Nepal Ultimate Adventure
14 days
From $ 4599
Duration14 days
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  • Etepia
  • Nepal Ultimate Adventure

Spend 16 days on a memorable exploration of Nepal, from south to north. Home to the world’s highest mountains and steeped in ancient traditions, this small country packs mighty adventure and plenty of heart. Nepal is a land of stupas and snowy peaks, dramatic vistas and diverse geography. In less than 200 miles, it rises from just 300' on the border with India to over 29,000' at the summit of Mount Everest. We explore its tropical south to its Himalayan north, following paths once taken by Nepal’s royalty. Our journey begins in Kathmandu where we tap into the local spirit of this bustling city and have the opportunity to witness Everest from a birds’ eye view. In the subtropical jungle of Royal Chitwan National Park, we travel astride elephants looking for rhinos, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, we hike through the Middle Hills, a destination is largely untouched by the modern world. Lastly, we helicopter into the Langtang Valley to hike amongst breathtaking Himalayan giants. Each new day brings new adventure and a renewed appreciation for the serenity of stunning Nepal.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 14 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Nepal Peak
    Ages: 18+
Nepal Ultimate Adventure - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Namaste. Enjoy a traditional banquet and orientation to our adventure.
Our trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs at the Kathmandu Airport, you are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and explore on your own. In the early evening we gather for a banquet of traditional Nepali foods and a trip orientation. Dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 2: Chance to view Everest by air and explore Kathmandu.
Very early this morning there is an optional flightseeing tour (additional cost) to view Mount Everest from the air—the views of the Himalayas are extraordinary! After breakfast, we meet in the hotel lobby for a half-day guided tour of the ancient sites of Kathmandu. Our local city guide provides insights into Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and one of Nepal's holiest Buddhist sites. This afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee weaving center and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples to Lord Shiva in world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, a tributary of the holy Ganges River in India. We return to the hotel late this afternoon with time to pack for tomorrow's trek. Breakfast included.
Meals: B
Day 3: Fly to Royal Chitwan National Park, home to the elusive Bengal tiger.
A short flight this morning takes us directly into the Royal Chitwan National Park. While the wildlife can be elusive, this park is home to rare black rhinos, Bengal tigers and large herds of elephants. After checking into our comfortable jungle lodge, we’ll have lunch and then prepare for our first jungle outing. Lead by a park naturalist, we’ll head out on foot to get a solid understanding of the ecology of this subtropical lowland forest and hopefully come across a few of its unique inhabitants. Keep your eyes open for one-horned rhino, wild boar, langur monkeys, sloth bears, three types of deer and a myriad of bird species. All meals included.
Flight: 20 minutes
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Go on a jungle safari, looking out for rhino, boar, monkey, and more.
A full day of wildlife viewing and jungle exploration in Chitwan National Park is on today's agenda! An early morning ride in a dugout canoe along the misty shores of the Rapti River is the perfect way to spot kingfishers, flycatchers and many other species of waterfowl. Keep an eye out for the highly endangered gharial, a member of the crocodile family with a long, slender snout. Step out of your canoe and onto jungle trails for an afternoon elephant safari. Our unique perspective from the top of our surefooted elephants gives us the best chance of spotting rhinos, but the real enjoyment is the magical experience of lumbering through jungle, streams and grasslands on these majestic animals. All meals included.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Learn about elephant conservation efforts and fly to Kathmandu.
We are up early for a final outing in Chitwan National Park. Visit the elephant breeding center to learn about the park's elephant conservation efforts and training programs before transferring to a local airfield for a 20-minute flight to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. This is a good time to shop for gifts in the colorful Thamel markets. Breakfast included.
Meals: B
Day 6: Trace the ancient footpaths Nepalese royalty used to travel to India.
Our three-and-a-half-day, fully-supported camping trek in the Middle Himalaya begins today. Our trail loosely traces the ancient footpaths Nepalese royalty used hundreds of years ago to travel south to India for the winter. Today these trails are used by local villagers and farmers to cross the miles from their homes to the nearest towns. Far off the beaten path, ours is a route you won't find in any guidebook, and we don't anticipate meeting any other trekkers on our journey.
Each day provides unique opportunities to meet and interact with the local people whose rich Hindu culture has been little touched by the modern world. As we make our way through stands of wild poinsettias and terraced hillsides of buckwheat and mustard, we will stop at a Tibetan gompa that offers magnificent views of the Bagmati River Valley, meet Newari farmers plowing their fields, sip tea with a Tamang family and perhaps share an evening of traditional stories around a small home hearth. We will also take time to visit a local school where we meet the local students and teachers.
Each morning our guides and porters wake us with sweet hot tea or coffee at our tents. Our dedicated cooking team prepares delicious meals that incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In the evenings our trekking staff sets up camp on a hillside offering large vistas, immense quietness and endless starry skies. This is a slice of traditional Nepal at its very best! All meals included.
