A representative from Kantipur Holidays will meet us at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and transfer us to our designated hotel. We might rest after checking in or go to the Kantipur Holidays office. A welcome dinner with authentic Nepali food and a quick cultural presentation will be held in a typical Nepalese restaurant in the evening.

At dawn, we depart from our hotel and embark on an hour-long mountain flight, providing us with the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world, as well as Kanchenjunga, the second highest peak, and other towering Himalayan peaks, including a clear glimpse of the Tibetan Plateau. In the afternoon, we visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square boasts ancient palaces with stunning art and architecture. Pashupatinath Temple, revered by Hindus, is one of the holiest places in Nepal. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas globally, while the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple among foreigners, is a popular destination due to the area’s large monkey population. We spend the night in Kathmandu.

We will catch an early morning flight to Pokhara, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. To get the best views, we should choose to sit on the right side of the plane. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will be greeted by stunning views of the Himalayan Mountain range, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the five peaks of Annapurna. After a short rest, we will head to Hile, which is where our trek begins. During the trek, we will pass through sub-tropical valley forests and may have to navigate on carved trails on the side of cliffs. After having lunch, we will cross the Bhurungdi Khola via a bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill, which has thousands of steps and boulders that continuously go upward, will test our endurance. We should arrive in Ulleri by the afternoon.

After our morning meal, we start our journey towards Ghorepani by climbing up. The name of the place, Ghorepani, translates to ‘horse-water’ in Nepali, as it was once an important campsite for traders and their horses. Today, it is a popular stop for trekkers, with small shops and stalls selling local products and crafts. The village is divided into two parts, with the higher part providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. As we gain altitude, the temperature drops, and we begin to feel the chilly weather, especially in the evenings.

Today is an important day for us, as we embark on an early morning hike up the steep trail to Poon Hill viewpoint, located at an altitude of 3,210m/10,529ft. Here, we can witness the breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas. Poon Hill is a highly popular trekking destination within the Annapurna region and offers stunning views of Mustang, Pokhara, and over 20 of the highest mountains, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Following some time spent taking photos and enjoying coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, we make our way back to Ghorepani for breakfast. From there, we travel east and climb a nearby ridge before descending through beautiful rhododendron forests and past spectacular waterfalls, eventually arriving at Tadapani where we will spend the night.

Today, we will depart from Tadapani and begin a steep descent through dense forests of old rhododendron trees, which transform into breathtaking gardens when in bloom. Depending on the season, we may be able to enjoy the sight of cherry blossoms on the slopes across the ravine in the afternoon. After continuing our hike, we will arrive at the village of Ghandruk, a settlement on a slope composed of stone houses mainly inhabited by the Gurung community. Here, we will be able to appreciate the close-up views of the towering Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, as well as learn about the rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. We will spend the night in Ghandruk.

After having breakfast in Ghandruk, we will board a private vehicle that will transport us to Pokhara in approximately two hours. Upon arrival, we will check into our designated hotel and take some time to rest. In the afternoon, we will embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara and its surrounding areas. We will spend the night in Pokhara.

We depart early in the morning for Sarangkot, a hill that provides stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges to the north, as well as the city of Pokhara to the south. We observe the sunrise over the Himalayas before returning to Pokhara for further sightseeing. We visit Davis Fall, a waterfall that flows into a deep, narrow canal with no apparent endpoint. Nearby, the Shiva Cave features a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, an important Hindu deity. We also explore Phewa Lake, Pokhara’s largest lake, and visit the Barahi Temple situated in its center. At the International Mountain Museum, we can learn about the history and development of mountaineering activities around the world and in the Himalayas. Additionally, we visit a Tibetan refugee camp, where we can observe locals creating and trading woolen carpets and handicrafts. We spend the night in Pokhara.

After having breakfast, we bid farewell to the picturesque northern horizon of Pokhara and proceed towards Chitwan, a town situated at the foothills of the Churia range, and is known for its association with Chitwan National Park (CNP), the first national park of Nepal, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we arrive in Chitwan, we embark on a jungle or nature walk inside the national park, where we can admire various flora and fauna, and indulge in bird-watching. In the evening, we attend a presentation on the diverse range of plant and animal life found in CNP. We spend the night in Chitwan.

We will begin our day with an exciting experience for animal enthusiasts. In the early morning, we will ride on the backs of elephants and venture into the grasslands of Chitwan National Park to observe the wildlife in their natural environment. Following breakfast, we will visit the elephant stables and have the opportunity to bathe the elephants. Later in the day, we can choose to explore the jungle by jeep or take a canoe ride down the Rapti River. During the safari, we will venture deep into the jungle and have the chance to see various wild animals, such as deer and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, and if fortunate, we may even spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. During the canoe ride, we may encounter Gharial and Mugger Crocodiles, freshwater dolphins, otters, and a variety of water birds. Alternatively, we may opt for birdwatching or a nature walk to experience and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna found in the park. We will spend the night in Chitwan.

We begin our morning with birdwatching in Chitwan National Park, which is known for hosting many types of birds, both migratory and resident. After breakfast, we make our way towards Kathmandu, with our route changing from the Terai plains to a more winding road as we get closer to the city. Throughout the journey, we can enjoy the scenic hilly landscapes and small settlements. We reach Kathmandu in the evening and conclude our trip with a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey’s success.