Discovering Nepal: Annapurnas and Terai
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationHimalaya / Annapurnas
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions4479.59 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Nepali
In a few words
Immerse yourself in a fascinating cultural and natural experience through the treasures of Nepal . Your journey begins in the Kathmandu Valley , where spiritual vibrancy unfolds between the Swayambhunath stupa and the royal palaces of Patan . The experience reaches its peak with the discovery of Pashupatinath , a sacred site dedicated to Shiva, and the preserved medieval architecture of Bhaktapur .
Next, head west for a multi-day trek facing the peaks of the Himalayas . At the foot of the majestic Machhapuchhre , you'll cross through authentic traditional villages before reaching the subtropical plains of the Terai . This journey takes on a historical dimension in Tansen and a spiritual one in Lumbini , following in the footsteps of the Buddha.
The adventure concludes with a wild exploration of Chitwan National Park . Between canoe trips and forest hikes, you'll encounter exceptional wildlife, from rhinos to tigers. This tour offers a perfect balance between Hindu heritage , scenic hikes, and wildlife viewing for a comprehensive view of the country.
The highlights
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Exploring the cultural and spiritual sites of the Kathmandu Valley
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Accessible hikes offering panoramic views of the Annapurnas
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Immerse yourself in Chitwan National Park and discover the wildlife.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 100 m
Management
Based in Kathmandu for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our trekking guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature. Let us guide you…
- This trip is led by a French-speaking Nepalese tour guide, a specialist in Nepalese culture and history.
- A local team will assist you during the trek. Here is its composition (which varies depending on the size of the group and the logistics required):
Porters: Luggage is transported by porters. Porterage is a historical tradition in Nepal, dictated by the terrain. On our trips, we provide a minimum of one porter for every two participants. We guarantee that they are over 16 years old, properly insured, and that they do not carry more than 30 kg. On trips including the ascent of a peak over 6,000 meters ("trekking peak"), we exceptionally allow porters to carry up to 45 kg. This is only available to porters who request it. In this case, additional compensation is provided. Therefore, we kindly ask you to limit your belongings to 12 kg per person (belongings carried by the porter), and 20 kg for trekkers climbing a peak.
Program
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Flight to Kathmandu
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 7240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
International flight with a stopover in Kathmandu.Day 1 -
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Kathmandu during the day. We are met by our local team and taken to our hotel in the city center. Free time and rest. In the evening, dinner with our guide.Day 2 -
Patan - Bodnath
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit Patan, one of the three ancient imperial cities of the valley, predominantly Buddhist, known for its statue-casting artisans. We continue to Bungamati, a 15th-century Newar artisan village. Visit the great stupa of Bodhnath, located in the heart of the Tibetan quarter where many exiled monasteries were built. We spend the night in Bodhnath to enjoy this sacred site after the tourists have left.Day 3 -
Pashupatinath - Bhaktapur
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day exploring the jewels of the Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, a 12th-century Hindu site and cremation ground dedicated to Shiva, where pilgrims come to bathe in the sacred Bagmati River. We then depart for the magnificent pedestrian city of Bhaktapur, 15 km from Kathmandu, the most beautiful of the valley's three imperial cities. We'll visit and spend the night in Bhaktapur, staying until all the other visitors have left.Day 4 -
Kathmandu - Bandipur
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the Kathmandu Valley and head towards Bandipur, a magnificent village of Newar traders. Built atop a ridge, the village also offers a panoramic view of some of the most famous Himalayan massifs: Langtang, Ganesh, Himal, Manaslu, Annapurnas... We spend the night in Bandipur.Day 5 -
Bandipur - Australian Camp - Landruk (1,640 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we had breakfast in Bandipur, then continued our journey to Kande, from where we began our trek along the Annapurna balcony trail. We hiked to the village of Landruk in the Modi Kola Valley. We had a beautiful day of walking through villages and rice paddies to start our mini-trek in the heart of the Annapurnas.Day 6 -
Landruk - Ghandruk (2050 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We descend to the Gurung village of Landruk, which offers a superb view of Annapurna South (7219 m) and Hinchuli (6441 m). We cross the Madi Kola River and then climb a bit steeply to Ghandruk, a Gurung village with sturdy houses surrounded by stone walls that protect rice paddies and wheat fields. There is a very beautiful view of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.Day 7 -
