Nepal Grand Adventure

Detailed itinerary

• day 01
  Arrival in Kathmandu - Airport transfer and hotel check-in

  Your Nepal adventure begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (4,600 feet). After completing immigration formalities and collecting your luggage, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a representative of Mountain Kick and transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Following a brief rest and orientation about your upcoming journey, take time to settle in and prepare for the cultural discoveries ahead. Your journey starts the next day and we will brief you on your big Himalayan adventure.

  Duration: Arrival day | Activity: Airport transfer and orientation

  Points of Interest:

  • Welcome to Nepal’s capital city at 4,600 feet elevation

  • First glimpse of Kathmandu’s bustling streets and vibrant culture

  • Hotel orientation and trip briefing

  • Rest and preparation for upcoming adventures

  • Accommodation: Hotel
• day 02
  Sacred Sites tour - Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and drive to Nagarkot

  Embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu’s most sacred sites, all included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Begin at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the biggest and holiest shrines in the world dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the country, believed to be a tomb of an incarnation of Lord Buddha. In the evening, take a scenic drive to Nagarkot Hill Station, the most popular hill surrounding the Kathmandu Valley due to its weather and scenic beauty, offering the best views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest and the Annapurna range.

  Duration: Full day | Activity: Cultural sightseeing and heritage exploration

  Points of Interest:

  • Pashupatinath Temple – sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva

  • Boudhanath Stupa – massive Buddhist pilgrimage site and meditation center

  • Traditional religious ceremonies and spiritual practices

  • Nagarkot Hill Station with panoramic Himalayan views

  • Sunset views over the Kathmandu Valley

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 03
  Sunrise view in Nagarkot and visit to Changunarayan Temple or Bhaktapur Durbar Square

  Wake early to witness the amazing sunrise from Nagarkot, which according to tourists is an incredible sight. Nagarkot offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and the Annapurna range. After breakfast, visit Changunarayan Temple, one of Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites and believed to be the oldest temple in Nepal. The temple is located on top of a hill and surrounded by a forest, showcasing exquisite traditional Newari architecture. Alternatively, explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former royal courtyard with several ancient temples and monuments, rich in culture and preserving the traditional way of living.

  Duration: Early morning viewing plus heritage exploration | Activity: Sunrise viewing and cultural discovery

  Points of Interest:

  • Spectacular Himalayan sunrise including Mount Everest views

  • Panoramic mountain vistas from Nagarkot viewpoint

  • Changunarayan Temple – Nepal’s oldest temple with intricate carvings

  • Traditional Newari architecture and woodcarving craftsmanship

  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square medieval royal courtyard

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfas
• day 04
  Drive to Charaundi and Trishuli River rafting with riverside camping

  A holiday is incomplete without a little bit of thrill, and here we have plenty of it as we go rafting in the Trishuli River. A three-hour scenic drive takes us to Charaundi where the rafting adventure begins. With help from our experienced guides and trainers, you will navigate grade 2 and 3 rapids from Charaundi to Kurintar, experiencing the excitement of Nepal’s pristine mountain rivers. The day combines adventure with stunning natural scenery as you raft through gorges and valleys. We will camp overnight on the river bank under the stars, creating an authentic outdoor adventure experience.

  Duration: 3-hour drive plus full day rafting | Activity: White water rafting and riverside camping

  Points of Interest:

  • Trishuli River grade 2 and 3 rapids adventure

  • Professional rafting guides and safety equipment

  • Scenic mountain valley landscapes

  • Riverside camping under the Himalayan stars

  • Traditional riverside dinner and campfire experience

  • Accommodation: Rivercamp
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 05
  Continue rafting in Trishuli River and drive to Pokhara

  Continue your rafting adventure in the Trishuli River with another exciting day navigating the rapids. Later in the day, we will take you to Pokhara in a comfortable private tourist vehicle. It is approximately a four-hour drive with beautiful scenes of the mountains throughout the way to keep you entertained. You will reach Pokhara in the evening, just in time to explore the famous lakeside area and experience the amazing nightlife of Nepal’s adventure capital.

