Nepal Cultural & Adventure 11N-12D
Asia Escapes Expert Advice
Logistics & Road Travel Adjustments
Kathmandu – Pokhara Drive (Day 3): Driving via the Prithvi Highway typically takes 6 to 7 hours due to road conditions and traffic. We strongly recommend considering a 25-minute domestic flight (Kathmandu to Pokhara) to optimize rest and allow more time to enjoy Phewa Lake in the afternoon without road fatigue.
Trishuli River Rafting (Day 3 vs. Day 8): The itinerary offers rafting on either Day 3 or Day 8. Logistically, the best option is doing it mid-way during the drive on Day 3. This breaks up the long drive pleasantly and preserves your full free day in Pokhara (Day 8) for other adventures.
Operational Preparation for the Trek (Days 4 to 7)
Main Luggage Management: You do not need to carry all your luggage during the trek. Asia Escapes arranges for your heavy/hard-shell luggage to be securely stored at your Pokhara hotel. You only need a 30–40L daypack for the trail, while local porters (sherpas) carry your main trekking gear bag.
Essential Gear: The stone staircases between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri (Day 4) consist of over 3,000 steps. Quick-adjust trekking poles, sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and layered clothing are essential, as temperatures drop significantly at night in Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Optimizing Optional Activities in Pokhara (Day 8)
Scenic Helicopter Flight to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC): If your budget permits, this is the highest value-added optional activity. It should be scheduled early in the morning (06:00 – 07:00 AM) to take advantage of clear mountain weather before clouds roll in.
Wildlife & Sustainability in Chitwan (Days 9 & 10)
Selecting a 5-star Lodge in Chitwan ensures not only high standards of comfort and cuisine but also certified local naturalists for jungle walks and 4×4 safaris, guaranteeing a safe, educational, and eco-friendly wildlife experience.
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a representative will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to the hotel.
After check-in, you will have the rest of the day free to rest after the flight or start discovering the atmosphere of Thamel, Kathmandu’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan district, full of handicraft shops, cafes and restaurants.
Accommodation: 5* Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 2 Kathmandu, cultural heritage of the Himalayas
After breakfast we will start discovering the fascinating capital of Nepal.
We will visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Old Royal Palace, Temples and Traditional Newari Architecture
We will continue to the impressive Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, one of the spiritual symbols of the country, from where we will enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley.
After a break for lunch, we will continue to Patan Durbar Square, considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Asia and famous for its palaces, temples and delicate wood carvings.
Accommodation: 5* Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 3 Kathmandu – Pokhara
After breakfast, departure to Pokhara, considered the adventure capital of Nepal and gateway to the Annapurna massif.
Optionally, during the journey you can have an exciting rafting session on the Trishuli River.
Once we arrive, rest of the day is free to start discovering Phewa Lake, its cafes and the relaxed atmosphere of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 4 Pokhara – Birethanti – Ulleri
The adventure begins
After breakfast we will drive to Birethanti (approximately 2 hours), the starting point of the famous Poon Hill Trek.
During the walk we will cross rice terraces; small traditional villages; mountain rivers; lush forests.
We will pass through the towns of Birethanti, Sudame, Hille and Tikhedhunga, before facing the spectacular climb of almost 900 meters of elevation gain until we reach Ulleri, one of the most beautiful Magar villages in Nepal.
From here we can enjoy magnificent views over the mountains.
Trekking: 5-6 hours Altitude: 1,950 m
Accommodation: Local Guest House
Day 5 Ulleri – Ghorepani
The day begins with an ascent between stone stairs until we enter one of the most spectacular rhododendron forests in the Himalayas.
After several hours walking among pine trees and alpine forests we will arrive at Ghorepani, a small mountain village located at an altitude of almost 2,900 meters.
This enclave is famous for being the starting point to one of the most impressive viewpoints in Nepal.
Trekking: 5-6 hours Altitude: 2,874 m Accommodation: Local Guest House.
Day 6 Sunrise at Poon Hill – Tadapani
One of the most impressive sunrises on the planet
Very early in the morning we will start the ascent to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m).
The reward will be to watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate some of the highest mountains in the world: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail)
An image that will remain forever in your memory.
After breakfast we will continue trekking through forests until we reach Tadapani.
Trekking: 7-8 hours Maximum altitude: 3,210 m
Accommodation: Local Guest House.
Day 7 Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara
Last day of trekking.
We will descend through lush forests to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Himalayas.
After strolling through its traditional alleys, we will return by road to Pokhara.
Trekking: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Day 8 Pokhara
Free day to live the adventure
Today you will have a completely free day to enjoy Pokhara or do some of the many optional activities available.
Recommended experiences:
Rafting on the Trishuli River – activity conducted between Pokhara to Kathamndu or Chitwan to Kathmandu (with lunch)
Experience an exciting adventure descending one of the most popular rivers in Nepal. The tour combines rapids of different levels with stunning natural landscapes, making it a perfect experience for those looking for adrenaline during the journey to Pokhara.
Paragliding over Pokhara
Fly over Phewa Lake while enjoying spectacular views of the Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna mountain range. It is one of the most iconic and photogenic experiences in Nepal. Duration: 20-25 minutes.
Tirolina ZipFlyer Nepal
Considered one of the longest, fastest and steepest zip lines in the world. You will descend at high speed as you take in mountains, forests, and deep valleys.
