Nepal Adventure
Experience Overview
Capture the spirit of Nepal on a stupa-endous journey rich in history, culture, and spiritual exploration. Witness the wind catch prayer flags amid mountainous backdrops, trek through changing landscapes to beautiful Buddhist monasteries, explore ancient trading towns deep in the Kathmandu Valley, and relax in a village retreat surrounded by Himalayan vistas. Then, before you get too zen – experience the thrill of rafting down the Trisuli river and spend a night camping under the Nepalese stars. From the labyrinth of bustling bazaars that crowd Kathmandu to the tranquil ambiance that encircles hill-top temples, it will be hard not to feel enlightened on this breathtaking adventure, Namaste!
Highlights
- Whether it's hiking, driving or white-water rafting, this trip will let you experience Nepal's stunning natural beauty from all angles.
- Be enchanted by the heart-warming people of Nepal on an overnight stay in a hill-top village retreat, surrounded by rustic farms and overlooking the mighty Himalayas.
- Discover hidden gems far removed from Kathmandu's bustle, like the pilgrimage site of Namobuddha
- Once home to a royal hunting reserve, Chitwan is now widely recognised as one of the best national parks in Asia, and this trip includes walking, canoeing and driving safaris through its lush landscapes.
- Feel the adrenaline rush on a two-day white-water rafting adventure – spend the night camping under the Nepalese stars on the banks of the Trisuli River.
- Beginning and ending in Kathmandu, there's more than enough time to discover the Nepali capital's staggeringly rich cultural and artistic heritage.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Sagarmatha Next. Donations help them remove waste responsibly and turn rubbish into art in the Everest region.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2160
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HNSC
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (3), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Resort (4 nights),Camping (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,984 ($198 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. If you arrive early today, why not explore Kathmandu – an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies over a plate of momo – Nepal’s answer to dumplings.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure (60 USD)
- Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure (66 USD)
This morning, take a walking heritage tour of Kathmandu’s old bazaars – Hanuman Dhoka and Durbar Square. The labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar, or ‘chowk’, to another is a true highlight of the city. Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world – Pashupatinath – and let your leader bring the fascinating story behind this temple to life. Nearby is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Follow the pilgrims' circle around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels and if you like, take the opportunity to offer your prayers to Lord Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entryway. There may be the option for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with an enticing view over the stupa, followed by free time this afternoon to continue exploring Kathmandu at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa and Monastery visit
- Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)
Head to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley, stopping at the ancient town of Panauti before reaching Khopasi. From here, you can stretch your legs on a 1-hour hike through the thick forest or continue by vehicle to the hill-top village of Balthali. A world away from the ‘Coca-Cola’ hub of Thamel, this peaceful community nestled within a setting of verdant hills and lush rice paddies remains largely undiscovered. Soak up the tranquil ambience as you relax in your accommodation for the night, with its commanding views of villages and farms and the mighty Himalayas rising on the horizon.
Included Activities:
- Panauti - Leader-led walk
- Kathmandu Valley - Hike from Khopasi to Balthali
Pack a daypack ready for your hike today, while your main luggage is transported to your next destination – Namobuddha. Make your way off-road, cutting through the vast terraced fields, followed by a sharp descent. Continue along the trail bridge, where you’ll meet a steep, uphill winding track through open pastures and onto the dirt track that leads to Panauti. Pass a few villages, briefly entering a dense forest, then prepare to be wowed by the revered Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu Valley - Hike from Balthali to Namobuddha
- Namobuddha - Thrangu Tashi Yangtze Monastery
Journey to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur preserves the old-world charm of the Kathmandu Valley. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in its temples and squares, and its people are still fiercely devoted to the ways of life and faith passed on from their ancestors. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square, then spend the rest of the time exploring on your own. Tonight, you’ll stay in Bhaktapur.
Included Activities:
- Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
After breakfast, leave Bhaktapur and follow Kathmandu Road to the Trisuli River – the launching place for your two-day rafting experience. Meet the crew who will run through the safety briefing and prepare you for the adventure. Trisuli River is an ideal introduction for first-time rafters, with reasonably calm waters and only minor rapids – meaning you can relax and really enjoy the ride! Soak up the scenery (and the splashes) as you traverse impressive gorges and beautiful valleys. Depending on the water conditions, you’ll be on the river for approximately 4 hours, with a stop for lunch. Tonight, you’ll stay in a permanent tented camp on the riverside and enjoy a group dinner.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
After breakfast, continue your rafting adventure and drift along clear Himalayan white water, occasionally battling the rapids (and maybe your fellow rafters). Your rafting experience will finish around lunch. Say goodbye to your crew and put on your safari hat as the group drives down to the lowlands and onto Chitwan National Park. UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Look out for rhinos, deer, monkeys, beers and a wide array of birdlife here, including the infamous Nepalese wild chicken. Your accommodation here is a real treat – built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop aboard a jeep and take a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-esque Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. A birdwatching walk through the forest and across the grasslands is also a great way to connect to the land. Later, you’ll attend a cultural performance before heading to your jungle resort for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Canoe Ride & Jeep Safari at The Chitwan National Park
- Chitwan NP - Tharu cultural performance
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan - Riverside Sunset experience (13 USD)
After breakfast, this morning is free to explore the jungle or go birdwatching. This afternoon, take a transfer to Kathmandu. When you arrive, you can join a walk through the backstreets and the vibrant local markets of the city to Ashan Bazar and Indra Chowk near Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the old royal palace and numerous beautiful temples nearby, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. Hunt for the perfect souvenir (Tibetan prayer flags, Thanka paintings, singing bowls and pashmina shawls are popular) and perfect your bargaining skills. Tonight, maybe grab your group for a farewell feast of momo (dumplings) to celebrate an incredible trip.
