Compare Nepal Trekking in the Himalayas by Adventure Women vs Royal Trek by Epic Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 4,995 | $ 599 |
| Price Per Day | $ 312 | $ 67 |
| Highlights |
Experience Nepal hiking amidst the splendor of the Himalayas and the Nepalese ancient culture on a low-altitude (7,500 feet) Nepal trekking vacation in the spectacular Annapurna region, with porters to carry your gear. Enjoy wildlife viewing and 2 nights in Royal Chitwan National Park. Safari by elephant into the world’s best habitat for viewing the Bengal Tiger! Raft the beautiful Seti River and stay in safari-style tents at the Seti River Camp. Take an optional scenic flightseeing tour around Mount Everest. Stay in comfortable traditional-style lodges on trek, with solar-heated showers, flush toilets, and electricity. Explore Kathmandu’s ancient city of Bhaktapur and the Buddhist Temple Complex of Boudhanath. |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 11 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
We are honored to be able to support the Nepalese people and help bring back tourism to the country after the destruction associated with the Nepal earthquake in April 2015. In October 2016, we return to the mountains of Nepal for our low-altitude, lodge-based Himalayan trek. Our Nepal adventure travel trip combines mellow river rafting, a safari by elephant-back into Bengal tiger habitat and for more fun, Kathmandu sightseeing and shopping. WHAT could be more adventurous and more rewarding? Nepal's towering mountains and verdant valleys, ancient cities and villages and the exotic Nepalese people fascinate all who are lucky enough to visit this culturally and geologically rich country. AdventureWomen has crafted a unique low altitude, comfortable, and less physically challenging Nepal trek (at 7,500 feet instead of 14,000 feet) just perfect for women who wish to experience the splendor of the Himalayas and explore her ancient culture. Our Nepal trekking trip is also lodge-based (instead of a camping trek), which allows for an easier pace and produces less impact on trails from porters and pack animals. Our Nepalese lodges are of modern construction in traditional style. All have private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and offer excellent local food. After all, why scrimp when you are at the top of the world! |
This particular route through the Annapurna region is one of the most famous and easygoing. The trek has been named the “Royal Trek” as Prince Charles walked it in the 1980’s. It is extremely enjoyable and requires no technical knowledge making it and excellent trek for beginners and elderly people. The journey leads through ethnic villages with extremely rich and diverse culture. |
Day 1 – 2: Depart USA
If you are flying from the west coast of the U.S., you will depart and Losing one day due to crossing the International Date Line
Day 3: Arrive into Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
You must arrive today at the airport in Kathmandu by 2 p.m. After picking up your luggage and exiting customs, look for someone holding a sign with your name on it. Your private escort meets you at the airport and transfers you to the 5-star Hotel Yak and Yeti, our accommodation for tonight, and for two nights after our return to Kathmandu at the end of our trip.
This afternoon at 4 p.m. you meet your AdventureWomen Associate and our Nepal trip leader in the lobby of the Yak and Yeti Hotel. You then receive a full briefing on our adventure. We are issued our trek duffel bags and are told how to pack for the trek.
Dinner is on your own tonight in one of the terrific local restaurants, or in the hotel. Then it is early to bed after our long journey to Nepal
Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Trek to Birethanti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Lodge
This morning we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft.), the rural capital of Western Nepal.
On arrival we are briefed at our outfitter’s head office, then depart with our guides and porters for the 1 hour transfer by road to the trek starting point.
Our first day’s trek follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, home to Santuary Lodge and our first night’s stay.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 5: Trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge
After breakfast we leave Sanctuary Lodge and walk through outlying farms along the Modi River Valley. After an hour of easy walking, we begin to climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains. Snacks are provided en-route. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests. We arrive in the afternoon at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (6,600 feet) where we enjoy a late lunch while oogling the spectacular close-up views of the surrounding mountains.
Time to freshen up and take a hot shower, change from our hiking clothes, and enjoy the evening Annapurna panorama before dinner.
Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge
Today we have a free morning to explore the mountain village of Ghandruk, a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers. We meet and talk with the women of Ghandruk, who maintain a local industry weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.
This afternoon you may choose an optional walk to an altitude of 7,500 feet, or relax in the beautiful garden area of the lodge. Lunch and dinner are at the Himalaya Lodge today.
