Au Naturel in Nepal
With easy travel requirements in Nepal, now is the time to plan your excursion to this wildlife haven. Along with extraordinary wildlife opportunities, you’ll have the chance for cultural connections and a true focus on wellness...
Photo courtesy of Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash
Most people think of Nepal exclusively as a cold weather destination, but did you know that it’s actually on a similar latitude as Florida? This means that you can travel to this wildlife haven to see the rhinos at Chitwan National Park or the tigers at Bardia National Park nearly year-round!
Nepal is the perfect destination for travelers looking for equal doses of outdoor thrills and cultural enrichment, and with the easy entry requirements, there’s never been a more exciting time to plan a Nepalese journey. We sat down with our brilliant friends at Remote Lands to cook up a sample itinerary to ignite your wanderlust.
This action-packed itinerary covers all of Nepal’s most iconic sites along with some lesser-known areas. While we hope this itinerary sets you daydreaming, remember that every single Poe Travel itinerary is customized and tailor-made, so this is only a starting point!
Nine Days in Nepal
Day 1
Kathmandu
Your great adventure begins in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll be met off the plane and escorted through the airport, after which a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. For your accommodation in Kathmandu, we recommend the beautiful Dwarika’s Hotel, which sits within walking distance of the famous Pashupatinath Temple, while also being just a short drive away from the airport.
Spend the afternoon strolling around Durbar Square in the old city. Here you’ll see the Kumari Living Goddess Palace, which is the residence of the Royal Kumari, a young girl believed to be the incarnation of the goddess Taleju. You’ll also visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century. After summiting 365 steep steps, explore the complex while also keeping an eye on the rascal monkeys that call the temple home.
Day 2
Kathmandu
Photo courtesy of Martin Jernberg on Unsplash
You may not be quite ready to climb Mount Everest, but what about taking a helicopter ride right up to Everest Base Camp? Fly over the legendary mountain range, taking in stunning views along the way, and then touch down at Base Camp for a mountaintop champagne breakfast. Talk about once-in-a-lifetime!
The rest of the day is dedicated to Kathmandu’s holy sites, including Boudhanath Stupa and Pashumatinath Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 3
Chitwan National Park
You can choose to transfer to the next stop along the way on your Nepalese adventure either by car to see the scenery along the way (5-6 hours), or you can hop on a quick 20-minute flight followed by a drive of less than an hour. Whichever mode of transport you choose, you’ll find yourself at Chitwan National Park at the end of the day.
We recommend the Taj Meghauli Serai hotel, which is renowned for its service and incredible location right on the banks of the Rapti River. Offering beautiful, dramatic landscapes and some of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities in the world, it’s no wonder this hotel is so sought-after.
This afternoon, head out with your resort’s expert naturalist in an open 4x4 vehicle on a wildlife safari. A UNESCO-designated site, Chitwan National Park is home to the rare and endangered one-horned rhino and the royal Bengal tiger. Asiatic elephants also roam the plains in herds, while gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles bask along the riverbanks. Make your way through dense jungles, stopping along the way at the gharial crocodile breeding center to learn more about this unusual-looking and highly endangered species.
Day 4
Chitwan National Park
Photo courtesy of Prabin Basnet on Unsplash
Delve deeper into Chitwan National Park today, starting with a nature hike along the riverbank. Spot native birds and take in the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding forest as you go. You’ll be accompanied by expert trackers and naturalists to acquaint you with the grassland and the many smaller creatures that often elude the eye.
You will also have the chance to fish and canoe in the floodplains, where you might spot storks, kingfishers, otters, and even fishing cat. Outside of spotting wildlife, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a village and meet the Tharu, formerly isolated local folk who inhabit the forests of the Himalayan foothills.
Day 5
Pokhara
Fly onward to Pokhara, a laidback, charming city built around Phewa Lake. Pokhara also functions as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. While you’re here, we recommend staying at the Tiger Mountain Lodge, located on top of a majestic mountain with the Himalayas as a backdrop. This setting is dreamlike and so remote that it was only accessible on foot until 1968.
After you arrive, head to Phewa Lake for a scenic cruise. The far side of the lake remains densely forested and alive with birdlife. Enjoy views of snow-capped Machapuchare Peak in the distance and bright blue skies reflected in the lake’s surface. Afterwards, visit Devi’s Fall and Mahendra Cave, a scenic point awash in mystery.
Day 6
Pokhara
Photo courtesy of Samrat Khadka on Unsplash
Today is a day with many options for thrill-seekers. Perhaps you want to embark on the ultimate paragliding experience from Sarangkot hilltop at sunrise, enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and Phewa Lake with a trained instructor taking the helm. Alternatively, try a similar experience by Ultralight flight, a very intimate two-seater, fixed wing aircraft. If you’re up for yet more adrenaline-inducing activities, head downriver on an exhilarating white-water rafting trip.
Those who prefer to stay on the ground can enjoy the rugged Himalayan terrain and fresh mountain air on a guided nature walk. Stop along the way at the International Mountain Museum, dedicated, as you might guess, to all things related to mountains and mountaineering.
Day 7
Kathmandu Valley
It’s back to Kathmandu today, but you’ll be trading the city for the countryside. Enjoy a stay at Dwarika’s sister hotel, the Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel, which provides views overlooking the vast Himalayan range.
On the way to the hotel, stop to visit the ancient city of Bhakpatur. Wander around its square and admire remarkable medieval architecture, exquisite wood carvings, and metal craft. Centuries-old festivals are still celebrated in the square today, keeping the old city vibrant while preserving traditional customs.
Day 8
Kathmandu Valley
Photo courtesy of Remote Lands
Begin your last full day in Nepal the right way: with an easy bicycle ride around the valley. Travel down dirt routes and around lush green mountains, stopping at scenic points such as goempas and traditional villages.
Visit the quiet Dhulikhel town, which is small and easily explored on foot. This town has long been an important trading center along the commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. Enjoy lunch in town as you take in views of the snow-capped mountains, one of the finest panoramic views in the world.
We recommend spending your last afternoon at leisure. Dwarika’s is a haven for those looking for wellness and relaxation, and it would be a shame not to indulge during your stay. With activities such as salt-room bathing, chakra alignment sessions, and yoga with a guru, there are a multitude of ways for you to conclude your Nepal itinerary in peace.
Day 9
Departure
Whether you’re heading home today or journeying elsewhere, you’ll leave feeling realigned and connected with nature after all of the incredible experiences you’ll have had in Nepal.
If you would like to Go Away to Nepal (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to set you on your way, making sure you receive the VIP treatment at every turn.