The perfect combination of mountain adventure, urban discovery, and jungle safari
Days: 14 | From: $6,800/per person
- Trek the Annapurna trail lodge-to-lodge
- Join expert private guides on the trail, in the cities, and on safari
- Hike an epic mountain trail, search for wildlife, and discover ancient shrines and temples
Explore the stunning foothills of Nepal's sacred Annapurna region with our expert guides on this lodge-to-lodge trekking adventure. Blend mountain beauty with local culture as you traverse ridgelines, visit charming villages, and marvel at snowcapped mountains. This itinerary also features highlights of colorful Kathmandu and a momo cooking class at a local home in Pokhara, before culminating with a visit to Chitwan National Park, home to one-horned rhino and the elusive Bengal tiger.
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We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
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At a glance
- Kathmandu
2 nights: Experience the highlights of Nepal's capital - Pokhara
1 night: Visit Fewa Lake and prepare for your trek - Annapurna Trail
3 nights: Hike through villages in the shadow of the mighty Annapurna range - Pokhara
2 nights: Rejuvenate in the mountain town of Pokhara after your trek - Chitwan National Park
3 nights: Safari through the jungle looking for rhino and tiger - Kathmandu
2 nights: Dive deep into the Kathmandu area, including a trip to Bhaktapur
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Nepal!
Welcome to Kathmandu, Cradled by the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a vibrant city where ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings, and bustling marketplaces give way to tranquil gardens. You’ll be met at the airport before transferring to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest and explore on your own.
Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Hotel, 2 nights
This award-winning hotel is inspired by Kathmandu Valley’s rich cultural heritage, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts from the 13th century. The peaceful courtyards display grand architectural wooden masterpieces, and the 80 spacious rooms are a tribute to Nepal’s artistic history. The rooms at Dwarika’s brings back the true essence of Nepali living where each room has a view of the Dwarika’s Courtyard. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the onsite restaurants, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool, terraces and a spacious courtyard, and a Himalayan spa.
Alternative lodging options: Nepali Ghar Hotel, Hotel Barahi KathmanduKathmandu: Patan, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath
Explore some of Kathmandu’s iconic sites. Meet your expert guide and start your day off by immersing yourself in the artistic heritage of Patan, the oldest city in the valley, followed by a rooftop lunch overlooking the city’s unique architecture. Afterwards, head to Pashupatinath Temple where you can observe the rituals from across the Bagmati River. Finish your day at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world, where you can join Tibetan pilgrims for a circumambulation (sacred walk).
Pokhara Mountain Town
Nestled amidst the majestic Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. After landing, meet your guide and head to the International Mountain Museum, a fascinating collection that chronicles the history of mountaineering in Nepal. Continue to serene Fewa Lake where you can board a traditional “doonga” and paddle onto the lake. Make sure to cruise past the island temple of Tal Barahi Temple, Pokhara’s most famous Hindu temple. Head back to shore and head to your hotel for the night.
Accommodations: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge
With an elevation of 1600m (5250 ft), every luxurious room at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Each of the 30 rooms have a private balcony and offer amenities such as WiFi, climate control, and rain showers in the ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy three meals a day from the restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor veranda dining, swim in the infinity pool with its panoramic Himalayan views, have a spa treatment, or sit back in the indoor or outdoor lounge with a drink from the bar.
*Includes: BreakfastAnnapurna: Hike to Dhampus
Today you start the Annapurna Trek! The trail traverses through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys and deep gorges to high mountain passes. The trek passes through numerous villages inhabited by Gurung and Manang people, offering a glimpse into their rich culture and traditional way of life. Each night is spent at a local lodge, promising comfortable accommodations in an awe-inspiring area of the world.
Your trek starts at Ghatte Khola. From here, the day’s hike takes you along the Modi River towards Dhampus. Pass through small villages and farming lands before arriving at Dhampus. Check into the lodge and have some time to relax. After lunch, you can wander the village of Dhampus, a charming village with amazing views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains.
