Tour Dates:
March 9-21, 2025
The Golden Triangle of Nepal, including the inspiring Holi celebration, in Kathmandu. This itinerary gives you some of the very best of Nepal’s scenery, wildlife, and culture, with a jungle safari and views of the tallest mountains in the world.
DAY 1 – March 9: DEPART U.S. to Kathmandu
DAY 2 –March 10: Cross the international dateline
DAY 3 – March 11: Arrival in Kathmandu
(3 Nights in Kathmandu, in 5 star accommodations)
Welcome to Nepal! We start with a welcome to beautiful Kathmandu and an exciting
private transfer to the hotel. Our lodging dates to the mid-1800s when it was part of the
palace complex for the Rana Dynasty who once ruled Nepal. We will have some time to get
settled and cleaned up at our beautiful hotel before coming together for dinner. This will be
our first meeting with everyone you’ll be sharing your incredible Nepalese adventure with!
Tomorrow will be an early morning, so get some rest.
Tonight’s dinner is at Baithak at our hotel.
Meals: D
DAY 4 – March 12: Morning Mountains and In Depth Kathmandu
We’re up very early this morning for a scenic mountain flight to Mt Everest. This is the most
spectacular flight with incredible aerial views of Mt. Everest and Kanchanjunga (the highest
and the third highest Mountains in the world). This unique and awe-inspiring 1 hour flight
also takes you past to Dorje-Lakpa, Chhoba-Bhamate, Gauri Shankar, Cho-Oyu, Pumori,
Nuptse, Lotse and Amadablam.
After breakfast we embark on a full day of sightseeing to get to know more about the
incredible Kathmandu Valley. We take a walk through local bazaars of fruit, vegetables,
spices and stunning wares made of brass, bronze and copper through bazaars, exploring
the secret alleys and courtyards of old Kathmandu and Durbar Square that most visitors
don’t get to experience. You’re likely to see ‘Gurkhas’, Sherpa women in their striped
aprons, traders from India, and sadhus – Hindu holy men – perhaps on pilgrimage to one of
the many temples and shrines of the valley.
We make our way to the center of old Kathmandu; The Durbar (Palace) Square with its
array of stunning temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of
the Nepalese Royalty. Also known as Kantipur, this is one of the three ancient cities of the
Kathmandu Valley, the others being in Patan and Bhaktapur. Here we can not only learn
about the history and the temples, but we also have the chance to visit the residence and
temple of a living goddess.
Next up on today’s tour is one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion: Pashupatinath.
The temple is revered as the birthplace of the Hindu god Lord Shiva and is therefore
dedicated to him. Pashupatinath rests on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, which
serves as an access point for cremation and an incredible view into the culture.
After that, we visit the Swoyambhunath Temple. Also known as the Monkey Temple for the
many resident monkeys that scamper around the myriad of small shrines and temples. This
ancient Buddhist Stupa is perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley and is sacred to both
Hindus and Buddhists.
Meals: B
DAY 5 – March 13: Holi the Festival of Colour – Cooking and Conversations
Holi, the festival of color is one day when everyone joins the fun and celebrates the coming
of the Spring! This festival, originating in Nepal and the Indian subcontinent in the 4th
century, is all about welcoming Spring with vibrant colors. We’ll join the celebrations by
heading out into ‘old Kathmandu’, Kathmandu Durbar Square, armed with our powdered
colors, where we’ll join the crowds and dance the Spring in. There is a leisure period
between the morning festivities and evening activities.
Nepal is a complex society of many languages, ethnicities, cultures and terrain that varies
from 170m above sea level to the highest point on earth, at the top of Mount Everest. As
visitors it’s easy to see the beauty of the mountains and the physical features of the country,
but today we dig a little deeper into what life is like for an incredible group of women who
wear many hats: they’re mothers, entrepreneurs, sisters, friends, bread-winners, aunts and
Nepalis. Today we hear from just a few incredible people who will share their stories while
teaching us how to make Nepal’s famous dumpling, the momo.
Meals: B, D
DAY 6 – March 14: Fly from Kathmandu to Chitwan
(3 Nights in Chitwan, in 5 star accommodations)
This morning we bid farewell to the Kathmandu Valley and take a short flight south to the
famous Terai region of Nepal. The landscape and culture is totally different from what we
have experienced so far in the Kathmandu Valley. The name ‘Terai’ refers to the extensive
plains in the southern part of Nepal – this area is the most northern extension of the great
Gangetic plains of India, land that was won and lost in decades of struggle and shares both
Indian and Nepali characteristics and culture.
We will arrive in time for lunch on the riverside, with the deep jungle right across the river
from us. We will be briefed about the activities in store this afternoon and what’s possible
tomorrow.
All meals are included while in Chitwan.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 – March 15: In Chitwan – Safari
Today we will have a full day of Jungle Safari activities exploring the dense jungle in search
of wildlife! Other activities you have the chance to experience include jungle walks,
bird-watching, jungle safaris on the back of a jeep, river safaris in traditional canoes and
wildlife viewing.
Wildlife in Chitwan includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer,
sambar deer, and barking deer as well as a wide variety of birdlife. With a bit of luck, there
is always the chance of glimpsing the leopard, sloth bear and royal Bengal tiger. A favorite
activity is always to visit the elephant camp and learn about these majestic animals, their
habits and to have the opportunity to take part in washing the elephant in the river!