Ultralight flight
Enjoy a unique experience flying over Pokhara and the Annapurna mountain range aboard an ultralight aircraft. An exceptional opportunity to contemplate the Himalayas from the air. Duration: 15 minutes.
Puenting (Bungee Jump)
A perfect activity for adrenaline lovers. Jump from a specially designed platform surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Watch the sunrise from the sky as you fly over Pokhara and enjoy privileged views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake. Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
Kayaking
Leisurely explore the waters of Lake Phewa by kayak while enjoying the natural surroundings and views over the mountains. Duration: Hourly rental.
Paddle Surf (SUP)
A relaxed and fun way to tour Phewa Lake while taking in the Himalayan scenery from the water. Duration: Hourly rental.
Scenic helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp
One of the most exclusive experiences that can be done in Nepal. Fly over the spectacular Annapurna massif and enjoy privileged views of glaciers, valleys and some of the highest peaks on the planet, with landing in the vicinity of Annapurna Base Camp (depending on operational and weather conditions).
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Day 9 Pokhara – Chitwan National Park
After breakfast we will head to Chitwan National Park, one of the best places in Asia to observe wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge the first activities will begin: visit to a traditional Tharu village; discovery of their culture; traditional dance show.
Accommodation: 5* Lodge.
Day 10 Safari in Chitwan
Today we will enjoy a complete immersion in nature.
Among the activities included are: Safari in a 4×4 vehicle. Canoe ride on the Rapti River. Crocodile watching. Sighting of one-horned rhinos. Deer. More than 500 species of birds. Possibility to observe the elusive Bengal tiger. Hike through the jungle with a naturalist.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: 5* Lodge.
Day 11 Chitwan – Kathmandu
Nepali cuisine
Return by road to Kathmandu through spectacular mountain scenery.
In the afternoon we will participate in a fun Nepalese cooking course, where we will learn how to prepare some of the most representative dishes of the country, such as: Momos. Dal Bhat.
At the end we will enjoy a dinner tasting our own elaborations.
Accommodation: 5* Hotel
Day 12 Return
After breakfast, free time until the scheduled time for transfer to Kathmandu International Airport.
End of an unforgettable trip through Nepal, where you will have discovered ancient temples, the most spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Chitwan National Park.
Includes
- 03 nights accommodation in the above mentioned hotels on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis, in a shared double room, in Kathmandu.
- 03 nights accommodation in the above mentioned hotels on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis, in a shared double room, in Pokhara.
- 02 nights accommodation in the above mentioned hotels on an APAI basis (accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner), in a shared double room, in Chitwan.
- 03 nights trek with accommodation in local guest houses with PC
- Arrival and departure transfers, along with the following visits:
- Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath Stupa.
- Plaza Durbar de Patan.
- Devi Waterfall, Bindabasini Temple, Barahi Temple, Seti Gorge and 1-hour boat ride.
- Meet and greet at the airport with a Khada (traditional Nepalese scarf) by a representative of our office.
- Entrance fees to all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour (except trek)
- Bottles of mineral water during the tour (daily).
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Bandipur.
- Cooking class in Kathmandu (last day).
- Half-day trek from Naudada to Sarangkot (3–4 hours), with lunch at a local restaurant.
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all visits.
- Ground transfers by air-conditioned vehicle on the Kathmandu – Chitwan – Pokhara – Kathmandu route.
Includes in trek
- All meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
- ACAP / goverment Permit
- English Speaking Sherpa duide during the trek
- 01 Porter during trek
- Pick up & drop transfer to trekking point.
- Sustainable Trekking Adventure (Poon Hill Circuit): An unforgettable trekking experience in the Annapurna region, traversing rhododendron forests, traditional Magar and Gurung villages, and culminating at the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m) at sunrise for panoramic views of 8,000+ meter peaks (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu).
- UNESCO World Heritage in Kathmandu Valley: Comprehensive visits to the most representative medieval cities and monuments in Nepal: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), and Patan Durbar Square.
- Luxury Wildlife & Safari (Chitwan 5):* Immersion in the subtropical jungle of Chitwan National Park with a 5-star lodge stay, canoe rides along the Rapti River, and 4×4 safaris offering chances to spot the one-horned rhinoceros, deer, and the elusive Bengal tiger.
- Cultural & Culinary Experiences: Authentic immersion into Newari and Tharu cultures (traditional folk dances), alongside a hands-on Nepali cooking workshop (preparing Momos and Dal Bhat) upon returning to Kathmandu.
- Flexibility & Tailored Adventure in Pokhara: A full free day for relaxation or optional high-adrenaline activities along the shores of Phewa Lake (paragliding, scenic helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp, ZipFlyer, and more).
Hotels | Exclusive | Grand Luxury | Nights |
Kathmandu | Marriott | Dwarka | 2 |
Pokhara | Sarangkot mountain lodge | Dorjes | 1 |
Countries | Local guest house | Local guest house | 1 |
Ghorepani | Local guest house | Local guest house | 1 |
Tadapani | Local guest house | Local guest house | 1 |
Pokhara | Sarangkot mountain lodge | Dorjes | 2 |
Chitwan | Barahi | Taj Serai | 2 |
Kathmandu | Marriott | Dwarka | 1 |