Compare 7 Days - Highlights of Nepal by Asian Heritage vs Annapurna Trails & Chitwan - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 13 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 6,225 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 479 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included |
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All breakfasts, eight lunches and eight dinners are included. The five Mountain Lodges of Nepal (MLN) and Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan are on a full-board basis. Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is on a bed and breakfast basis. Please allow approximately 4,000 - 5,400 rupees (US$30-US$40) per day for meals not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables. Meals in the lodges range from traditional Nepalese food to Chinese and Western dishes. The food served is of good quality and is usually buffet style. You will be provided with safe drinking water whilst on trek and in Chitwan. |
| Description |
Nepal Highlight Tour is a 7-day trip, you'll get the chance to visit the diverse culture, architecture, traditions, and landscapes. Starting our journey with visiting the typical Newari village settlement situated on the hilltop of Bandipur. Here you can study the ancient Newari architecture and its culture along with the splendid view of the Himalayas. When visiting Nepal, one must visit the tourist capital of Nepal, Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful valley, known as a gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area, famous for its lakes and panoramic view of Annapurna massifs and Fishtail Mountain. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is also one of our destinations during this trip. Here, you can visit the SCARED GARDEN with Maya Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha and experience the peace and tranquility. Our next and final destination is the first National Park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park, which is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Overall, the trip is an amazing and bountiful experience for all. Nepal is a beautiful country where there is a presence of the richest and most diverse cultures and traditions, architecture, costumes, language and multiethnic people living with social harmony in different nooks and corners. |
The lovely lakeside town of Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills to the north hold the most beautiful mountain scenery in Nepal. Rice terraces and rhododendron forests lead the eye to the timeless peaks of Machupuchare, also known as Fishtail Mountain, and the high Annapurnas. Our six-day trek takes us through the prettiest villages in the region, including Birethanti, Landruk, Majgoan and Gangruk, and we stay in five lovely mountain lodges, built in the local style, but with the creature comforts not normally found on Himalayan treks. Moving on to the tropical lowlands, we’ll stay in boutique eco-cottages at Barahi Lodge in Chitwan, which are sandwiched between the jungle and the Rapti River. Glimpse wildlife from the infinity pool, spot birdlife and crocodiles as you ride a traditional dugout canoe, and encounter the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros on a jeep safari. Return to Kathmandu to round off your adventure.Explore the landscapes, wildlife and culture of Nepal on foot and with extra comfort |
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bandipur with Rafting, Driving Duration: 5 hours
We leave Kathmandu in the early morning at 7: am. After 3 hours’ drive, you will stop at the Trishuli Rafting start point. Enjoy your first adventure, Rafting. Trishuli River is one of the famous raft able rivers in Nepal. You will have lunch after finishing the rafting. Now you will be ready for heading towards Bandipur. After a drive of 2 to 3 hours, you will check in to the hotel at Bandipur. You will have time to rest or roam at the local market.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Bandipur Mountain Resort or similar.
Day 2: Bandipur to Pokhara, Driving Duration: 2/3 Hours
In the early morning, you can hike to Gurungche Hill to enjoy the sunrise. Later, return to the hotel and have breakfast. Afterwards, you will start your sightseeing tour starting a visit to the Khadga Devi Temple, the most sacred and auspicious temple in Bandipur. Then head up to the Martyrs Memorial Area, which honors seven Bandipur sons who were killed during the anti-Rana insurrection of 1951.
Then head down to the shrine of Paarpani Mahadev (Shiva), who receives appeals for rain from Bandipurays during dry spells. Return to the bazaar along the main trail, and visit the two other important temples of Bandipur: Bindabashini and Mahalaxmi. Then, you will return to the hotel and head for Pokhara which will take around 2 to 3 hours' drive. Upon arrival at the hotel in Pokhara, you will freshen up and roam around the beautiful Pokhara city.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Batika Classic Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Pokhara
Today, you will start with an early drive to Sarangkot to capture the tranquil and magical view of the city before sunrise and also to view the first rays of sunlight hitting the mountains in the background. Sarangkot offers panoramic views of the Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri and other mountains. After spending some time in Sarangkot, you will drive back to Pokhara, where a whole day of sightseeing awaits us; Mahendra Cave, Bat cave, Davis falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev, etc.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Batika Classic Hotel or similar.
Day 4: Pokhara to Lumbini via Palpa, Driving Duration: 6/7 hours
Today, you will start driving to reach Lumbini via Palpa. The road is smooth so relax and enjoy the ride. On the way, we will make a quick stop at Tansen bazaar. Tansen bazaar is an ancient marketplace and offers you a wide range of products. Afterwards, you will leave Palpa and head towards the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini. When you reach Lumbini, you will check-in at the hotel. Now, the remaining time is for rest. You can explore the surroundings on your style.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tiger Palace Resort or similar.