  Duration: Morning rafting plus 4-hour scenic drive | Activity: Final rafting and journey to lake paradise

  Points of Interest:

  • Final Trishuli River rapids and water adventure

  • Scenic mountain highway with terraced hillsides

  • First glimpse of Pokhara’s famous lakeside area

  • Traditional villages and rural landscapes en route

  • Evening arrival at Nepal’s adventure tourism hub

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
• day 06
  Pokhara city sightseeing - Bindabashani Temple, Old City, Seti Gorge, Gorkha Museum and Phewa Lake

  Explore Pokhara’s diverse attractions on a guided tour of this beautiful city nestled around the pristine Phewa Lake. Visit the sacred Bindabashani Temple, explore Old Pokhara City with its traditional architecture, witness the dramatic Seti River gorges, and discover the Gorkha Museum showcasing local history and culture. Take a peaceful boat ride on the famous Phewa Lake and visit the Barahi Temple situated on a small island. Each location offers unique insights into the cultural heritage and natural beauty that makes Pokhara Nepal’s most beloved destination for both adventure and relaxation.

  Duration: Full day | Activity: Sightseeing and cultural exploration

  Points of Interest:

  • Bindabashani Temple – sacred Hindu shrine with mountain views

  • Old Pokhara City with traditional Newari architecture

  • Seti River gorges showcasing natural geological formations

  • Gorkha Museum displaying local history and Gurkha heritage

  • Phewa Lake boat ride and Barahi Temple island visit

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 07
  World Peace Pagoda visit, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Gupteshwor Cave and Davis Fall exploration

  Begin with a morning visit to the World Peace Pagoda, a beautiful place to explore with stunning 360-degree views of the city, lake, and mountains. Head down to lakeside for lunch before embarking on further sightseeing in the city. Visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp to learn about Tibetan culture and traditional craftsmanship, explore the mysterious Gupteshwor Cave with its impressive limestone formations and religious significance, and witness the natural phenomenon of Davis Fall where water dramatically disappears underground into a deep gorge.

  Duration: Full day | Activity: Cultural sites and natural wonders exploration

  Points of Interest:

  • World Peace Pagoda with panoramic mountain and lake views

  • Tibetan Refugee Camp showcasing traditional crafts and culture

  • Gupteshwor Cave limestone formations and Hindu religious significance

  • Davis Fall underground waterfall phenomenon

  • Lakeside leisure and mountain photography opportunities

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 08
  Early morning Sarangkot sunrise viewing and leisure day in Pokhara

  Wake up early to travel to Sarangkot just in time for sunrise, a short drive from lakeside that treats you to one of the most beautiful scenes of the rising sun along with a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Mount Manaslu can be seen ahead of you while Pokhara city and the Phewa Lake are visible below. Sarangkot is also a popular destination for paragliding enthusiasts, offering optional adventure activities. Spend the rest of the day exploring Pokhara’s adventure sports options, relaxing by the lake, or preparing for the upcoming trekking adventure.

  Duration: Early morning excursion plus leisure day | Activity: Sunrise viewing and adventure preparation

  Points of Interest:

  • Spectacular Himalayan sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges

  • Bird’s eye view of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake

  • Optional paragliding opportunities for adventure enthusiasts

  • Adventure sports hub exploration and preparation

  • Trekking gear check and final preparations

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 09
  Drive to Nayapool and trek to Ulleri village

  We will begin the day with a short drive to Nayapool village where the trekking circuit around Mount Annapurna begins. It is a one-hour scenic drive through rural landscapes and traditional villages. From Nayapool, begin your trek to Ulleri village, climbing stone steps through terraced fields and rhododendron forests. This first day of trekking serves as an excellent introduction to the Annapurna region, allowing you to acclimatize gradually while experiencing authentic mountain village life.

