Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

We will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free time to explore in Thamel, the commercial centre in Kathmandu. 

In the evening, you will be treated with a welcome dinner, including traditional Nepali food and dance performance, at a lovely Nepali restaurant.

Before the dinner, there will be a brief meeting with your guide to go over some important matters regarding trekking.

If you need to rent trekking gear, make sure to talk to our staff after you arrive.

(Meal included: Welcome dinner.  Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu)

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Take an optional Everest Mountain Flight (1-hour) in the early morning, if weather permits. 

Optional:

A Nepali special, Everest Mountain Flight is a great way for travelers of all categories to witness the spectacular mountain scenery in the Himalayan range, especially for those who have a time constraint and those who do not want trekking.

Shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport, some of the world’s famous mountains will be presented to you in sequence, and some of these glorious mountains are yet to be conquered: Gosaithan (8,013m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), Gauri-Shankar (7,134m), Chugimago (6,297m), Numbur (6,956m), Karyolung (6,511m), Cho-oyu (8,201m), Gyanchungkang (7,952m), Pumori (7,161m), Nuptse (7,855m), and finally the world’s highest mountain Everest (8,848m).

Floating over the snow covered world’s highest mountains Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, the spectacular views of the Himalayas will make you feel on top of the world.  This 1-hour scenic flight provides sensational flying experience, which will stay in your memory for the rest of your life. 

After breakfast, take a guided tour in Kathmandu Valley to four UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Explore Hindu and Buddhist temples, pagodas, palaces and monuments.  Treat yourself with a feast of cultural heritage and finest artworks.

Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur, is the oldest of the three royal cities in Kathmandu Valley.  Patan is home to fine arts and famous for its rich cultural heritage.  You will enjoy the beautiful woodcarvings and metal statues in Patan Durbar Square and learn about the history of this old royal palace.

Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple, is a great example of religious harmony in Nepal.  Along with the oldest stupas of its kind in Nepal, there are numerous shrines and monasteries. Legend has it that the glory of Kathmandu Valley started from this place. This site overlooks Kathmandu Valley, providing a great panoramic view of the capital city.   Let the playful monkeys that wander freely in the temple amuse you. If you are into art, take time to visit the Thangka Painting School located in one of the towers. The exquisite Tibetan Buddhist art form is a guaranteed eye-opener.

Bouddhanath Stupa (or Bodnath Stupa), the largest stupa in Nepal, is one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world.  It is also the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.  Built in the 14th century, Bodnath Stupa is the centre of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and offers rich Buddhist symbolism. 

Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest temples, is worshiped both by Hindus and Buddhists.  It is the most important temple dedicate to god Shiva.  It is believed those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, no matter how they behave when they are alive.  Thus, every year, many elderly Hindus come here in the last few weeks of their lives, to die and to be cremated on the banks of the sacred river Bagmati.The tour will finish in the mid-afternoon. 

We will finish the tour in the mid-afternoon.

If you need to do last-minute shopping for trekking gear, feel free to ask our staff for assistance. 

In the evening, organize your belongings as we will leave very early next morning.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Take an early flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (altitude: 820m), and enjoy a fantastic bird’s eye view of the countryside and the Annapurna mountains. 

Pokhara, a gateway to the Annapurna area, is considered to be the most beautiful place in the world.  After we check in the hotel and have a short rest, we will take a boat ride in Phewa Lake to enjoy its charm, and visit Tal Barahi Temple which is a 2-storey pagoda on a little island. Afterwards, we will take a leisure walk around the Phewa Lake and further enjoy the charm of Phewa Lake.

The afternoon is your free time to explore the city.  You can rent a small boat (at own cost) to paddle in the Phewa Lake, and enjoy the beautiful lake with the stunning Annapurna at the background, and watch the sunset from the lake.

You can also take the exciting activity of paragliding, taking off at Sarangkot and landing on the lakeside of Phewa Lake.

Optional:

Paragliding in Pokhara.  Paragliding is a thrilling way to view the beauty of Sarangkot and Phewa Lake.  While wind brushes your face and floats you in the air, you are as free as an eagle to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Phewa Lake and fantastic views of the snowcapped Annapurna mountains.  It is definitely a sensational and memorable experience.

No previous aviation experience is required as you will be seated in a harness which is attached to the pilot’s and to the wing.  All you need to do is to sit back and relax, enjoy the amazing feeling of flying and great views, and take pictures if you want.

What this activity offers is not limited to the exciting flying experience.  The take-off location is at Sarangkot where you can overlook the city of Pokhara and the charming Phewa Lake.  The landing spot is at the lakeside of Phewa Lake, known for spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas.

