Max group size: 16

Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Easy city walking, 1-2 hours.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu (4,265 feet), you are met by your Boundless Journeys driver and transferred to the well-located five-star Hotel Yak & Yeti. Here we meet the group and our guides. Following an orientation meeting, we venture into the city and to the Durbar Square market.

Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a favorite restaurant in Thamel, where perhaps you will try your first taste of dahl, the ubiquitous spiced lentil dish of the Himalayas.
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu

DAY 2
Pokhara to Birethanti

Hike – moderate, about 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate overall elevation gain of 400 feet. Optional additional hiking.

This morning, we fly to Pokhara (3,080 feet), the rural capital of western Nepal. We meet our trekking guide and drive to our local office for a briefing. Afterwards, we depart with our guide and porters for the starting point of our trek (about one hour driving). Today’s hike follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. Early this afternoon, we descend into the Modi River valley, and our home for the night (3,470 feet). The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and still unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. We enjoy lunch at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village of Birethanti. Those who prefer can independantly explore the river valley surrounding the lodge.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 3
Modi River Valley to Ghandruk

Hike – moderately strenuous, about 5-7 hours on hiking trails; approximate overall elevation gain of 3,130 feet.

After breakfast we leave the lodge, walking through outlying farms following the Modi River valley. Soon we begin to ascend out of the valley and up towards the mountains. We take a relaxing pace, stopping for refreshments en route with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Our trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and sub-tropical forests, giving us glimpses of life in the mountains. We arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (6,600 feet) in time for a late lunch, and have time this afternoon to enjoy the magnificent close-up views of the surrounding mountains.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 4
Ghandruk

Optional hike – moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails. Approximate overall elevation gain of 1,600 feet.

We wake up this morning to tea and coffee served in the garden while watching the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail. After a relaxing breakfast, our guide brings us on an exploration of Ghandruk village and the surrounding countryside, ultimately reaching an altitude of about 8,000 feet. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers, and the women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional rugs. We return to our lodge where the afternoon is free for further exploration or relaxation.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 5
Ghandruk to Birethanti

Hike – moderate, about 5-7 hours. Approximate overall elevation loss of 3,130 feet; additional optional hiking.

After breakfast, we leave our lodge, walking through the village of Ghandruk and threading our way once again towards the Modi River. Our halfway point today is the village of Kimche, and we reach Sanctuary Lodge in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing by the river or in the garden, or once again taking an optional trek to the village of Birethanti and its nearby waterfall.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 6
Birethanti to Majgaun and Patleket

Hike – moderate, about 3-4 hours; optional additional village exploration.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Sanctuary Lodge following along the river until arriving at a cable bridge about 20 minutes upriver. After crossing the bridge, we ascend partly on well-paved steps and partly on switchbacks, until reaching the welcome sign for our lodge. After settling in, we spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque nearby villages of Majgaun and Patleket.
Gurung Lodge, Chandrakot

DAY 7
Majgaun and Patleket to Dhampus

Hike – moderate, about three hours; optional additional hiking and village exploration.

This morning we pass through the unspoiled village of Tanchok before entering a sub-tropical forest full of magnificent flora, including tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Upon reaching the ridgeline, we pass through the village of Pothana, where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. We arrive at Basanta Lodge, our home for tonight, in time for lunch. This afternoon, we have the option to hike to the old village of Dhampus (5,000 feet). From our lodge, sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range are ours to enjoy.
Basanta Lodge, Dhampus

DAY 8
Dhampus to Pokhara

Hike – moderate, 3-4 hours.

The trekking portion of our journey ends this morning as we depart along the ridge, descending through wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Upon reaching the valley floor, we meet our vehicle for the drive to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches evoking the deep cultural heritage of the area. Surrounding the resort are spacious, landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains. We arrive in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.
Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara

DAY 9
The Seti River

Rafting – easy, 2-3 hours, primarily Class I with two short Class II sections.

This morning we transfer to Damauli, a journey of about one and one-half hours through the countryside. Here we meet our experienced river crew, and after a full briefing, we launch! There is no road access to the Seti River and so the water and surrounding valley remain absolutely pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as an abundant variety of birds. We stop for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach midday. Today, there are two small Class II rapids no longer than 165 feet in length. The remainder of the trip is very much a leisurely, relaxing float experience ― perfect after several days of trekking.

Upon arrival at our deluxe riverside camp, we settle into our safari-style tents, boasting true beds, a changing room, veranda, and attached bathroom. Our evening is spent around an open fire of driftwood.
Seti River Camp

DAY 10
The Seti River

Day at leisure, with optional hiking.

Today we enjoy the surroundings of our camp on the Seti River, allowing us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where almost no foreigners are ever seen. After our hike, we can cool off with a dip in the river. Following lunch at the camp, the afternoon is free to explore the gardens and riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house.
Seti River Camp

DAY 11
The Seti River to Royal Chitwan National Park

Rafting – easy, 2-3 hours, primarily Class I with short Class II sections.

This morning we enjoy a final breakfast at our deluxe river camp before setting out again in our rafts. The river is gentle, allowing us to take in the views along the way. After a few hours we disembark and drive to Royal Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey of about two hours). Our final approach to our home for the next two nights is an adventure in itself ― by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle. When we arrive at our camp, we have time to relax and settle in before a briefing on our upcoming safari explorations and dinner.
Tiger Tops Tented Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park

DAY 12
Royal Chitwan National Park

Game viewing by elephant; optional boat excursion.

Today an unusual adventure is in store ― after breakfast we meet our transportation for the day, Indian elephants. Elephant-back safaris allow us the advantage of spotting wildlife from a height, and possibly even the ability to approach normally reticent animals in an unobtrusive manner. We also spend some time on foot, tracking animals with our naturalist guide, who introduces us to the habits of the unique wildlife of the park.
Tiger Tops Tented Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park

DAY 13
Return to Kathmandu

Morning game viewing.

This morning we have the chance to explore again by elephant back, searching for signs of tigers and perhaps even spotting one of these big cats. It is estimated that 150-250 wild tigers remain in Nepal, and sightings are a rare and special experience. We then depart for a half-hour flight back to Kathmandu. Back in the cultural center of Kathmandu, we explore the neighborhood surrounding Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a great place for last-minute shopping. Tonight we celebrate our epic journey in the Himalayas with a farewell dinner at our favorite restaurant in the Thamel district.
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Kathmandu

DAY 14
Departure from Kathmandu

Mt. Everest Flight (optional).

After an early morning breakfast, we will have the optional opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Our plane departs Kathmandu and flies east along the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. After the flight, we return to the hotel where we say goodbye before continuing to the airport for our homeward journey.

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