Temples, mountains, villages, & wildlife

A world of serendipitous adventure awaits you on this wonderful introduction to Nepal that's ideal for first-time trekkers, adventurous families (kids five and up are welcome), or for those with limited time to spare from their busy schedule. In just 10 days, we really pack in a world of adventure, from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu's temple-strewn maze of streets to the majestic splendor of the high Himalaya to the jungles of Bardia National Park. You just might call it "Nepal 101!"

Our adventure starts with an immersion into the swirl of color that is Kathmandu. Then we get a taste of Himalayan trekking on easy day hikes through the friendly villages of the Annapurna foothills around Pokhara. Our hike takes us no higher than 6,700 feet, yet the scenery is truly unbelievable: 26,000-foot Himalayan ice giants are only 20 miles away, and the snowy flanks of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, and the famous "fishtail" spire of Machapuchare seem almost within arm's reach. Outside of Pokhara, we'll base ourselves at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, set high on a ridgetop a thousand feet above the Pokhara Valley. Thirteen individual stone bungalows are set in private gardens and situated to maximize the breathtaking vistas. Each room has a private verandah, adjoining bathroom, and is furnished with high-quality Tibetan wool carpets.

After our stay in Pokhara, we head to Bardia National Park to see another side of Nepal. We stay at the unrivaled Karnali Lodge outside Bardia National Park. Here, among the flat jungles of the terai lowlands, we take nature walks, ride elephants, and board dugout canoes in search of rhino, sloth bear, colorful birdlife, and-—the star of the show—the always-elusive and endangered Bengal tiger. Returning to Kathmandu, we have time for some last minute shopping, before heading home with a rush of lasting memories.

Activities

Moderate hiking on uneven terrain (max. elev. 6,700'), day nature walks, elephant rides, canoe excursions

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike in the foothills of the Annapurnas and enjoy spectacular Himalayan mountain views
• Active exploration of Bardia National Park with its diverse wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger!
• Explore exotic Kathmandu, home to elaborate Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and lively bazaars

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Kathmandu End Location: Kathmandu

BRIEF Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu

  Arrive in Kathmandu Arrive in Kathmandu. A Mountain Travel Sobek representative will meet you outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. The trip leader will hold a short briefing in the hotel around 4:00 p.m. regarding trek arrangements and a general orientation to Kathmandu. Most flights from the U.S. require three days of travel and overnight en route (you arrive in Kathmandu on the third day). More specific details will be sent to you in your pre-trip packet of information. Yak & Yeti Hotel

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  Day 2 : Touring the Kathmandu Valley

  A day to explore the former medieval city-states of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Optional visit to Patan in the afternoon/evening.

• Days 3 - 5 : Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

  Fly to Pokhara and transfer to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in the Annapurna foothills. The afternoon is free to relax, or explore on foot the villages in the nearby countryside.

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  Days 6 - 8 : Bardia National Park

  Morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.  You then make a short transfer from the domestic airport to Dwarika's Hotel for lunch.  Transfer back to the airport for your 45 minute flight to Nepalgunj and onto Karnali lodge, outside Bardia National Park, the jewel of Nepal's wildlife parks since its inception in 1973. Here we'll seek out the fauna, including the rare one-horned rhino, sloth bear, and perhaps a leopard or tiger, via elephant back and on foot. We'll also take wooden boat rides into the watery realm of the threatened gharial crocodile, mugger crocodile, and numerous waterfowl.

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  Day 9 : Kathmandu

  Fly back to Kathmandu. The balance of the day is at leisure in Kathmandu.

• Day 10 : Fly home

  Transfer to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights, or join one of our extensions to Vietnam, Cambodia, or India.

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  Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

  Pokhara

  Resting on a spectacular hilltop ridge a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley, Tiger Mountain offers breathtaking mountain views. Comfortable rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows, blending into their surroundings for total privacy. This lodge has won several prestigious awards for its eco-tourism and conservation ethos.
   

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Brian Weirum