See “Nepal” and you probably think “mountains”. But take a quick look at the challenge rating up there and you’ll realise that this trip to Nepal isn’t like the rest of them. You won’t be climbing Everest or freezing your, err, “bits” off on Mera Peak on this adventure. But an adventure it most definitely is.
Stupas strewn with fluttering prayer flags, intoxicating incense billowing through the crisp air, rugged peaks shrouded in cloud and verdant jungles await you in Nepal, and you’re going to see it all. Traditional Tharu dances and teahouses? Check. Rivers and rhododendron forests? Got them. Spectacular safari?! Why of course. If you’ve been dreaming of the rich culture and stunning landscapes of ancient Nepal, but you don’t fancy hot-footing it up one of the tallest mountains in the world, this is the trip for you.
Simply Enter your details to download our free guide.
Read more about The Best Of Nepal
Start your adventure by immersing yourself in the ancient culture of Kathmandu, exploring medieval temples and intricate palaces, sipping refreshing brews in traditional teahouses and munching fresh momos on the bustling streets. You’ll drink in the strange mixture of culture, calm and chaos in this unique city and right when you’ve had just about enough, you’ll find yourself by the tranquil Phewa Lake, 200km away. Just outside the serene city of Pokhara, you can expect to see colourful canoes bobbing on the time-worn shores, set against a dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna peaks in the distance.
If water’s your thing then you’ll love the wider countryside around Pokhara and Phewa Lake. With gentle streams, deep gorges and even multi-tiered cascades, this place will set your heart racing and send your Instagram followers into a frenzy. But since this trip’s an entirely Nepalese experience, it wouldn’t be complete without some time spent in mountain country. So you’ll head to the Himalayan foothills to trek through rhododendron forests, past Gurung villages, exploring the deepest darkest corners of Chitwan National Park.You’ll uncover little-known secrets of the Nepalese jungle, riding a dug-out canoe down the Rapti River, witnessing Tibetan carpet weaving and visiting traditional teahouses for an authentic brew.
You’ll seek out elephants, rhinos, crocodiles and even the elusive Bengal tiger on safari amid metre-high grasses and moss-covered trees. And you’re guaranteed to get more than a glimpse of Nepal’s largest mammal with a visit to the Elephant Breeding Project further down on the banks of the Rapti.
If you hadn’t already got the idea, this really is one of our most relaxing adventures. So if you want to see what Nepal’s all about without donning your walking boots, we’ll see you over in the country of contrasts.
The The Best Of Nepal Itinerary
Day 1
Depart UK
Depart from the UK and fly to Kathmandu
Day 2
Arrive in Kathmandu
As soon as we land in Kathmandu, our local guides will meet us and we will transfer to our hotel in the city. The rest of the day is spent as a free day at your leisure. You can either explore the sights of Kathmandu, or simply relax and recuperate ready for an exciting trip ahead!
Day 3
Kathmandu: City tour of Boudanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Patan city
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head off for a captivating sightseeing tour. First, we will visit Boudanath Stupa, which is located around eight kilometres east of Kathmandu. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest in the world, and is considered to be the centre of Buddhism.
Next, we will continue on to Pashupatinath Temple – the temple of Lord Shiva. We will marvel at its golden roof and impressive architecture, before visiting Patan Durbar Square. The highlight here is Krishna Mandir, a temple which was built in the seventeenth century, featuring 21 spires completely made of stone.
This is a fascinating day full of ancient Nepali culture waiting to be discovered.
Day 4
City tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur city
Today is day two of our cultural experience in the enthralling city of Kathmandu. After breakfast, we begin the day by visiting the famous Durbar Square.
Laden with old temples and palaces, Durbar Square epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the Nepali people. There are countless interesting sites to explore here, including Nyatapola temple, Taleju Temple, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Drum and the Jagannath Temple.
We will then continue to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa. Sat atop a hillock, this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. There is then the option to extend the tour to visit Changunarayan temple, which is located on the hilltop and is dedicated to Vishnu. According to a fifth-century stone inscription on the temple, the building is sixteen hundred years old!
After a full day of cultural immersion, we will return to Kathmandu, where you can visit local shops and restaurants for the evening.
Day 5
Fly to Pokhara and city tour
This morning we will rise early to fly to Pokhara. After a short rest and quick showers at the hotel, we will begin our city tour of Pokhara.
Pokhara has a completely different energy to Kathmandu, and it is an entrancing city to visit. We will explore the serene shores of Phewa Lake, with its temple sat right in the middle of the water. The water of the lake beautifully reflects the Annapurna range that sits behind it, and the colourful canoes that line the shores make for a very picturesque scene.
The lake can be explored in canoes, locally known as doongas, and you can also swim or fish in the waters if you so choose.
Next, we will visit Davi’s Fall, known by locals as Patale Chhango. Here, the streams flowing from Phewa lake suddenly collapse and surges down the rock into a deep gorge, creating a stunning multi-tiered cascade.
The evening will be at your leisure to explore the delights of Pokhara city. Make time to stop by the Women’s Skills Development Institute to browse their beautiful handicrafts, and sample some Nepalese food in a local restaurant.
Day 6
Drive to Kande and hike to Australian Camp (2100m)
Meet your guide at the airport or hotel in Pokhara and then drive to Kande; the drive is about 35 minutes. You drive through a large Tibetan camp at Hyanjha where local handicraft can be purchased and weaving of Tibetan carpet can be observed. Start trek from Kande, you start walking up hill to Australian camp. It takes about 1.5 hour easy walk up the stairs through the terraced rice field. It is a large Gurung village. There are several tea houses and lodge accommodations in this village. Along the hike you can see very impressive view of Annapurna Range including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South Hiuchuli, Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal etc. O/N at Lodge/Tea house.
