirts - highly recommended are synthetic t-shirt styles that wick away moisture Thermal underwear/layers Down jacket (can be hired/purchased in Kathmandu if required) Warm mid layers (fleece/micro fibre) Trousers - lightweight, loose fitting, trekking trousers (can be purchased in Kathmandu) Shorts or skirt for summer Tracksuit or fleece pants for even Sleeveless fleece and extra layers for winter departures (Dec-Feb) Warm hat & sun hat Scarf/neck warmer Gloves and mitts - waterproof and warm. Sunglasses with UV protection Head torch (with spare batteries) Sunscreen and lip balm Light weight towel or sarong Personal first aid kit (including electrolytes/rehydration tablets) Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper Hand sanitizer gel Trail mix/nuts/muesli bars (bring zip lock bags from home) OPTIONAL GEAR Pocket knife Insect repellent Ear plugs Walking poles Extra zip lock bags Hot water bottle (winter months) CASH: Before departing on your trek, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase meals and drinks during the trek - in the smaller denominations where possible, there are no ATM's and it can be harder to change a NPR1000 note. OTHER GUIDES & FURTHER TRAVEL: For other guides to packing for treks: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/packing-guide-for-trekking-in-nepal/ If you are spending further time in the region, please see some ideas for regular travelling gear to pack. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
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