Compare Nepal Trekking in the Himalayas by Adventure Women vs Nepal in 10 days - Kathmandu Valley & Captivating Himalayas - Charm by Exoticca

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: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Kathmandu. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The largest urban area in Nepal, with 2.5 million inhabitants, consists of the core of the metropolitan city of Kathmandu and its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur, including the urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. The capital of the country is located at 1,400 meters above sea level in a picturesque bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal. Spend the day discovering the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Bhaktapur, known as the 'City of the Devotees', to admire the great architectural beauty of the third of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur's Durbar Square is the best preserved in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs for it's five magnificently sculpted floors, making it one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here, take in the amazing views of the surrounding valley. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 4: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we recommend an optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion.* Head to the Kathmandu Valley through Asan Tole, the main street of the capital's oldest shopping area, which offers a vivid display of local Nepalese life. Discover Nepalese culture and experience everyday life through the bustling and narrow streets and courtyards of the city. Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where you can see the Kumari Temple and the exteriors of the Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, located at the top of a hill, to contemplate the beautiful landscape of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, discover the old city of Patan and visit its Durbar Square, the oldest of the three in the valley. See the Royal Palace, home to beautiful patios and ornate windows and sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu. Afterwards, head to the Temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, who looks out onto the balcony to receive the greetings of the devotees. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu. * Optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion: One-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the days sightseeing.

Day 5: Kathmandu - Chitwan

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road to Chitwan, passing by scenic landscapes during the approx. 4-hour journey. Arrive and get settled at the hotel. In the afternoon, set off on a 1-hour nature walk to explore the beautiful surrounding area, scattered with cabins inhabited by the indigenous Tharu tribe, who have lived in the forests surrounding Chitwan for hundreds of years. After a delicious dinner, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance Show, performed by local farmers, for an insight into Chitwan’s cultural roots. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 6: Chitwan

Rise early in the morning and enjoy a coffee/tea break before heading off to Chitwan National Park to seize the day and the tranquillity of the natural environment during the quiet hours of the morning. The area surrounding Machan Country Villa is a true paradise for birdwatchers, so keep your eyes peeled for some of the rarer species. Enjoy a nature walk with a naturalist expert who can point out the abundant birdlife before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast. Afterwards you will get to know the behaviours and characteristics of the majestic Asian elephant. Lunch included. Continue your adventure with a 3-hour jeep safari through the jungle until arriving at the shores of the Narayani River where a traditional boat awaits to take you on a tranquil boat cruise. Look out for local wildlife such as crocodiles and water birds before returning to the shore. In the evening, enjoy an informative presentation by a jungle expert to learn more about this unique eco-system. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 7: Chitwan - Pokhara

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off for Pokhara, a journey of around 3.5-hours long. En route, visit Bandipur Village, a small hilltop settlement and an amazing example of Newar culture. This charming village is home to precious 18th-century architecture, a number of small cafes and shops. Continue to Pokhara, nestled in a quiet, forest-covered valley. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the fantastic views of the Himalayas and the five Annapurna peaks. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 8: Pokhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early in the morning to Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas, if weather conditions permit. Located at 1592 meters above sea level, it is the most popular spot to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pokhara Valley and the mountains. Afterwards, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, see the beautiful Devi Waterfall and explore the Sacred Cave of Gupteshwor. Continue to the bustling Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a pleasant traditional place, full of merchants selling fabrics, food and gold, among other authentic Nepalese products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 9: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head back to Kathmandu, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a guided visit to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world and icon of Nepal, sits on an octagonal base and is surrounded by the houses of Buddhist Lamas. Afterwards, discover Pashupatinath Hindu Temple on the east bank of the river, the most important and oldest of the Kathmandu Valley, dedicated to Shiva and surrounded by an exuberant natural environment. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to stroll through the city or make some last-minute souvenir purchases. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Kathmandu - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bid farewell to captivating Nepal. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flight back to the US. Night on board.* * Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US today.

Day 12: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.