2 Weeks in Nepal

Welcome to Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha and the top of the world! You will be picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel. Until your fellow travellers arrive and you meet in the lobby in the evening, you have a little time to yourself. Enjoy the view of the mighty Himalayan mountains from the hotel's infinity pool! Later, you'll meet your fellow travelers and your guide. Taste local specialities over a shared dinner and toast to your upcoming adventure. Cheers!

Kathmandu has the highest density of UNESCO sites of any place in the world and today you will explore several of them! First, you escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a breathtaking view over the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit one of the oldest and most important religious buildings in all of Nepal, the legendary Swayambhunath Stupa - also called the "Monkey Temple", due to the large number of primates present the site.

Your exploration tour will continue at Patan Durbar Square, a marvel of ancient sacred architecture. Here you'll see the Malla King's Palace and visit the Patan Museum inside - national pride of Nepal, as it houses one of the most impressive collections of religious art in all of Asia.

After day of visiting cultural sites it's time to relax and enjoy a meal with a local family in their home: You will learn how to cook traditional momo dumplings. While sharing your momos with each other, you can get to know your hosts and exchange stories.

Are you knowledgeable about Hinduism and Buddhism? They are the primary religions practiced in Nepal, and today you will learn more about them by visiting two world-famous places of worship.

At the Hindu Pashupatinath Temple, you can experience unique local customs and rituals. Afterwards, you'll ride a tuktuk through the streets of Kathmandu to the Boudhanath Stupa - just like the locals. You will learn why this temple is particularly important for Tibetan Buddhists.

Next we will marvel at beautiful Thangka paintings at an art school. The colorful paintings depicting Buddha and other iconic figures are painted by Buddhists in Tibet and Nepal (and make a nice souvenir!).

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to the Early Childhood Development Center which was founded by Pushpa Basnet in 2005, then 21 years old. The ECDC is a non-profit organization that aims to provide support or a new home for children that grow up in abusive families.

You will have the rest of the day to yourself to explore or hang out with your travel companions.

Today calls for a road trip of a special kind! Once your bus took you out of Nepal's capital, the breathtaking landscape of the Kathmandu Valley with rivers, forests and rice terraces will greet you. Your guide will lighten up the journey with local games and songs until you get to the highlight of the day: river rafting. Dive into the raging rapids in the company of experienced rafters and experience a real adrenaline rush in the white water! The guides know their waters like the back of their hand and know how to maximise the fun for an unforgettable experience. Refreshed by the wild waters and the fast currents, you will get on your private bus be driven to Pokhara.

River rafting is an exciting experience and part of the programme, however, if you wish, instead of rafting you can take your luggage on a private bus to Mugling, where you will rejoin with your fellow travellers.

Today you wake up at the base of the mighty Himalayas. After the busy days in Kathmandu, you will soak up fresh air and picturesque views in Pokhara. As the name suggests, the "City of the Lake" is located on the beautiful Phewa Lake, which is featured on many postcards from Nepal.

You go straight for the water and take a rowing boat to a small island with a temple that is of great significance to the locals. Your next stop is the World Peace Stupa, which is perched on a hill above the lake and offers a magnificent view. This type of stupa was built in many locations worldwide for people of all nations and religions to gather and pray for world peace.

In the afternoon, see how beautiful traditional Nepalese textiles are woven and sewn at the Women Skill Development Organization Nepal. Our visit supports this fair trade, non-profit organisation that employs 500 women who face social and economical disadvantages.

Afterwards enjoy your free evening in Pokhara town.

Have an opulent breakfast, because you are going up high today! We start our three-day trek into the towering heights of the Himalayas. The hike reaches 2200 metres in altitude at the highest point.

First, we will take the bus a few towns over and can stock up on supplies, then we will hike up into the chilly mountain climate. We will pass colourful prayer flags, picturesque natural scenery and incomparable views until we reach the Australian Camp where we will spend the night. Your accommodation, a local tea house, is already awaiting you with warm treats! You can have a little snack and explore the surroundings. Join your guide for an optional hike around the Australian Camp if you wish to move a bit more.

Experience a picture-book sunset with a view of Mount Macchapucchre and dine together with the locals and your hard-working helpers and enjoy local mountain specialities, a drink or two and lots of interesting conversations.

