Cultural with Wild-Life tour in Nepal with Hiking

Once you reach Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the Himalayan Marvel Adventure delegate will receive you from there and then check-in in at the hotel.

On Day 2 of your itinerary, you will have the opportunity to embark on a scenic Mount Everest flight that takes you over Sagarmatha National Park, offering breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including a close-up view of Mount Everest. Afterwards, we will begin a guided tour of four historic and spiritual sites in Kathmandu, each listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the rich history, religious significance, unique architecture, and cultural traditions of Kathmandu.

One of the sites we will visit is Pashupatinath, an ancient and sacred Hindu temple with significant religious importance to the Shiva community. This temple is also the primary site for Hindu cremations in Nepal, where you can observe pilgrims bathing, holy men meditating, and funeral pyres burning on the ghats.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for a morning flight to Pokhara. The flight will be around 25 minutes and will offer stunning views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. Pokhara, a naturally beautiful city with lakes and snow-capped mountain views, is also a popular starting point for many adventure treks and climbs, making it a hub for natural and outdoor activities. From there, we’ll drive to Nayapul, which takes about an hour in a car or jeep. We’ll begin our trek from Nayapul, walking until we reach the thriving town of Birethanti, located where the Modi and Burundi Khola rivers meet. Along the way, we’ll pass through bamboo forests, a large waterfall, and a swimming fissure. The path will gradually climb up the side of the valley, leading us to Tikhedhunga. The estimated walking time for this leg of the journey is 4-5 hours.

Today’s trek is challenging as you’ll have to ascend 3300 stone steps. Initially, the trail crosses a stream via a suspension bridge. As you climb up the steep stone stairs to Ulleri, a prosperous village located at an altitude of 2080m, mostly inhabited by Magar ethnic group. Beyond Ulleri, the path gradually ascends through meadows, cultivated fields and rhododendron forests. One hour’s gentle walk from Ulleri, you will come across two picturesque streams. If you are an avid bird watcher, you may have a good chance to spot different kinds of birds such as redstarts, kingfishers, dippers, forktails near the river, and magpies, treepies, parakeets, tits, many kinds of warblers, barbets, etc., in the cultivated areas. We will stop at Nangethanti for lunch and then continue our climb to Ghorepani, located at 2850m. From Ghorepani, you will witness a magnificent panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Tukuche, Nilgiri (6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). Walking Time: 5-6 hrs.

The journey commences with a steep descent from Tadapani. Initially, we will pass through a dense forest of ancient rhododendron trees. During the flowering season, the forest transforms into a garden of incredibly stunning red and pink flowers. By afternoon, depending on the time of year we are travelling, we may be pleasantly surprised by the sight of cherry blossoms blooming on the slopes on the opposite side of the gorge. As we continue trekking, we reach the village of Ghandruk, which is a hilly settlement consisting of stone houses and primarily inhabited by the Gurung people. Besides admiring the awe-inspiring close-up views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also explore the village and visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk to learn about the simple yet rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people. Trekking Time: 3-4 hrs.

Today, we will be trekking from Ghandruk to Naya Pul and then driving back to Pokhara. The trail today is all downhill and starts with a staircase made of stone slabs that winds through the village and terraced farms. The descent continues almost uninterrupted from Ghandruk to the Modi Khola river valley. By the time we reach Birethanti, some of us may feel like we’ve completed a downhill marathon. However, our journey is not yet over. We will need to walk for about half an hour to reach Nayapul, where our foot journey ends. From Nayapul, we will drive to Pokhara. In the evening, we can spend some time at the lakeside in Pokhara. Walking Time: 4-5 hrs, Driving Time: 1 hr.

Today is a day for leisure and exploration as we spend the entire day sightseeing and relaxing in the beautiful city of Pokhara and its lake-side areas. Our itinerary includes a boat ride across Phewa Tal, the second largest lake in Nepal. We will also make a trip to the Peace Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the mountains, including the Annapurnas and the iconic fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare. Additionally, we will visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum, where we can learn about the amazing stories of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, and others in tragedy. Further exploration will include visiting Davi’s fall, Mahendra cave, temple and monastery. The lakeside area is an excellent spot for shopping and browsing the internet at one of the many Internet cafes available.

After having breakfast, we will depart to Chitwan National Park. The drive itself will be a scenic one, as we pass by charming villages, winding rivers and lush forests. Once we arrive, we will settle in and be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will give us an overview of the program. The activities in Chitwan are flexible and may vary depending on the time of the year and wildlife movements. We will get a chance to visit the elephant camp to observe how these majestic creatures are cared for by their handlers, known as phanits. In the late afternoon, we will go on a safari through the forests and grasslands to witness the diverse and thrilling wildlife in the park. Later on, we may have the opportunity to witness a cultural program by the local Tharu dance troupe. After dinner, we will have the option to unwind in the bar and share stories about the day’s sightings or simply listen to the enchanting sounds of the jungle at night.

Following breakfast, your expedition toward Chitwan National Park will begin. The park is a crucial conservation site for wildlife animals on the brink of extinction. While on the safari tour, it is almost certain that you will come across One-Horned Rhinos, woodpeckers, deer, and gharials in their natural surroundings. If you are fortunate, you may also catch a glimpse of Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, and genetic dolphins. Additionally, you may also spot various species of birds as there are 543 different bird species residing within the park.

Highlights of this day

• Elephant Safari: This is a classic way to tour Chitwan National Park, where trained elephants will carry you around. Alternatively, you can choose to do a Jeep Safari.
• Tharu Village Visit: Immerse yourself in the Tharu culture and see how they’ve coexisted with the jungle’s wildlife for centuries.
• Nature or Jungle Walk: If you prefer walking, you can explore the park at your own pace. Experts will guide you to safe areas to spot tigers, rhinos, and other wildlife.
• Elephant Bath: Experience a refreshing shower from an elephant’s trunk at Rapti River, which is believed to be beneficial to your health.
• Canoeing Trip: Take a handmade canoe ride along Rapti River, where you’ll encounter harmless gharials and numerous aquatic birds.
• Tharu Stick Dance: Watch the Tharu men perform a tribal dance that depicts how they protect their village from rhinos and other wild animals.

Following breakfast, you will return to Kathmandu by driving or flying. The drive will take around 5-6 hours, while the flight will last about 20 minutes. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can explore places such as Thamel, which is well-known among tourists, purchase mementos and sample a variety of local and international dishes. In the evening, you will have your farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

After breakfast, you will travel to Bhaktapur, which served as the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom in the 15th century. Bhaktapur’s impressive temples, rich heritage, and history of skilled artisans contributed to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can spend the day discovering Bhaktapur’s renowned temples, starting at Durbar Square, considered to be the most beautiful artwork in Nepal. Durbar Square includes the grand Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Additionally, you will visit Patan Durbar Square in the heart of Latitpur city, which showcases impressive Newari ancient architecture. Notable temples like the Temple of Krishna, Golden Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and Vishwanath Temple can also be explored. Patan is renowned for its art and craftsmanship, and you may find some beautiful souvenirs to purchase. Afterward, we will drive back to Kathmandu, and in the evening, you will have the freedom to explore on your own, experience the fantastic ambiance of local cafes, or simply unwind in your hotel.

Himalayan Marvel Adventure delegate will drop you at the airport before 3 hrs and return to the respective places. Or you can choose the next program for the next adventurous journey.