Journeys- Discover Nepal 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at your leisure. An airport transfer is included. Unwind with a soothing wellness experience featuring a sound bath demonstration, followed by a welcoming six-course vegetarian dinner showcasing Nepalese culinary diversity.

Day 2: Exploring Kathmandu

Spend the day discovering the colorful capital of Nepal. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, the most revered Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet, and explore the intricately carved temples, pagodas, and historical sites of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s ancient capital.

Day 3: Swayambhunath and Monastery Stay

Visit the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, adorned with colorful prayer flags and home to playful troops of rhesus monkeys. Later, learn about the efforts of National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi to preserve traditional weaving techniques in the Upper Mustang region through her work with the Himalayan Indigenous Society. Continue to Pharping, a site known for its significant Buddhist pilgrimage locations, and spend the night in a serene monastery guesthouse. Experience the daily life of the monks, and participate in a chanting and prayer session or stroll through the monastery’s tranquil grounds. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local community restaurant and learn how to prepare Nepalese momos before savoring your delicious creations.

Experience the peaceful ambiance of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Your guest house provides comfortable lodgings with scenic balconies and modern amenities. Home to about 200 monks of the Nyingmapa tradition, this newly established monastery (founded in 2006) directly supports its community through guest house revenue.

Day 4: Sunrise at the Monastery and Lodge Arrival

Awaken before dawn to the soothing sounds of monks chanting and witness a breathtaking sunrise. Travel to the charming riverside village of Kurintar and trek to your lodge, situated on a hillside surrounded by lush forest, offering stunning views of the Trishuli River. Relax by the pool or embark on a guided walk through the scenic countryside, stopping at charming local villages.

Day 5: Guided Walk and Local Village Experience

Today, explore the lush forests cascading down the hills of Kurintar. Visit local villages inhabited by diverse tribal communities, including the Chepang, Dorai, and Magar, who sustain themselves through forest foraging.

Your journey continues toward Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to 68 mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and Bengal tiger, along with a plethora of bird species. Check in to your lodge, located along the banks of the East Rapti River. Following lunch, set off on a river safari aboard a traditional flat-bottomed boat, watching for aquatic birds, crocodiles, and other local wildlife along the way.

Day 6: Discover Chitwan National Park

Spend the day exploring the wonders of Chitwan National Park through various activities that may vary by season. Set off on a jeep safari across the grasslands and dense forests, searching for rhinos, leopards, elephants, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Meet with a conservation expert from the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit organization committed to protecting these majestic big cats. Visit a local farming village bordering the park to glimpse rural life, and return to your lodge in time to enjoy a traditional dance performance by the local Tharu community.

Day 7: Journey to Pokhara

Drive to the enchanting town of Pokhara, situated along the shores of the turquoise-hued Phewa Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Take a guided stroll through the city and consider dining at a well-known local restaurant. Nestled in a serene valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), Pokhara sits on a historic trade route between India and Tibet. Today, mule trains still transport goods from the remote regions of the Himalayas, and this delightful city, with its stunning lakes and panoramic views of the Himalayas, is a popular spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.

Day 8: Sunrise and Cultural Exploration in Pokhara

Awaken early and travel to Sarangkot village, hiking to the renowned Sarangkot lookout for a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna range. Return to Pokhara and trek up a lush path to the gleaming white World Peace Pagoda, constructed by Japanese monks post-World War II. Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement established by the United Nations in 1964. Discover the community’s history through a gallery walk and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch. In your free time, consider a leisurely boat ride on Phewa Lake.

Day 9: Return to Kathmandu

Catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Spend the afternoon shopping in the vibrant Thamel district or visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s most significant Hindu temple complexes. Enjoy your afternoon exploring, whether visiting the burning ghats at Pashupatinath or wandering around Swayambhunath, the famous monkey temple. Kathmandu offers intrigue at every corner, and many travelers prefer to explore freely, allowing the city to guide their adventures.

Day 10: Departure Day

Depart at your convenience. Please keep in mind that hotel checkout is at 12:00 PM.