  Duration: 1-hour drive plus 4-5 hours trekking | Activity: Trek commencement and village experience

  Points of Interest:

  • Nayapool village – gateway to Annapurna trekking circuit

  • Traditional stone steps and terraced agricultural landscapes

  • Ulleri village authentic Gurung community experience

  • First mountain views and forest trekking

  • Traditional guesthouse accommodation introduction

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 10
  Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani village through rhododendron forests

  Steps have been laid all the way up to Ghorepani, and walking up these stone steps for five to six hours will definitely put pressure on your legs, but we will pass through several villages and rest stops to keep you fresh. The forests and hills provide excellent distraction from fatigue as you climb through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. Ghorepani village sits at 9,416 feet and serves as the perfect base for the famous Poon Hill sunrise trek. The village offers stunning mountain views and traditional mountain hospitality.

  Duration: 5-6 hours trekking | Activity: Mountain village trek through forests

  Points of Interest:

  • Traditional stone step pathways through mountain terrain

  • Rhododendron and oak forest ecosystems

  • Multiple Gurung and Magar villages en route

  • Ghorepani village at 9,416 feet elevation

  • Mountain lodge accommodation and local culture

  Accommodation: Guesthouse
  Meal: 

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 11
  Early morning Poon Hill sunrise hike and trek to Tadapani village

  Poon Hill lies in the village and we trek to its summit early in the morning. People say the western part of the Himalayas look more beautiful than the eastern ranges and nowhere is this more true than from Poon Hill at 10,535 feet above sea level. After witnessing the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before trekking to Tadapani village. The trail to Tadapani passes through pristine rhododendron forests and offers different perspectives of the mountain ranges, providing a more secluded and authentic village experience.

  Duration: Early morning hike plus 4-5 hours trekking | Activity: Sunrise viewing and forest trek

  Points of Interest:

  • Poon Hill summit at 10,535 feet for sunrise views

  • Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre ranges

  • Western Himalayan peaks in golden morning light

  • Pristine rhododendron forest trekking

  • Tadapani village authentic mountain community experience

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 12
  Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk village with cultural exploration

  Trek from Tadapani to the beautiful village of Ghandruk, descending through varied terrain and forest landscapes. Ghandruk is perfect to mix with the local people, who are very friendly, and get a sense of the authentic Gurung culture. There is a monastery, a temple and even a museum here to keep you busy throughout the day. The view of the Annapurna Range is another prime attraction from this traditional village. The local food here is something exceptional and provides an authentic taste of mountain cuisine.

  Duration: 3-4 hours trekking | Activity: Cultural village trek and exploration

  Points of Interest:

  • Scenic descent through varied mountain terrain

  • Ghandruk village at 6,398 feet with Annapurna Range views

  • Traditional Gurung monastery and cultural sites

  • Local museum showcasing mountain heritage

  • Authentic mountain cuisine and cultural interactions

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 13
  Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapool and drive back to Pokhara

  It is an easy downhill trek to Nayapool from where we return to Pokhara to the comfort of a city. The descent offers final mountain views and passes through traditional villages and terraced landscapes. You can hang out in the lakeside area or visit a night club to relax after trekking for four days in the hills. This transition from mountain villages back to lakeside comfort provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on your trekking achievements and enjoy modern amenities.

  Duration: 3-4 hours trek plus 1-hour drive | Activity: Final trek and return to lakeside comfort

  Points of Interest:

  • Final mountain and village views during descent

  • Traditional terraced farming landscapes

  • Nayapool village departure point

  • Return to Pokhara’s famous lakeside area

  • Celebration of trekking achievement and mountain experiences

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 14
  Drive from Pokhara to Lumbini - Buddha's birthplace pilgrimage

  It takes about six hours to reach Lumbini which lies southwest from Pokhara in a comfortable private tourist vehicle. As you know, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims come here from all over the world. The atmosphere is peaceful and there are monasteries, temples and a museum to see here. This UNESCO World Heritage site resonates with the peace and calm that Buddha advocated, offering a spiritual contrast to the adventure activities of previous days.

