Nepal Lodge-to-Lodge Trek (The Himalayas To Chitwan National Park) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 0 m (0 ft)

Meet with your tour leaders at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Dwarika’s Hotel located on Battisputali Road in Kathmandu. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in comfortable walking shoes and come with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may need for the day’s walk.

Welcome to Nepal! After our meeting, we take a quick shuttle to start our walk. With the company of a local expert, we explore the lively Nepalese capital, where there is a seamless blend of ancient relics and modern influences.

Today’s highlights include three fascinating World Heritage sites: Patan Durbar Square, a picturesque former royal palace complex; the legendary Boudhanath Stupa, which dominates the city’s skyline; and Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple complex situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. En route, stop at a local cafe to savour a lunch of traditional momos (Nepalese dumplings).

Kathmandu, the enchanting capital of Nepal, is an intersection of several cultures and religions and a world of contrasts. Encircled by mountains and overflowing with Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, Newari architecture, and sacred cows, the city’s ambiance gives it a timeless feel. At the same time, the influx of foreigners and hints of Western influences are a definite nod to modernity. Your guided walk provides valuable context and insight into the city’s past and present, and at 4,600 feet above sea level, allows you to adapt to the elevation.

You’ll stay at Dwarika’s Hotel, which is situated between the international airport and the city centre. It is a stunning hotel that combines traditional architecture and modern touches. Unwind at the tranquil garden courtyards or laze by the picturesque pool.

This evening, savour a superb multi-course Nepalese meal made with farm-fresh ingredients.

FOUR HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles),  Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6 km (4 miles),  Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Say goodbye to the bustling Kathmandu and take a short flight to Nepal’s second-largest city, Pokhara, located in central Nepal on Phewa Lake. If the weather is favourable, enjoy enrapturing vistas of the snow-white Himalayas during the flight. Often referred to as the Rooftop of the World, this striking 460-kilometre-long (1500-mile-long) mountain range includes over 50 cliffs measuring more than 7190 metres (23600 feet) above sea level.

Upon arrival, set out to Peace Pagoda, a brilliant-white Buddhist stupa balanced on a narrow ridge above Phewa Lake. Stretch your legs on a relaxing stroll down to the lake, followed by a peaceful boat ride and lunch in Pokhara.

This afternoon board a shuttle to the town of Lumie to get acquainted with our friendly local team of mountain guides and porters from the Gurung community, an ethnic group native to the Annapurna region of Nepal renowned for their ability to thrive at high elevations. Your hiking journey begins in the Himalayan foothills beneath a towering skyline of snow-capped cliffs. Descend slowly along stone steps and craggy paths that twist through quiet rural villages. If you’d rather not engage in this technical descent, you could follow a flatter path along the Modi River. Enjoy every moment on the trail, often pausing to soak in the scenery, greet locals, and catch your breath as you approach hiking at elevation.

Today’s trek leads to the rural but charming Sanctuary Lodge, set at 1097 metres (3600 feet), under the watchful gaze of sacred Fishtail Mountain. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon traversing the grounds or relaxing and soaking in the views.

Tonight, we convene for a welcome reception around the fireplace, followed by a delectable meal in the lodge’s dining room.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 488 m (1600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 610 m (2000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 884 m (2900 ft)

Today, truly experience what it means to hike in the Himalayas. Together with your guides and porters, set out by foot on the aptly named Annapurna Gurung Trail. This famous path offers gorgeous views of the Annapurna Massif, which includes some of the Himalayas’ tallest and steepest summits and has inspired the mountaineering community for decades.

Pass through ghost villages seemingly frozen in time, constantly deserted by mountain communities who moved to lower valley elevations drawn by temperate climes and the opportunity for seasonal work. They remain undisturbed, an eerie reminder of new traditions and a changing world. In the afternoon, visit a preserved traditional home to understand the local customs and rural life at altitude.

You’ll stay at Gurung Lodge, set at 1400 metres (4600 feet) and comprised of cosy tribal-style houses. Sip a refreshing drink, enjoy the vistas, and rest your legs. If you are interested in more distance, head out on an out-and-back hike to Kanchi Baraha Temple, seated amid nature.

