Essential Nepal
Experience Overview
This nine-day trip will tick all your boxes – thrilling outdoor adventures, an insight into bustling city life and an introduction to the slower pace of the Nepali countryside. Start and end your trip in Kathmandu's bustling metropolis, explore Durbar Square and wander the vibrant streets. Then, pull on your adventure boots and hit the road outta town for a rafting experience in Pokhara, camp on the riverside and enjoy dinner beneath the stars by the Trisuli River and trek the Annapurna region. Enjoy the chance to stay with local families along the way, including in a remote village in Hemjakot where you’ll tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
Highlights
- Get wet and wild on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Trisuli River (the most popular river in Nepal for rafting), where you’ll zoom downstream next to giant boulders and gorges and between bright green hills.
- Stretch your legs on an awesome three-night, low-altitude trek through rural villages and rhododendron forests, taking in views of the Annapurna Ranges.
- Kick back in super-Zen Pokhara, where you can take a boat out and float the day away on the smooth waters of Phewa Lake. Cruise beneath behemoth mountains and find serenity.
- Start and end your trip in the bustling metropolis of Kathmandu – explore Durbar Square, wander the chaotic streets or simply kick back with a relaxing massage to soothe those post-four-day-hike feels.
- Enjoy some local hospitality with a homestay with a local family in Hemjakot – this community’s architecture reflects the traditional style of the Himalayas. Get an insight into countryside culture as you take in the views from a traditional teahouse.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2175
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Auto-rickshaw,Local bus,Whitewater raft,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HNYU
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (4 nights),Tea House (2 nights),Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $584 ($65 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 2 pm this afternoon in Kathmandu, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this vibrant city. Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine, Swayambhunath Stupa and the nearby ‘City of Devotees’ Bhaktapur are well worth a visit. If you want to delve deeper into ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage, there are some Urban Adventures day tours that can help you out (just see www.urbanadventures.com). After the meeting, Maybe have dinner with your group to get to know each other or hit up one of the nearby bars. Your leader will have a tonne of recommendations for a great place for a cocktail (or two).
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and soak up the views of the Ganesh and Lantang ranges. Then hit the waters for some whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River – this is the most popular river for rafting in all of Nepal. Soak up the thrill of the rapids, aptly named Ladies Delight, Rock Garden and Snell's Nose, among the beauty of the nearby gorges. Explore the magnificent scenery from the rapids, and then tonight, camp on the beach and enjoy a local meal under the stars.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
- Trisuli River – Riverside Camping
Accommodation:
- Camping (basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is for some more fun on the river, including negotiating the Monsoon and Upset rapids. In Kurintar, refuel your energy with a light lunch with your group and then drive to Pokhara. When you arrive, take an afternoon walk around the city with your leader, who will point out some sights and sounds in the area, including Phewa Lake. This evening is free for you to chill out at one of the many lakeside restaurants or bars. Maybe get yourself a plate of momos (dumplings) or a nourishing bowl of dal bhat (thick lentil or bean soup) for dinner tonight.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll make the drive from Pokhara to Shyauli Bazaar – this is where the trekking adventure begins. Your hike is mostly uphill today on some pretty diverse terrain. There’s a dirt track leading to Birethanti and Shyauli villages, then you’ll reach a stone staircase up to Kimche, where you’ll stop for lunch. There are views of snowcapped mountains and expansive fields below, so make sure you’ve got your camera. From here, you’ll follow the stone flags that lead you through fields of wheat to Ghandruk. Tonight, you'll stay in your first Nepalese teahouse.
Included Activities:
- Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking
Accommodation:
- Tea House (Number of Nights: 1)
Look east this morning to Landruk, the next village on your route. Look down to the Modi Kola River 600 m below. Your breakfast this morning will be a refreshing start, with a mountain view so you can take it all in. When you’ve refuelled, start the trek towards Tolkha – where you’ll be staying for the night. Along the way, take in the diverse scenery of the river below, the mountain above and the wild landscape on every side. The Annapurna range makes for a pretty great photo subject (and she’s not shy, either).
Accommodation:
- Tea House (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after some breakfast, you’ll continue your trek from Tolkha to Hemjakot – the best spot to connect with some locals. As you start today’s walk, you’ll notice you’re surrounded by pink and purple rhododendrons. Do you know what you won’t see much of? Other people – this trail from Dhampus to Hemjakot is pretty remote, giving you the chance to really switch off and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local family. The homes in Hemjakot reflect the traditional style of this part of the Himalayas and are made from natural stones from this region. This displays a domestic style of architecture that has largely been overshadowed in Nepal's big cities. When you arrive, you’ll experience the rural way of life in the mountains, gaining insight into the local culture of the Gurung population, who migrated here from Tibet.
