DAY 1

After meeting your guide in the lobby of the hotel (a hilltop resort set in the grounds of what was once the private hunting grounds of the royal family), and once an introductory meeting has been completed, you embark on a short walk through the surrounding forest leading to a hidden temple, where you may spot macaque monkeys or barking deer, with views of nearby hills and, in the distance, the Himalayas. En route you may also hear many songbirds while walking along this wide trail, which is soft underfoot and surrounded by pine trees.

You are welcomed to Nepal at dinner in the hotel’s elegant dining room overlooking the forest and golf course.
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 2

After breakfast at your resort, you transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for the 25-minute flight to the city of Pokhara, the capital of Western Nepal (at an elevation of 3,300 feet). The flight path follows the Western Nepal Himalayas, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Annapurna Mountains. After a briefing, you transfer by road about one hour, with guides and porters, to the trek start point. The walk begins along a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurna Range, with broad views over the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where the Sanctuary Lodge (3,470 feet) your home for the night, is located. Passing tiny mountain villages, you encounter colorful donkey trains and meet school children, all the while accompanied by the sounds of the nearby river. With magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known, you enjoy lunch on the lodge’s terrace. Later, you may choose to take an optional walk to the village of Birethanti, or to explore the surrounding river valley. Tonight a traditional Nepalese meal is served by candlelight in the lodge’s dining room.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 3

Following a leisurely breakfast including fresh baked breads, homemade preserves, and honey, you leave Sanctuary Lodge en route to Gurung Lodge (4620 feet). The 2-hour walk takes you through forested hillsides with views of the valley below. The Gurung lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village, and every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After lunch at the lodge, perhaps a tantalizing soup, rice, bread, fresh fruit, and tea, you make your way to the nearby village of Tanchok. Here, you are welcomed to a talk at a historic house that has been turned into a museum and illustrates traditional village life with its collection of tools and implements of the region. There is also time to visit an elementary school. Returning late afternoon to the lodge, there is time to relax and enjoy a drink overlooking the view before dinner.
Gurung Lodge, Majhgaun

DAY 4

This morning’s route takes you through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet, passing through subtropical forest that includes tree orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Along the way, you make a stop at the village of Pothana, where many Tibetan traders live and sell their crafts. Approximately 3-4 hours of walking brings you to Basanta Lodge at 5,000 feet. From the lodge and its lovely gardens, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range, which you can enjoy over lunch at the lodge. Afterwards, you may choose to take an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. Tonight you enjoy one last dinner in the heart of the mountains.
Basanta Lodge, Dhampus

DAY 5

You depart the lodge this morning and walk along a ridge, before descending through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor, walking for approximately 1-2 hours. You are met and transferred by coach about 30 minutes to a lovely resort in Pokhara, arriving in time for lunch. Situated at the base of the Annapurna Range, every room offers spectacular mountain views, as well as its inviting swimming pool. This afternoon Pokhara’s beautiful Phewa Tal Lake invites exploration—on the trail along its shore, and of the many Tibetan artisan’s shops nearby. In the evening, you enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara

DAY 6

The start of the river rafting portion of the tour begins with a transfer from Pokhara to the raft launch site of Damauli, a drive of about 1-2 hours through the countryside. Here you meet your experienced boat crew, who provide a thorough safety and rafting briefing prior to the float down the remote Seti River, including paddling techniques. With no road access, the river, along with the surrounding valley, are pristine and rich in wildlife. River travel affords a unique perspective on village life along its banks, as well ample opportunity for bird watching. Midway along the river journey, you stop at a sandy beach for a picnic lunch. Later in the afternoon, you arrive at the remote, yet well-provisioned campsite with its safari-style tents complete with beds, changing room, veranda, and an attached bathroom. After relaxing, and perhaps taking a short stroll along the river, you enjoy a dinner of simple but plentiful Nepalese cuisine in the riverside dining tent.
Seti River Camp, Seti River

DAY 7

Today is a relaxing layover day at the Seti River Camp, and this morning you may choose to join your guide(s) on a walk through the surrounding forest to the remote Gurung village of Dharampani. The trail ascends through a forest, skirting a small stream, with views of the river below as you approach the ridge. Returning to the camp for lunch, the afternoon is free for you to stroll along the riverbank in search of birdlife, through the landscaped gardens, or simply relax in a hammock or the tree house. This evening, after dinner, you gather around an open driftwood fire, a true safari-style river camp experience.
Seti River Camp, Seti River