This evening, gather tonight for another delicious meal at our abode.

Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft)

Savour a hearty breakfast at the lodge, lace up your boots and hit the trail. As you embark on today’s hike, the classic Annapurna scenery of terraced fields, secluded villages, and a backdrop of rocky cliffs accompany you. Pass through high-mountain villages and make stops for a local lunch and an afternoon pick-me-up at a traditional teahouse.

On getting to the trail’s end, board a shuttle to the International Mountain Museum, which chronicles some of the most remarkable feats and crises of alpine expeditions in the Himalayas and shows exhibitions about local mountain culture and history.

Continue to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, your cozy home for the next two nights, set 305 metres (1000 feet) above the Pokhara Valley. Inspired by trekking lodges, Tiger Mountain allows for a few more creature comforts than the initial two nights on the trail, with equally gorgeous Himalayas reflected in the lodge’s infinity pool.

After dinner, enjoy a nightcap under a star-filled night sky before retiring to your room.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)
Level 4, Approx 16 km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 732 m (2400 ft)

This morning, head out to explore more of the small hamlets and remote mountain temples in the foothills, having some of the highest peaks as our backdrop. The dominant groups in this area are Brahman and Chhetri, who, relative to other hill people, have a rather high standard of living. You will encounter their large stone houses surrounded by seemingly endless terraced hillsides and fertile farmland.

We walk along the famed Royal Trek route, named after Prince Charles and his 90-person entourage that toured this region in the early 1980s, before hiking back to our lodge.

We enjoy a delightful dinner and a fascinating talk with a longtime friend and conservationist, Marcus Cotton, about the lesser-known British influence and military history in Nepal.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx 3 km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 30 m (100 ft)
Level 2, Approx 6 km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

This morning, you could take advantage of the serenity with a sunrise yoga class or walk with a local naturalist, where birdwatching opportunities abound.

Enjoy lunch at the lodge before a flight to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan, located near the Indian border in Nepal’s lowlands, known as the Terai. (Note that flight times may affect our activities today.)

Upon arrival, a shuttle takes us on the final leg of your journey to your jungle safari resort,Taj Meghauli Serai, your home for the next 2 nights. Set on the banks of the river Rapti, this oasis overlooks a vast expanse of waters and the core of Chitwan National Park. You won’t have to leave the comfort of the lodge to feel like you’re on safari—your riverfront deck is an excellent place to spot wildlife! We toast to our arrival over sundowners during a sunset longboat cruise, followed by an alfresco dinner.

Level 2, Approx 6 km (4 miles)

This morning, journey on foot for an introduction to Chitwan, the first national park in Nepal, a World Heritage site, and a recognized leader in conservation for rare and endangered animals. Embark on a relaxing walk with a naturalist along jungle trails. Make stops to admire some of the park’s 600-odd species of exotic birds, including the highly endangered Bengal florican, the paradise flycatcher, and the colourful sunbirds and kingfishers, before heading back to the lodge for lunch.

Later in the day, return to the wild by jeep in search of regularly sighted animals, including crocodiles, barking deer and wild boar, and the Chitwan’s most elusive inhabitants. The park houses the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros, a feisty solitary beast weighing up to two tons and moving with incredible agility and speed. It is also the territory of the endangered Bengal tiger. The exact global population of Bengals is unknown but is estimated to be below 2,500, with about 120 tigers living in Chitwan. Since cats are nocturnal, we may not see any today, but look along the riverbanks for telltale paw prints.

Come evening, be treated as you celebrate with a multi-course dinner and live entertainment by the local Terai community. Come in your dancing shoes!

Relish a final taste of Chitwan’s fascinating terrain and wildlife while accompanying a naturalist for a walk, or perhaps hang back and linger over breakfast.

Afterward, begin your return journey to Kathmandu, with a shuttle to the airport in Bharatpur and then a short flight to the capital where your trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.