Nepal Adventure
Experience Overview
Capture the spirit of Nepal on a stupa-endous journey rich in history, culture and spiritual exploration. See prayer flags billowing in the wind 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 stars. From the labyrinth of bustling bazaars in Kathmandu to the tranquil ambience of hill-top temples, it will be hard not to feel enlightened on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Highlights
- Experience Nepal’s stunning natural beauty from all angles – go hiking, whitewater rafting and venture out in search of wildlife on a safari!
- Be welcomed by warm Nepalese hospitality on an overnight stay in a hilltop village retreat, surrounded by rustic farms and overlooking the mighty Himalayas.
- Canoe, walk and safari through the lush landscapes of Chitwan – widely recognised as one of the best national parks in Asia.
- Feel the adrenaline rush on a two-day whitewater rafting adventure, plus spend a night camping under the stars on the banks of the Trisuli River.
- Start and end your journey in Kathmandu, meaning you’ll have more than enough time to discover the Nepali capital's staggeringly rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2160
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HNSC
Starts: Kathmandu, Nepal
Finishes: Kathmandu, Nepal
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not 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 $2295 ($230 /day)
Itinerary
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not get out and about to explore this city’s incredible history and artistic and cultural heritage. Wind your way through the narrow lanes to find small squares and courtyards where ornately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life – stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. After your welcome meeting, why not get to know your new travel buddies over a plate of momos – Nepal’s answer to dumplings.
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)
- Kathmandu - Home Cooking Class Urban Adventure (57 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 as they circle around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels. If you like, take the opportunity to offer your prayers to the Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entryway. Visit the monastery located inside Buddha Stupa, join a small puja ceremony and receive a Lama spiritual blessing. There may be the option for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a view over the stupa, followed by free time this afternoon to continue exploring Kathmandu at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu - Durbar Square
- Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa and Monastery visit with Lama blessing and Puja ceremony
Optional Activities:
- Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)
Make your way 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 hike through the thick forest or continue by vehicle to the hilltop village of Balthali. Worlds away from the tourist hub of Thamel in Kathmandu, this peaceful community nestled within a setting of verdant hills and lush rice paddies is far less visited. Soak up the tranquil ambience as you relax in your accommodation for the night, with surrounding views of villages, farms and the mighty Himalayas on the horizon.
Included Activities:
- Panauti - Leader-led walk
- Kathmandu Valley - Hike from Khopasi to Balthali
Travel to Namobuddha today. In the afternoon, you’ll set out for a walk in Dapcha Village. Dapcha’s main street is lined with old townhouses and was once on a key pilgrimage, trade and defence route connecting the valley and east Nepal. This ancient village was a major trade centre long ago, connecting businesspeople from Tibet and Nepal. Dapcha has a view of 350 km of peaks spanning from Khumbu Himal to the Annapurnas. In Namobuddha, you’ll visit the stupa and the impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Included Activities:
- Namobuddha - Thrangu Tashi Yangtze Monastery
- Namobuddha - Dapcha Village walk
Journey to Bhaktapur – a town that preserves the medieval charm of the Kathmandu Valley. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in its temples and squares, and the local people are still fiercely devoted to the lifestyle and faith passed on from their ancestors. Spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square, then spend some 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 pad for your two-day rafting experience. Meet the crew who will run through the safety briefing and prepare you for the adventure. The 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 have dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
Today, you’ll 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 on to 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, bears 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 sounds of the jungle.
Included Activities:
- Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan - Riverside Sunset experience (20 USD)
Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop aboard a jeep and embark on a safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the 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, birdlife and the marsh crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. You might also go on a birdwatching walk through the forest and across the grasslands. 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
This morning is free for you 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 beautiful temples nearby and browse the stalls of merchants’ wares. Hunt for the perfect souvenir – Tibetan prayer flags, Thanka paintings, singing bowls and pashmina shawls are popular. Tonight, maybe gather your group for a farewell feast of momos (dumplings) to celebrate an incredible trip.
Optional Activities:
- Chitwan - Bird watching walk - Free
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 to organise additional accommodation.
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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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