We start the tour in Kathmandu, a city heavily influenced by religion throughout the ages, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, but still buzzing with activity. There are plenty of medieval style alleyways and narrow streets to browse round with small Hindu Temples hiding behind shacks and traffic signals. Although a capital city, Kathmandu retains a relaxed feel to it, none more so than in the tourist district of Thamel with its many restaurants and shops.

 

From Kathmandu, we fly along the edge of the Himalayas to the lakeside town of Pokhara which is the base before a 3 night trek in the foothills of the Himalayas. Visible from the town are some of the worlds highest mountains such as Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and the smaller yet distinctive Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain). We spend one night in Pokhara before starting a 4 day camping trek through the Annapura foothills. The days are spent walking through lush rhododendron forests surrounded by incredible mountains while at night you relax around a campfire. On the last full day of the trek, you will have the chance to climb to the top of Panchase Hill for great views over the Annapurnas and on to Mustang and Tibet.

 

Once back in Pokhara and sufficiently rested, we then take a cycling tour of the local area, visiting legendary sites such as Devi Falls and the Shiva cave. There is also the opportunity to hire rowing boats to take out on the local lake – Phewa Tal. The next morning we wave goodbye to the Annapurna region and make the short journey to the traditional Nepalese trading town of Bandipur. Complete with several temples and ancient buildings, the town became a very important stop along the India – Tibet trade route. Here we visit the local school and include a Nepali/English language lesson for the children in the group with a local class (term times only). After sunrise over the mountains, we then head to your put in point on the Trisuli River for some rafting. The day is spent learning about rafting from your knowledgeable guides as we cruise downstream, enjoying some white water rapids alongside some of Nepal’s beautiful countryside. The Trisuli River is relatively calm but there is still enough action to get everyone onboard excited as your guide explains the important aspect of group navigation.

Note: For those people who would like to miss out the rafting, we do offer several alternate itineraries on this days such as local walks or visits to nearby towns such as Gorkha.

 

In the evening you will all meet up to travel together to the National Park in Chitwan. Lying right on the border with India, Chitwan is situated in the flatter Terai region and thus temperatures increase dramatically as the flora and fauna becomes more tropical. Your lodge is situated on the outskirts of the Park, close to the Elephant breeding centre which is visited over the course of your stay. We spend 2 nights in your lodge and during that time include jungle walks, elephant safaris and canoe trips into the Park. The whole family will also be given the chance to help bathe the Elephants that you ride into the Park, after a long day of searching for wildlife such as Rhino’s, Tigers, Sloth Bears and various types of Crocodiles.

 

The tour ends with a drive back to Kathmandu, following winding roads overlooking rivers and mountains back up to the Kathmandu Valley. Once back in Kathmandu, your last day is free to arrange any optional trips or simply spend the day shopping for unique Nepali gifts to take home. There is plenty of time to browse the markets and still include an optional trip to Patan and Bhaktapur, or even indulge in a once in a lifetime Everest mountain flight. To bid farewell to all newly made friends, on your last night in Kathmandu we give you the chance to enjoy a full traditional Nepali meal in one of the many fine restaurants found in Kathmandu.

 

We run regular small-group departures on this tour during the school holidays and can also run the tour privately for families on any other dates.