Time: 4-5 hours
Mileage: 3.5-4 miles
Elevation gain from Gatte Khola to Dhampus: 1,950’
Accommodations: Dhampus Lodge
Surrounded by panoramic mountain views, and comprising of a restaurant, bar, and a beautifully landscaped garden terrace, Dhampus Lodge feels like a mountainside secret. There’s a real retreat ambiance here. Guests gather on the grassy terrace for drinks and massages as the sun sets over the mountains, then head into the cozy dining room for a fire, the fully stocked bar, and for dinner. Bright rooms set in a row face the fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. You’ll find floors adorned with Nepalese carpets, blankets and artwork. There’s hot running water in the well-designed en suite bathrooms, as well as cozy slippers and jackets for the cooler hours.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAnnapurna: Hike to Landruk
Take in the view of Annapurna South while enjoying a hearty breakfast, then set out for the day. Today’s walk contours the valley, passing through picturesque villages and farmlands with impressive mountain views. Along the way, stop at the village of Pothana, home to a population of Tibetan traders. Reach Landruk, a Gurung and Gurkhas village, in time for a late lunch. Landruk is famous for its honey hunters, who climb up ladders perched on cliff faces to collect honeycomb. Have the afternoon to relax or explore the village.
Time: 4-5 hours
Mileage: 6.5miles
Elevation gain from Dhampus to Deurali: 1,500’
Elevation loss from Deurali to Landruk: 1,600’
Accommodations: Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Landruk
Half way up the mountainside, the freshly built Landruk Lodge is a crescent of green and white terraced bungalows in classic Nepalese style. Twelve contemporary and comfortable rooms are furnished with twin beds, modern, black-slate en suite bathrooms, and terraces with jaw-dropping Annapurna views. Design features include parquet wood floors, bedside up-lights, and vaulted, rafted ceilings. Guests can enjoy fireside drinks in a cozy dining room with picture windows, delicious chef-made meals, morning tea room service, and breakfast at a sunny outdoor table amid neat gardens.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAnnapurna: Hike to Ghandruk
Descend to the Modi River and cross a sturdy suspension bridge to access the other side. Follow the trail towards Ghandruk. Along the way, you may catch sight of the renowned honey hunters. Arrive to Ghandruk in time for lunch. Over lunch, enjoy the views from the Ghandruk lodge, showcasing Annapurna South and Hiunchuili. Ghandruk itself was voted one of the prettiest towns in Asia and is a jumping off point for many climbing expeditions. Meander along the cobbled streets of this charming town, where shops and teahouses line the way. Immerse yourself in the local culture at a small museum and listen to the daily chanting of the monks at the local monastery.
Time: 4-5 hours
Mileage: 4-4.5 miles
Elevation loss Landruk to River Modi: -1200’
Elevation Gain from River Modi to Ghandruk: 2,400’
Accommodations: Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Ghandruk
Sitting at 6,500 ft in the shadows of Mount Annapurna is Ghandruk Lodge. Set atop the village of Ghandruk, the most culturally rich and fascinating settlement in the area, this friendly and dependable 18-room property offers altitude, superb views of mountains and terraced fields, and plenty of roaming wildlife. The rooms are immaculate, spacious, and welcoming. After a day’s hike, you’ll be glad to step into a large shower with plenty of hot water, and a comfortable bed piled with thick blankets, duvets, and a hot water bottle. The mountain views here are some of the most spectacular in Nepal. Grab a lounger and take in the sunset at happy hour with a few Gorkha beers, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with fellow trekkers.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAnnapurna: Final Day
Your final day of the trek begins with sunrise views over the mountains and a hearty breakfast. Enjoy some time in the village and at the lodge before you begin your descent to Syauli Bazaar. Follow gravel roads and pathways for about three hours before arriving at the pick-up point. Transfer back to Sarangkot Lodge where you can have a late celebratory lunch and relax your tired muscles in the pool.
