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Essential Nepal Adventure

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13 days

Discover the rich culture and breath-taking landscapes of Nepal on this 13-day Essentials adventure tour. Explore the temple-filled Kathmandu Valley and the beautiful Newari town of Bandipur. Spot wildlife on safari in Chitwan National Park, meditate in Lumbini and go boating in Pokhara. End your adventure with a spectacular 3-day Poon Hill trek in the Himalayas or opt to stay in Pokhara for a serene yoga retreat. This value-packed tour showcases the very best that Nepal has to offer, without breaking the bank, with hostel and homestay accommodation.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

13 days

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 20

Minimum age

18 (maximum age 55)

Departs

Sundays

Hotel Rating

Hostels, simple guest houses & teahouses

Countries

Nepal

Arrival Transfer

No - can be booked for a supplement

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked for a supplement

Meals included

None Provided
Per person from
AUD$2,418.25
Save 15% today
Total From
$5,690.00
AUD$4,836.50
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$1,000.00
$4,336.50

Tour Highlights

Kathmandu - Take in the highlights of Nepal's capital on a full day tour, including Swayambhunath Stupa Temple, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple
Lalitpur - Marvel at the Golden Temple and Bangla Mukhi Temple and meet a living goddess
Nagarkot - Partake in a short hike and watch the sunset from a local viewpoint
Pharphing - Explore the monastery and cave amongst the local monks where Great Master Padmasambhava meditated
Bhaktapur - Stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a guided walking tour
Chitwan National Park - Go on a jeep safari and canoe ride in Chitwan, home to the one horned rhino and the elusive Bengal tiger
Lumbini - Meditate in the Maya Devi Temple gardens, birthplace of Buddha
Pokhara - Sightsee, relax by the lakeside, partake in a Momo making class and enjoy an optional 3-day yoga retreat
Go hiking in the Himalayas on a scenic 3-day Poon Hill Trek in the stunning Annapurna region, with spectacular mountain vistas
Poon Hill - Watch the sunrise and marvel at the spectacular panoramic view of the High Himalayas
Bandipur - Take a walk through this stunningly preserved town, soaking up all the charm it has to offer
Fissling - Brave the waters with an incredible white water rafting experience

Included

2 nights hostel in Kathmandu in 2024 (simple hotel in Kathmandu 2025 & 2026), 8 nights simple hotels and guesthouses, 2 nights in teahouses on the Poon Hill Trek (shared dorm style rooms)
All relevant transportation
Escorted by a local English/bilingual adventure tour leader
Kathmandu full day tour including Swayambhunath Stupa Temple, Boudhanath & Pashupatinath Temple
Lalitpur temple tour
Walking tour of Bhaktapur (Bhaktapur) and monastery visit
Chitwan jeep safari experience, canoe river trip and Tharu Cultural Show
Lumbini temples tour and Maya Devi Temple
Pokhara Momo making class and boating on Phewa Taal lake
3-day Poon Hill trek
Bandipur walking tour
White water rafting in Fissling (Kathmandu)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Any optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kathmandu

After arriving in the city of Kathmandu, make your own way to the hostel where you will meet your fellow travellers and tour leader for a welcome meeting on the rooftop at 6pm. Then consider heading to Durbar Square with the group to get a taste of delicious Nepalese food from one of the local restaurant before heading to the Thamal District to check some live music.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu

This morning there's an optional Everest sightseeing flight for early risers. Marvel at the sunrise over Everest, a truly stunning sight! We then re-group later in the morning to take in some of the highlights of Kathmandu, including the Swayambhunath Stupa Temple, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 3 - Temples in Nagarkot

Kathmandu - Lalitpur - Nagarkot. Today, we depart from Kathmandu and head towards Nagarkot. Enroute, we make a stop at Lalitpur with an abundance of temples to visit -such as the Golden Temple and the Bangla Mukhi Temple. We also have the pleasure to meet a living goddess who lives in the area. We then resume the journey, arriving Nagarkot in time for lunch, with options aplenty. The rest of the afternoon and evening is for leisure. However, there's an optional 30-minute hike with the guide and group to a picturesque viewpoint to witness a magnificent sunset.

Overnight: Nagarkot

Day 4 - Bhaktapur & Phaphing

Nagrkot - Bhaktapur - Pharphing - Kathmandu. It's now back to Kathmandu, with a couple of stops enroute. In the morning we visit Bhaktapur, partaking in a morning walking tour of this city (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We continue onwards to Pharping, which houses a fantastic monastery for us to explore. In this monastery, we're amongst the local monks. Make sure to explore the cave which was home to the meditations of Great Master Padmanabhanagar. We then arrive back in Kathmandu, with a free evening for exploration or relaxation.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 5 - Chitwan National Park

Kathmandu - Chitwan. Rise and shine! Today's early start begins our adventure to Chitwan. We stop for breakfast on the way, and reach Chitwan around midday with time for lunch. Once re-fuelled, we embark on a jeep safari! Spectate the wonderful abundance of wildlife this region offers - such as deers, monkeys, rhinos, sloth's, tigers, leopards and more. We then cruise along a river in a canoe, with many more sights to behold. After our canoe ride, we enjoy a cup of coffee with the sunset in the background. We finish the evening with a Tharu Cultural Show which will showcase traditional Nepalese songs and dances.

Overnight: Chitwan National Park

Day 6 - Temples in Lumbini

Chitwan - Lumbini. We travel onwards to Lumbini today, arriving in the early afternoon, where there's time to get lunch. We then enjoy a guided tour of the marvelous temples this area has to offer. We then spend the rest of the day exploring the Maya Devi Temple, which is the birthplace of Buddha! There's the opportunity to participate in meditation in the Ashok section of the temple grounds. We also visit a variety of other temples, built by Buddhists communities from various countries.

