On an exciting 12-day Nepal itinerary you can see the traditional foothill villages on a Himalayan trek, tour Chitwan Nature Reserve, visit Pokhara lakeside, and enjoy the Diwali Festival of Light in Kathmandu.
Can you imagine anything more exciting than discovering Nepal, that magical kingdom in the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, the rooftop of the world? An entirely different way of life, a millennium culture and picturesque villages set against the backdrop of amazing scenery.
- 12-Day Nepal Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu
- Day 2: Pokhara Lakeside
- Day 3: Himalayan trek in the Annapurna Mountains
- Day 4. Hike to Ghorepani village
- Day 5: Poon Hill Summit
- Day 6: Trail to Ghandruk village
- Day 7: Pokhara Lakeside
- Day 8: Chitwan National Park
- Day 9: Chitwan Safari
- Day 10: Diwali Festival of lights in Kathmandu
- Day 11: Kathmandu Valley
- Day 12: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Ason Markets
- Information on 12 Day Nepal Itinerary
12-Day Nepal Itinerary
We’ve all heard awesome stories of intrepid backpackers reaching base camp and mountaineers climbing near impossible summits but, even though we’re quite adventurous, some things are beyond our limit!
That’s why this 12-day trip to Nepal sounds highly appealing, it’s tailor-made to include 5 days trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas with a professional guide, the Ghorepani route which we are assured is suitable for anyone who loves walking, including families and not just for experienced super fit hikers!
Yes, it is uphill and downhill most of the way, but a moderate mountain walk averaging some five hours per day, along well marked trails to fairly remote little villages where we can glimpse the true Nepali way of life and enjoy the company of the friendly locals.
It’s a gratifying holiday which is appropriately paced… as tour organizer BB Bhandari of Nepal Adventure Point told us “you’ll have plenty of time to stop along the way to take photos and videos, to watch the sun rising over the peaks, to walk beside the lakes, wander around the slope settlements, meet the villagers and genuinely have a lovely time in our beautiful country”.
We’ll be sleeping in rural lodges each evening, where porters have gone on ahead with our luggage (one 15kg bag per person maximum is sufficient, party clothes and heels can be left safely behind in Kathmandu, along with laptops as the Wi-Fi up is precarious!).
The Nepal Adventure Point website conveniently details the suitable clothing and a few items you’ll need to bring, such as torches, etc. There’s no need to buy additional gear, bulky down anoraks for chilly evenings or sleeping bags for the beds, for example, can be hired easily enough in Nepal.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Nepal weather-wise and this particular trip is exclusively personalised to coincide with the Hindu Tihar, the famous Diwali Festival of Lights in October.
Day 1: Kathmandu
The plan is to meet up in Kathmandu, the fascinating capital of Nepal. The guides will meet the group at the hotel for a briefing and a chat about what lies ahead.
Day 2: Pokhara Lakeside
We’ll be driven through the scenic Nepalese countryside to Pokhara, a stunning valley with a beautiful lake. The views from here are wonderful as you can see the legendary Annapurna mountain range and the snow-capped Fishtail Peak in the distance.
Day 3: Himalayan trek in the Annapurna Mountains
Next morning we get taken up to Nayapul and start the Poon Hill trek walking along forest trails and past little villages, then the more challenging climb up the ‘thousands of steps’ of Ulleri Hill!
Day 4. Hike to Ghorepani village
There’s a hike up the trail to the Annapurna conservation area, to the village of Ghorepani where traders crossing the Himalayas originally stopped to camp and water their horses. Once again the mountain views are overwhelming.
Day 5: Poon Hill Summit
Up before dawn for a stiff walk up Poon Hill summit to capture the sunrise over the majestic mountain peaks which reach into the distance; at 3200 mt above sea level and close to the Annapurna range, this is the highest point we reach and one of the highlights of our journey.
It’s back to Ghorepani for breakfast before making our way down, through thick woodland and past waterfalls to Tadapani, a small mountain village.
Day 6: Trail to Ghandruk village
The trek continues downwards through rhododendron forests and along to Ghandruk, a traditional stone village poised on the hillside and home to the Gurung minority. It’s a great location to take photos of the impressive mountains, especially the famous Machapuchare, also known as Mount Fishtail, it’s never been climbed to the summit (6,993m).
Day 7: Pokhara Lakeside
We walk down the mountain trail to the riverside village of Birethanti, where we’re picked up for the drive back to Pokhara.
Day 8: Chitwan National Park
The trekking holiday comes to an end but the fun is only beginning. We leave Pokhara and drive along the banks of the Trishuli River and over to Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s great nature reserves.
Day 9: Chitwan Safari
Our day at the nature park features adventure activities (rafting, elephant safari and jungle walk) and spotting wildlife including endangered species of rhino, leopards and rarely seen Bengal tigers.
Day 10: Diwali Festival of lights in Kathmandu
The scenic return drive to Kathmandu passes typical rice terraces and folk working in the fields. We get back to the city in time to enjoy the Laxmi Puja full moon festival, part of the Hindu Tijar, popularly known as Diwali. Families traditionally light candles and lanterns to bring good luck and celebrations go on through the night with fireworks, music, singing and dancing.
Day 11: Kathmandu Valley
A full day’s excursion around Kathmandu Valley taking in the ancient heritage sites such as Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temple complex by the banks of the Bagmati River), Bouddhanath Buddhist Shrine (one of the biggest stupas in the world) and Swayambhunath Monkey Temple (an ancient religious site complete with holy monkeys).
In the evening join in the Govardhan Puja ‘mountain of food’ festivities – a thanksgiving day offering food to the Gods and animals!
Day 12: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Ason Markets
Time-out to wander around at leisure to discover the heart of Kathmandu. Don’t miss seeing the world famous Durbar Square opposite the ancient Royal Palace, then go along to Ason Markets, the local bazaars which sell spices, foods and traditional Nepalese clothing.
This is the final day of Diwali, the Bhai Tika which celebrates the bond between sisters and brothers, the end of the festival of light…and our last few hours in Nepal.
Information on 12 Day Nepal Itinerary
The Ghorepani trek and Kathmandu Valley tour can be customised to fit your particular schedule, regarding dates and duration, or places of interest you want to see. Spanish-speaking tours may also be arranged.
Anyone interested in coming with us should send an enquiry to BB Bhandari at Nepal Adventure Point. Places are limited as this will be a small group of 20 people maximum with English speaking guides.
The tour includes entrance permits, Government taxes, sightseeing activities, road transport, 12 nights accommodation in hotels and lodges with breakfast plus all meals on the mountain, English speaking guides, and Sherpa porters.
This is an exclusive tailor-made holiday where everything is taken care of from the time you’re picked up at the airport till you’re dropped off again to catch your plane back home almost two weeks later. (Flights and the necessary travel insurance are not included).
Check out the web to see the various itineraries and exciting adventure activities organised by Nepal Adventure Point.
More posts on Nepal: http://www.kalitravel.net/blog/world-trip-index/
It is amazing one. great to know… lets have a organize this trip together in Nepal.i am more then happy to work together as per your choice.