Nepal: Mountains and Temples

Land in Kathmandu, drop your bags at the hotel, and meet the rest of the crew that evening. The first night is usually a casual wander through the historic lanes of Patan Durbar Square to find a spot for dinner and drinks. It's a low-key start before the real exploring begins on Day 2.

The day starts with a walking tour of Patan Durbar Square, checking out the old Royal Palace and the pagoda-style temples. You'll also visit Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess; if she’s receiving visitors, you might get a blessing. Next up is Swayambhunath, the ancient stupa better known as the Monkey Temple—for obvious reasons.

The afternoon is yours. You can dive back into the city's bustling markets, or split a cab with some of the crew to check out the temples at Bhaktapur or Pashupatinath.

Start early with a one- to one-and-a-half-hour overland journey to Sanga, where the trail begins. From there, lace up for an 11-kilometer, four-to-five-hour hike through the countryside, passing quiet local villages along the way. The trek ends in Panauti at the Panauti Community Homestay. This isn't a standard hostel; you're staying directly with a local family. The best way to break the ice is in the kitchen, where you can help prepare dinner and learn to cook local dishes before sharing the evening meal.

Today is about exploring the Panauti region on two wheels. You'll grab a bike from a local program and cycle through three nearby towns: Panauti, Sunthan, and Khopasi. The route takes you past small temples, through an orange farm, and to a silk farm where you can see how the process works. After a break for some Nepali masala tea, you'll pedal back to the homestay for lunch. The afternoon is free to wander the town on your own before another home-cooked dinner with your hosts.

Settle in for a long drive day after breakfast. The 178-kilometer scenic overland journey to Bandipur follows the Trishuli River, offering views of stone villages, terraced hillsides, and rice terraces backed by mountains. The drive can take five to eight hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once you arrive at Matina Chenn, drop your bags and head out for an orientation walk around Bandipur's historic center. The main street in this preserved Newari trading town is a pedestrian-only zone lined with traditional architecture, giving you a solid first impression of the town's distinct culture.

Today’s hike offers some of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The trail climbs out of Bandipur, passing through small communities and past the old fort of Purano Kot. You'll continue on to Ramkot, a remote village inhabited by the Magar people, whose traditional round houses feel untouched by modern life. After a walk through the village to see the unique architecture, you’ll hop in a vehicle for the return trip to Bandipur, saving your legs the downhill trek.

It’s a relatively short drive today towards Pokhara, the main hub for trekkers and travelers in the Annapurnas. Once you've checked in, the first order of business is a walk around the lakeside part of town. This is where you'll find most of the bars, restaurants, and shops. The walk gets you oriented and offers the first clear, up-close views of the mountains reflected in Phewa Lake—the classic Pokhara photo op. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the markets or find a good spot for a drink by the water.

The day is yours to explore Pokhara. An early start gets you to Sarangkot for a classic Himalayan sunrise view, but it's an optional mission. Other moves include hiring a boat on Phewa Lake, hiking up to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, or just wandering through the endless gear shops and souvenir stalls. Later, the crew will likely get together for a night out at one of the many lakeside bars.

Get ready for another long day on the road. The drive back to Kathmandu retraces the route through green valleys and terraced hills, but expect it to take a full eight or nine hours. You’ll arrive back in the capital with enough time to check in, grab some dinner, and maybe do some last-minute souvenir hunting in the Thamel district. It's a final chance to wander the city's chaotic and compelling streets.

It’s the last day, with no activities planned. Pack your bags, swap contact info with the rest of the crew, and head to the airport whenever you need to. The trip officially ends after checkout.