Hiking between the temples of Kathmandu and the peaks of Annapurna

Heading towards Pokhara: rafting on the Trisuli River

After a hearty breakfast, our real adventure in Nepal begins. Today, we have several hours of travel ahead of us to reach Pokhara, a traditional city reflected in the waters of Phewa Lake. It's 200 kilometers from Kathmandu, and the journey will take us about six hours. The advantage is that through the window, we'll be able to watch the landscape change kilometer after kilometer, from city to nature, and then back to the city again.

But for such a long transfer, a break is necessary... and what better way to stretch our legs than a rafting trip to get an adrenaline rush? Indeed, the road we are taking runs alongside the Trisuli River, which happens to be one of the best places for this activity.

Everyone gets out of the minivan, it's time to jump in the water!

Welcome to Pokhara

Upon arriving in Pokhara, we set off to explore the city. The streets of the city center are quiet, and Lake Side, the main street, is lined with shops selling mostly climbing equipment. One of the most interesting areas is the peaceful Tibetan quarter, made up of colorful low houses, a Buddhist temple, and a market area offering handicrafts made by the women of the community. At sunset, we strolled along the stalls by the lake and took the time to observe the characteristic boats moored near the shore. We have to admit, having dinner with such a view would be truly restorative and relaxing after so many hours on the road!

In the mountains

One of the best experiences to have in Pokhara is watching the sun rise and illuminate Annapurna – the tenth highest peak in the world – and we definitely don't want to miss it, so it's an early start! After breakfast, we set off by jeep for Birethanti and in about three hours, we arrive at our destination, ready to continue... on foot! Our trek begins, so it's time to warm up, because we'll be walking for the next three days! Don't worry, this trek is suitable for everyone, and we'll only need a small backpack with the essentials for the next two nights in the Nepalese wilderness.

The trek begins!

Our trek begins: for the first part of the day, we'll be walking on flat terrain, so nothing too difficult, and it's perfect for enjoying the view! We arrive in Saulibazaar, the first stop of the day. We stop for lunch to recharge our batteries, then continue on to the last stop of the day, Ghandruk. In two hours, we walk through the jungle and cross small villages, allowing us to admire firsthand what life is like in these regions. We finally arrive in Ghandruk, where we visit the local museum and spend the night.

More trekking

We wake up to the sounds of nature and the sun's rays streaming through our windows, warming the surrounding mountain landscape. A hearty breakfast fuels us, preparing us for the trekking kilometers ahead. Today we climb again: the first part of the trek takes us, in about two hours, to Kimrung Danda, where we stop for lunch, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the towering Himalayan peaks.

We then continued our descent for an hour and arrived at Chomrong, our last stop of the day. This is a very special place: Chomrong is the last village before Annapurna Base Camp. The spectacular view of the immense Nepalese massif is breathtaking. Sunsets seen from here are unforgettable... So let's enjoy ours in all its beauty until the stars appear.

Let's make the most of the last few kilometers

Last day of trekking, we're trying to make the most of it: today again, for the most adventurous, the alarm is set for dawn, if only to admire the beauty of Annapurna in the early morning, when it's bathed in the warm sunlight. After breakfast, we return to Nayapul before heading to Pokhara by jeep. These three days have been intense and magnificent, but once back at the hotel... we'll take some time to relax!

The Tiger Park

This morning, we head to Chitwan National Park, the largest and most beautiful park in Nepal, home to protected animals such as the world-famous rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. We board a jeep for a jungle excursion: although we are always accompanied by a local guide, the prospect of encountering antelopes, macaques, snakes, rhinoceroses, and tigers will thrill us throughout the trip. Near the park are several small centers with restaurants and bars, all located on the north bank of the Rapti River. We will stay in one of these for the night. As you wander through these narrow streets, you might easily spot magnificent, tame elephants returning to their stables. We dine by the river, watching the sun sink into the jungle, surrounded only by the calls of animals and the sounds of nature.

We are enjoying nature again

Thankfully, we still have a few hours to enjoy Chitwan National Park. We can take advantage of this time to go on a long boat trip or visit the village of Tharu. We're trying to savor these moments immersed in Nepalese nature and culture as much as possible: soon, we'll have to say goodbye to these magical places and continue our journey back to where it all began, in Kathmandu.

The return journey takes about six hours, so let's get comfortable and enjoy the Nepalese landscape passing by the window. Late in the afternoon, we arrive in Kathmandu. It's time to settle into the hotel and relax a bit before heading out for a stroll through the city streets, looking for a small restaurant where we can sample some local specialties.

Cooking classes and exploring the capital

This is our last chance to visit Kathmandu. We can get lost in Thamel Market, the city's hippie quarter—it's definitely worth seeing! Then we'll continue exploring Kathmandu independently, taking our time to enjoy this incredible city while searching for last-minute souvenirs among the local crafts. Those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city can take refuge in the Garden of Dreams—also known as the Garden of the Six Seasons: this park is a true oasis of greenery, with large gardens, fountains, and six very special pavilions dedicated to the six seasons of Nepal. However, we mustn't get too distracted: a three-hour traditional Nepalese cooking class awaits us to test our skills. At the end of the day, we'll take a moment to reminisce about all our past adventures in Nepal and take our last group photos against the backdrop of this city full of cultural and artistic contrasts.

Check-out and departure

See you soon! We'll meet you at the next adventure.