Where the Mountains Meet the Soul... that's Nepal.

It begins with a feeling: thin mountain air, the distant rhythm of temple bells, and the first glimpse of the Himalayas rising beyond the horizon.

This journey through Nepal is an invitation to experience the country in layers—from ancient cities and hilltop villages to high mountain trails and the deep, whispering jungle. You’ll wander sacred sites in Kathmandu, move slowly through living history in places like Bandipur and Ghandruk, and trek through the Annapurna foothills where prayer flags flutter and sunrise paints the Himalayas in gold. Along the way, you’ll connect with artisans, farmers, and mountain communities whose traditions shape daily life, grounding every step in story and meaning.

The adventure deepens as you lace up your boots for one of Nepal’s most iconic trekking routes, complete with cozy teahouse stays, forested paths, and unforgettable moments like sunrise at Poon Hill. After days framed by snow-capped peaks and terraced fields, the pace softens in Pokhara, where mountain reflections shimmer across Phewa Lake and time seems to slow just enough to breathe it all in. This is active travel with heart—challenging, rewarding, and deeply human.

Then, just when you think Nepal has shown you all its sides, the landscape shifts again. Should you choose to stay on for our Jungle Extension, you'll trade mountain air for the Chitwan jungle lowlands' birdsong and candlelit evenings beneath the trees. Explore Tharu villages, cook with local families, glide along jungle rivers, search for rhinos and tigers on safari, and share laughter around the fire.

This is a journey that moves from sacred peaks to ancestral forests, designed for travelers who crave connection, curiosity, and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Trip Dates: October 14-23, 2027

Start Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)

End Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM)

Accommodation: 9 nights

Optional Jungle Extension: October 23-26, 3 nights | Chitwan National Park

Main Tour

• Explore Kathmandu’s sacred and historic heart, including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square

• Spend three days trekking moderate trails through the spectacular Annapurna foothills

• Watch the sunrise illuminate the Himalayas from Poon Hill, with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges

• Experience Gurung mountain life in Ghandruk, surrounded by terraced hillsides and Himalayan peaks

• Discover the hilltop village of Bandipur, wandering traditional streets and watching sunset over the mountains

• Experience Pokhara from mountain to lake, including the World Peace Pagoda and a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake

• Join locals for a hands-on Nepali cooking class, preparing and sharing traditional dishes together

Optional Chitwan Jungle Extension

• Optional Chitwan Jungle Extension

• Search for one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, deer, and possibly a Royal Bengal tiger on a guided jeep safari

• Connect with the Tharu community through village life, traditional cooking, and cultural experiences

• Canoe the Narayani River, enjoy a sunset paint-and-sip, and white-water raft the Trishuli River on your journey back to Kathmandu

Single occupancy is available throughout this tour, with very limited availability during the 3-day trekking portion. We recommend booking early if you’d like a single room during the trek, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions

Activity Level is MODERATE to HIGH. This journey is ideal for travelers who enjoy being active while they explore. The tour includes three days of moderate trekking through the Annapurna foothills, covering approximately 7 km, 9 km, and 5 km, with several hours on the trail each day, including a sunrise hike to Poon Hill at approximately 10,500 feet. Expect uneven terrain, stone steps, gradual climbs and descents, and additional walking through cities and villages.

No prior trekking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours and navigating uneven terrain at elevation. The optional Chitwan Jungle Extension adds activities such as village walks, canoeing, a jeep safari, and white-water rafting. Come ready to move, explore, and earn a few spectacular Himalayan views!

This tour is for curious travelers who want to experience Nepal beyond the postcard views. You’ll explore sacred sites and mountain villages, share meals and experiences with locals, spend nights in simple mountain teahouses, and discover a side of Nepal that rewards curiosity and a willingness to embrace something different.

If you love a journey that combines culture, connection, nature, adventure, and a little challenge, balanced with time to slow down and enjoy where you are, you’ll feel right at home on this one.

At The Nomadic Network, we believe group travel should give you the best of both worlds: a wonderful group of people to share the experience with, and the freedom to still travel like yourself.

Our small-group tours are designed for curious travelers who enjoy experiencing a destination together, sharing meals and adventures, and getting to know the people they're traveling with. But you don't have to do everything together. There’s always room to recharge, wander on your own when time allows, or simply enjoy a little space. No forced fun here.

We travel thoughtfully and with curiosity, taking time to learn about the places we visit, support local communities and businesses, try the food, understand the history, and experience more than just the major sights.

Our hope is pretty simple: that you come home having experienced an incredible part of the world, learned a few things, laughed a lot, and maybe even made some wonderful new friends along the way.

PAYMENT OPTIONS. We offer payment plan options. If you need a custom plan, please message us. 

DISCOUNTS. Only one discount or promotional code can be applied to this trip.

CARBON OFFSET. We care about the future of our planet, so our customers have the option to contribute towards carbon offsets at checkout. Thank you for your support.  

PHOTOS. We love to share our photos! Enjoy a shared photo gallery of pooled photos after every trip.  

