Nepal: Annapurna Hiking, Rafting & Chitwan

An arranged transfer from the airport leads to the Hotel Yak and Yeti, a heritage property built from a 19th-century Rana palace. The first evening is for settling in, with dinner on-site—a traditional Royal Thali meal served on silver platters, a fitting introduction to the country's dynastic history and cuisine.

The day begins with a meditative wellness session at Avata Wellness, followed by a six-course vegetarian meal built around traditional Nepali herbs. From there, the focus shifts to the valley's Newari heritage. A guided walk through Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO site, reveals the intricate woodwork and pagoda architecture of the Malla dynasty.

The afternoon is spent in the nearby settlement of Kirtipur. Here, women from the community host a Newari lunch and demonstrate Ranjana Lipi, the ancient script of Nepal, offering a hands-on workshop in the traditional calligraphy before the return to Kathmandu for the evening.

A short morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara marks the start of the Annapurna approach. From Pokhara, a private 4x4 vehicle handles the rough road to Phedi, the trailhead. The trek itself begins here: a three-hour, eight-kilometre ascent to the village of Dhampus at 1,700 metres. The trail climbs steadily on stone staircases through forests of rhododendron and oak.

The reward is the first clear mountain views from the trail and the destination, a mountain lodge overlooking the Phedi valley. After settling in, a walk through Dhampus village offers a first look at local life at this altitude before dinner at the lodge.

The second day of trekking covers the six kilometres from Dhampus to the area of Lumle, a journey of four to five hours. The route descends from 1,700 metres via stone steps and well-maintained dirt trails that wind through terraced fields and traditional villages. The landscape opens up to panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

The destination is a lodge near Tomijong, a village with a local history of bee-keeping. After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is spent exploring the nearby village of Lumle, a quiet settlement that offers a different perspective on the region's agricultural life before returning for dinner.

Today is the most demanding day on the trail: a 16-kilometre, eight-hour trek from Lumle to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. The path winds through lush forests of oak and bamboo, descending to the banks of the Modi Khola river. The route follows the river before a key crossing via a suspension bridge over the Kimrong River, which marks the start of the final, steady ascent to Ghandruk at 1,981 metres. Waterfalls dot the trail, and planned stops for lunch and tea break up the long day. The effort is repaid with direct, commanding views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from the village.

The final day of trekking begins with a morning walk through Ghandruk village, visiting the Gurung Museum to inspect artifacts of the local culture. Afterwards, the final two-hour downhill trek on stone steps and gradual slopes leads to Syauli Bazaar, where the trail portion of the journey concludes. The journey continues with the drive back to Pokhara. The afternoon is dedicated to recovery, centered around a one-hour massage at the Hotel Barahi spa. Later, a walk around Pokhara offers a first look at the lakeside town and the serene Phewa Lake, with the Himalayas providing the backdrop.

An early start is required for the drive to Sarangkot, a viewpoint famous for its panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayas. After returning to Pokhara, the day presents a choice. The more active option is a 26-kilometre cycle tour through the village of Pame and along the river that feeds Phewa Lake. The alternative is a more restorative pace: a paddle boat ride across the lake, stopping at the Tal Barahi Temple, followed by a yoga class with a mountain view. In the afternoon, everyone reconvenes for a drive to a local Tibetan refugee settlement, where families host a hands-on momo-making session over a shared lunch.

The journey shifts from mountains to river. A two- to three-hour drive from Pokhara leads to the put-in point for a two-day rafting expedition on the Seti River. The afternoon is spent on the water, navigating gentle Class II rapids through a secluded, road-free section of jungle. With no roads or villages visible from the water, this remote corridor offers an opportunity to spot monkeys and kingfishers in the lush canopy lining the banks. The day ends at Seti River Camp, a remote, private tented camp on the riverbank. Accommodation is in rustic tented cabins along the riverbank, with a communal fireplace area for drinks and a dinner cooked on-site. It is a fully disconnected evening in the wilderness.

The morning brings a more thrilling section of the Seti River, with two hours of paddling through Class III rapids until the confluence with the Trishuli River, where the rafting trip concludes. After drying off, a short overland journey of an hour to ninety minutes leads to the plains and Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park. The exploration begins immediately with a four-hour 4x4 safari through the park's grasslands and forests, searching for rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. The day ends at the Barahi Jungle Lodge, where a cultural performance by the local Tharu community follows dinner.

Today's safari takes a quieter approach. A morning trip in a traditional wooden dugout canoe explores the Rapti River. The silent, slow-moving craft allows for close observation of birdlife, including kingfishers, and the gharial and mugger crocodiles that sun themselves on the riverbanks. The two- to three-hour journey ends at the riverbank near the Barauli Community, where members of the Tharu community host a traditional lunch at their homestay project. The afternoon offers a chance to explore the surrounding paddy fields and villages on a short, 45-minute cycling tour on flat trails before returning to the lodge.

A relaxed morning at the lodge is followed by a short flight from the Chitwan area back to Kathmandu. The final stop is not the city center, but the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside the capital, known for its well-preserved architecture and artisan traditions. After checking into the hotel, an afternoon walking tour explores Bhaktapur's three main squares, filled with temples and shrines. The walk includes a visit to a traditional pottery workshop to see artisans using techniques passed down since the 12th century. A final farewell dinner concludes the day.

The journey through Nepal concludes this morning in Bhaktapur. After a final breakfast, there are no planned activities, allowing for a flexible departure at any time. Onward travel arrangements can be made from here.