DAY 8

After a final riverside breakfast, you board the rafts for a 2-3 hour float to the rafting end-point. On completion of the rafting, you transfer by coach approximately 2 hours to the Chitwan National Park, with a stop for lunch en route, to begin the safari portion of the tour. Chitwan, meaning “heart of the jungle,” was for decades the royal hunting grounds of Nepal’s ruling class. Established as a national park in 1973, and declared a World Heritage site in 1984, it is one of the best habitats for the Bengal tiger in the world; and also home to 43 mammal species and over 500 bird species. Upon arrival at your safari camp on a bluff overlooking the Rapti River with the national park beyond, an introductory briefing is given prior to the afternoon elephant safari—your adventure atop an elephant through one of Asia’s most fascinating natural parks in search of rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and many other jungle animals. Later, you share stories over drinks on the patio, and then proceed to dinner in the safari camp’s inviting dining room.
Narayani Safari Lodge, Chitwan

DAY 9

Today you awaken for early morning game viewing, which is the ideal time, followed by a copious breakfast at the camp. After, a short transfer brings you to the Bharatpur Airport for the 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you proceed to visit Boudhanath, Nepal’s largest Buddhist Stupa, where, by late afternoon, monks and nuns are circling the sacred monument, spinning its prayer wheels. The surrounding streets are also a good place for shopping. You later make your way back to the resort hotel just on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where you were first welcomed to Nepal. This evening you gather for a talk given by a Sherpa who has climbed Mount Everest, who joins you for a farewell dinner, celebrating your adventures throughout his fascinating country.
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 10

Early this morning you board your flight to the town of Lukla (9,200 feet), in eastern Nepal. The flight provides an overview of Nepal’s geography; first you see the Langtang and Jugal Mountain Ranges, then the Eastern region, where you pass over the Rolwaling Himal Range, with its peaks of over 23,000 feet. Finally, you approach the Khumbu region of Mount Everest, where the elevation rises from a minimum of 11,000 feet to the highest point on Earth—Mount Everest itself. The Khumbu region is home to Sagarmatha National Park. You step on the trail from Lukla, heading north from the airstrip. The peak visible at the head of the valley is Kusum Kangru, considered by mountaineers to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb. Along the stone steps and small settlements, you greet farmers in their terraced patches and, see the ubiquitous yak. Beyond the Kusum Kangru Bridge the trail ascends to Phakding (9,200 feet), your home for the night. At the center of this village and cluster of lodges stands Rimijung Monastery, established by Sherpa Lama Khempo Dorje in the 16th century. Your lodge is in a peaceful setting on the banks of Dudh Kosi River where you are warmly welcomed with tea. In the afternoon, after lunch at the lodge, you may choose to climb to the Gomba in Gumila, high on the hill above Phakding, for views of the high peaks. With ample time to relax in your comfortable room, or in one of the lodge’s welcoming public spaces, you gather for dinner in the dining room, an enticing buffet of traditional dishes.
Yeti Mountain Home, Phakding

DAY 11

After awakening and enjoying a fortifying breakfast of hot or cold cereal, an omelette, toast or chapatis, you set off north up the Dudh Kosi Valley. Ascending through fields and past a few lodges to a waterfall, just beyond is an excellent view to the east of the peak of Thamserku. A steeper pitch takes you over a rocky ridge where you traverse high above the river to Benkar (at around 8,900 feet). The trail crosses to the east bank of the Dudh Kosi River on a new suspension bridge. Now the trail evens out and parallels the river in a particularly scenic section; the villages alternate with towering forests of rhododendron, magnolia, and giant firs. Entering the picturesque Monjo Valley at 9,400 feet, you are in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. After a series of switchbacks you are rewarded with your first view of Mount Everest peeking over the ridge of Nuptse. Leaving the ridge, the trail climbs less steeply, but still steadily, through pine forests to a national park forest nursery and some tea shops at Mishulung. Finally the trail turns and reaches the main street of Namche. At an elevation of 11,300 feet, Namche is the capital of the Khumbu Valley and the oldest trading center of the region. Houses cascade down the steep slopes, and your home for two nights is in a spectacular location just above the village with panoramic views over it and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Sinking in to your comfortable guest room, later you gather for a lively and well-deserved dinner—steaming chapatis and spiced raita accompany an assortment of curried vegetables, with perhaps a creamy cardamom-infused rice pudding for dessert.
Yeti Mountain Home, Namche Bazaar