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 – March 16: In Chitwan – Jungle and Village
This morning, we have another opportunity to experience the jungle, as we will once again
head out on a safari with our guide. While in Chitwan we also have the chance to visit a
neighboring village and learn about the local Tharu people, what life is like for them and
how they live.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 9 – March 17: Fly to Pokhara
(3 Nights in Pokhara, in 5 star accommodations)
This morning we say goodbye to the jungle and head for the mountains! Our short flight
takes us to Pokhara, a lakeside town at the base of the beautiful Annapurna Mountain
range.
After lunch we’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, drive up the hill to a
beautiful view over Phewa Lake for a private 1 hour meditation class. This is a class for all
levels including beginners. Prior meditation experience is not required.
The rest of the day is free to explore, relax or get active! Our lodging is walking-distance
into town where there are shops, restaurants and cafes making it a great place to wander.
Pokhara is the perfect place to pick up any mementos of your trip to Nepal and if you’re
interested in any adventure activities (zip-lining, paragliding), there is time for that, just let
us know in advance so we can get you booked into any activities you’d like to do (optional
activities at additional cost)!
Meals: B
DAY 10 – March 18: Villages of Pokhara
Today we have a full day to soak in the atmosphere and do some village exploring.
We’ll drive about an hour out of town to the lovely village of Lahachowk where we’ll swap
the vehicle for our hiking shoes, making our way to Ghachowk in time for lunch. As we walk
through the villages we can see many different cultural/ethnic groups with different
housing styles and clothing and gain a great insight into farming, veggie gardens and daily
life as we exchange smiles with the friendly locals.
For those that still have some energy after lunch we’ll hike out to the waterfall and back,
before boarding the vehicle again and returning to Pokhara. You’ve got the rest of the
afternoon and evening at leisure.
Meals: B, L
DAY 11 – March 19: The Annapurnas
This morning we’re off to meet Yes Helping Hands, an incredible organization that works
with people who are differently-abled, from marginal groups and single mothers to
support, train and employ them so that they can lead independent lives, transcending
barriers of ability, gender and background. This organization started with just 4 employees
and now supports a community of over 400! We’ll visit the factory where the products are
made, see the process they go through and meet some of the local staff. There’s also a store
there with scarves and shawls as well as handmade rugs for purchase.
We’ll enjoy a lunch in Lakeside, walk around the lake a little and then meet our transport
for the drive to the cable car station.
We’ll head straight up the Sarangkot Hill on the cable car and spend the rest of the
afternoon and evening here, admiring the views of the incredible Annapurna mountains.
Your afternoon will be at leisure to take in this stunning location.
Dinner is at our hotel.
Meals: B, D
DAY 12 – March 20: Annapurna Sunrise – Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu – Explore
Bhaktapur (1 Final Night in Kathmandu, in 5 star accommodations)
It’s recommended to be up early this morning to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna
range. We are perfectly situated to watch the incredible spectacle at our mountain top hotel.
After breakfast we fly back along the mighty Himalayas to Kathmandu. This is a stunning
half hour flight along the Himalayan Range, seeing four of the world’s fourteen giant
mountains over 8000m (of course weather dependent!); Daulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu
and Shishapangma, before landing in Kathmandu.
We make the most of our last day in Nepal and explore the lovely Bhaktapur.
Bhaktapur is one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as
Bhadgaun, meaning the city of devotees and is the home of true medieval art and
architecture in the Valley. Lying 14 km east of Kathmandu city, Bhaktapur was founded in
the 9th century and the city plan is shaped like a conch shell. Not only because of its famous
carved peacock windows, but also due to its museum, Bhaktapur is the centre of traditional
Nepalese wood carving. Compared with other royal cities in Patan and Kathmandu,
Bhaktapur is the most original and is without a doubt the most historically authentic as it is
literally a living museum where farmers dry their harvest, potters turn their wheel and
people go about their lives as they have done for so long. You can explore and have lunch
here overlooking a classic ancient town square heading back to your now-familiar
Kathmandu abode in the late afternoon.
Tonight we’ll share our last dinner, a celebration of the last 10 days we’ve spent together!
Meals: B, D
DAY 13 – March 21: Farewell, for now
This morning we are free to enjoy the last moments in Kathmandu, depending on your
flight time, head out for some last-minute exploring or a spot of shopping.
Meals: B
Your price includes:
• All accommodation: hotel nights in the hotels specified in the itinerary; based on double occupancy
All Domestic flights within Nepal
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Drinks: drinking water and soft drinks included with meals and water/soft drinks/juice/local
tea will be bought and offered to guests at appropriate times during the days/evenings
• Scenic fixed-wing Everest scenic flight including transfers
• Private 1 hour meditation class in Pokhara
• Tips for the whole trip your host, drivers and helpers (note that this excludes any meals that
are on your own)
Your price does not include:
• International flights to and from Kathmandu
• Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
• Any excess baggage charges
• Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should
this be required for any reason (We require this as the minimum insurance cover. Our preferred insurance provider is: Travel Guard..)
• Price is based on double occupancy; see single supplement charge below
• Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above.
Activities mentioned as optional above, for these please see the prices below
• Use of the spa facilities in the hotels/resorts
• Personal expenses (e.g. bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks
etc.).
• Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (e.g.
landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc.)
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy (Optional Moderate Excursions)
Rates based on Double Occupancy
Single Supplement Applies ($1600)
Subject to Availability
All Prices subject to change
Adventure travel:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in the
mountains, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and
the health of fellow travelers can all contribute to changes. We will try to ensure the trip runs
according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!