Overnight: Lumbini

Day 7 - Pokhara and Momo Class

Lumbini - Pokhara. Today we travel to one of the most iconic cities in Nepal - Pokhara! Take some time in the afternoon to acclimatise before we enjoy a momo making class. Learn the traditional methods of Nepalese cooking, with chance to taste these iconic dumplings.

Overnight: Pokhara

Day 8 - Free time in Pokhara

Today if free for you to explore Pokhara, with many laid back options such as local sightseeing, visiting the Mountain Museum, or relaxing by the lakeside. However, for tour-goers with action in mind, there are several optional activities which can be undertaken, such as - The Kushma bungee jump (second highest in the world!) or Paragliding.

We then gather mid-afternoon for a boat ride on beautiful Lake Phewa. This evening you can opt to join the group for a movie night at the nearby Movie Garden.

Overnight: Pokhara

Day 9 - Poon Hill Trek or Yoga in Pokhara

Pokhara - Ghorepani. The next three days offers one of the most amazing hikes in the Poon Hill region of the Himalayas. From Pokhara we head into the Himalayas embark into the Himalayas and start our hike with a largely uphill 2-3 hour trek through the jungle in Ghorepani village. Arriving in the evening, we stay in a local guesthouse for dinner and amazing sunset views.

Please Note: If you do not wish to partake in the 3 day Poon Hill Trek on days 9 - 11, you can opt to stay in Pokhara for a 3-day yoga retreat. Note - there is a surcharge for the yoga experience. If you choose to stay for the yoga experience, you can expect three days of restorative yoga practices, dance classes, tea ceremonies, candlelight meditations, and nature walks – interspersed with some leisure time for you to spend how you see fit.

Overnight: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Day 10 - Poon Hill & Tadapani

Ghoerpani - Tadapani. On the Poon Hill trek wake up early and take an optional 1-hour hike to Poon Hill to watch an incredible sunrise with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. We then re-group and set off for our 6 hour hike, across varied terrain, mostly up hill, with a break for lunch. We arrive in Tadapani village for group dinner and more breath-taking views.

Overnight: Tadapani Poon Hill Trek

Day 11 - Jungle Trek

Tadapani - Pokhara. On the final day of our trek enjoy breakfast before a 3 hour hike through jungles and local villages. On this mostly flat path we eventually arrive at our end point, with a private transfer back to Pokhara. Arriving in the mid-afternoon we have free time for leisure. It might be a good idea to enjoy a foot massage after all that walking!

Overnight: Pokhara

Day 12 - Bandipur

Pokhara - Bandipur. There's an early transfer today to Bandipur, the location of our final overnight stay. Arriving in the afternoon, partake in a walk through this preserved town with an abundance of charm. The evening is at leisure, and it is recommended that the group look to head into town for one final meal together.

Overnight: Bandipur

Day 13 - Kathmandu

Bandipur - Kathmandu. Today is our final day on the tour, however we have time to embark on one last thrilling activity - white water rafting! We'll spend a couple of hours enjoying the waters before we transfer back to Kathmandu, where our Nepal adventure tour comes to an end at approximately 6pm.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - Kathmandu

Dorm

$45per passenger

Double

$55per passenger

Twin

$55per passenger

Single

$105per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation Kathmandu

Dorm

$45per passenger

Double

$55per passenger

Twin

$55per passenger

Single

$105per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Add-on: Everest Scenic Flight

$605

per passenger

Add-on: Yoga Retreat Supplement

$125

per passenger

Add-on: Kathmandu Airport Transfer (max 2 pax)

$55

per passenger

Prices & Dates

Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Dorm' prices are based on dormitory rooms in the Kathmandu hostel and teahouses, twin share on the rest of the tour. 'Twin/Double' and 'Single' room prices include a private room upgrade at the Kathmandu hostel. Twin/Double rooms are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability. ROOM SHARE OPTION: If you are a solo traveller and happy to share of room then you can pay the ‘Dorm’ price or you can opt for a Single Room throughout the tour, subject to availability. Note: All travellers will be in dorm style rooms in teahouses on the trek - private rooms are not available.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
8 Dec - 20 Dec
$2,855
$3,275
2025
Twin/Double
Single
26 Jan - 7 Feb
$2,845
$3,075
23 Feb - 7 Mar
Save 15%
$2,845$2,419
$3,075$2,614
16 Mar - 28 Mar
Save 15%
$2,845$2,419
$3,075$2,614
13 Apr - 25 Apr
Save 10%
$2,755$2,480
$2,975$2,678
28 Sep - 10 Oct
Save 10%
$2,755$2,480
$2,975$2,678
26 Oct - 7 Nov
Save 10%
$2,755$2,480
$2,975$2,678
23 Nov - 5 Dec
Save 10%
$2,845$2,561
$3,075$2,768
7 Dec - 19 Dec
Save 10%
$2,845$2,561
$3,075$2,768
2026
Twin/Double
Single
25 Jan - 6 Feb
Save 5%
$3,145$2,988
$3,375$3,207
8 Feb - 20 Feb
Save 5%
$3,145$2,988
$3,375$3,207
1 Mar - 13 Mar
Save 5%
$3,145$2,988
$3,375$3,207
29 Mar - 10 Apr
Save 5%
$3,145$2,988
$3,375$3,207
12 Apr - 24 Apr
Save 5%
$2,995$2,846
$3,225$3,064
6 Sep - 18 Sep
Save 5%
$2,995$2,846
$3,225$3,064
4 Oct - 16 Oct
Save 5%
$2,995$2,846
$3,225$3,064
1 Nov - 13 Nov
Save 5%
$3,145$2,988
$3,375$3,207

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