28-day sabbatical adventure tour in Nepal

Kathmandu

Tag 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!

Welcome to Kathmandu!

As you touch down in this magical land at the top of the world, you'll be eagerly greeted and then whisked off to your comfortable hotel in the middle of the city.

In the evening, enjoy dinner, where you'll get all the information you need about what's to come on the rest of the tour.

Patan Durbar Square - Pashupatinath Temple

Tag 2: Explore Patan Durbar Square

Today, enjoy breakfast before a visit Patan Durbar Square.

First, visit the famous Krishna Temple, where the 21 pinnacles built in Shikhar style are the major highlight. Once a city of Bihars and Bahils, Mahaboudha is a terracotta masterpiece from the 14th century. The courtyards or 'Chowks', such as Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Mani Chowk and Narayan Chowk, are other places of interest worth taking a look at.

Stroll around the old Newari houses and explore the beautiful golden temple along with Kumbheshwor, the oldest temple in the valley.

The evening is free to spend however you please.

Kathmandu - Chitwan

Tag 3: Witness wildlife in Chitwan

Enjoy breakfast before driving to Chitwan, offering a fantastic view of the valley from the hilltop when you exit from the Kathmandu Valley.

Afterwards, we'll take you to your hotel. Once you've settled in, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and, in the evening, head out again for a village walk, watch a Tharu cultural dance, take in the beautiful sunset and explore one of the finest national parks in Asia – listed as a World Heritage site since 1984. It is renowned for the variety and abundance of wildlife. If you're lucky, you might encounter a Royal Bengal Tiger!

Chitwan

Tag 4: Visit an elephant breeding centre

Enjoy breakfast this morning, before starting your Chitwan adventure today. First, you'll have a briefing before taking part in a nature walk. Later, you'll go canoeing and tour a village on a traditional bullock cart.

End the day by visiting a elephant breeding centre in Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park

Tag 5: Jeep safari in Chitwan National Park

Today's Chitwan jungle adventure begins with a jeep safari. Be prepared to get a real sense of excitement as you encounter Chitwan's wildlife and don’t be surprised if some of the animals cross your path as you travel through the jungle! Chitwan is home to many endangered species, such as the royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, gaurs, sloth bears, monkeys, deer, as well as crocodiles, butterflies and over 530 species of colourful birds. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled and have your camera ready as you tour this unique landscape. 

Chitwan - Pokhara

Tag 6: Drive to Nepal's second city

Today, enjoy breakfast before driving to Pokhara, which takes around five hours.

Pokhara is Nepal's second-largest city after Kathmandu and is famous for its Himalayan range and gorgeous lake. The gateway to the famous Annapurna trekking, Pokhara is one of the country's most popular destinations for adventure sports and relaxation.

Once you've settled into your hotel, take time to explore some of the beautiful places of interest dotted around Pokhara, including the colourful boats bobbing on the lake.

Tal Barahi - Devis Fall - Gupteshwor Cave

Tag 7: Visit the most beautiful waterfalls in Nepal

After breakfast, visit a temple in the middle of the Taal Barahi Lake. Then go on to explore David's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Falls – a magnificent waterfall right in the city. The water here forms a tunnel after reaching the bottom: the tunnel is approximately 500 feet long and runs 100 feet below ground level. Don't forget to bring swimwear and your camera today! 

Head back to your hotel for a free evening, and exploring at your own pace. 

World Peace Pagoda - Tibetan Refugee Camp

Tag 8: Peace monument & Tibetan refugee camp

Fuel up at breakfast ready for your hike to the Peace Stupa. The day starts with a short boat ride on Phewa Lake. On the opposite shore, you'll hike for about 45 minutes until you reach the Peace Stupa – a stunning symbol of peace and harmony, and the perfect viewpoint to see the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchere range.

The day will end at the Tibetan Refugee Camp, where you can witness the life of Tibetan refugees, as well as buy their handmade souvenirs, helping them to generate extra income.

Afterwards, return to your hotel for the night. 

Pokhara - Dhampus - Australian Camp

Tag 9: Drive from Pokhara City to Phedi

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before this morning's scenic drive from Pokhara City to Phedi. Along the way, stop for a walk of around an one hour along the banks of the Modi Khola River.

Then we'll hike for another 30 minutes or so through the uphill flatland to reach Dhampus, where you'll have lunch with a view of the spectacular mountains.