Trekking: 3-4 hours daily; Terrain: rolling hills with some steep sections; 1,000-2,000' daily elevation gain/loss at altitudes between 6,000' and 8,500'.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Return to Kathmandu.
We break camp and say goodbye to our Middle Hills trekking crew. Our final day of trekking takes us downhill where we are met by our private vehicle. Our drive winds through small villages on its way back to Kathmandu. Arriving in the midafternoon, we have the remainder of the day to relax or explore on our own. Breakfast and Lunch included.
Trekking: 3 hours. Terrain: Continuous downhill with some steep sections; 2,000' elevation loss. Driving: 1.5 hours
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Helicopter ride and hike through rhododendron forests to Langtang.
Board our charter helicopter for a breathtaking flight north to the village of Ghora Tabela (9,450'), just below the Langtang Valley. If the skies are clear, our helicopter flight is a visual highlight, floating high above the river valleys and ridgelines. Have your camera ready! Once landed, we hike approximately two hours in sight of Langtang I, a high, snowy peak dominating the horizon, gaining roughly 900' of elevation before reaching a cozy teahouse for lunch. After lunch the trail zigzags, passing spinning prayer wheels and into the Langtang valley. Stone houses and walled fields comprise the community of the Tamangs and Sherpas, who for hundreds of years crossed over from Tibet to live in the high reaches of the Himalayas. We overnight in a local teahouse. Support crew carries all of our main luggage. All meals included.
Hiking: 4.5 hours; Terrain: rolling hills with some level sections; 2030' elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Trek through ruggedly wild and exceedingly beautiful mountain scenery.
Snowcapped Himalayan giants surround the upper Langtang Valley. A delightful morning's trek to Kyangjin (12,600') winds up and through ruggedly wild and exceedingly beautiful country offering fine mountain scenery. Ice-fluted Gangchempo (21,000') dominates the eastern landscape. Wandering past icy streams and glacial pools, aside long mani-walls and stone chortens draped in colorful prayer flags, our hike is entirely through the open valley until we top out at a rise above Kyangjin Gompa. From here the mountain views are even more spectacular with Langtang Lirung (23,700') being the most dramatic. We settle into our teahouse, our home for the next three nights. All meals included.
Trekking: 3-4 hours; Terrain: gradual and steady uphill; 1120' elevation gain.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Hike one of the options near Kyangjin to further explore the Langtang Valley.
We can choose from a variety of day hike options in the Kyangjin region. The Lirung Cirque of hanging glaciers and Langtang Lirung basecamp are beautiful treks, or we might hike up-valley toward Nubamtang (13,123') with its justifiable reputation for mountain grandeur. Above Kyangjin we can follow the Langtang Khola (river) on an easy path that passes yak herders' settlements and pastures and cuts across rocky moraines and glacial streams. One mountain after another draws our attention and pulls us onward. The walks in the upper valley are magnificent! All meals included.
Hiking: Various options ranging from 3-7 hours; up to 2,000' elevation gain/loss.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Summit Kyangjin Ri for jaw-dropping views of Himalayan peaks.
A rewarding option is a hike to higher elevation for 360 degree views of the immense peaks of the Langtang Range from the summit of Kyangjin Ri (15,200'). The trail climbs steeply, but our hard work is rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Tserko Ri, Yala Peak, Naya Kanga, and Dorji Lapka to name just a few. Should weather or other conditions dictate, we can choose an alternate hike in the Kyangjin area. Or, grab a book and your camera and soak up the quiet splendor of Kyangjin from a sunny spot in the village. A visit to Llakpa's coffee shop and bakery is an afternoon treat not to be missed. This is the final evening with our Langtang trekking porters and support staff. All meals included.
Hiking: 4-6 hours. Up to 2,600' elevation gain/loss.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Return to Kathmandu and explore this colorful city.
We bid farewell to this magnificent high mountain country and board our helicopter for a morning flight from Kyangjin to Kathmandu. After we transfer to our hotel, the remainder of today is free for relaxation or exploration. Breakfast included.
Meals: B
Day 15: Wander medieval Bhaktapur and marvel at carved temples in Durbar Square.
This morning we will tour Bhaktapur. Located about an hour outside of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a treasure of medieval architecture, and our local guide knows all its hidden corners. We wander the narrow streets, marvel at carvings and temples in Durbar Square, and stop to watch artisans throw pots on a wheel using methods that span generations. Time permitting, we also visit a local Thanka school where we learn how the community of Bhaktapur is preserving this art form that is equal parts painting and meditation. Our farewell banquet of traditional Nepali foods is the perfect end to this spectacular Himalayan journey. Breakfast and dinner included.
Meals: D
Day 16: Our exploration of Nepal ends.
Our journey in Nepal ends with a transfer to the Kathmandu Airport for flights home. Breakfast included.

End place: Nepal Peak

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Accommodation and meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • National Park fees
  • guided city tours
  • private in-country transportation
  • skilled bi-lingual Nepali trip leader(s)
  • trekking support staff (porters/cooks)
  • camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils)
  • airport transfers

  • Accommodation

    Lodges/Hotels: 8 nights. Camping: 3 nights. Tea houses: 4 nights

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