(Meal included: Breakfast.  Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara)

Day 4: Pokhara to Ulleri

After breakfast, we will drive for about 1.5 hours to Nayapul (altitude: 1,070m).  Begin to trek at Nayapul to Ulleri.  This is an easy walk.  We will pass a few villages on our way and arrive at the beautiful ethnic Gurung village of Ulleri (altitude: 1,960m, 5 to 6 hours’ trekking).

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: teahouse in Ulleri)

Day 5: Ulleri to Ghorepani

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (altitude: 2,850m, 4 to 5 hours’ trekking).  We will walk through the dense rhododendron forest to the village of Ghorepani, which is a stopping place for horses, mules and ponies that carry loads from and to Pokhara and Jomsom.

We will enjoy the scenic views and acclimatize in the rest of the day at Ghorepani.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: teahouse in Ghorepani)

Day 6: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani

We will wake up early to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill (altitude: 3,210m, about 2km, 2 hours’ trekking).  Let the stunning mountain scenery on the route amaze you, look for colourful birds in the rhododendron forest, and enjoy the great vistas at Poon Hill. Hot chocolate

Poon Hill is a popular sunrise viewpoint.  At dawn, you breathe in cold and fresh air, sip a hot chocolate or tea, and wait for the sun peeking over the mountain range. Poon Hill offers a panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Tarke Kang (7,193m) and the entire Annapurna Range.  When the glowing sphere emerges from the east, it illuminates the mountain peaks with a holy golden hue.  That is an experience hard to forget.

After we hike back and have breakfast in the teahouse at Ghorepani, we will begin to descend.  While walking down the trail, enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Some sections of the trail maybe covered in snow and ice.  Be sure you take extra caution when you venture through these areas. We will stay overnight at Tadapani (altitude: 2,670m, 5 to 6 hours’ trekking). 

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: teahouse in Tadapani)

Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrong

Continue our trek through the rhododendron forest.  After a couple of hours’ hike on uphill and then steep downhill, the day rewards us with an easy walk and ravishing views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna.  In the early afternoon, we will arrive at a beautiful Gurung village Chhomrong (altitude: 2,170m, 4 to 5 hours’ trekking).

We will enjoy the scenic views in the rest of the day at Chhomrong.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhomrong)

Day 8: Chhomrong to Bamboo

After breakfast, we start to descend on the “2,500 stone steps”.  To make it fun, remember to count these steps and see if we Nepali can count.  After that, we will cross the bridge over Chhomrong Khola, then climb up a hill to reach Sinuwa, a Gurung village.  Continue our hike through a beautiful rhododendron forest to Kuldihar, we will then take an easy downhill walk before arriving at Bamboo (altitude: 2,310m, 4 to 5 hours’ trekking).

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo)

Day 9: Bamboo to Deurali

Dress properly as we will pass a damp and cool bamboo forest in the morning.  Be sure to take time to enjoy these elegant plants and watch them dance gently with their slender stems in the wind.  The shaded trail, with some steep uphill, will take us to Himalaya village.   From there, we will have an open view of a beautiful glacier river.  After a steep climb in a forest, we will arrive at Hinku Cave, followed by a downhill walk near the river.  The trail will then lead uphill with stunning views before we reach our overnight stay point Deurali (altitude: 3,230m, 3 to 4 hours’ trekking).  Enjoy the rest of the day at Deurali and acclimatize.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse in Deurali)

Day 10: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Today we will trek to the Annapurna Base Camp (altitude: 4,130m, 5 to 6 hours’ trekking) via the Machhapuchhre Base Camp.  Along with the excitement for visiting the base camp, you will find today is a tough day with a challenging hike on rugged terrain.  But the views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurnas make it all worthwhile. We will have a great view of Machhapuchhare, Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli and Gangapurna.  As you enter the Annapurna sanctuary, the majestic 360-degree panoramic views of these mountains are guaranteed to astound you. We will spend the night at the Annapurna Base Camp.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse at the ABC)

Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

In the morning, we will get up early to catch the sunrise at the Annapurna Base Camp.  After breakfast, we will be on our return trip, pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp, and arrive in the village of Bamboo (altitude: 2,310m, 7 to 8 hours’ trekking).  This is an enjoyable hike with great views.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse in Bamboo)

Day 12: Bamboo to Jhinudanda

Continue to descend today, pass Chhomrong Khola and arrive at Jhinudanda (altitude: 1,760m, 5 to 6 hours’ trekking). Besides great views of rivers and farmland, this trek takes you to a fantastic destination to unwind your body.  The natural hot springs are just about 15 minutes away from Jhinudanda. Soak yourself in, relax, and enjoy this well-deserved treat.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Teahouse in Jhinudanda)

Day 13: Jhinudanda to Nayapul to Pokhara

Today is the final trekking day.  Make sure you look back to enjoy the high peaks of Annapurna range and take in the beautiful landscape of Western Nepal,  We will hike 5 to 6 hours to Nayapul, then drive back to Pokhara.

