Cultural tour & mini-trek. 15 days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Kathmandu

  Arrival in Kathmandu. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

• day 2

  Swayambhunath and the old royal palace

  Day in Kathmandu passing through the very lively alleys. Visit of Durbar Square: its centuries-old temples, the seat of the former royal palace, the residence of the Kumari (living goddess). Transfer to Swayambunath (Monkey Temple): one of the most popular places in Nepal. The stupa overlooks the Kathmandu valley. Return on foot to the hotel. Night in Kathmandu.

• day 3

  Changu Narayan - Bhaktapur

  Transfer to the village of Changu Narayan, which is home to the oldest temple in the valley. Then, a day in Bhaktapur, a preserved Newar city, out of time and very lively, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight stay on site to better appreciate the atmosphere of the city in the evening.

• day 4

  Easy hike from Dulikhel to Namobuddha.

  Transfer to Dhulikhel, a village renowned for its view of the Himalayas, and departure for an easy morning hike (3h30). The path runs along the rice fields to reach the Namobuddha stupa. Visit of the village and overnight at the monastery lodge. Possibility to participate in the services.

• day 5

  Panauti and the city of Patan

  Short 2h30 walk to reach Panauti, a pleasant village with a few temples. Return to Kathmandu and visit Patan: former Malla capital, with many temples and remarkable Newar architecture. Night at the hotel.

• day 6

  From Kathmandu to Pokhara

  Transfer to Pokhara by tourist bus (about 7 hours by road). Peaceful and pleasant city at the foot of the Annapurna range.

• day 7

  Mini trek - Landrung

  From Pokhara to Landrung (1600m) Departure from Pokhara by minivan to Dhampus, the starting point of the trek. Day towards the Gurung village of Landrung passing through Tolka, gateway to the Modi Khola valley. 5 hours of walking. Night in lodge.

• day 8

  Mini trek - Jhinu Danda

  From Landrung to Jhinu Danda (1800m) The trail, with stairs, follows the valley and leads us to a small village where it is possible to bathe in hot springs along the river. 5 hours of walking. Night in lodge.

• day 9

  Mini trek - Tadapani

  From Jhinu to Tadapani (2600 m). We cross the river to reach the other side of the valley, up to Gandrung, an important Gurung village in Nepal. 5 hours of walking. Night in lodge.

• day 10

  Mini trek - Gandrung

  From Tadapani to Gandrung (1900 m). We descend to Gandrung, a major Gurung village in Nepal. 3h30 walk. Night in lodge.

• day 11

  End of the mini-trek - Pokhara

  From Gandrung to Pokhara. End of the trek at Naya Pul via a good descent of stairs, then return to Pokhara by taxi. About 4 hours of walking. Night at the hotel.

• day 12

  from Pokhara to Chitwan

  Departure by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan (about 5h30 by road). Welcome and check-in at the hotel. First guided walking tour in the reserve. Discovery of typical Tharu villages.

• day 13

  Safari in Chitwan

  In the morning, jungle walk to discover the flora and fauna (round trip by boat to get closer to the birds and crocodiles). In the afternoon, visit the reserve on elephant back to approach the rhinoceroses. Dinner and folk show.

• day 14

  Back to Kathmandu. Pashupatinath - Bodnath

  Short morning hike to discover the birds. Return by plane to Kathmandu in the morning. Visit of Pashupatinath: one of the most important Hindu sites. The ceremonies (cremations) are perpetual there. Then, visit of Bouddha: one of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by many monasteries and Tibetan shops. Free late afternoon in the capital.

• day 15

  Departure from Kathmandu

  Transfer to Kathmandu airport.