Ghandruk - Pokhara
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Descent to Birethanti (1100 m) to reach the road, then transfer by bus to Pokhara. Free time in the evening to stroll leisurely along the shopping street of "Lake View", or on the peaceful shores of Phewa Lake.Day 8 -
Pokhara – Tansen
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we depart for Tansen. During the journey, we travel through the Nepalese countryside, enjoying the diverse landscapes: mountains, valleys, rice paddies, villages… We arrive in Tansen in the afternoon. We explore this ancient city and stronghold of the Rana dynasty. We visit the historic center and the Tansen Durbar Palace. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Tansen.Day 9 -
Tansen - Lumbini
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we set off for Lumbini, not far from the Indian border. Today's itinerary includes a visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the last Buddha! On this sacred site, various international Buddhist communities have built temples and monasteries. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 10 -
Visit to Lumbini - Chitwan National Park, Terai region
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we visit the famous Mayan temple of Devi, the main and most important temple in Lumbini. We then travel to the Terai jungle and Chitwan National Park. After lunch, we'll have our first tour of the park.Day 11 -
Chitwan National Park: Canoeing, Jeep Safari and Hiking
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A full day dedicated to exploring the jungle. A canoe trip down the river to observe the birds at sunrise. A Jeep safari to better explore the jungle, teeming with wildlife. It's not uncommon to spot rhinos during the safari: the one-horned animal symbolizes the fabulous beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, a Kipling-esque jungle walk: deer, bears, and sometimes even tigers. In the evening, Tharu warrior dances.Day 12 -
Walk and flight to Kathmandu - Visit to Swayambhunath
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early morning walk to observe birds (Indian roller, kingfisher, bee-eater, bar-headed goose, etc.). In the morning, transfer to Bharatpur airport for our domestic flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, visit Swayambhunath, nicknamed "the Monkey Temple." The site offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Next, head to Durbar Square, the royal square in the heart of the city. At the end of the day, check into your hotel.Day 13 -
Free time and return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time in Kathmandu. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport and international flight with a layover to France. Depending on your return flight schedule, optional "Kathmandu Valley Tour" (to be paid upon registration): today we offer a guided tour of the main sites of the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, and Bodnath (see 'Options' section). **Check-out from your room at 12:00 PM.Day 14 -
Arrival in France
- Transportation Plane - 13h - 7240km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in France during the day.Day 15
Note
Accommodation
Access
Price details
The price includes
- Round-trip flights Paris / Kathmandu
- Domestic flights between Bharatpur and Kathmandu and ground transportation.
- The visits planned in the program.
- The tour is led by a French-speaking Nepalese guide.
- The services of a local team during the trek.
- Accommodation and full board, with the exception of meals indicated as "free" in the day-by-day itinerary.
- Entrance fees to the sites included in the program.
The price does not include
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Meals are not included (allow 8 to 10 € per meal)
- Drinks and mineral water
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- First aid kit
Equipment to bring
- Telescopic trekking poles (optional)
- Sleeping bag suitable for high mountain use. Recommended comfort temperature of 0°C, depending on the season and individual sensitivity to cold.
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (ideally 2 liters)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Note: Some equipment can be rented on-site (sleeping bag, down jacket, etc.). Expect to pay around €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable locally). If you wish to rent one or more items, please let us know before your departure so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
For those who wish to use their trip to Nepal to help local communities, you can bring clothing, hiking equipment, or school supplies with you. Our local team will take care of delivering everything to a local NGO.
Clothing to bring
Lightweight and comfortable travel clothing. Note that it can be hot during the day (30°C) and cool at night, especially in the mountains (5-10°C).
Recommended clothing for this trip:
- Cap or hat
- Cap
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Gloves
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear (t-shirt and tights) for the night
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- Puffer jacket for breaks or in the evening
- Short long
- Comfortable walking pants
- Walking socks
- Waterproof and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days