Culture and Himalayan hiking

Today you begin your Nepal adventure and fly individually to Kathmandu, where the next morning you’ll be greeted with: Welcome to Nepal! After you land, you will be met by a staff member at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can first relax and recover from your journey.

Durbar Square in Kathmandu is the center of Nepal’s traditional culture and art, featuring numerous historic temples, palaces, and sculptures. Here you will find the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Taleju Temple, as well as the impressive Jagannath Temple and the statue of Kala Bhairava. The Kastamandap Temple is said to have been built from the wood of a single tree. Also famous is the temple of the Living Goddess of Kathmandu at the Kumari Ghar, as well as the Shiva-Parvati Temple. Swayambhunath, believed to be 2,000 years old, is the oldest Buddhist stupa and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. A trip to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, takes you to the oldest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley, with numerous Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments such as the Krishna Temple, the “Golden Temple” Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, and the Khumbeswar Temple. Every brick of the Mahabouda Temple is engraved with an image of Buddha, giving it the nickname “Temple of 1,000 Buddhas.”

Tibetan monks in rust-colored robes walk along streets adorned with colorful flags, while pilgrims turn prayer wheels and stock up on yak butter and barley flour — every day, thousands of pilgrims come to the Boudhanath Stupa to perform religious rituals under the watchful eyes of the Buddha and to explore the vibrant selection of ceremonial items at the surrounding markets. The Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, may only be entered by Hindus, but from the eastern side of the river, numerous devotees can be observed performing centuries-old rituals in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Bhaktapur, as one of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley, feels like a museum of medieval art and architecture. Durbar Square, with its conglomeration of pagodas and temples surrounding the Fifty-Five Window Palace, is one of the architectural highlights of the valley.

Chitwan National Park, located at the foothills of the Himalayas, is one of the few remaining untouched areas of the Terai region, which once extended across parts of India and Nepal. It boasts particularly rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of Asian one-horned rhinoceroses lives in the park, and with a bit of luck, the Bengal tiger can also be observed. A village visit along the way provides insight into simple life, and the usually narrow suspension bridges that connect the hilly regions offer a connection to the outside world and breathtaking views. Your first jungle adventure awaits in the afternoon (organized by the hotel depending on weather and local conditions) in the national park.

Early in the morning, you set out for birdwatching or a nature hike. You return to the hotel or resort for breakfast. Afterwards, you spend the day enjoying further jungle activities, such as a jeep safari through the breathtaking jungle landscape or a canoe ride in good weather conditions (organized by the hotel depending on weather and local possibilities). Please note that no jeep safaris take place in Chitwan National Park during the rainy season in July, August, and September.

Several beautiful lakes and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks make Pokhara one of the most beautiful valleys in Nepal, with a magical and peaceful atmosphere. This is where the starting point for your trekking tour through the unique Himalayan mountains is located. To prepare in a relaxed manner, an afternoon stroll to the lake on your own is recommended.

Nayapul, at an altitude of 1,070 meters, is the starting point of your first trekking stage along the Modi and Bhurundi rivers to Tikhedhunga at 1,495 meters. Once there, all that’s left to do is relax in the unique natural surroundings and take a well-deserved break while soaking in the breathtaking scenery of seemingly endless bamboo forests, roaring waterfalls, and the magnificent mountains.

Freshly strengthened, today’s hike continues steadily uphill to Ghorepani at 2,850 meters, accompanied by impressive views of the Annapurna massif. Here, it’s time to gather new energy and spend the rest of the day quietly reflecting on the impressions of the breathtaking natural landscape of rhododendron and oak forests.

Today starts early, because Poon Hill, at an altitude of 3,210 meters, is not only the highest point of your trekking tour but also an unforgettable highlight of your journey thanks to its unique sunrise. Afterwards, the trail slowly descends, although a few more uphill stretches await along the way. Your overnight accommodation awaits you in Tadapani at 2,590 meters — here you can put your feet up and regain strength for tomorrow’s stage.

The trail continues steadily downhill, with picturesque villages set amidst a breathtaking mountain landscape offering unforgettable impressions of a traditional life in harmony with nature. You will spend the night in Ghandruk at 1,940 meters.

The final stage leads back to the starting point of the trekking tour in Nayapul at 1,070 meters — almost like a stroll through the enchanting valley shaped by the Modi River. From here, you travel by car back to Pokhara — the otherworldly atmosphere of this magical place is the perfect conclusion to your Himalayan journey!

Pokhara’s natural beauty is showcased at Devi’s Fall and the Seti River Gorge, where the interplay of plunging, roaring water and rugged rock creates a fascinating sight. On a nearby hill stands the Bindhyabasini Temple, dedicated to Pokhara’s guardian goddess Bhagwati, offering a breathtaking view of the Annapurna peaks. Wonderful underground worlds can be explored in the Ghupteshwar Mahadev Cave, one of the longest in South Asia. A boat ride on Phewa Lake provides a relaxing way to enjoy the stunning natural panorama.

You start the day leisurely and enjoy a final breakfast in the enchanting mountain scenery of Pokhara. Enjoy the wonderful views of the passing landscape on the return journey to Kathmandu. The evening is perfect for relaxing—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, for a final shopping stroll on your own at one of the nearby markets.

Depending on your departure time, the day is at your leisure before you are transferred to the airport in time. From here, you begin your flight home, carrying with you many new impressions. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope to welcome you again as our guest soon.