We may just be in time to enjoy sunset from the lake, or take a leisure walk along the Phewa Lake if you want.  Reward yourself with a beer at a local restaurant in the evening. Be sure to check out the mountain views at the rooftop terrace of the hotel.

(Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.  Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara)

Day 14: Pokhara to Chitwan

We will have an early breakfast before boarding on a private bus which will take us on the winding road along the Trishuli River to Chitwan (5 to 6 hours depending on traffic).  Located about 175 km from Kathmandu, Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the “Terai” region.  A UNESCO world heritage site, Chitwan National Park has rich flora and fauna. The park is home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and nocturnal royal Bengal tigers.

After checking in the hotel in Chitwan, we will take a tour of the village, walk on the banks of the Rapti River and watch the sunset from there.  Before dinner, we will enjoy a one-hour local tribal dance performance that is unique in the Chitwan region.

(Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.  Accommodation: Hotel / resort in Chitwan)

Day 15:  Chitwan National Park 

Today we will explore the Chitwan National Park.  Early in the morning before breakfast, we will go for bird watching in the national park.  After breakfast, we will have a canoe ride in the Rapti River to discover Gharial and Mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters, pythons and a variety of water birds.  The canoe ride will be followed by a nature hike in the forest when we will be able to take a close look at wild flora and fauna in the park.  After the hike, we will visit the elephant breeding centre where baby elephants are born and raised before being released to the forests.

After lunch, we will take an elephant ride or jeep jungle safari in the dense forests of the park.  Look for animals like one-horned rhinos, deer, rhesus monkey, and many colored birds.  If you are lucky, you will see leopards, wild elephants and sloth bears.  If you are extremely lucky, you may spot a majestic royal Bengal tiger!

Note: The order of the activities may change depending on scheduling availability.

(Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Accommodation: Hotel / resort in Chitwan)

Day 16: Chitwan to Kathmandu

Today we drive back to Kathmandu (5 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic). 

After checking in the hotel, you can take a walk on the narrow streets in Thamel and shop for gifts and souvenirs before heading back home next day.  You can escape to the historical and tranquil Garden of Dreams for a pleasant stroll.

In the evening, you will be treated with a farewell dinner and Nepali dance performance.  Make sure this time you entertain yourself by following the dance performers’ lead to learn Nepali traditional dance.

(Meals included: Breakfast and farewell dinner.  Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu)

Day 17: Depart or extend your trip

Depart at any time.  Our staff will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. 

If your flight is in the afternoon and you did not have a chance to participate, the optional Everest mountain flight could highlight the day for you if you did not have a chance to take on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.  Ask our staff about it when booking this trip.

Optional:

Everest Mountain Flight (see details in Day 2)

If you wish to stay longer, there are many exciting tours or relaxing yoga retreat that you may be interested.  Ask our staff when you are booking the trip.

Price Includes

• Airport / hotel transfers
• Kathmandu to Pokhara flight
• Private vehicle between other destinations for the activities included in the itinerary
• All accommodation on a double occupancy basis
• Trekking Permit and TIMS fees
• All meals during trekking and in Chitwan, all breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara, one welcome dinner and one farewell dinner
• Duffle bag for trekking (to be returned after the trip)
• Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and a team of porters (one for every two clients) and assistants during trekking
• Entrance fees and an English-speaking guide for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour
• Entrance fees to Chitwan National Park, fees for the included activities in the park, and an English-speaking guide
• Insurance for the trekking guide and porters
• First aid kit (carried by the trekking guide)

Price Excludes

• International flight, travel insurance, visitor visa fee
• All optional activities
• Meals not mentioned (please allow for $80-120 USD for meals not included)
• Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
• Personal expenses
• Drinking water, snacks, hot shower and WIFI during trekking
• Tips for guides and porters
• Charges for excessive luggage
• Any other extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances

Optional Activities to Book during the Trip

• Paragliding in Pokhara (Day 3)
• Everest Mountain Flight (Day 2 or 17)

Suggested Activities or Tours for Extended Stay

• Bardian National Park
• Bhaktapur Tour
• Nagarkot Sunset/Sunrise with Bhaktapur Tour
• Trishuli River Whitewater Rafting
• Lumbini tour
• Yoga Retreat
  

Required from you:

• Prior to your arrival: in order to obtain the trekking permit for you, we will need a scanned copy of your passport ID page
  • After you arrive, the following items are needed from you:

(1) Three photos (passport size or smaller)

(2) Travel insurance and emergency contact information

Weather Related

• Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which could result in alternations of the itinerary. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions and changes in the itinerary if necessary.  The group leader (or trekking guide) will take their best effort to make your trip experience enjoyable.
• Domestic flights can be impacted by weather conditions. If the weather is not suitable for flying, ground transportation will be arranged.