Day 7: Ghandruk to Landruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bee Village Lodge
After breakfast we depart the Himalaya Lodge and start our trek to Landruk. After leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, you’ll be at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect the honey. From here is it about a hour’s trek up switch backs and steps to reach the village of Landruk, with more glorious views of the Annapurna range. We arrive in time for lunch and can take an optional exploration hike of this mountain village.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 8: Landruk to Gurung Lodge, Majgaun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gurung Lodge
After breakfast, we leave the Bee Lodge and trek to Gurung Lodge. Today's trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. You’ll reach the Gurung Lodge in time for lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Majgaun and Patleket.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 9: Gurung Lodge via Chandrakot and Lumle, and on to Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort Hotel
Today is a busy day! After early morning tea and coffee served on your verandah, you have the opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery of the Annapurnas from several different locations around the Lodge.
After breakfast, we say farewell to the ever-attentive Gurung Lodge staff, and begin our trek back to the village of Chandrakot (5200 ft.), walking through forests with surrounding views of the valley and mountains. A half hour later we arrive at the village of Lumle, situated at 5300 ft., where a vehicle is waiting to transfer us to Pokhara and the Mt Kailish Hotel, just a one hour ride.
We arrive in Pokhara in time for lunch. This afternoon is free to wander among the shops on the lakeside or take a row boat out on the lake.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level, 200 km from Kathmandu valley. The city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning anatomic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Paragliding and fishing have also become popular in Pokhara.
Once at the Mount Kailash Resort Hotel in Pokhara, your extra raft and Chitwan luggage (which you left in Pokhara before your trek departure) is waiting for you, to pack for tomorrow’s departure. Our tour leader provides us with waterproof bags. All items for our 2 night raft trip are carried in the raft in these waterproof bags. The boats also have watertight drums to keep cameras, sun screen, and any other small items you may need during the day. The remainder of your luggage/clothes for Chitwan is transported in a vehicle to the raft finish point. Dinner is at a colorful local restaurant.
Trekking time 2 hours.
Day 10: Pokhara to the Riverbank Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast we leave the Mount Kailish Hotel for our 2 day raft trip on the Seti River. From Pokhara, it is a 1½ hour journey through scenic countryside. Upon our arrival at Damauli, our starting point on the river, we are met by our experienced boat crew, who give us a full briefing prior to launch.
The Seti River (elevation 1,000 ft) has no road access, so the river and surrounding valley remains pristine. Floating down the Seti gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. On the way to camp, we stop for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 (about 165 ft long). The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience, all the way to our river camp.
Rafting time is about 3 hours, depending on water levels.
Day 11: Layover Day at Seti River Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is just for relaxing at this beautiful, lush camp on the river. There are “treehouses” you can sit in and read a book. Or, you can choose to take a hike to one of the nearby villages. Many women from our past trips have found this to be a wonderful hike to the village of Darampani, about 2 hours above the river camp. Since no other trek companies hike to this village, it still remains quite untouched by tourism. 45 minutes above the village there is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see the entire Annapurna as well as the Manaslu Range of mountains.
Day 12: On the River to Kasara Resort and Royal Chitwan National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Kasara Resort
We spend this morning rafting and then journey by vehicle for 1½ hours to Royal Chitwan National Park. Our trip takes us through very interesting countryside and we eat a picnic lunch on our way.
For the next two nights we stay at the Kasara Resort, in the Terai area of Nepal, adjacent to Royal Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The essence of Kasara’s design is a blend of simple luxury in a lush and natural jungle environment. Kasara offers comfortably appointed rooms, carefully prepared fresh food, a range of healthy activities in a tranquil and inspiring environment, and meaningful interaction with the local culture.
The rich wildlife of Chitwan has been famous for centuries, and for the next two days we view wildlife from canoes, jeeps, and from the backs of elephants, who take us on safari through the towering grasslands in search of animals. Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, Greater One-Horned rhinoceros, gaur, four kinds of deer, two species of monkey, two types of crocodile, and 450 different species of birds all live in the park, adding color and music to the biological symphony in the jungle.
From the peace and tranquility of Kasara Resort, walks (escorted by trained naturalists) are an opportunity to enjoy the remote jungle. In addition, bird watching, jungle treks, wildlife viewing, and photography allow us to experience the wildlife on an intimate basis.