DAY 12

Awakening in your lodge perched on the mountainside, you gather for breakfast before a day spent exploring the Namche area: its streets and market, and the Sherpa Culture Museum, a traditional house devoted to the art, culture, and lifestyle of this mountain people. Also, a one-hour walk takes you the village of Khumjung (at 12,400 feet), home of the Khumjung Hillary High School and the Khunde Hospital, both constructed with funds donated by the late Sir Edmund Hillary. The village of Khumjung covers the largest area in the Khumbu region and views over Mt. Everest and surrounding peaks are magnificent. The national bird of Nepal, the Impeyan Pheasant, or “danfe” in Nepalese, is found in the region in and around Namche Bazaar. Other bird species you may see include choughs, which soar to seemingly impossible heights, as well as flocks of snow pigeons wheeling over the hillsides. You return to Namche Bazaar with time to stroll through the village, or relax in your lodge before drinks and dinner.
Yeti Mountain Home, Namche Bazaar

DAY 13

Today is your last day in the Khumbu region—and after a very early breakfast you make your way to the airstrip at Syangboche for the 10-minute spectacular flight in the Pilatus aircraft to Lukla. From Lukla you return to Kathmandu in the a Twin Otter aircraft, and upon arrival you are immediately transferred to your hotel on the outskirts of the city. Lunch is served upon arrival and the rest of the afternoon is free, and you may wish to take advantage of the hotel facilities by playing a round of golf, or having a spa treatment. Your guide(s) join you for dinner this evening at the hotel.
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 14

This morning after breakfast your guide takes you firstly to Bhaktapur, one of the ancient Nepalese capitals of the Kathmandu Valley up until the 15th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Closed to vehicles; the beautifully preserved city is a maze of architectural riches, old temples, shrines, and traditional homes. On the old trade route between Tibet and India, it is known for its traditional handicrafts and practicing artisans. Visit the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest in Nepal, built by King Bhutatindra Malla in 1708 and also view the Palace of the Fifty-Five Windows, with its famous Barking Bell and the Golden Gate, which is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded gate of its kind in the Orient. After touring more of its preserved center, you continue to Patan (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) for a late lunch at the fascinating museum that holds many of Nepal’s traditional sacred art treasures in a former palace of the Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. A center of Buddhist and Hindu culture, it is also one of the old capitals of Nepal. Later in the afternoon, you make your way to Thamel, Kathmandu’s central shopping district, where you can do any final shopping. An early dinner tonight is in a special place, a former palace garden known as the “garden of dreams.”
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 15

After breakfast, complimentary transfers are provided to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your journey home.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 9, 13 & 14

Gokarna Forest Resort
Kathmandu, Nepal

This lovely, peaceful resort is located within the temperate Gokarna Forest. It has first-class facilities for you to enjoy, such as a spa and Jacuzzi, gym, and golf course. All rooms are spacious and comfortable and overlooking the courtyards or with views of the forest.

Night 2

Sanctuary Lodge
Birethanti, Nepal

As its name implies, this lodge is truly a sanctuary. The remote location next to a mountain river provides quiet and tranquility. Each room, while simple, has touches of taste and style.

Night 3

Gurung Lodge
Majhgaun, Nepal

This simple lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Rooms stand as individual bungalows, each with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Night 4

Basanta Lodge
Dhampus, Nepal

Situated at just under 5,000 feet, this cozy lodge with lovely gardens provides sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.

Night 5

Shangri-La Village Resort
Pokhara, Nepal

A first-class oasis located minutes from Pokhara’s bustling lakeside. The resort has a pool, award-winning gardens, and rooms tastefully decorated with Nepalese and Tibetan art.

Nights 6 & 7

Seti River Camp
Seti River, Nepal

This beautifully landscaped camp features roomy tents erected on permanent platforms with verandahs and private bathrooms (with flush toilet and hot water for showers). Treehouses, hammocks, and main dining lodge provide areas for solitude as well as group gatherings.

Night 8

Narayani Safari Lodge
Ghatgain, VDC Chitwan Nepal

Located on the edge of the Chitwan National Park, this comfortable safari lodge has individual cabins interconnected by pathways lit at night by kerosene lamps, dining hall, bar, fireplace, and a wildlife viewing deck.

Night 10

Phakding Yeti Mountain Home
Phakding, Nepal

The first of your mountain lodges, all are in magnificent settings, with quality modern construction combined with traditional craftsmanship of stone and wood, Nepalese design, painting, and fabrics, and large comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. This beautiful lodge is in a tranquil setting along the banks of Dudh Kosi River at just over 8,500 feet.

Nights 11 & 12

Namche Yeti Mountain Home
Namche, Nepal

Located just above the traditional town of Namche Bazaar (at 11,350 feet), this lodge provides panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Prem Gurung

Prem was born in the foothills of the Annapurnas in the Himalaya Range and possesses a life-long knowledge of Nepalese culture and traditions.  Having served 22 years as a British Gurkha, Prem has also traveled through Europe, Australia, the Far East, and the Caribbean but prefers walking the hills of his native Nepal.