Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and handle your Nepali visa collection. A representative from Himalayan Planet Adventure picks you up by private car for the drive to your hotel. After settling in, head to the main office to meet your guide and the rest of the tour staff. This evening features traditional Nepali dances and songs along with authentic cuisine, giving you a good taste of what's ahead before you return to rest.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner with Nepali cultural performances and traditional cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visa collection at Tribhuvan International Airport
- Office orientation and guide meeting at Himalayan Planet Adventures
- Welcome dinner with Nepali cultural performances and traditional cuisine
Landmarks Tribhuvan International Airport - Day 2
Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Sites
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites fill this day in the Kathmandu Valley. Start at Kathmandu Durbar Square where around 60 temples stand, and you might see the living goddess Kumari. From there, head to Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the Monkey Temple, a 2500-year-old Buddhist site with valley views. By afternoon, a private vehicle takes you to Bhaktapur, an ancient city with its own Durbar Square, narrow streets full of traditional craftspeople, and the valley's tallest temple. You'll return to your hotel as evening approaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square with approximately 60 temples
- Visit to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
- Private vehicle tour to Bhaktapur UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Exploration of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and 55 windows Royal Palace
- Walking tour of Bhaktapur's traditional alleyways and craftspeople
Optional Activities
- Opportunity to see the living goddess Kumari at Kathmandu Durbar Square (dependent on timing)
Landmarks Kathmandu Durbar Square Swayambhunath Stupa Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara
A luxury bus departs Kathmandu early, taking you through mountain and valley scenery toward Pokhara. The route passes through the Trisuli River valley and crosses Mukling on one of Nepal's busier highways. Once you arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel and explore the city at your own pace, with Phewa Lake being a main spot to see. Note: Deluxe travelers fly instead, which gives more time to wander around the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Trisuli River valley
- Transit through Mugling highway
- Scenic passes through Pokhara valleys and mountains
Optional Activities
- River rafting experience on Trisuli River
- Fishing experience on Trisuli River banks
- Exploration of Phewa Lake and Pokhara tourist attractions
- Flight to Pokhara (available at extra cost for deluxe option)
Landmarks Trisuli River Valley Phewa Lake - Day 4
Pokhara to Ulleri Trek
Your trekking starts with a private vehicle to Nayapol. From there, you trek to Ulleri over about five hours, climbing 860 meters on flagstone steps that locals maintain. Along the way, you'll see mule trains with jingling bells and sharp cliffs with mountain views. The village of Ulleri has charm worth exploring before you settle into your teahouse for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Private vehicle transfer from Pokhara to Nayapol
- Guided trek from Nayapol to Ulleri (approximately 5 hours)
- Evening exploration of Ulleri village
Landmarks Nayapol Ulleri Village - Day 5
Ulleri to Ghorepani Trek
After breakfast in Ulleri, continue trekking to Ghorepani for five to six hours. As you climb higher, views of the Annapurna Region grow better, including Annapurna I at 8061 meters, the 10th highest mountain globally. Ghorepani is a Gurung village with stone houses and terraced fields. This place once hosted merchants traveling the salt route to Tibet. You'll stay overnight in a teahouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (5 to 6 hours)
- Annapurna Region mountain views
- Exploration of Ghorepani Gurung village with stone houses and terraced fields
Landmarks Annapurna I Ghorepani Gurung Village - Day 6
Poon Hill Sunrise and Ghandruk Trek
Wake before dawn and trek 45 minutes by flashlight to Poon Hill. You'll catch the sunrise as the sky lightens and golden rays hit the landscape, with snow-capped peaks gleaming white. Back at the Ghorepani teahouse, have breakfast before starting an eight-hour trek to Ghandruk through deep gorges, wildflowers, and villages. Ghandruk is a significant Gurung community where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Early morning trek to Poon Hill (approximately 45 minutes)
- Poon Hill sunrise viewing
- Guided trek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk (8 hours)
- Exploration of Ghandruk Gurung community
Landmarks Poon Hill Ghandruk Gurung Village 
- Day 7
Ghandruk to Nayapol Descent and Pokhara
The trek ends with a four-hour downhill walk from Ghandruk back to Nayapol. A private vehicle then drives you to Pokhara where you check in. After days of trekking with limited sleep, a hot shower and a real bed feel like luxury. Rest well tonight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided descent trek from Ghandruk to Nayapol (approximately 4 hours)
- Private vehicle transfer from Nayapol to Pokhara
Landmarks Nayapol - Day 8
Pokhara to Kathmandu
After brunch in Pokhara, board a first-class bus back to Kathmandu, retracing the mountain ranges and valleys from your arrival. You'll have one more look at the Annapurna Mountains as you leave the lakeside city. Arriving in Kathmandu by evening, Himalayan Planet Adventures arranges a farewell dinner to celebrate completing your trip. Deluxe travelers fly back instead and have time to explore or relax before the evening celebration.
- Meals
- Brunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner arranged by Himalayan Planet Adventures)
Included Activities
- Scenic first-class bus journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (available at extra cost for deluxe option)
- Exploration of Kathmandu (for deluxe trip travelers with flight option)
- Day 9
Kathmandu Departure
Your Nepal adventure wraps up today. You're free to leave whenever works for you. If you'd like to add more experiences, the Himalayan Planet Adventures office can help arrange additional activities or extensions to your vacation.
Optional Activities
- Extended vacation arrangements (inquire at Himalayan Planet Adventures main office)
