Arrive at any time and welcome to Nepal's bustling capital - Kathmandu.
Take a walking tour of Patan Durbar Square where we view the Royal Palace and the temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. Also visit Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess; If she is accepting visitors, we can receive a blessing. After, visit Swayambhunath the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley. Remainder of the day is free to explore, opt to visit Bhaktapur or the Pashupatinath Temple or stroll around the bustling markets.
Drive to Sanga and lace up your hiking shoes for a hike through the countryside and local Villages. Take in stunning views and meet friendly folks along the way to Panauti Village community homestay; a G Adventures–supported initiative. Settle into one of the welcoming homes and get to know your host family by pitching in and learning how to cook local dishes for dinner this evening.
Enjoy a bicycle tour of the countryside with the G-Adventures Supported program Panauti Bike Station and ride through three indigenous towns: Panauti, Sunthan and Khopasi. Explore small temples, peddle through an orange farm, learn how silk is produced from silk worms and try a cup of Nepali masala tea. Head back to our homestay for lunch then take a free afternoon to explore the town on your own before another home-cooked dinner with your hosts.
Enjoy stunning views as we drive along the Trishuli River passing ancient stone villages backed by steep rice terraces and the mountains beyond. Arrive in beautiful Bandipur village an ancient trading stop which has been able to maintain its distinct culture. Take an orientation walk around town exploring a bit of history, architecture, and local tradition.
Enjoy a hike along local trails with stunning panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Ranges. Along the way we pass though small communities, the old fort of Purano Kot, and visit temples. Continue to Ramkot Village inhabited by the Magar Tribe, a very remote and simple Nepalese community originating from the ancient Mongols. Take a walk through the town before returning by vehicle to Bandipur.
Drive towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, and our next stop, Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk around Lake Phewa and be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop.
Get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this exciting city. Opt to visit Mt Sarangkot for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, visit the stunning World Peace Pagoda or explore Lake Phewa by boat, then wander the markets for some last minute shopping. Later, get ready for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared.
Travel the last leg of this trip through the stunning green valleys, terraced hills and sweeping mountain views back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the city which is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you.
