Nepal boasts a rich cultural diversity, and it is well worth exploring. The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is a dream-world for many and reality for some. Once experienced they can never be forgotten, never dismissed from memory whether ones experience of them is visiting age-old Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries and royal palaces with amazing sculptures, paintings, legends and living rituals. Nepal is not only regarded as "Shangri-la" for adventurers but a scenic revelation and an educational in itself to all visitors. Once seen they become a part of you, habit-forming and intrusive. We have put our best effort to incorporate all cultural delights as well as natural beauty that Nepal has to offer, which you can chose depending on your time availability.

ITINERARY

Day 1. In Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu. Your group leader or the office representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to Hotel Yak and Yeti. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag at 5 pm.
Welcome dinner is organized at 6:30 pm in one of the traditional Nepali restaurants and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fellow group members before the trip.

Day 2. In Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Patan and Bhaktapur on an organized sightseeing tour. In Patan visit the old Newar City, the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky piercing temple of Teleju and the statue of Yogendra Malla, other temples, old carved windows and balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. Then we will Bhaktapur which is one of the three major towns of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur means "the city of devotees" in the Sanskrit language. It is also known as Bhadgaon. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the details at which the crafts- people then worked. The palace of fifty-five windows stands in the square and it was home to many kings of Bhaktapur.It is perhaps the most popular of the three Newar towns of the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 3. Fly to Pokhara
After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus/car to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 20 minute flight to Pokhara. As we land we become struck by the scale of huge peaks that surround the town. We then drive to our hotel Fish Tail Lodge. Pokhara has become the most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. We spend our time enjoying a guided city tour exploring the main high lights of Pokhara city. Aside from sightseeing, we keep visiting the Seti River gorge - one of the best places to see. You will have an opportunity to take a glimpse to the limestone cave of Mahendra Gufa , used to be well-known for its stalactites. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 4. In Pokhara
After breakfast we take a boat trip in the Phewa Lake. You can admire the stunning view of the Fish Tail Peak reflecting in the silver surface of the water. You can also see the wonderful Annapurna panorama forming a superb backdrop to Pokhara from the lake. Later in the afternoon we will visit the old city and the local market of Pokhara.

Day 5. Drive to Chitwan
This morning after breakfast we travel overland from Pokhara to Royal Chitwan National Park. We stay at Rhino Residency Resort. Upon arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay and the park in general. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wild life, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at the lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation is in two bed huts with a private bathroom. Solar heated water is available in the afternoons.

Day 6. In Chitwan
A full day’s activities are available including jungle walks, elephant rides, canoe rides, bird watching and four wheel drive excursions, as well as lectures on elephant and other fauna. The quieter you are and more subdued your clothing, the greater your chances of seeing animals. Your chances of sighting are a very rare Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, one horned rhinos and many deer, bore, bear, peacocks, an extra ordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants.

Day 7. Depart Chitwan & Fly to Kathmandu
We complete our last activity, and after breakfast we make the journey out of the jungle and to the airport to our flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel Yak and Yeti.

Day 8. In Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Boudhanath and Pusupathi Nath, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and the most famous Hindu temple in the country. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel for any last-minute shopping. In the afternoon you will be supplied with trek departure information.

Day 9. Trip concludes (Unless further plans are made)
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

The day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide. A variety of factors, including adverse weather conditions, difficulty with transportation and politics can lead to enforced changes. Because of this it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will run exactly according to the planned itinerary. The trip leader will make any changes, which are necessary.

NEPAL EXTENSIONS

There are a variety of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek. These options include:

White Water Rafting:
On the Trisuli or Seti Rivers.

Mount Everest Scenic Flight:
An hour flight departs Kathmandu early morning and provides spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Bhutan:
A five day cultural visit to Paro, Thimpu and Punakha.

Tibet:
A four day visit to Lhasa the capital city of Tibet.

Please contact the Alps in Nepal office if you plan to extend your trip and let us know in advance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expert Leadership
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. We have a very good selection of local leaders who are professionally trained and are among the most experienced in Nepal. Who better to look after you than your professional local leader, who speaks the language and knows the culture, intimately? The following people regularly lead this trek: 

SANJAY GURUNG: Sanjay is an experienced trek leader who has been in this profession for last fifteen years. Besides trekking all over Nepal he has also led several trips to India and Tibet. His profound knowledge and easy going personality make him an ideal choice to lead treks for Alps in Nepal.
 
PETER CHETTRI: Peter holds a very good sense of humour and adventurous spirit which has made him an asset to the company. He was born in Nepal and brought up in Sikkim. As a graduate in Arts, he has a good command over both spoken and written English. He has been leading treks with Alps in Nepal for four years. He has done a first aid training specialised in Acute Mountain Sickness. His excellent leadership has always earned a good reputation to the company. 
 
ASHIM SUBBA: Ashim is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. He went to the University in Calcutta and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Apart from being fluent in Nepali and English, he also speaks Japanese and has been involved in trekking for last two years. He has completed the first aid training including high altitude medicine. His expertness as a leader is one of the keys to our success.

Why Alps in Nepal is your first choice for Adventure
Alps in Nepal, combines the best of international standards with the deep knowledge of local experts. It offers you services and an experience that surpass those offered by the large international companies; with the reliability that local outfits lack. With over 15 years of experience we have successfully organized tours and treks for several thousand patrons who can testify the unique class of service we offer. Please feel free to ask us about the selection of your trip or for any further information.