Included Activities:
- Hemjakot - Community Homestay
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to your new friends in Hemjakot and head out again – this morning’s trek is a short descent to Phedi. When you arrive, transfer to Pokhara, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to do all the things you didn’t do the first time around in Pokhara – a popular choice is taking a rowboat (doonga) out on Phewa Lake. If there are blue skies today, you’ll have mountain views wherever you look. After, maybe check out the Tal Barahi Temple and the Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, which are both free to explore.
Included Activities:
- Pokhara - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Pokhara - Peace Pagoda - Free
- Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip (600 NPR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s a long bus ride back to Kathmandu (so bring some snacks, road trip games and a good book). When you arrive, maybe grab a banana lassi to soak away the bus ride. Tonight, you’re free to explore Kathmandu’s nightlife further (what better way to celebrate a good trek).
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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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
Ben - Traveled, March 2023
Was an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget with some amazing people in an unbelievable place
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2023
David - Traveled, March 2024
Really enjoyable week and a great introduction to the adventurous side of Nepal. Although the walk wasn’t the easiest, our trip leader was great and supporting everyone to complete the trek. If you want to experience Nepal without a high altitude trek, then this is the trip for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Ashlea - Traveled, April 2024
This trip was a great introduction to Nepal and to trekking. It was fast paced but amazing. The rafting was a great addition to the trip, breaking up the journey to Pokhara. All of the facilities were great on the trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Nathan - Traveled, April 2024
The intrepid tour, led by our enthusiastic local leader NB, was great way to visit Nepal with other like-minded travellers. Highlights were guiding a boat through rapids on the Trishuli river and seeing the Himalayas from Ghandrak.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Holly - Traveled, April 2024
I had a wonderful time exploring Nepal through white water rafting and hiking in the Annapurna Valley. It was so beautiful and so much fun. Our guide Nar and assistant guides Padam and Ram and our porters and white water rafting crew were all fabulous. I always felt safe and was well taken care of. A must do, especially for those looking for some adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Justin - Traveled, March 2024
This trip is a good way to get to know Nepal if you've never been there, we had an amazing group, and our guide Jebin was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Caitlyn - Traveled, March 2024
Fabulous trip, a great way to see the beautiful scenery of Nepal and meet the locals!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Ellen - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip, I loved every minute! The walk and views were incredible, and went beyond my expectations! Be prepared for a lot of stairs both uphill and downhill, it can be quite tough on the knees.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Kevin - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing trip with Phurba Sherpa and Sumgung plus the team! Amazing food, views, culture! Can't thank them enough for making this trip so seamless and stress-free! :) thankyou!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Daniel - Traveled, December 2023
I’d highly recommend this trip for anyone wanted a break in nature, with plenty of time outdoors and a bit of local culture too. Our guide, Phurba, was great, and made the trip a lot of fun, as did the wonderful people in the group I now luckily call friends!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Harrison - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was an excellent taster of what it’s like to experience Nepal from the standpoint of its natural beauty.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Phatcharin - Traveled, December 2023
Great trip and amazing views!! Phurba Sherpa was the best guide and made the trip all the more fun!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Ciara - Traveled, February 2024
Absolutely loved my time in Nepal. Amazing activities, scenery, food and people. The guides were awesome as well; Phurba, Sangam Rai and Bibas Bhujel. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/08/2024
Sarah - Traveled, February 2024
Our guide Phurba was excellent, very knowledgeable and kind. The trip was full of beautiful views.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
William - Traveled, January 2024
An absolutely amazing trip with an absolutely fun and knowledgebale leader. Short and packed trip to see a glimpse of Nepal mountains, food, and cities. First and absolutely not last Intrepid trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Kristian - Traveled, November 2023
One of the best experiences I have had here in Nepal. I would definitely recommend this adventure to anyone wanting to experience the outdoors, beautiful views and mert amazing people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Mariah - Traveled, November 2023
I had an amazing time on the basic Nepal trip, it exceeded my expectations. The activities and accommodation were even better than I was expecting. It was a great mixture of activities and we saw so much in only one week. Our guide (TT) was fantastic :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Congrui - Traveled, October 2023
I really enjoyed this trip! It would’ve been a lot more difficult to navigate the country without traveling with a group/guide. The trip provided a good introduction to Nepalese culture and also life in the mountains. The trek was well organized and offered great views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. I would def recommend and am looking forward to visiting Nepal again soon.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Matt - Traveled, September 2023
Rafting was very enjoyable and felt safe, good trek variety each day and good accommodation. Porters provided for the trekking so no need for a large rucksack (apart from getting luggage to the starting hotel).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Nicholas - Traveled, September 2023
Brilliant, tons of fun and logistically perfect. Packed way more in than I could have done myself. Great guides and porters: NB, Bibas, Nir, Bichari, Tek, Chandre, Biswas, Kumar. All were amazing!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
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