The mountains of Kathmandu and the Annapurnas
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationHimalaya / Annapurnas
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions121.33 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the Kathmandu Valley through an itinerary that blends serenity , local encounters , and cultural treasures . From the Nepalese capital, nestled at an altitude of 1,360 meters , journey to Nagarkot and Namo Buddha , two havens of peace perched in the hills, offering unforgettable views of the Himalayas . In Namo Buddha, immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Buddhist monastery and the tranquility of this sacred place.
On your return, you'll explore Bhaktapur , the ancient imperial city, with its cobbled streets, Palace Square , and famous Golden Gate . Finally, don't miss the Bodhnath Stupa , a spiritual emblem of Kathmandu and a gathering place for Tibetan pilgrims.
A journey between living heritage and magnificent panoramas , ideal for those seeking authenticity , spirituality and cultural discovery .
The highlights
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The Himalayan peaks near Kathmandu
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Historical visits to Bhaktapur and Bodhnath
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The Annapurna massif and the lake city of Pokhara
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 263 m
- Average daily descent: 188 m
Management
French
Program
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Kathmandu - Nagarkot (2000m)
- Transportation Car - 01h - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h05
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, visit the great stupa of Bodhnath, a sacred Buddhist site. Located in the heart of the Tibetan quarter, where many monasteries of exile were built. Then, drive to the heights of Nagarkot, a beautiful viewpoint offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. At Jaharsingh Pauwa, we begin our trek along a ridge overlooking the Himalayas: Mount Langtang (7210m), Mount Ganesh (7424m), Mount Dorje Lakpa (6900m), and others. The hike takes us through a forest and past small villages to Nagarkot. Enjoy sunset over the Himalayas from the terrace of your hotel.
Day 1 -
Nagarkot - Namo Buddha (2650m)
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We witness a sunrise over the Himalayas, literally a snow-covered landscape, and enjoy the golden hues on several snow-capped peaks. After breakfast, we set off for Namobuddha. Halfway there, we stop for sightseeing and lunch in the old town of Dhulikhel before continuing on to Namobuddha – a Buddhist historical site nestled in a bucolic countryside, where the Buddha is said to have sacrificed one of his previous lives to feed a tigress and her hungry cubs. Upon arrival at Namobuddha, there's an easy walk in the surrounding area.
Day 2 -
Namo Buddha: Discovering the region on foot
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early in the morning, we will attend Buddhist prayers at Namobuddha Monastery. It's a pleasant and easy walk from our accommodation to the monastery, which houses many of the monks. Return to the resort. After breakfast, explore the Namo Buddha region on foot: villages, cultures, people, and mountains. The walk can be tailored to your fitness level and preferences (walking duration options: 1 to 8 hours!). Return to the hotel after the day's adventure.
Day 3 -
Namo Buddha - Kathmandu
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After another short break with the Himalayas as our backdrop, we'll head towards Kathmandu. En route, we'll visit Bhaktapur, whose medieval alleyways offer a journey into Nepal's glorious history. This city showcases the ancient charm of Nepal and the Newars, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley, who created magnificent monuments like the Nyatapole Temple. We'll also visit Datatraya, Durabar Square, and the pottery district, all within walking distance. Afterwards, we'll transfer to our hotel.
Day 4 -
Kathmandu - Pokhara (900m)
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 210km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we leave the Kathmandu Valley by tourist bus and head towards the Annapurnas. Leaving the Kathmandu Valley at the Thankot Pass (1400m), you'll get your first glimpse of the Ganesh Himal (7400m), Langtang (7200m), and Manaslu (8163m) massifs. Passing through several valleys and following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, we arrive in Pokhara, a city on the shores of Phewa Lake at the foot of the Annapurna Mountains. Late afternoon, enjoy a stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake.
Day 5 -
Pokhara: Discovering the Annapurnas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early in the morning, we have a short transfer to Sarangkot – a famous viewpoint overlooking the Annapurna range – to watch the sunrise. This spot offers splendid views of several peaks rising to over 8,000m and 7,000m. We return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, we hike up to Shanti Stupa, the "Pagoda of Peace." From the temple, we have a panoramic view of the Annapurna range. After a pleasant break for contemplation, we descend to Phewa Lake, which we cross by boat.
Day 6 -
Route: Pokhara - Kathmandu
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 210km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a peaceful morning in Pokhara, we returned to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our services ended.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Private ground transfers according to itinerary
- Tourist bus: Days 5 and 7
- Full board accommodation: Nagarkot and Namo Buddhi
- Accommodation with breakfast: Kathmandu and Pokhara
- The English-speaking management
- Local permits
- Staff insurance
- All local taxes
The price does not include
- Private airport/hotel/airport transfers
- Accommodation in Kathmandu
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Nepal visa $30: Passport valid for at least 6 months required
- Repatriation insurance, helicopter, hospital, medical…
- Tips, all personal expenses and equipment, drinks (including water), sleeping bag and anything not listed under “Price includes”
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 to bring
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (ideally 2 liters)
Clothing to bring
- Cap or hat
- Cap
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- Lightweight down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Long shorts
- Comfortable walking pants
- Waterproof and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