Take a rest before ascending through a forest trail (around four to five hours), which leads to an Australian Camp, where you'll have dinner and bed down for the night. The camp has basic facilities and we recommend you bring comfortable shoes and a sleeping bag with you today. 

Australian Camp - Sarangkot - Pokhara

Tag 10: Mountain views en route to Pokhara

After breakfast, you'll trek along an easy trail across a hill ridge to reach the dense settlement of Sarangkot, made up of a rich mix of different ethnic groups. This trail offers you a spectacular view of the mountain scenery, including Mounts Dhaulagri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri, Lamjung Hima to name just a few. There's also an enchanting view over Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake, where we will be heading next, so you can settle into your hotel for an evening of relaxation or further exploration: whatever you choose. 

Pokhara

Tag 11: A day of trekking in Pokhara

Enjoy breakfast, before a full day of trekking in Pokhara. First, start at the entrance of the renowned Annapurna trekking path: many travellers come here to take in the breathtaking Himalayan range and sparkling lakes. The area is renowned for boating, hiking rafting and thrilling adventure sports on and around beautiful Phewa Lake.

Next, explore Pokhara City itself – a centre for leisure and adventure activities. If you're feeling daring, you could choose to paraglide above the city or go skydiving, or go mountain biking if you'd rather stay nearer to earth.

Pokhara - Kathmandu

Tag 12: Hit the road to Kathmandu

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we'll take a bus back to Kathmandu.

On arrival, check into your hotel, settle in and then you'll have leisure time today to explore the capital at your own pace. It's worth visiting the nightlife district of Thamel in the evening, full of exciting bars and restaurants, a bustling, tourist-friendly neighbourhood. There, you can can watch bands perform live music while enjoying Nepalese and foreign cuisine, before returning back to your hotel for a well-needed sleep!

Boudhanath Stupa

Tag 13: The largest Stupa in Kathmandu

After breakfast, visit Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Kathmandu. Stupas are Buddhist commemorative monuments that usually house sacred relics associated with the Buddha or other holy people.

Boudhanath's impressive structure towers 36m high and is one of the most fascinating examples of stupa design in the whole country. Hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha are all around you.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please: relax at your hotel or head out again to explore the capital's nightlife. 

Kathmandu - Chitlang

Tag 14: Stay in a Nepalese community

After breakfast, it's time to set off to visit a community in Chitlang.

On arrival in the community, you will be greeted with a garland by a local guide, who will coordinate your stay and introduce you to your host family, who you will eat and stay with for the next few days.

Chitlang

Tag 15: Explore the farmlands of Chitlang

Start the morning by exploring the farmlands of Chitlang and learn skills from your host family: milk cows and help carry the milk pot to the kitchen, take part in activities around the farm and feed fodder to the cattle.

Between 9 and 10am, your first meal of the day will be served fresh from the farm: locally sourced dishes such as steamed rice (Bhat) lentil soup (Daal), vegetables with hot and sour pickles. If you're interested in enhancing your cooking skills this morning and later this evening, your host family will help you prepare Nepalese cusine. 

For the rest of the day, explore the farmlands and take some quiet moments for yourself before spending quality time with your host family later in the evening.

Chitlang - Kulekhani

Tag 16: Hike to Kulekhani Dam

Enjoy breakfast with your host family, before we begin our hike to Kulekhani Dam.

Kulekhani takes around one-and-a-half hours to climb and is home to Nepal's largest artificial lake for generating hydroelectricity.

Afterwards, go boating on Indrasarobar Lake, then head back to your host family for dinner and another evening of company.

Kulekhani - Chitlang

Tag 17: Hike through local farmland

Enjoy another breakfast in the company of your host family, before taking a tour of the neighbouring community.

We'll hike through the farms with a local guide. Every Nepalese community is endowed with its own distinct features; take time to observe these agricultural activities, with your guide.

Afterwards, hike back to your homestay at Chitlang.

Chitlang

Tag 18: Learn from the locals

Breakfast at the homestay this morning, before building up your knowledge of Nepalese culture and environment with tips from the locals: you'll learn all about the distinct culture of the village, how it functions, and wisdom and techniques from the community's elders.

You'll also learn that the customs and habits of your own country may be different from the Nepalese locals, and there'll be time to talk and exchange tips. 