Risk Related

• The itinerary is designed to allow for adequate acclimatization. However, you may experience altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation on this trek.  Be sure to consult with your travel doctor before your trip.  If the group leader (or trekking guide) deems it is unsafe for you to continue trekking at any point, you may be arranged to descend to a lower altitude or required to terminate the trek.
• Due to the nature of this trip, the activities included may involve some degree of risk. Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended.

Baggage Related

• Baggage requirements:

(1) Domestic flights: maximum 15 kg for check-in and 5 kg for carry-on for each passenger. Excessive weight could be charged for an extra fee.

(2) Porters during trekking: One porter will be assigned to two clients.  Each porter will carry a maximum weight of 25 kg (12.5kg for each client, in a duffle bag or a backpack)

• A duffle bag will be provided to every two clients.  You may want to bring a few smaller soft bags to keep your belongings together and tidy before putting them in the duffer bag.

If you don’t have your own trekking gear (trekking poles, sleep bag, etc.), you can rent them in Kathmandu. Talk to our staff after you arrive (A sleep bag is recommended as nighttime temperatures in mountains can be low. Wearing a down filled or fleece jacket in sleeping can also keep you warm).

Clothing

• Middle layer top, fleece or other light weighted material, 1-2
• Down jacket, 1
• Waterproof jacket, light weighted, 1
• Water proof pants, light weighted, 1 pair
• Hiking pants, light weighted, 2-3
• Base layer top, wool or synthetic, 2-3
• Base layer bottom, wool or synthetic, 2
• Middle layer bottom, fleece or other light weighted material, 1
• Short sleeve T-shirt, 2
• Shorts, 1
• Underwear
• Other casual clothing (for non-trekking use)
• Swimming suit (only for trekking routes with hotsprings)
• Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes), a few

Footwear or Other Clothing Accessories

• Hiking boots, 1 pair
• Walking shoes or sport shoes, 1 pair
• Slipper, 1 pair
• Thick wool or synthetic socks, 2-3 pairs
• Light socks, 2 pairs
• Gloves, warm and water proof, 1 pair
• Light gloves, 1 pair
• Handwarmer, a few packs
• Soap/ laundry hanger or clips/ rope
• Shoulder bag (light weighted, for non-trekking use)

Trekking Gear

• Day pack
• Soft bags (1-3) (to put belongs in Skyway’s duffle bag during trekking)
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Reusable water bottles or hydration pack (Camelbak)
• Water filter or disinfection tablets (nice to have)
• Light weighted thermos (nice to have)
• Head lamp or flashlight with some batteries
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Headscarf or bandana
• Walking poles
• Gaiters (nice to have)
• Crampon (nice to have)
• Raincoat (nice to have)
• Travel knife (nice to have)
• Small pack of duct tape (nice to have)

Personal Hygiene and Skin Care

• Personal Hygiene kit
• Skin care products
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunblock
• Lip balm
• Hand moisturizer
• Drying towel, light weighted, 1
• Small face towel, 1
• Travel tissue pack, a few packs
• Toilet paper (a few rolls)
• Nail clipper

Food and Snacks

• Dried meat
• Nuts
• Chocolate
• Energy bars or other snacks
• Chewing gum

Documents and Money

• Flight e-ticket
• Passport and a copy of ID page
• Passport-size pictures, 4 (1 for visa application and 3 for the trekking documents)
• Cash (for trip cost balance, tips, meals not included, personal expenses, shopping)
• Credit card / debt card
• Money belt
• Travel insurance policy document and contact
• Emergency contact information
• Hotel name in Kathmandu (need it when filling out Arrival Card at the airport)
• Travel agency’s contact info

Medicine and First Aid

• Medicine prescribed by the travel doctor
• Prescription medicine (if any)
• Band aids
• Polysporin
• Callus cushion (for callus and blisters)
• Advil or Tynol (for headache, dry cough and cold)
• Gravel (for nausea)
• Halls or other medicine (for sour throat)

Electronics

• Multi-volt adaptor
• Camera, charger, backup batteries and backup SD memory card
• Cellphone and charger