Day 7
Hike to Dhampus (1650m)
After breakfast leisurely start trek to Popthana. from Australian camp walking mostly uphill through cultivated fields and local villages. This scenic Gurung Village is inhabited by a mix of people: Gurung, Brahman, Magar communities and it offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges including the Annapurna and Machhapuchhare range after having a lunch at Pothana. Descent to Dhampus through rhododendron forest, is an easy and relaxing day.
Day 8
Descend to Phedi and drive to Chitwan
After short hike – you go through a beautiful route to the famous Chitwan National Park where many protected species live, including the Bengal tiger and the rhinoceros. We stay three nights at the edge of the Chitwan Park National Park. During your stay you will have the option of a spectacular safari through the jungle with meter high grass in search of rhinos and crocodiles.
Day 9
Chitwan – jungle activities
After breakfast, your adventure holiday starts off with canoeing in the Rapti River where you can see Gharial and then, a visit to the Elephant breeding center. After Lunch proceed to the jungle for a guided safari where you are free to see animals such as rhino, antelope and other wildlife as you move through the jungle.
Day 10
Chitwan – Kathmandu
After early jungle walk and breakfast at the lodge, transfer to Bharatpur airport in Chitwan, fly to Kathmandu. Pick up and transfer to Hotel. Free time to do shopping on your own. Evening would be farewell dinner at one of the Nepalese restaurant with cultural presentation.
Day 11
Exploring Thamel and return to the UK
In the morning you have the last chance shopping in the busy Thamel with many shops filled with beautiful jewellery, hand-knotted carpets and other souvenirs. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and flight back to the UK
Day 12
Arrival
We arrive in the UK and head home.
Food and Accomodation for The Best Of Nepal
Day 1
Flight
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 2
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 3
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 4
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 5
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 6
O/N at Lodge/Tea house
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 7
O/N at Lodge/Tea house
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 8
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 9
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 10
Twin room
BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 11
Flight
BreakfastLunchDinner
Reviews about the The Best Of Nepal trip
Here’s what some of our awesome customers had to say:
“Signed up and hiked EBC in 2018. The trip was very well organised – staff, sherpas & porters were all excellent. I really did have the trip of a lifetime… so much so that I’ve signed up for a second trip back to Nepal through The Bucket List Company, this time to climb Mera Peak.
A big plus for me was having the option to pay off my balance in affordable monthly chunks – otherwise I couldn’t afford trips like this. I also liked having my own individual web portal/log-in where I could access all the details of my trip.”
Gary Creen Everest Base Camp
“Had a great trip to Nepal trekking the Annapurna Circuit in March this year with these guys. So good in fact I’ve just signed up to climb Mount Toubkal with them next year…”
Andrea Peck Annapurna Circuit trek
“Could not have asked for a better trip . Everest base camp with TBLC was a most memorable epic adventure.”
Brian Taggart Everest Base Camp
“Great staff, very helpful throughout the whole process, they have a very good payment method which makes any trip affordable! Even to a student like myself!
The trip was very well organised, and any question was answered with confidence there and then, showing great knowledge of the country and trek we were doing.
The staff were also very motivating, I don’t think I would’ve made it to Base Camp if it weren’t for Keith helping me… All the guides were amazing, working throughout the day, and then in their breaks making sure we were all comfortable with food and drink (included in the price).
I do not have a bad word to say about the trip, and I will be booking another one with the Bucket List team in the close future!
P.S. ‘Rate Keith’s Jake’ 9.56/10. With .44 taken away for lack of beard.”
Dan Jones Everest Base Camp
“I can’t thank these guys enough… I just completed Everest Base Camp, and what an amazing experience it has been. From the moment of booking to getting home, everything has been thought of.
If you want a trip of a lifetime, with no hassle, meeting some amazing people, then book with these guys. I am already looking to book my next trip.”
Carl Evans Everest Base Camp trek
“Fantastic trip to Everest basecamp from start to finish. Can’t fault Keith and his team both English and Nepalese for the help and guidance they give throughout the tour. I’m already planning my next trip with the bucket list company. I would 100% recommend them not just for the trip itself but the knowledge and experience you get before, during and after.”
Thomas Michael Lodge Everest Base Camp
There’s a photo opportunity at every turn in Nepal. The landscapes. The wildlife. The wonderful people. Honestly? It’s pretty difficult to take a bad photo in this exquisitely beautiful place. And you know what’s best about it? It’s all natural.
Nepal might be smaller than the UK, but with topography as diverse as this, it’s a paradise like no other for adventure junkies. And by “adventure” we really don’t just mean “climbing”. While 75% of Nepal is covered by rugged mountain terrain, the remaining 25% is quite something to behold. Sure, the mountains are pretty big. Well, colossal, actually. But there really is much more to Nepal than Mount Everest. And that’s exactly why we created this “Best of Nepal” trip, so people who want to see more of Nepal than snow-capped peaks and a pair of crampons, people like you, can discover the uncharted secrets of this amazing country.
From the moment the smells and sounds hit you in Kathmandu, to the minute you realise just how silent the sunrise is above Phewa Lake, you’ll fall in love with Nepal ten times over. So if you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and history of the ultimate country of cultures…
If you want to meet the friendliest people, savour delicious delicacies and soak up some seriously wonderful wildlife in a truly beautiful setting…And if you want to find inner peace, breathing in perfectly pristine air without having to climb one of the tallest mountains in the world to do it…
Our “Best of Nepal” adventure is what you’re looking for. Check out the itinerary, chuck any questions you have in our direction, book your spot and get ready to tick an incredible experience off your Bucket List.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
