Days 1-2 Kathmandu
Our journey begins in Kathmandu. On arrival we transfer 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 4-6 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 Machapuchhare.
Each night we will stay in a simple traditional teahouse and our local trek team will take fantastic care of us.
Days 7-10 Community Project
Exhilarated from the trek, we spend the next few days working on a worthwhile community project.
Unfortunately Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and eighty five percent of its population live in rural areas. The UN has estimated that almost three quarters of Nepalis survive on less than two dollars a day. During our project we hope to make a significant and substantial difference to the lives of a village community.
Past projects have included the installation of water pipes to carry fresh water, building of classrooms and the renovation of a library.
As well as the hard work there is plenty of time to have fun with the local children who love to learn new games and sports. We can organise some fun and informal English lessons with them and they can teach us local dances and traditional songs. On the final day of our project we will celebrate our achievements with the whole community.
Exact details of our project will be dependent on the needs of the local community at the time we travel. Our aim is to make a real difference and greatly improve the lives of the community.
During our time in this wonderful mountain region we will have gained a real insight into the local culture, history and language of the local families
On the final day we will start our trek to the road head, resting overnight in a lodge on the way.
Days 11-12 Into the Jungle
We have an early start today to finish our trek to the road head to meet our vehicle, ready for the drive to Royal Chitwan National Park.
We arrive in time for an evening elephant back safari. The team will board a number of elephants and venture into the long grasses and through some of the shallow rivers on the back of these superb elephants. It is almost certain we will encounter greater one-horned rhinoceros, who grunt and move away like dinosaurs from a Jurassic Park movie.
Over the next few days we will experience lots of jungle activities including a boat trip down the river looking for freshwater dolphins.
The famous Thari people have lived in this region for hundreds of years. They may 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.
Days 13-14 Kathmandu
After an early start we head back to Kathmandu where we have plenty of time to relax. In Kathmandu we will have time to explore as well as visiting local markets, hidden temples and ancient shrines in the little back streets of Thamel.
We may also have time to explore the ancient Buddhist monastery of Swayambhunath, over 2,000 years old. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, it is truly one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world! We might also visit the stunning Tibetan Stupa at Boudhanath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of Buddhist pilgrims gather every day.
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. Then it is time to dive into shopping mode and try out our bartering skills, as well as fitting in a last celebration dinner!
Day 15 Transfer to Kathmandu Airport
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our international flights (under your own arrangements), finally arriving back with memories to last us a lifetime!