GRATUITIES. Gratuities are not required but greatly appreciated by locals in the tourism industry. For your convenience, we work to handle most tipping for you. See "What's Not Included" for specifics.   

FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION. We offer a flexible cancellation policy: Read the full details in our Terms & Conditions.

Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into your cozy, locally owned hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers over a traditional Nepali dinner, swapping stories and getting a taste of the adventure ahead.

Meals: D

Dive into Kathmandu’s spiritual and historic heart, where centuries-old traditions remain woven into everyday life. Walk beneath the watchful eyes of Buddha at magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, experience the sacred atmosphere of Pashupatinath Temple, and wander the temples and courtyards of historic Durbar Square.

Along the way, explore narrow neighborhood streets, meet local artisans and shopkeepers, and hop aboard a rickshaw for a fun ride through Kathmandu toward Swayambhunath, the hilltop “Monkey Temple.”

Meal: B

Wind through the hills to the charming town of Bandipur, perched above terraced fields. Stroll its quiet streets, meet Newari villagers, and watch the sunset behind the Himalayan peaks.

Meals: B, L

Travel to lakeside Pokhara, where the mountains meet shimmering waters. Visit the serene World Peace Pagoda, explore the International Mountain Museum, and pause at Pumdikot Mahadev to take in sweeping views before evening leisure by the lake.

Meal: B

Venture into the Annapurna foothills and begin trekking from Ulleri, climbing stone stairways through lush forests and small villages.

Along the trail, stop to meet villagers and savor glimpses of traditional Himalayan life before reaching Ghorepani.

Overnight in local teahouse.

Trek to Ghorepani (length 7km/4.35 miles) (highest point 2,860m/9,383ft) (4 hours)

Meals: B, L, D

Rise before dawn for the iconic Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

After breakfast, continue trekking through rhododendron forests toward Tadapani. Afternoon free to rest, journal, and talk with locals.

Overnight at a teahouse.

Trek to Tadapani (length 9km/5.5 miles) (highest point 2,630m/8,628 ft) (6 hours)

Meals: B, L, D

Trek through forest trails and terraced farmland to Ghandruk, a Gurung village alive with culture and history. Explore the village on a guided walk, learning about local architecture, customs, and mountain life while enjoying sweeping Himalayan views.

Evening at leisure with mountain views, overnight at tea house.

Trek to Ghandruk (length 5.5km/3.4 miles) (highest point 1,940m/6,364ft) (2.5 hours)

Meals: B, L, D

Return to Pokhara and enjoy a serene 1-hour boat ride on Phewa Lake, with the reflection of the mountains dancing on the water.

Remainder of day is free to spend the afternoon wandering lakeside cafés, browsing shops, or just soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.

Meals: B

Take a short scenic flight back to Kathmandu and enjoy a free afternoon to explore or rest. In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Nepali cooking class, then savor the dishes you’ve made at our farewell dinner with your new friends.

Meals: B, D

After breakfast, if you're planning to return home today you'll bid farewell to Nepal as you transfer to the airport, taking with you wonderful memories of Nepali life.

Meal: B

If you're staying on for our Jungle Extension, the adventure continues!

Arrive at your jungle resort and settle into your tranquil room, surrounded by birdsong and leafy greenery. After a refreshing welcome drink and lunch, step into a nearby Tharu village to meet locals, explore traditional longhouses, and hear stories of ancestral life. Immerse in a slideshow about local conservation efforts.

You'll finish the evening with a candlelit dinner beneath the trees—and a seasonal bonfire to share travel tales under the stars.

Meals: B, L, D

Wake to the symphony of the jungle and set off on a guided birdwatching walk, spotting kingfishers, hornbills, the elusive Bengal florican, among 500 other species.

After lunch, a half-day 4WD jeep safari takes you through Chitwan National Park. exploring forests, riverbanks, and open plains in search of rhinos, deer, and if luck is on your side, a Royal Bengal tiger.

Return to the lodge for a Tharu photoshoot in traditional attire, then dine beside the serene Macha Pokhari pond.

Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day cooking with Tharu women, crafting traditional dishes and learning to distill local millet liquor before enjoying your creations for lunch.

In the afternoon, glide along the Narayani River in dugout canoes, then as the sun dips low, enjoy a "paint and sip" experience by the riverbank, capturing the golden light of the Chitwan sky on canvas.

The night ends with an exciting Tharu cultural dance and a BBQ dinner under the stars—a festive jungle farewell.

Meals: B, L, D

Savor a final breakfast amidst the calm jungle, then check out and begin the scenic drive to Kathmandu.

We're not done yet! Midway, experience the thrill of 3-3.5 class white-water rafting on the Trishuli River, paddling past gorges and gentle rapids, followed by a riverside lunch before continuing back to the capital.

You can opt to return home this evening or choose to stay another night. We're happy to help you with additional lodging arrangements.

Rafting: 3-3.5 rating, considered intermediate or "Class Fun"

Meals: B, L