Highlights of Nepal

The Himalayan nation of Nepal boasts jaw-dropping mountain scenery and a vibrant culture to match. Wander the lively streets of Kathmandu, spend a night at a Buddhist monastery guesthouse, and take in astounding views of the Annapurna Himalaya in lakeside Pokhara. Then venture to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest nature reserve, to seek out elephants, tigers, and a plethora of avian species.

Itinerary

Nov 5, 2020 (Thursday) - Kathmandu
  • Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.  There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.  Meet the rest of the group at the arrival meeting this evening. Afterwards, enjoy a 6-course welcome dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant, a culinary journey through the cuisine of Nepal.​ 
  • Overnight at Hotel Traditional Comfort (or similar).
  • Meals Included: Breakfast
  • Your hotel room may not be ready until 3 pm.  You can store your luggage at the front desk until you can check in.

Nov 6, 2020 (Friday) - Kathmandu
  • Today we explore Kathmandu, visiting Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Bhaktapur, the medieval capital of Nepal.  Afterwards, we'll learn to make traditional dumplings at the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, an organization that helps human-trafficking survivors.
  • Optional Everest Flight - a one hour plane tour to get you up close and personal with Mt Everest.
  • Overnight at Hotel Traditional Comfort (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Nov 7, 2020 (Saturday) - Kathmandu/Pharping
  • Visit Swayambhunath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the monkey temple for the rhesus monkeys that make their homes here.  Visit a local family to learn about preservation efforts of the weaving traditions before driving to Pharping for the night.
  • Overnight at a Buddhist Monastery
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Nov 8, 2020 (Sunday) - Pharping/Kurintar 
  • Rise before sunrise to listen to the monks practice their chanting.  After watching the sunrise, we'll drive to our hillside lodge, where you can relax by the pool or take a guided walk throughout the countryside.  
  • Overnight at Summit River Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast​, Dinner

Nov 9, 2020 (Monday) - Kurintar/Chitwan National Park
  • Travel to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Home to 68 recorded mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger.  After lunch at our riverside lodge, experience a river safari in a traditional patela boat.
  • Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, , Lunch, Dinner

Nov 10, 2020 (Tuesday) - Chitwan National Park
  • Explore the national park today on a jeep safari, meeting a tiger technician to learn about how tigers are tracked and monitored in the name of conservation.  Visit a local farming village to learn about the social and cultural aspects of the village people.
  • Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nov 11, 2020 (Wednesday) - Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
  • Drive to Pokhara, a lakeside town on the historical trade route between India and Tibet.  After a guided city walk, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
  • Overnight at Temple Tree Resort (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Nov 12, 2020 (Thursday) - Pokhara
  • Rise early for a hike to the famous Sarangkot lookout for an amazing sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya.  Back in town, climb the forest path to the Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks.  Afterwards, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement to learn about their community and enjoy a traditional lunch.
  • Optional activities: Paragliding, Phewa Lake Boat Tour
  • Overnight at Temple Tree Resort (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Nov 13, 2020 - (Friday) - Pokhara/Kathmandu
  • Fly back to Kathmandu this morning and enjoy some free time in the afternoon exploring Nepal's capital
  • Optional activity:  Pashupatinath Gaths and Temple Visit
  • Overnight at Hotel Traditional Comfort (or similar)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast
Nov 14, 2020 - (Saturday) - Kathmandu - Departure Day
  • Depart at any time
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Overview

Arrival Information
  • Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)
  • November 5, 2020
  • Arrive in time for 6 pm welcome meeting
  • Arrival transfer from Kathmandu airport to joining hotel included

Departure Information
  • Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)
  • Nov 14, 2020
  • Depart at any time

Places visited
  • Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Pharping, Nepal
  • Kurintar, Nepal
  • Chitwan National Park, Nepal
  • Pokhara, Nepal

Price
  • ​$2,599 per person for double occupancy
  • $3,618 per person for single occupancy
  • If you don't have a roommate, I can match you with one of the same sex so you can pay the double occupancy price.​

Deposit
  • $350 per person
  • Deposit payment is 100% non-refundable!

Ready to Book?
  • Call Rene at 866-869-1760
  • Email us at rene@grandexplorations.com

Travel Insurance
  • It is mandatory for all travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000.  An all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.  You can learn more about your options from Travel Guard and purchase a policy here. 

Inclusions

Accommodations
  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu
  • 1 night monastery guesthouse in Pharping
  • 1 night hotel in Kurintar
  • 2 nights hotel in Chitwan National Park
  • 2 nights hotel in Pokhara
Activities
  • SASANE Lecture in Kathmandu
  • Traditional Weaving and Indigenous Peoples Lecture in Kathmandu
  • Neydo Monastery Sunrise Chant in Pharping
  • Chitwan Tiger Experience in Chitwan National Park
  • Sisterhood of Survivors Project in Kathmandu
  • Visit to Boudhanath Stupa and the Royal city of Bhaktapur
  • Visit to Swayambhunath
  • Visit Chitwan National Park including a village walking tour and jeep safari
  • Hike to the World Peace Pagoda
Meals
  • 9 breakfasts
  • Dinner - at Krishnarpan Restaurant on Day 1
  • Lunch - Included during the Sisterhood of Survivors Visit on Day 2
  • Dinner - at the Monastery guesthouse on Day 4
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner - at the Barahi Jungle Lodge on Days 6 and 7
  • Lunch - at the Tibetan Refugee Settlement on Day 8
Transportation
  • All transportation to and from included activities in a private vehicle
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu
Guides and Host:
  • Rene from Grand Explorations Travel will escort the group
  • Private Nepal tour guide for the duration of the trip
  • Local expert guides where appropriate

Exclusions

  • International Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Any meals and drinks not listed under Inclusions
  • Any activities not listed under Inclusions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (Can be purchased here from Travel Guard. Travelers are required a sum of $200,000 for both emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Important Notes

  • A visa is required for American citizens traveling to Nepal.  You are required to fill out a Tourist Visa form which can be done on arrival at the airport or online no more than 15 days prior to arrival.  Upon arrival, present the form and the fee, payable in cash: $30 USD for 15 day, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days.  
  • While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to this style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. 
  • Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and the itinerary may be forced to change accordingly.  Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions.
  • Please note that drones are prohibited in Nepal.  If you violate these regulations, the police may take you into custody.