Compare GHT Langtang via Tilman Pass by World Expeditions vs Best of Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara by Odynovo

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. Evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will generally be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

meals : Array

Day 2 In Kathmandu (1330m)

This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Patan or Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

meals : B

Day 3 Transfer by road from Kathmandu to Chautara (1450m), drive approx. 3 hrs

After breakfast transfer by road to the trailhead at Chautara.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Commence trek to Kami Kharka (2810m).

We commence our trek with a long ridge climb, during these early days of the trek we pass through Hindu, Tamang and Sherpa villages. This region has extensive rhododendron, pine and fir forests.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 To Pauwa Pass (3000m/6hrs) & Hile Bhanjyang (3400m/4.5hrs).

We continue along the ridge climb with fabulous views east and west of a chain of mountains that form a natural border with Tibet. W.H. Tilman was the first European to explore this region in 1949, and very few have ever retraced his footsteps.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 To Nasim Pati (3700m/4hrs) & Panch Pokhari (4074m/3hrs).

Panch Pokhari is named after 5 holy ponds and thousands of pilgrims climb to the sacred Panch Pokhari Lakes during the monsoon. There is a Mahadev Temple located here and from the top of Panch Pokhari we gain views of the Jugal Himal and Rolwaling.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 To Tin Pokhari (4255m).

We are now well above the treeline as we make a short climb from Panch Pokhari to the ridgeline and continue north crossing spurs and basins until we descend into a valley and a final climb to Tin Pokhari.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 Cross Tilman Pass (5308m) to north high camp (4720m).

There are two routes through the lower rocky section of the pass and it will depend on conditions as to which one we choose to ascend. This is quite a challenging pass and there will be loose rock and scree to negotiate. Once we reach a steep rock face after the initial climb we traverse to the left and climb directly onto the snowfield of the pass. The pass is to the northwest of the snowfield. We then descend a steep snow slope and rocky gullies,care should be take here as the gullies can be icy. We may fix a handline and your leader will advise the plan after assessing the conditions. The pass crossing will be a long day of approx. 7-9 hours. We camp at the northern shore of a lake.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 To Kyangjin Gompa (3830m), approx. 7hrs.

We are now approaching the main Langtang Trail to Kyangjin Gompa where there are many teahouses. There is a nearby cheese factory that is well worth a visit and of course a visit to the Gompa. There is a viewpoint on a hill to the north of Kyangjin Gompa with prayer flags adorning the summit, and time permitting this is a great vantage point also worth the effort.

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 To Ghoratabela (3030m) & Syabru Besi (1503m).

We are now travelling along the clearly marked main trail of the Langtang trek. Following the river we wind through many teahouses and small villages to the end of the trail at Syabru Besi.

meals : B,L,D

Day 17 Transfer by road to Kathmandu.

We meet our transportation after breakfast for the drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Radisson Hotel.

meals : B,L,D

Day 18 Trip concludes Kathmandu.

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.

meals : B

Day 1 Arrival, Kathmandu

Overnight: Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, the local representative will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Get a brief introduction about the following tours in Nepal on the way and have the rest of the day at leisure after check-in.

Day 2 Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Take a walk at Ason Tole Vegetable and Spice Market before proceeding to Kathmandu Durbar Square where the city's kings were once crowned and legitimized. Watch local people worship with respect at Kumari Temple and have an external view of Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, continue to Swayambhunath Stupa, a good place to catch panoramic views of the city. Later, stroll around Patan Durbar Square located in the heart of Patan City which was once the palace of the kings of Patan.

Day 3 Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
This morning, you will visit Pashupatinath Temple where people practice outdoor cremation before admiring the Buddhist symbolism at Boudhanath Stupa. In the afternoon, discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. Before driving back to Kathmandu, take a visit to Changu Narayan Temple known as a living museum of carvings from the Licchavi period.

Day 4 Kathmandu - Bharatpur - Chitwan

Overnight: Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Bharatpur, where you will be picked up and escorted to Chitwan. Chitwan National Park is renowned for royal Bengal tigers and greater one-horned rhinoceroses. Activities here include jungle walks, bird watching, game drives, river safaris, and jeep safaris. Your lodge guide will briefly introduce the Chitwan program to you after arrival. Start your jungle activities according to the schedule after lunch.

Day 5 Chitwan

Overnight: Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a full day to explore the park, try your luck at spotting tigers, and continue to enjoy the jungle activities as per the program.

Day 6 Chitwan - Pokhara

Overnight: Pokhara
Meal: Breakfast
Start a drive to Pokhara, a paradise for hikers, trekkers, and those who love the outdoors. Pay a visit to Bandipur Village en route, which has mud houses round in structure to the ethnic group. After arriving in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to explore this area on your own.

Day 7 Pokhara

Overnight: Pokhara

Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full-day private tour in Pokhara. Take a private boat ride to experience the charm and serenity of Phewa Lake. Explore World Peace Pagoda balanced on a narrow ridge high above the lake. You can enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks, as well as Phewa Lake and Sarangkot Mountain. Later, continue to visit Devi's Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, and International Mountain Museum.

Day 8 Pokhara - Kathmandu

Overnight: Kathmandu
Meal: Breakfast
Get up early and drive to Sarangkot, a beautiful village famous for its vivid sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna Range. After that, fly back to Kathmandu. Take an afternoon walk leisurely around Thamel District and marvel at the medieval temples. Later, move to the Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical garden. It offers a pleasant environment away from the hassle of Kathmandu City.

Day 9 Kathmandu, Departure

Meal: Breakfast 
Bid farewell. After breakfast, the representative will take you to the airport for your return flight.