Walking in Nepal

Begin your day with a visit to the former royal city of Patan, affectionately known as ‘Lalitpur’ or ‘City of Beauty’ and regarded as the artistic centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Patan has its own distinct identity, and a walk around the less touristy Durbar Square will allow you to observe wood carvers, painters, and metal workers employing time-honoured traditional techniques in this age of 3D printing and digital reproductions. In the afternoon, join the kora and circumambulate the sacred Swayambunath Shrine, visit the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest monasteries and conclude your day’s explorations with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple Complex, where you will have the chance to witness the lively ‘aarti’ ceremony.

A morning’s drive will bring you to the small village of Kurintar, which is scenically set on the banks of the Trishuli River and is surrounded by forested hills and farmland. Later this afternoon, explore the surrounding countryside on foot and interact with locals. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool.

Set off this morning to Pokhara, a beautiful laidback town set in the shadow of the distinctive Fishtail Mountain and acts as a gateway to the foothills of the Annapurnas. On arrival at Pokhara, meet your experienced mountain guide, who will accompany you during your 4-night trek along the foothills of the Annapurnas. Today, your walk will take you along a ridgeline and terraced farmlands before you descend down and follow the course of the Modi Khola River to the beautiful Birethanti village (1,025m). This is the first of four nights in one of Mountain Lodges of Nepal’s comfortable lodges. [Total trek time: around 4 hours].

Today, your walk will initially take you through small farms dotted around the foothills and follow the course of the Modi Khola River, while the sacred Fishtail Mountain (6,993m) will keep you company throughout. Then, leave the river bank and begin your climb to Ghandruk Village, which will take you across terraced farmlands, oak and rhododendron forests and delightful villages. Along the way, meet and interact with villagers and observe them working in their fields using traditional tools. There will also be many opportunities to stop and take in the spectacular scenery. You will reach Ghandruk village (2,012m) in the early afternoon, in time for a hot lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax on the veranda and enjoy the sublime views of the Annapurna massif. [Total trek time: around 5 hours].

After breakfast, set off to the small village of Majgaon (1,400m). Today, your trek will take you through secluded, untouched villages, picturesque farmlands, rhododendron forests with some rugged terrain and crystal-clear rivers. As you pass through villages, you will encounter local people going about their everyday lives and will reach Majgaon in the early afternoon for lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure. [Total trek time: around 5.5 hours].

Today, leave Majgaon and walk through beautiful lush forests and woodlands to the village of Dhampus (1,525m) whilst admiring the panoramic views of the Annapurna range. En route, stop in the quaint village of Pothana, which is home to many Tibetan traders and has its own distinct character. [Total trek time: around 3.5 hours].

Descend through pine forested hills and picturesque terraced paddy fields to the valley floor, from where you will be transferred by car to your Pokhara hotel. Later this afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Phewa Lake, stroll around the lake or explore the Old Pokhara market.

Today is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, if you have itchy feet, you might want to take an easy hike through neighbouring villages.

Rise early and enjoy breathtaking panoramas from one of the viewpoints at your hotel. Then, drive to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur, which was once an important hub along the trade route to Tibet. Explore this delightful old Newari town, which seems to be caught in a time warp, and then, after lunch, continue to Dhulikhel, a delightful hill station just outside Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today is at leisure. Alternatively, visit the Namo Buddha monastery and the sacred Changu Narayan Temple on foot.

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport and check in for your onward flight.