  Duration: 6-hour scenic drive | Activity: Pilgrimage journey and spiritual exploration

  Points of Interest:

  • Lumbini – UNESCO World Heritage site and Buddha’s birthplace

  • Sacred Maya Devi Temple marking the exact birth location

  • International monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions

  • Lumbini Museum with archaeological artifacts

  • Peaceful gardens and meditation areas

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 15
  Drive from Lumbini to Chitwan National Park for jungle adventure

  We will head east to Chitwan in a luxurious private tourist vehicle 8. You will be treated with views of hills and forests throughout the five to six hours’ journey to Chitwan. The landscape gradually changes from the spiritual plains of Lumbini to the subtropical wilderness of the Terai region. We will stay in a jungle resort inside the national park, providing immediate access to one of Nepal’s most important wildlife conservation areas and home to some of the rarest animals in the world.

  Duration: 5-6 hours scenic drive | Activity: Journey from spiritual site to wildlife sanctuary

  Points of Interest:

  • Changing landscapes from plains to subtropical forests

  • Terai region traditional villages and rural life

  • Chitwan National Park boundary and jungle environment

  • Jungle resort accommodation within the national park

  • Introduction to wildlife conservation efforts

  • Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
  • Meal: All Meals
• day 16
  Full day Chitwan National Park wildlife safari and cultural activities

  There are so many fun activities in Chitwan National Park that one day is not enough. Elephant safari, jeep safari, watching wildlife, canoeing, mixing with indigenous people of the jungle – the options are so many that you will be spoilt for choice. Every moment brings the possibility of spotting Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bears, leopards, and hundreds of bird species that call this pristine wilderness home. Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Tharu community, who have lived in harmony with the jungle for generations.

  Duration: Full day | Activity: Wildlife safari and cultural activities

  Points of Interest:

  • Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros spotting opportunities

  • Diverse bird watching with over 500 species

  • Elephant safari through jungle terrain

  • Jeep safari for wildlife photography

  • Tharu cultural village visit and traditional performances

  • Accommodation: Jungle Lodge
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• day 17
  Drive from Chitwan back to Kathmandu

  We will leave for Kathmandu in a private tourist vehicle and it takes about six hours to get there. The journey takes you through changing landscapes from the subtropical Terai plains back to the Kathmandu Valley. This transition from jungle wildlife back to the bustling capital provides a perfect contrast and prepares you for the final cultural experiences of your Nepal adventure. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the capital city.

  Duration: 6-hour scenic drive | Activity: Journey from jungle to capital city

  Points of Interest:

  • Changing landscapes from subtropical plains to mountain foothills

  • Traditional villages and rural landscapes en route

  • Return to Kathmandu’s bustling urban environment

  • Final preparation for cultural exploration

  • Rest and relaxation in the capital city

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast
• day 18
  Half day sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square or Swayambhunath Stupa and farewell dinner

  We will take you on a tour of ancient and culturally rich neighborhoods around Kathmandu. Visit Patan, the old city which has remained more or less the same since medieval times, with former royal palaces and temples every 20 yards 9. Alternatively, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. As this is your last day of the tour, we will host a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate your incredible 19-day journey through Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures 10.

  Duration: Half day sightseeing plus evening celebration | Activity: Cultural heritage exploration and farewell dinner

  Points of Interest:

  • Patan Durbar Square with royal palaces and temples

  • Traditional Newari architecture and craftsmanship

  • Swayambhunath Stupa with panoramic valley views

  • Ancient Buddhist and Hindu religious sites

  • Traditional farewell dinner with cultural entertainment

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
• day 19
  Final departure from Kathmandu

  The day to return home has finally arrived. We will drop you to the airport 10, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Nepal’s cultural heritage, adventure activities, mountain vistas, and warm hospitality. This comprehensive 19-day adventure has provided an authentic taste of Nepal’s diverse heritage, from ancient temples and royal palaces to wildlife safaris and Himalayan views.

  Duration: Departure day | Activity: Airport transfer and departure

  Points of Interest:

  • Final views of Kathmandu city and Himalayan backdrop

  • Last-minute shopping opportunities in Thamel district

  • Reflection on 19 days of cultural and natural discoveries

  • Airport departure procedures and journey home

  • Memories of Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures

  • Meal: Breakfast