Day 13: Exploration of Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Kasara Resort
Today we have a full day of exploring the park and jungle. This is a day to immerse yourself in this natural tropical environment. We'll ride elephants in search of game. The elephants provide the only practical means of transport into the area because the grass is too thick and too tall for exploring on foot. The elephant is the king of beasts in the Asian jungle and our elephants and guide are trained to find tigers and hold ground should any confrontation occur. Rhino are also often found around the camp. Naturalists will lead guided nature walks, and you have a choice of other activities throughout the day.
Day 14: Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
After a final morning of game viewing and breakfast at camp, we are transferred to the air field for our short flight back to Kathmandu. While waiting for our flight, lunch is supplied. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we are met at the airport and on our way back into the city, we are taken on a special tour of the exceptional Buddhist Complex of Boudhanath.
After visiting the Stupa, the largest in Nepal, there is free time for shopping (a favorite pastime of all AdventureWomen!) in this marvelous city of bargains.
Late afternoon we are transferred to the 5-star Yak and Yeti Hotel, where we stay for the next 2 nights.
Dinner is on our own tonight in one of the terrific local restaurants.
Day 15: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
This morning there may be time for those who made their reservations for the early morning (optional) flightseeing trip to view Mt. Everest (weather dependent). After lunch we enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing trip to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping and exploring.
Our fun Farewell Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant close to our hotel.
Day 16: Depart from Kathmandu
Our morning is free for further exploration, shopping, or cultural wanderings in Kathmandu. Based on departure times, you are transferred back to the airport for departing flights.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Epic Adventures. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Epic Adventures display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek
Meals: Breakfast
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. You will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pretrip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also make your last minute buying of personal items as you will be flying to the Himalayas tomorrow.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara drive (884m) Driving duration: (Bus 8 hours) (Jeep 6 hours) or fly to Pokhara(duration: 40 min)
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight In Pokhara.
You will have the option of either flying to Pokhara or take the bus. Flying to Pokhara gives you magnificent views of the Himalayas. However, the mountain scenery along the drive will also be amazing and the scenes of passing villages are astonishing. You will spend the night in Pokhara – a tourist destination which is popular for its ambient lakeside and fine views of the Annapurna Mountain Range. There are a large variety of shops, hotels and restaurants which caters to different tastes and preferences. Pokhara challenges all of your five senses.
Day 4: Pokhara to Kalikasthan Driving duration: 1 to 2 hours & Hiking duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight in Kalikasthan.
After lunch our journey starts with a short drive to the village of Vijayapur, our starting point. The trail starts off through flat rice fields to Rakhigaon and Chautara where we gradually ascend along a ridge top to Brahmin villages until we reach Kalikasthan where we will be spending the night. The place offers exquisite views of mountains and Pokhara city.
Day 5: Kalikathan to Syanklung (1730m) Hiking duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight in Syanklung.
Today we start trekking along a forested ridge, passing Thulokot and then onto Mati Thana. You can stop over for lunch in this village as there are few teashops open. Then the trail starts to gradually ascend to Naudanda and continues until we reach the Gurung village of Shanklung where you will be spending the night. During the trek we will be walking on the ridge of the mountain which offers great views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal.
Day 6: Syanklung to Chisopani (2300m) Hiking duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight in Chisopani.
The Himalayan skyline changes as the route taken will be shrouded by mountains like Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manasulu and Himalchuli. The trail descends steeply to the south side of the hill passing by an ancient tree with a chautara (stone platform), several tea shops and a police check post. From there you will proceed following the Royal Trek route and ascend to Chisopani where you will be spending the night. There is a temple located on a high knoll above the village. The place offers splendid views of the mountains in the vicinity.
Day 7: Chisopani to Pokhara (884m) Hiking duration: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight in Pokhara.
We will start our trek by descending down a ridge and stone steps which lead you into a small valley. Continuing along the Royal trek stream, you will pass through a rice field and then make a final ascent to the ridge that separates Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal. The route to the Begnas Bazaar and onto Pokhara is a wide path that is frequently used by local people. Spending another night in Pokhara will give you an opportunity to explore around.
Day 8: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hrs by bus.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast we start our drive back to Kathmandu. It will be better to sit on the left side of the bus to enjoy the scenery. On arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel and spend a leisurely afternoon, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and in the evening celebrate dinner together with Epic Adventure Nepal staff, at a Cultural dinner and show.
Day 9: Farewell Friend
Meals: Breakfast
We are saying good bye to the mountains as journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Epic Adventures will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