In the evening, spend time with your host family with a delicious traditional meal.

If you have energy after this, take a night tour of the local area.

Chitlang

Tag 19: Cook in a Nepalese village

Today, you'll learn from a local to cook Nepalese food. Blend local taste with western flavour: the results could be a delicious surprise for you and your host family. You might also bring back an innovative recipe as the ultimate gift to your family and friends back home.

In the afternoon, join your host family on the farm and participate in their activities. The community will also organise a cultural show to thank you for your contribution, time and participation in their lives over the last few days. In keeping with local tradition, they'll offer you garlands.

Chitlang

Tag 20: Visit a school in Chitlang

After breakfast, you'll visit a local school. This is the perfect opportunity to enhance your resumé by teaching the children about other cultures. This could range from everyday habits from your homeland, such as brushing your teeth and washing your hands to bigger environmental issues such as recycling and littering.

Did you know that Nepal suffers from water pollution due to sedimentation and discharge of industrial effluents into the water supply? We want to educate the children of today on how they can look after the planet for the next generation.

You can also play, sing and dance with the students, even help them with their homework. At the end of the day, the students will be so excited to take a picture with you!

In the evening, return to your host family for a delicious home-cooked meal.

Chitlang

Tag 21: Plan with locals how to help their environment

After breakfast, your group will develop a plan with a locals for ways they can better protect their environment. The more people to make a positive change the better for Nepal, the better!

This can be as basic or as complex as you like, after you have identified some of the local issues that need addressing. Not only are we looking to educate the young but also, the elders too, so the whole community can get involved.

In the afternoon, you will present your findings to the locals in a group and answer any questions they may have. In exchange, you can also ask the locals questions.

Today, will be the final night with your host family. This is the perfect time to present them with gifts, if you'd like. The children will always benefit from throughtful educational gifts, such as pencils, crayons and paper.

Chitlang - Kathmandu

Tag 22: Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, gather your belongings, say goodbye to your host familiy, and reflect on all you learned from the experience with on the drive back to Kathmandu.

If you'd like, please share your thoughts when you return: this helps us improve the experience and allows the local community to know that you've had a unforgettable time!

Once you're back in Kathmandu, the evening is yours to spend as you please.

Kathmandu

Tag 23: Explore Kathmandu

Today, you will have a free day to explore Kathmandu. Shop for souveniers at the local markets, stroll the streets and have a meal at one of the many restaurant or bars.

Kathmandu - Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Nepal Yoga Retreat Bhaktapur

Tag 24: Peaceful yoga retreat

After breakfast, you'll visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the modern town of Bhaktapur.

Afterward exploring this fascinating site, we'll depart for the Nepal Yoga Retreat, a peaceful sanctuary tucked in the hills of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by temples. Settle in and enjoy a delicious vegetarian dinner.

Nepal Yoga Retreat Bhaktapur

Tag 25: A day full of yoga and relaxation

After breakfast, today will be a full day of peaceful relaxation, combined with several healing experiences, such as: yoga, massage therapy, self-study, star gazing and more.

Nepal Yoga Retreat Bhaktapur - Changunarayan Temple

Tag 26: Hike to a temple or relax at the retreat

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you'll have the option to take a day trip to hike to a local community near the Changunarayan Temple. This is the oldest temple of Vishnu, built in early 5th Century CE and situated in a valley 20km northeast of Kathmandu. The countryside here has some of the most magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas range. This is also a important historical and religious place, where you can see fine stone sculptures dating back to 5th to 9th century CE, as well as a monumental garden.

Alternatively, take some free time for yourself at the yoga retreat.

This evening, enjoy dinner and unwind.

Nepal Yoga Retreat Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Tag 27: Free day in Kathmandu

After breakfast and spending the morning in the yoga centre, we'll drive back to Kathmandu.

On arrival, you'll have free time in the day. In the evening, you'll enjoy a fantastic Nepalese dinner in The Garden of Dreams, which includes a cultural programme as an unforgettable end this memorable tour.

The Garden of Dreams has a beautiful ensemble of fountains and pavilions. There are six pavilions, each of which is dedicated to six different seasons of Nepal.

Afterward, return back to your hotel for your last night in the city. 

Tribhuwan International Airport

Tag 28: Farewell!

Have breakfast before transferring to the airport to catch your flight back to your home with sweet memories of Nepal.

Farewell!