Trekking: 2 – 3 hours
Mileage: 3-3.5miles
Elevation loss from Ghandruk to Syauli Bazaar: 2,400’
Accommodations: Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, 2 nights
With an elevation of 1600m (5250 ft), every luxurious room at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. Each of the 30 rooms have a private balcony and offer amenities such as WiFi, climate control, and rain showers in the ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy three meals a day from the restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor veranda dining, swim in the infinity pool with its panoramic Himalayan views, have a spa treatment, or sit back in the indoor or outdoor lounge with a drink from the bar.
*Includes: BreakfastPokhara Exploration
Enjoy a leisurely morning. Your day begins with either a leisurely breakfast, or an alpine zipline to get your adrenaline pumping. Afterwards, visit the Peace Pagoda, then continue to the Tibetan Refugee camp where you will learn how to make momos, a Tibetan dumpling. After lunch, visit the Tibetan Carpet factory where the Tibetan communities manufacture carpets woven in traditional style. Finally, end your day with a visit to the impressive Devi’s Fall waterfall and to the Guptsewor Cave and temple, arriving back at your hotel in time for sunset.
Journey to Chitwan National Park
Bid farewell to the mountains and head to the jungle. Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s finest and richest wildlife sanctuaries and was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. A true wilderness, Chitwan has lush riverine grasslands, densely forested hills, and is home to a plethora of wildlife including one-horned rhino and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Upon arrival at your hotel, take some time to settle into your room. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari with sundown drinks. Dinner and evening lectures will take place at the lodge nightly.
Accommodations: Barahi Jungle Lodge, 3 nights
Situated on the banks of the Rapti river opposite Chitwan National Park, Barahi Jungle Lodge’s extensive 30 acres of grounds provides a truly authentic jungle experience for guests, with an array of local bird and wildlife often freely coming and going to the property. 28 individual huts and three double huts with interconnecting rooms are available, and all boast locally sourced materials, WIFi, air-conditioning, and views into the jungle. Guests can enjoy evening sundowners overlooking the river, nightly cultural dances, "bush" dinners by lantern-light (upon request), massages in the onsite spa, a sprawling stone-paved swimming pool, a library, and cozy bar and lounge spaces.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: Annapurna Lodge to Lodge and Wildlife of Chitwan
Safari in Chitwan
The next two days will be spent on safari. Wake up early for a morning game drive with your naturalist guide before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to head out on a walking safari or a jeep safari. Keep your eyes peeled for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, spotted deer, and numerous bird species. You can also choose to visit one of the local Tharu villages.
Kathmandu
Head out on one final morning safari before transferring to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Meet your local guide and drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath temple. From here, ride a rickshaw to the local Ason bazaar, then continue on foot towards Thamel, admiring the architecture along the way. After having some time to shop in Thamel, head back to your hotel.
Accommodations: The Dwarika’s Hotel, 2 nights
This award-winning hotel is inspired by Kathmandu Valley’s rich cultural heritage, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts from the 13th century. The peaceful courtyards display grand architectural wooden masterpieces, and the 80 spacious rooms are a tribute to Nepal’s artistic history. The rooms at Dwarika’s brings back the true essence of Nepali living where each room has a view of the Dwarika’s Courtyard. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at the onsite restaurants, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool, terraces and a spacious courtyard, and a Himalayan spa.
*Includes: BreakfastBhaktapur and Beyond
Drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an ancient city full of small plazas. Several historical monuments occupy this area, including the old royal palace, the Golden Gate, and various temples. These structures were built over an extended period when the city was the capital of the powerful Bhaktapur Kingdom. Your guide will transport you back to this era as you walk through the medieval architecture and small alleys. Head back to the hotel and have the afternoon free to explore.
Departure
Bid farewell to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels to fit your individual travel style.
Consult with your Vaya Specialist and expand your trip to combine with other parts of Nepal. Extend to the serene mountain top town of Dhulikel or venture to the remote region of Mustang
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip!
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