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Complete 14-Day Cultural and Trekking Highlights of Nepal

  • 14 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to December)
4.8

We combine guided heritage tours in Kathmandu, wildlife safaris in Chitwan, and a scenic trek to Poon Hill in a single 14-day itinerary.

At a glance

Trip overview

We design this 14-day journey to connect Nepal's most significant cultural hubs with an accessible trekking route in the Annapurna foothills. Starting from the historic squares of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, our itinerary moves south to the subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park and west to the sacred birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini.

After exploring the Newar architecture of Palpa and the lakeside city of Pokhara, our team leads a short trek up through Ulleri and Ghorepani to the ridge of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3210 m. This balance of cultural heritage, wildlife viewing, and moderate hill walking suits travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the midhills and lowlands of Nepal.

We manage all road transfers in private tourist vehicles, provide licensed guides for every stage of the route, and arrange comfortable teahouse and hotel accommodations throughout. While the walking days involve stone staircases and sustained uphill climbs, the overall physical demands remain moderate and achievable for reasonably fit walkers.

Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek β€” hero

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Poon Hill Sunrise

    We hike before dawn to the 3210 m ridge of Poon Hill for panoramic views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.

  • UNESCO Heritage Sites

    Our team guides you through the ancient squares and temples of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

  • Chitwan Wildlife Safari

    We explore the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park in search of one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.

  • Birthplace of Buddha

    We visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple and monastic zones in the flat plains of Lumbini.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use the afternoon to brief you on the upcoming tour schedule and check your equipment for the trek.

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Nagarkot Drive

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the morning visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square before driving out to Bhaktapur. After exploring the medieval brick courtyards of Bhaktapur, we continue our drive to the hill station of Nagarkot for the evening.

Day 3

Nagarkot Sunrise to Chitwan National Park

Meals: B / L / D

We rise early to watch the sunrise over the Himalayan range from Nagarkot before setting off on the overland drive south toward Chitwan. The road descends through winding hill highways into the flat Terai region by late afternoon.

Day 4

Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park

Meals: B / L / D

Our local naturalist guides lead us through the riverine forests and grasslands of Chitwan on jeep safaris and canoe trips. We keep watch for Marsh Mugger crocodiles, one-horned rhinoceroses, and diverse bird species along the Rapti River.

Day 5

Chitwan to Lumbini

Meals: B / L / D

We depart the Terai lowlands after breakfast and drive westward along the East-West Highway toward the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The afternoon is dedicated to walking through the peaceful monastic zones of Lumbini.

Day 6

Lumbini Exploration to Palpa (Tansen)

Meals: B / L / D

We spend our morning visiting the Maya Devi Temple and the sacred garden pool where Buddha was born. Afterward, we drive up the winding mountain road into the historic hill town of Palpa, Tansen.

Day 7

Palpa to Pokhara

Meals: B / L / D

We walk through the traditional Newari alleys of Tansen to observe local brassware craft before driving down to the lakeside city of Pokhara. The afternoon is free for a quiet boat ride on Phewa Lake beneath the shadow of Machhapuchhre.

Day 8

Pokhara Sightseeing to Birethanti and Ulleri

Meals: B / L / D

We visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwor Cave in the morning before driving to Birethanti to commence our walk. The trail climbs steadily up stone staircases through terraced fields to reach the village of Ulleri.

Day 9

Ulleri to Ghorepani

Meals: B / L / D

Our route continues upward through dense rhododendron and oak forests, crossing small streams before breaking out onto the ridgeline of Ghorepani. We check into our teahouse by mid-afternoon to prepare for the early morning summit.

Day 10

Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Ghandruk

Meals: B / L / D

We make a pre-dawn ascent to the 3210 m summit of Poon Hill to watch the sunrise light up Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, we descend along stone paths through Tadapani to the Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Day 11

Ghandruk to Pokhara

Meals: B / L / D

We spend our final morning walking down through stone-paved lanes and farm terraces to the Modi Khola valley floor. A private vehicle meets our team at the roadhead to drive us back to Pokhara for a restful afternoon.

Day 12

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

We board our private tourist vehicle for the return drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers back to the capital. The evening is spent relaxing or picking up final souvenirs in Thamel.

Day 13

Free Day in Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

This flexible day allows for independent exploration of Kathmandu's backstreets or additional visits to Swayambhunath Stupa. In the evening, our team hosts a traditional farewell dinner featuring local Nepali cuisine and folk performances.

Day 14

Final Departure

Meals: B

Our driver picks you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
  • Twin-share hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • All ground transport in private tourist bus or car as per itinerary
  • Licensed English-speaking guide and porter support during the trek
  • All meals during the trekking and Chitwan jungle safari portions
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
  • Chitwan National Park entry fee and jungle activities

Not included

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival at airport
  • Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4000 m
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal expenses such as hot showers, device charging, and bottled drinks
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and porters

Before you go

Good to know

Altitude & acclimatisation

Our maximum altitude on this trip reaches 3210 m at Poon Hill, which limits the risk of acute mountain sickness. However, our guides monitor every participant closely during the uphill climbing sections in the Annapurna foothills.

Fitness expectations

The itinerary combines easy cultural sightseeing with several days of moderate mountain walking involving steep stone staircases. Regular cardiovascular training and hill walking practice prior to departure will ensure you enjoy the trek comfortably.

Accommodation on tour

We accommodate you in standard tourist-class hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, featuring private rooms and attached bathrooms. On the Poon Hill trekking section, teahouses provide twin-share rooms with basic shared sanitation facilities.

Drinking water

Single-use plastic bottles are discouraged along the trail to protect local ecosystems. We advise carrying a reusable water bottle and utilizing iodine drops, purification tablets, or boiled water purchased at teahouses.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill β€” altitude profile

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill β€” route map

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy hiking bootsEssential

    Footwear

    Must be broken in prior to arrival to prevent blisters on stone steps.

  • Woolen socksEssential

    Footwear

    Bring 4 pairs of merino wool socks.

  • Waterproof shell jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Required for protection against mountain rain or afternoon showers.

  • Fleece jacket or wool pulloverEssential

    Clothing

    Needed for chilly mornings and evenings at higher teahouse elevations.

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10Β°CEssential

    Camping

    Teahouse blankets can be thin during colder months at Ghorepani.

  • Reusable water bottleEssential

    Camping

    Pair with purification tablets to treat local sources.

  • High-altitude travel insurance policy documentEssential

    Documents

    Must explicitly cover emergency medical evacuation up to 4000 m.

  • Valid passport and passport-size photographsEssential

    Documents

    Required for park entry permits and hotel check-ins.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu β€” nothing for you to do.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

    Permit

    Required for entering the Annapurna region trail network.

  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card

    Permit

    Mandatory registration card for trekkers in Nepal.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trip?

The highest point on our itinerary is Poon Hill, standing at an altitude of 3210 m.

Is this trip suitable for children and seniors?

Yes, the tour combines gentle cultural sightseeing with moderate walking, making it accessible for family groups of varying ages when prepared for daily stair walking.

Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?

Most international visitors can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by paying the standard fee.

How heavy should my day pack be while trekking?

You should carry only your daily essentials such as a waterproof shell, fleece, water, and camera gear in a 25 to 30-litre day pack. Our porters carry the main duffel bags.

Are vegetarian meals available on the trek?

Teahouses along the Poon Hill route routinely serve vegetarian options such as dal bhat, vegetable noodles, and potato dishes.

What kind of footwear do I need for the trek?

Sturdy, broken-in light hiking boots with good ankle support and reliable tread are essential for managing the stone staircases on the trail.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
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