Day 5: Sightseeing in Lumbini & Drive to Chitwan, Driving Duration: 4/5 hours
After breakfast, your half-day sightseeing to Lumbini begins. You will visit SCARED GARDEN with Maya Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, the Ashoka pillar pinpointing the place of birth of the Buddha and the Sakyan Tank where Maya Devi, the mother of the Buddha is supposed to have taken a dip before bringing forth the baby.
All around this holy site there are remnants of monasteries and chaityas built over the centuries following the Buddha's birth in 623 B.C. After finishing sightseeing, you will continue the journey to Chitwan. You will reach Chitwan in the early evening and check-in to the hotel.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Park Safari Resort or similar.
Day 6: Chitwan- Jungle Safari
Today, after breakfast, the full day safari activities in the jungle of Chitwan begin. We start our adventure with a jeep safari inside the jungle. You will enter the community forest section to view the One-Horned Rhino and some other wild animals like wild boar, deer, Leopard and others and after that you will cross the Rapti river to get into the skirt of main national park area and if it's your lucky day then you will get to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in the highland area where the bushes are high as 5-6 feet, along with that you will be able to see the wild elephants and other wild animals as well.
After completing your jungle safari tour get back to the hotel and have your lunch and later on you can go for a guided tour around the Tharu village and then go for Canoeing on the Rapti river where you can observe the Marsh Mugger and Gharial crocodiles resting by the side of Rapti river in Chitwan and after completing your sight seen tour get back to hotel and have rest.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Park Safari Resort or similar.
Day 7: Birdwatching in Chitwan & Drive to Kathmandu, Driving Duration: 5/6 hours
Today, you will wake up early in the morning and leave the hotel for Bird Watching. Early morning walk through the bush and along the bank of Rapti River offers the opportunity to view many of the exotic birds, including the Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican, and Paradise Flycatcher. This apart enjoys the movement of the migratory birds in the BishHajar Taal.
After Bird Watching, you will have your breakfast and checkout from the hotel. The Vehicle will be ready to transfer you back to Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu, your trip completes.
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. This evening there will be a trip briefing followed by a group welcome dinner, a great early introduction to get to know your Leader and fellow travellers. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 2 Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa
For those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on Day 1 We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. After lunch overlooking the stup, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There is also the chance to stroll through the bustling markets of Asan Tol, the oldest bazaar in Kathmandu, into the Thamel area, the newer main tourist area of Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing today. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 3 Fly to Pokhara; orientation walk
We fly to Pokhara this morning, a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna Range. The flight takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day offers great views of the Himalaya from the right hand side of the plane. We should arrive by lunchtime and in the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 4 Walk through farmland and forest down to the Modi River Valley to Sanctuary Lodge, offering fine views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain
We have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Mountain Lodges of Nepal's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon we can either relax in the wonderful garden or your leader will take you on a bird watching walk to Birethanthi village. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Sanctuary Lodge, 3,363ft/1,025m)
Day 5 Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk
After breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the afternoon. Tea and snacks are served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhare. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Himalaya Lodge, 6,601ft/2,012m)
Day 6 Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to La Bee Lodge in Landruk
Although we can see Landruk across the valley, we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up ropes to harvest wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (La Bee Lodge, 5,135ft/1,565m)
Day 7 Gentle walk to Gurung or Mala Lodge at Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the village
An easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep up or downhills and no stone steps passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided village walk to Thanchok, an old traditional Gurung village and home to many blacksmith families. (Occasionally if Gurung Lodge is full we walk on another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Malla Lodge in Tomijun village). Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Gurung/Mala Lodge, 4,593ft/1,400m)
Day 8 Trek through sub-tropical forests to Basanta Lodge at Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal
After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South we walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed. We can see all the way from Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, and the Lamjung and Manaslu Himals. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Basanta Lodge, 5,003ft/1,525m)
Day 9 Short descent through wooded hillside to Ghatte Khola; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa)
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. The trek time is 90 minutes to two hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (one hour). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting Mountain Museum, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 10 Drive to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan; boat ride to sunset point. In the evening see traditional Tharu dancers
We drive from Pokhara to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which will take about 4-5 hours. On a clear day, we look to the left as we leave Pokhara for magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime, after which we’ll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities. In the late afternoon, we take boat trip on the river looking out for crocodiles and birds to sunset point. After the sun has gone down, we drive back to the lodge. Before dinner there will be a traditional cultural dance programme. Our naturalist from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 11 Explore the jungle and village life on a bird-watching walk and afternoon, jeep safari in the park wildlife spotting/
Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme today will include a village and bird watching walk and a jeep safari. We will do one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and can spot the many birds for you. We will also visit a traditional Tharu house. The jeep safari will take us into the National Park where as well as great bird life there is a chance to spot several species of deer, wild boar, the one horned rhino and hopefully, the rare Bengal Tiger. Before dinner there will be a different cultural programme at the lodge. Dinner is served inside or outside by the pool depending on the time of year. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 12 Morning drive to Kathmandu; free time
For those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Chitwan and head on the road for Kathmandu. The drive is approximately five hours and we should arrive in Kathmandu early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 13 End Kathmandu
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
