Nepal Adventure

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 accommodation on the riverside and have dinner with your group.

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.