Himalayan Highlights – 13 Days

Himalayan Highlights accommodates the sightseeing at the cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. It also has adventure sports like Rafting, Canoeing and trek to the beautiful Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

• Budget friendly itinerary.
• Explore the culturally rich World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley.
• Scenic and panoramic views of the mountains from Poonhill and Ghandruk.
• White water rafting at Trishuli.
• Experience jungle safari, canoeing, bird watching etc. at Chitwan National Park.
• Beautiful trekking experience to Ghandruk, the authentic Gurung village.
• Walk up the Poonhill to encounter the beautiful Himalaya ranges.
• Spend quality time at Pokhara.

Trip Overview

Himalaya Highlights is a budget-friendly trip that consists of sightseeing in the cities like Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara. Perhaps it is the complete package of adventure sports like Rafting, Canoeing, and trekking in the beautiful Himalayas. It also includes the Jungle safari in the oldest national park of Nepal.

This Himalayan highlights trip starts from Kathmandu with sightseeing around the beautiful World Heritage Sites around the valley. You will also experience the hustle and bustle of the capital of Nepal. Likewise, on the next day, you’ll go white water rafting at the raging Trishuli River. The Trishuli River features spectacular gorges, a few thrilling rapids, a stunning landscape, and a generally calm atmosphere.

After that, you travel to Chitwan National Park where you go on a jungle safari, watch Tharu dance, experience canoeing, etc.

You will now travel to Pokhara from Chitwan, one of Nepal’s most picturesque towns and a city of lakes. From here, it takes a few hours of driving to reach the Himalayas. The Primary attractions on this trek are Ghandruk, Tadapani, Ghorepani, and the stunning Gurung Settlement. Likewise, hiking up to Poonhill surrounds you with the spectacular vistas of the Himalayan ranges.

After Poonhill, you descend back to Pokhara.  In Pokhara, you’ll now tour the beautiful lakes, city, and nightlife of the most touristic destination in Nepal. The next day you head back to Kathmandu where your trip ends.

Short Itinerary

Day 01 :Arrival at Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to hotel.

Day 02 : Morning Yoga & Guided Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 03 : Drive to Charaudi (492 m) for – 2 to 3 hour Rafting at the Trishuli River – 2 to 3 hours. Head Over to Chitwan (415 m) – 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 04 : Activities in Chitwan National Park. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 05 : Drive to Pokhara (900 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 06 : Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070 m)– 1 to 2 hour. Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) – 4 to 5 hour. Overnight at a Guest House.

Day 07 : Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a Guesthouse.

Day 08 : Trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m) – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a Guesthouse.

Day 09 : Early Morning Hike to Poonhill (3,193 m) and Trek Down to Ulleri (1,960 m) – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a Guest House.

Day 10 : Trek Down to Nayapul (1,070 m)– 4 to 5 hours. Drive Back to Pokhara – 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 11 : Sightseeing at Pokhara (900 m). Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 12 : Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m) – 7 to 8 hours. Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 13 : Transfer to International Airport for Final Departure.

Note

Please be advised that extensive road construction along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.

It is advised you arrive a day before the trip starts date so you can rest and it also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required for the trek. Also, it is best if you book your international flights with spare days in Nepal before and after your trek in case of any flight delays or cancellations due to technical reasons. Moreover, you have options to customize this trip where you can add on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, other adventure sports or day trips around the country before or after the trek.

Price Includes

Accommodation

• Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara 3 nights each including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
• Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 4 nights
• Double or twin sharing accommodation in a resort in Chitwan for 2 nights including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Meals & Drinking Water

• All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
• A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
• Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.

Activities and Tours

• Guided city tour in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara by private tourist vehicle
• One day rafting in Trishuli River, including all meals, equipment, guide and permit

Transportation

• All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
• All ground transport by tourist vehicle

Guide and Staff

• Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited Hike Free Nepal trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
• Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
• Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff

Permits & Entry Fees

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
• Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara

Benefits and Takeaways

• 1 Hike Free Nepal duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
• A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
• Trip completion certificate

Administrative & Taxes

• All administrative expenses and government taxes

Price Excludes

• Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• International flight fare and airport departure tax
• Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)

• Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage

• Any beverages including bottled and boiled water

• Tips to trekking staff and driver

• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Any expenses other than the Price Include section

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 02: Morning Yoga & Guided Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.

Day 03: Drive to Charaudi for Rafting at the Trishuli River. Head Over to Chitwan

Day 04: Activities in Chitwan National Park.

Day 05: Drive to Pokhara

Day 06: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Ghandruk

Day 07: Trek to Tadapani

Day 08: Trek to Ghorepani

Day 09: Early Morning Hike to Poonhill and Trek Down to Ulleri

Day 10: Trek Down to Nayapul & Drive Back to Pokhara

Day 11: Sightseeing at Pokhara.

Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Day 13: Transfer to International Airport for Final Departure.

Gears and Equipment

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 25 for each once you are in Kathmandu.

General

• Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 25)
• Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
• Sleeping bag liner

Upper Body

• Sun hat or cap (We’ll provide you with a free Hike Free Nepal baseball cap.)
• Knitted hat/Beanie
• Scarf or neck gaiter
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses

Torso

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
• Waterproof, windproof shell
• Fleece jacket or pullover

Lower Body

• Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
• Hiking pants (2)
• Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
• Hiking shorts

Hands

• Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
• Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)

Feet

• Wool or technical fabric warm socks
• Hiking socks
• Liner socks (optional such as silk)
• Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it’s recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
• Casual shoes
• Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

Undergarments

Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.

• Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
• Sports bras (women)
• Pajamas or sleeping clothes

First Aid Kits and Medications

• (Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• ointment

Other Essentials

• Passport
• Extra copies of passport-sized photos
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry kits
• Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
• Hydration bladder
• Towel
• Pillowcase
• Toilet paper (2 rolls)
• High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)
• Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money
• Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)
• Earplugs
• Trekking poles

Optional

Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.

• Power bank or extra batteries
• Cameras and mobile phone
• Cards/book
• Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
• Whistle
• Thermos for hot water

Important Information

• We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
• For every two participants, we assign one porter. The duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs, will be carried by the porter throughout the walk.
• To carry your daily necessities like cash, crucial papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc., you must have your own daypack (with a waterproof cover).
• You can store your luggage (non- trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu.
• Down jacket with a hood is a must for altitudes above 4,000 m to keep warm. You can rent a down jacket for USD 25. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.
• You can rent a 4-season sleeping bag for USD 25. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.

Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.