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan - Bird watching walk - Free
Your trip ends after breakfast today, and you can leave any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Anne - Traveled, September 2023
I have just finished a 10 day experience Nepal with Intrepid. I cannot express enough how amazing it was. Trekking and white water rafting with a small group of 6. Our guide Bipin was so knowledgeable about pretty much everything. I feel blessed to have had this truly amazing experience with a wonderful group of lovely, kind people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Catherine - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent introductory trip to Nepal, visiting both city and rural areas, and including hiking and rafting. We were very lucky with the weather and had great views of the Himalayas from several different locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Amanda - Traveled, December 2022
Nepal is a magnificent country with beautiful people, amazing scenery, fascinating culture and great organic food. Traveling here with Intrepid meant that all I had to was enjoy myself! I’ll be back to Nepal and I’ll definitely use Intrepid again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2022
Andrew - Traveled, December 2022
First tour with intrepid loved it made it very easy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2022
Cherilyn - Traveled, December 2022
Nepal is an incredible country. This trip is the perfect mix to experience its culture, nature, and adventure (the rafting is so fun!) Our guide Amit was so knowledgeable and made sure we always felt happy and comfortable. He really went above and beyond. This trip is fantastic. You will fall in love with this wonderful country and the truly kind Nepalese people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2022
victoria - Traveled, May 2023
This trip was incredible. With this tour you see such a variety of Nepal including city, hills, old towns and some activities. The pace is just right with most of day planned but free time built in. The walks were for me a bit challenging, due to the heat and the lack of hills walks I had previously completed. I would suggest doing stair walking before hand. All the local guides were amazing and everything was done at the pace of the group. The accomdation is far from basic and was incredicble. The rafting was a highlight and not too challenging. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Nepal.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2023
Jeffrey - Traveled, April 2023
The leader made the trip over and above any itinerary Favourite part was the river rafting
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2023
Cindy - Traveled, April 2023
A great way to gain knowledge about the local life in the Kathmandu valley.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2023
Joan - Traveled, April 2023
Respectful travellers to Nepal I are extremely welcome . A great destination for first time Intrepid travellers who have a moderated level of fitness and sense of adventure. A Beautiful country and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Shoketsu - Traveled, April 2023
I learn more from this trip than I expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Patrick - Traveled, March 2023
I found this to be a very informative and eye opening experience. Showing culture, beautiful landscape only tainted by the poor air quality in some parts and unmanaged rubbish disposal. I have many positive memories of this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2023
Sallie - Traveled, October 2023
This trip for me was somewhere I had always wanted to come. Nepal far out exceeded my expectations. The Nepalis are so friendly and helpful. Ingrid at Namobuddha resort made sure I had a downstairs bedroom next to a toilet due to being older. Very thoughtful and her food was the best of the trip all organic and ecologically sustainable. Our guide Kishor was what made this trip memorable with his knowledge and explaining everything. The temples were so beautiful. The hills above Kathmandu are breathtaking. This is one holiday I am so sad to see come to an end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Karen - Traveled, October 2023
Had such a great time on this trip. While a couple of nights were basic accommodation most were actually really nice and not basic at all! The scenery on the treks is incredible and worth the exertion and loved the white water rafting even though I had never done it before so was a bit apprehensive but they made you feel really safe. Liked that there is some downtime so your not on the go all the time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Carsten - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing trip around Kathmandu. Includes hiking and rafting tours . Good organized trip including local food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Madalina - Traveled, October 2023
It was a nice trip. We saw your beautiful country, the life and the culture. And the activities by rafting made a lot of fun. It was a great experience to get to know your country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
sara jo - Traveled, December 2022
This is the PERFECT itinerary to fall in love with Nepal. It balances between culture, trekking, and adventure while you're surrounded by the kindest people and most beautiful scenery. December weather is perfect for walking around the cities/towns and hiking but a bit chilly, although not unbearable, in the evenings and rafting. By chance, our itinerary dates aligned so we were able to witness 2 festivals and a Nepali wedding! Our guide Amit is simply the best; his passion and kindness made the trip even more enjoyable. Book this trip - you will not be disappointed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2022
Mohammad - Traveled, December 2022
This trip is an excellent mix of cultural experience, adventure and nature. Nepal is a beautiful country and the people are so warm and approachable. Dal Bhat Power 24 hour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2022
mike - Traveled, October 2022
if your searching for a vacation that offers magical mountain vistas , adrenaline- filled hiking , water -drenching whitewater rafting , exotic religious history complemented with renowned hospitality, this tour is for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2022
Alexandra - Traveled, October 2022
Perfect mix of culture & outdoor activities. Highlights : incredible scenery, truly local food, partying with locals. And rafting was a blast - I felt completely safe & taken care of, and what a thrill ! If possible , ask for Manoj as your guide !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2022
Sarah - Traveled, October 2022
Nepal on a budget is best how to describe this trip. It provides a introduction to hiking, river rafting with some amazing backdrops. Hotels are basic and the lack of investment in hotels over the COVID period is noticeable. Staff are helpful you soon realise that most have learnt English from the same phrase book. We went over a festival period, so services were further limited, and staff used this as a reason from lack services.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2022
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