Days 1-2 Fly to Kathmandu under your own arrangements
The expedition starts in Kathmandu. On arrival we transfer from the airport to our hotel in the bustling Thamel district. In Kathmandu we find lively streets, old temples and hidden shrines. We can absorb the vibrant atmosphere of this exotic capital as we settle in.
Day 3 West to Pokhara
We board our private bus for the overland trip west to Pokhara. At first we pass through the busy suburbs of Kathmandu and then out into the countryside of the Kathmandu valley.
We wind through green hills, studded with tiny settlements and farms on steep terraces. We pass carts pulled by buffalo and farmers and villagers tending their land in the hot sun.
Along the way we should encounter fantastic views of the snow-capped peaks of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Manaslu and the Annapurna range of mountains.
Days 4-7 Trekking – Annapurna foothills
A short drive brings us to the start of our wonderful trek through the stunning Annapurna Mountains. Travelling below the skyline of the beautiful Fishtail Mountain, Machapuchhare, we pass through tiny villages along good trails. There are no roads up here, so the routes between villages are the main tracks for the people who live here.
We will trek through beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron, with monkeys calling to the team below! We may also see Golden Eagles soaring through the sky above. The climbs and superb views of the Annapurna range make this trek both challenging and immensely satisfying.
One morning we will get up before sunrise and trek to the mountain viewpoint of Poon Hill, standing at just over three thousand metres it offers stunning panoramic view to witness the sun rising over the snowy peaks of the Annapurna’s and Maccapuchhare.
Each night we will stay in a simple traditional teahouse and our local trek team will take fantastic care of us.
Day 8 Back to Pokhara
Our last morning trek takes us back to the road head where we meet our private bus. We say goodbye to our Sherpas and porters, and drive back to Pokhara.
We will have time to recharge our batteries as we relax by the beautiful Lake Phewa or we can explore the laid back streets lined with little shops and cafes. Many Tibetans have moved to the area and we will have a chance to see some of their wonderful jewellery!
Today is a perfect chance to unwind after our trek and to prepare ourselves for the excitement of the next part of our expedition.
Day 9 Mountain Biking
Now for a total change…we collect our bikes for a day of mountain biking around the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara.
We can enjoy the picturesque scenery as we pass by on two wheels. This is a wonderful way to really experience Nepal. The varied route offers a glimpse of real Nepalese life going on around as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalaya Mountains.
Day 10 White Water Rafting
Today we leave Pokhara behind and take a short drive to the Seti River put in point. Here we meet our professional rafting guides to go through all the safety drills. Nepal is world renowned for its outstanding river journeys and we will be able to get a taste of this during our rafting experience. We set off in our rafts and heading down stream through a number of exciting rapids.
We camp on a beach overnight in our tents and enjoy our meals on open fires under the stars.
Days 11-12 Rafting and into the Jungle
After a morning of more thrills and spills on the river we take our bus to The Royal Chitwan National Park in Southern Nepal.
Over the next few days we will experience lots of jungle activities including an evening elephant back safari. We will venture into the long grasses and through some of the shallow rivers on the back of these superb animals. It is almost certain we will encounter greater one-horned rhinoceros, who grunt and move away like dinosaurs from a Jurassic Park movie. We can also take a boat trip down the river looking for freshwater dolphins.
The famous Thari people have lived in this region for hundreds of years. They will visit our camp one night and dance and entertain us which will be brilliant fun. You can expect to get up and join in the dances, so no holding back!
Day 13 Kathmandu
This morning we travel back to Kathmandu and before our final celebration dinner we will have a chance to explore the bustling streets of Thamel. There will be plenty of opportunities to try our bartering skills as we shop for some souvenirs to take home.
There may be time to visit the monkey temple or the famous Bodinath, a stupa visited by thousands of Buddhist pilgrims daily. In the centre of the old city is Durbar Square, from here the city’s king ruled in days gone by. We may encounter the living goddess, Kumari Devi, peering from her upper window from her chambers.
Day 14 Transfer from International Airport
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to London under your own arrangements, finally arriving back with memories to last us a lifetime!