If you think that Nepal is just for trekkers, think again. This fabulous country’s rich history...
Himalaya Discovery
Trip type:
Cultural & Nature
Activity level:
Gentle
Max group size:
16 Nepal, Asia | 13 days
Trip code:
IA Trip notes
These trip notes contain details of your upcoming holiday. You can access the full trip notes once you have booked in the post booking section of this website.Choose whether you produce this as a colourful pdf or print it out without all of the images. We compile all of the relevant information and package this together for you to read at your leisure.
Trip guide
Essential information regarding your trip, including map, itinerary & what to pack
Itinerary options
Main Description
The perfect introduction to adventure travel! For those who want a more relaxed journey through this exciting mountain kingdom - without the need to undertake anything more than easy rambles - this wonderful trip should fit the bill perfectly. The medieval back streets of Kathmandu with their temples and markets are your starting point before travelling west for a wonderful two-night stay in a traditional Nepalese hill village. From Pokhara you'll ascend before dawn to Sarankot for a stunning panorama of Himalayan peaks. Heading south you'll journey to the world-famous Chitwan National Park, where you make an exciting elephant-back safari in search of rhino and other wildlife before flying back to Kathmandu and a chance for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Adventure Level
This trip is suitable for anyone in good health. There is no physical difficulty and the optional walks are graded as ‘gentle’. Facilities at the guesthouse in Bandipur are shared. Nepal is a developing country; road conditions are poor and delays can occur, especially just after the monsoon rains. Be prepared to leave Western expectations behind!
Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as printed in the brochure and detailed below, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of alterations to flight schedules, climatic conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors. As a consequence, the order or location of overnight stops may vary from those outlined. Included meals are indicated in the daily itinerary i.e. BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
The decision to partake in any activity not listed as an optional activity is entirely at your own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about or problem with, any such optional activity your claim should be directed to the activity provider and not to The Adventure Company.
The decision to partake in any activity not listed as an optional activity is entirely at your own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about or problem with, any such optional activity your claim should be directed to the activity provider and not to The Adventure Company.
Top Tips | |
|---|---|
 | Taking photographs of the magnificent cultural sights and Himalayan peaks will be high on the list of many travellers to Nepal but take care before you start snapping away. Taking pictures at airports is usually prohibited and sensitivity is required at sights such as Pashupatinath Temple. Although many locals may like having their photograph taken, others may not – would you? Ask with a smile and you’re more likely to get results |
SOME INTERESTING READING:
Himalaya – Michael Palin
A Season in Heaven - David Tomory
Living in the Clouds – Eva Kipp
Shopping for Buddhas - Jeff Greenwald
The Snow Leopard – Peter Matthiessen
SOME USEFUL PHRASES:
Namaste – Hello, Greetings
Dhanybhad – Thank you
Hajur – Excuse me, pardon
Tapainko naam ke ho? – What is your name?
Mero naam George ho – my name is George
Responsible Travel | |
|---|---|
 | We work with a Nepalese owned agency who employs responsible working practices throughout their operations. $5 per person will be split between the school in Nuwakot, which helps support deaf people who teach there and also contributes to the upkeep of the building. We also support the Trisuli Young Leaders Club, where youngsters can learn skills for everyday life such as cleaning up and learning to be rafting leaders |
Clothing and Footwear
Although western standards of dress are becoming more accepted, Nepalis remain very traditional in what they wear. Out of respect (even though you may see travellers dressed otherwise) both men and women should dress conservatively – no sleeveless/halter-necked tops please. Whilst shorts are acceptable they should be modest and reach to just above the knee. Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list. If you need further advice, please call us or consult your nearest specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store.
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Warm long trousers
- Warm mid-layer (fleece) - essential
- Sun-hat
- Trainers/sandals for relaxing
- Woollen hat, gloves and scarf – essential Nov-Mar
- Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight trail boots
- Swimming costume
Equipment
- Torch
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lipsalve
- Water bottle
- Personal first aid kit and sewing kit
- Toilet tissue
- Insect repellent
- Money belt
- A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend you take biodegradable travel detergent.
Baggage
For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20kg – we advise you to take 10kg as you will be on the move a good deal! For domestic flights using light aircraft the usual weight limit is 15 kg.
One main piece (a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase).
A daypack (25-30 litres), large enough to carry what you need for the day including camera, water, etc.
Fancy Adding an Urban Adventure Onto Your Trip?
Kathmandu Living
The day starts early and you head straight out on foot to visit a number of places of worship. First stop is Swoyambhunath, where you follow the path of Hindu and Buddhist devotees, as they circle the holy stupa and spin the prayer wheels. The mesmerising wafts of incense, hypnotic chanting and surreal sound of ringing bells all create a truly spiritual atmosphere and you can’t help but feel awed by it.
Spiritually awakened, you stroll through the maze of backstreets to Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its numerous temples and market. Pick up some fresh vegetables, aromatic spices and any other ingredients you’ll need for making a local lunch. Well stocked, you then meet up with your host family, who will help you to unlock some of the secrets of Nepalese cooking with the ingredients that you bought. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your creations.
Duration: 5-6hrs
Start time: 7.00am
Please note that if you wish to do this Urban Adventure it must be pre-booked before your trip departs. Due to flight times, if you wish to go on this Urban Adventure you will need to add an extra night's accommodation onto the beginning or end of your trip. Please speak to one of our travel consultants in order to arrange this.
Climate Chart
Currency - Nepal
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee.
If you are taking cash with you to exchange in Nepal, major international currencies, including the US dollar, euro and pounds sterling, are readily accepted. A certain amount of cash is always useful to have with you, particularly small denomination notes that are clean and untorn.
Credit cards are becoming accepted more widely in hotels and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. Though ATMs (cashpoint machines) exist in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara, they cannot always be relied upon.
Official exchange rates are set by the government's Nepal Rastra Bank. Rates at private banks vary, but are generally not far from the official rate. In addition to this, there are licensed moneychangers in Kathmandu and Pokhara. The rates here may be lower, but there are usually no commissions and their opening hours are normally longer.
Local Costs - Nepal
Whilst on trek you are likely to spend £12-15 per day on meals not included. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will probably spend around £12 for meals, drinks, etc. Approximate costs are given for guidance only, and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment.
Coffee/tea UK£0.25
Soft drink £0.40
Medium beer £1.50
Local snack lunch £3.50
3-course dinner* £7.00
*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant
Visas & Permits - Nepal
Holders of UK & IRL passports do require a visa. A Nepalese visa can easily be acquired on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the border from the immigration office. You will be required to fill in a form, submit 1 passport size photo and can be paid in GBP or US$ cash ($25 for a 15 day visa or $40 for a 30 day visa). Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip. Information can also be found at www.travcour.com. This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please note that, where appropriate, obtaining a valid visa is ultimately your responsibility. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.
Vaccinations - Nepal
The following are recommended:
NB: Yellow Fever vaccination is required if travelling via an infected country.
For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest specialist travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to get up-to-date information.
International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.
Prices from
$2,853pp inc flights
$1,648pp exc flights
Save up to £250 per person
Offer Extended! Book by 31 May and quote WW Olympics 1 for this special offer. You could save up to £250 per person on selected departures in July & August. Please see our specials page for more details.
From Our Customers
I was very impressed by our tour guide who managed the trip very well
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Responsible Travel
Among many other things, we offset the carbon emissions associated with in-country travel on all of our trips, supporting a solar stove and clean energy project in Madagascar.