We begin hiking in Phedi at 1130m and reach 2060m at the end of the day when arriving to the Australia Camp. Our luggage is transported by local helpers, so-called Sherpas. They are protected by trade unions and are adequately paid. For the nights on the mountain, warm clothing, blankets and heaters are provided in the shelters, additional equipment can be rented if needed. Please still bring appropriate clothing (fleece and down jacket) and sturdy shoes.

Today the early bird catches a very special worm: the sunrise over the Himalayan Mountains. Wake up to the sun's morning rays and watch the spectacle from Australian Camp. You will certainly never forget this morning!

We set off on the hiking trail to Majh Gaon, a remote village. To the left and right are breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders to admire, including the beginning of the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, which is famous among mountaineers. Majh Gaon is located high up in the Himalayas, far off the beaten track and thus almost devoid of tourists. This is the home of the Gurung, one of the most important Gurkha peoples. The brave Gurung used to transport salt (Himalayan salt!) across the once difficult-to-pass Himalayan trails between Tibet and Nepal. They are also known for their adventurous honey harvesting techniques. Gain an authentic glimpse into the life of the Gurung, walk through the village on your own or just relax - you definitely deserve this break! However, if you have some energy left, join the guide for an optional hike to another village nearby Majh Gaon.

Later on we start our descent to our accommodation for the night, the Mala Lodge, located at 1400m.

The last day of your trek has arrived. Today you get up early to experience another breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayan mountains, tightly wrapped in cozy blankets. The fresh air, the first rays of sunshine, and all this in a remote village in the middle of the Himalayas. You will never forget this moment!

Next we hike down the mountain (until Birethanti at 1100m), where we will be picked up by our private bus. Once back in town, it's time to relax! In the spa resort you can relax your muscles in the Jacuzzi and unwind by the pool. If you like, you can treat yourself to a massage (optional, for a fee) at the hotel spa.

If you feel refreshed after an hour or two at the hotel, you can dive into Pokhara's colourful nightlife! After all, Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal - and the hotel is within walking distance of the many lively bars.

Have you always wanted to go on a safari? Then you should go where endangered species thrive: Chitwan National Park. Chitwan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the number of Indian rhinos has doubled and the number of Bengal tigers has even tripled over the past few decades. Tomorrow we will spend the day and the night with the animals - today we will focus on the people of Chitwan.

The Tharu call themselves forest people. Today we visit a village where we can learn more about their culture. What is it like to grow up by the forest, near wild animals?

Today is a real dive into nature, and you'll be sleeping in the jungle!

First, we spend the day exploring Chitwan National Park. We go canoeing - with a bit of luck you might spot animals drinking on the river banks like elephants, and maybe even a crocodile or two. Afterwards, our guide will talk us through the forest on foot - can you read the animal tracks?

In the afternoon we hop on jeeps and go on a safari! There are 600 rhinos and buffalo you'll be looking out for - and will we spot elephants?

Later we set off to our rustic tree house. In our hideout we're safe from wild animals and can actually watch them from above if we're quiet enough. After nightfall, we hear the sounds of the forest while our solar-powered light source might leave us in perfect darkness. Embrace this unique adventure and spend an unforgettable night in the middle of the wilderness.

The tropical birds sitting in the tree canopy around us wake us up with their morning song. We pack our things and leave our tree house for civilisation.

Today we head back to Kathmandu. The journey back takes us past beautiful landscapes. On the way, you hop on a cable car to explore Manakamana temple and its breathtaking views.

Once in Kathmandu, you have time to freshen up. Fancy a drink at the hotel's infinity pool with a view of the Himalayas? Afterwards, you'll come together as a group for a final dinner. Cheers to the guide, to new friendships and our shared adventure!

In the morning, you have free time in Kathmandu to go shopping for last-minute souvenirs or have a last chai tea. After that, we'll drive you to the airport on time for your journey home.

Or maybe you would like to extend your Nepal trip and discover your inner self while spending a few days at a silent retreat? Then check out our optional extension!

You'll travel back home with many new memories. What is going to stick with you most - the challenge of river rafting? The dramatic heights of the mountains? The smiles of the Nepalese people? Or the experience of seeing elephants and rhinos in the wild?