Family Holiday in Nepal

This low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills are specially devised for families. We include time in the traditional villages. At each campsite you can join our crew and the villagers in dancing, singing and games of volleyball and cricket. There is also time to visit the local schools and markets where cultural horizons are so different from our own. During the trek you get to witness magnificent oak and rhododendron forests as you ascend to alpine meadows that afford spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. After completing your trek you will travel to the Chitwan National Park and ride atop elephants in search of rhino and the Bengal tiger.

TRIP FACTS

Trip length: 15 Days 
Trip grade: Soft Trek
Minimum age of participant: 8 years old
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Fully escorted by an Explore Himalaya leader in Nepal (English speaking)
Activities: Trekking trip in Annapurna, Mountain biking or rafting trip around Pokhara, Everest flight, safari tour in the Chitwan National Park, Boat ride
Accommodation: Hotel & Lodge

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3: Flight to Pokhara, Sightseeing and boating on Fewa Lake
Day 4: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali [1800m]
Day 5: Trek to Landruk [1550m]
Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk [1940m]
Day 7: Trek to Tadapani (2630m)
Day 8: Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]
Day 9: Morning excursion at Poon Hill [3193m] and Trek to Birethanthi [1025m]
Day 10: Trek to Naya Pool [1340 m] and Drive to Pokhara
Day 11: Drive to Chitwan National Park – Safari in the afternoon
Day 12: Jungle safari
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 14: Morning Mountain flight and free day in Kathmandu
Day 15: Depart Kathmandu
Extra activity: rafting on Trisuli River on day 11

If you are short in time but want to savor as much Himalayan adventure available in Nepal within a short timescale, our Multi Activity Holiday packages include several different activities such as guided cultural tour, short but highly rewarding easy trek, thrillingrafting, wildlife tour and village tour by mountain bike – in short, a trip that encompasses all the major essence of Himalayan adventure. These tours to Nepal are suitable for a reasonably fit person with any level of experience or a family with little grown up kids.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range peaks sprawls before you. A representative and driver from our office will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel and help you check into your designated hotel. Thereafter, you will be thoroughly briefed about your travel plan.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Kathmandu sightseeing tour begins immediately after early morning delicious breakfast. Your guide will take you to Pashupatinath temple, a very sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. During this visit you get to learn and witness Hindu belief and rituals. Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath is another significant religious site which is the major highlight of your trip. You will then head towards Swayambunath, a large stupa set on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu and this site is often referred to as the 'Monkey Temple' because of the large numbers of monkeys which have made it their home. This place offers a majestic view of the entire Kathmandu valley. Stupa of Swayambhunath epitomizes Buddhism for Buddhist sect. Your cultural exploration gets more stimulating on your tour to Patan. Patan is 5kms away from Kathmandu Valley on the South-East. Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions of Patan. Your next destination is Bhaktapur that lies 13 km away from the Kathmandu valley in the East. It is most popular for its unique culture, tradition, arts and finest craftsmanship. Nepali culture and custom becomes an open book for your after visiting Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, fifty-five windowed Malla palace and other historical monuments. Eventually, the journey concludes with your return to the hotel.

Day 3: Flight to Pokhara, Sightseeing and boating on Fewa Lake

Thirty-minute morning flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu airport will give you plenty of opportunity to savor the most mesmerizing views of glorious Manaslu and snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Soon after landing on Pokhara airport, our staff will escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon after lunch, you will venture into Pokhara sightseeing tour. Pokhara is most popular for its lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Your trip includes visits to the Devil's fall, the gorge of the Seti River and Tibetan refugee camp. You even get to explore the deep-seated mysteries of intriguing cave Mahendra Gupha. After sightseeing, you can go boating on Phewa Tal and bask in the splendors of nature like spectacular view of legendry Machhapuchhare, exotic bird species and unparalled panorama.

Day 4: Drive to Phedi and trek to Dhampus [1700m]

In the morning after breakfast, a bus will take you to Phedi. From there onwards begins your trekking in Annapurna mountain range. As you climb uphill, you come close to nature. With every step, the trekking trail gets more adventurous. Finally, after walking for 3 hours, several roadside teashops come into picture. Eventually, the trail leads to the Gurung village of Dhampus. Here, you will conclude your trip of the day at a superb campsite.

Day 5: Trek to Landruk [1550m]

The trekking path away from Dhampus narrows as it skirts round a ridge snout. On proceeding further, you pass through Pothana and reach Deorali. Shortly, you find yourself high up on the East side of the Modi Khola cascading down the Annapurna circuit Sanctuary surrounded by breathtaking natural vistas. Trekking continues for another four hours until you reach picturesque Gurung settlement of Landrung. At this point, you get rewarded with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli making your journey very worthwhile. Finally, you will overnight at a campsite.

Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk [1940m]

Trekking past Landruk, you will trail along terraced fields beneath the splendid panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. On passing a succession of flatland, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, a beautiful village of Ghandruk can be seen after walking for 3 to 4 hours. You get an ideal vantage point at this pristine village to view Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare and Hiunchuli at their mesmerizing form. At Ghandruk, you can spot terraced fields and clusters of houses with slate roofs. Several hotels and teahouses at the village service warmth and hospitality catering to your every need. Camping in its terraced fields can indeed be very exciting and adventurous!

Day 7: Rest day at Ghandruk

An entire day has been set aside to give you time for proper acclimatization. After resting, you can explore around the village to learn about village life, people, custom and lush vegetation.

Day 8: Trek to Ghorapani [2775m]

Following the alluring streams, graceful waterfalls and lush rhododendron forest, you make your way to a grassy area amid the exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. Enchanting Machhapuchhare becomes visible at this point. Passing through deep forests, we head downhill to a small pass, Deorali at 2834m, before descending to the village of Ghorepani. Excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli unfolds before us. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the teams of mules which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom. There are several hotels, shops, a police check post and camping places.

Day 9: Morning excursion at Poon Hill [3193m] and Trek to Birethanti [1050m]

In the morning, you will get to view heart-throbbing panorama of Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3193 meters. It takes an hour to reach upto Poon Hill. After savoring the magnificent sunrise view that complements mesmerizing sight of Himalayan range, you will begin descending towards Birethanti through magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. From the village of Ulleri, a long steep stone staircase seems to go on forever before eventually reaching Hille. A more gradual descent will finally bring you to Birethanti. Lying beside Modi River, Birethani houses well-resourced shops, hotels, cafes, a police check post, a bakery and a bank.

Day 10: Trek to Naya Pool [1340 m] and Drive to Pokhara

Further away from Birethanti, you walk towards a rock-strewn trail that leads to Naya pool. After walking for few hours, main road opens up. Thereafter, you will be driven to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you will check into your hotel where you can let go of your exhaustion and take proper rest amidst the lively ambience of the hotel.

Day 11: Rafting on Trisuli River and Drive to Chitwan National Park

Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transported to Kurin Ghat. After refreshments, we begin our rafting from the put-in point under the guidance of river guide with thorough briefing on safety measures. Initially, water current becomes notably swifter as our raft maneuvers towards narrow tranquil pools of clear turquoise water of Trisuli River. Gradually, we may get splashed by occasional large rapid. We journey through a breathtaking river trip amid mesmerizing vistas boasting one impressive rapid after another. At around mid day, you wrap up your whitewater river rafting trip and head off to Royal Chitwan National Park. Chitwan National park lies in the tropical Terai region of Chitwan. Royal Chitwan National Park and Devghat are the major attractions of Chitwan. Chitwan houses rich wildlife, lush grasslands and rare species of bird and animals.

Day 12: Jungle activities

Chitwan National park offers a unique and exceptional wildlife experience, being the home to several rare species, in particular, the one-horned rhinoceros and leopard and also leopard, bear, wild boar, deer, bison, crocodiles etc. We surrender to the pure pleasure of jungle activities. Safari excursion includes Elephant safari, Wildlife safari, jeep safari, canoeing and bird watching. Unlike African animals, those in Chitwan tend to be rather solitary and shy, but the chances of sightseeing these are very high owing to the expertise and experiences of experienced guides. In the evening, before dinner, you are treated with a slide show demonstrating culture of Nepal or a performance of the Tharu stick dance, a traditional local dance.

Day 13: Jungle activities and Fly to Kathmandu

In the morning you can indulge in nature walk and birding. If you have an eye for photography, you get plenty of opportunities to capture the nature at its very best. After lunch, you will board a flight to Kathmandu from Bharatpur airport. On arriving in Kathmandu, you will be escorted back to your hotel where you get to enjoy superb facilities.

Day 14: Morning Mountain flight and leisure time 

After breakfast we will arrange a mountain flight for you during which you get to savor outstanding view of Everest Mountain range. Later, you will have an entire day set aside for complete relaxation. You can utilize this day doing whatever you feel like. You can simply rest or roam around the city for interesting sightseeing or just go shopping.

Day 15: Depart Kathmandu 

Our drive and airport representative drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home. We ensure that that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime.