Nepal Adventure Tour: Culture, Rafting, Trekking, and Wildlife
- 11 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Dec)
We lead an 11-day journey combining Kathmandu heritage sites, Trishuli River rafting, an Annapurna foothill trek, and Chitwan wildlife safaris.
At a glance
Trip overview
We have designed this 11-day itinerary to showcase the diverse landscapes and cultural traditions of Nepal, moving from the medieval brick alleys of Kathmandu to the roaring rapids of the Trishuli River, the terraced foothills of the Annapurna range, and the sub-tropical river plains of Chitwan National Park. Our route is planned for travellers who want a balanced mix of physical activity and cultural immersion without committing to high-altitude mountaineering.
The journey begins with historical exploration in the Kathmandu Valley before heading west toward Pokhara. Along the way, we tackle white-water sections of the Trishuli River under the guidance of professional river safety personnel. We then spend four days walking through Gurung and Magar villages in the Annapurna foothills, climbing stone staircases to Ulleri and Ghorepani, and ascending to Poon Hill at 3,210 m for panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre.
Physical preparation is important for this tour, particularly for the consecutive stair climbs on the trek and the varied paces of the multi-activity schedule. We ensure that our local guides manage the daily logistics, accommodations in local teahouses and hotels, and safety protocols so that our groups can focus entirely on the trail, the rivers, and the wildlife of the Terai.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We climb before dawn to 3,210 m to watch first light hit the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
Gurung Villages
We stay in Ghandruk and Ulleri, sharing meals and conversations with local farming families.
Trishuli White-Water
We navigate grade 2 to 3 rapids on the Trishuli River during our transfer towards Pokhara.
Chitwan Wildlife
We search for one-horned rhinoceroses and marsh muggers on jeep safaris and canoe rides.
Fewa Lake Views
We spend evenings in Pokhara watching mountain peaks reflect across the calm lake surface.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team meets you upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport and escorts you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We spend the afternoon completing a brief trek orientation and checking gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day touring four UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the capital: Kathmandu Durbar Square, the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara via Trishuli River Rafting
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara via Trishuli River Rafting
Meals: B / L / D
We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley toward Pokhara, stopping at Chauradi to embark on a three-hour white-water rafting trip on the Trishuli River before continuing by road.
Day 4
Drive to Birethanti and Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Drive to Birethanti and Trek to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
We drive to Birethanti to start our walking journey, ascending stone staircases through bamboo and oak forests until we reach the Magar village of Ulleri at 2,080 m.
Day 5
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our climb through rhododendron forests and past mountain streams, arriving at the ridge village of Ghorepani at 2,875 m with direct views of Dhaulagiri.
Day 6
Poon Hill Sunrise to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Poon Hill Sunrise to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill at 3,210 m for sunrise over the Himalayas, return for breakfast in Ghorepani, and trek onward through forest trails to Tadapani at 2,630 m.
Day 7
Tadapani to Ghandruk and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Tadapani to Ghandruk and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We descend through terraced farmlands into the large Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, explore the local culture and museum, and take a vehicle back to Pokhara.
Day 8
Pokhara to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Pokhara to Chitwan National Park
Meals: B / L / D
We travel by road from the lake city of Pokhara down to the subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park, arriving in time for an evening Tharu cultural dance performance.
Day 9
Chitwan Jungle Safari and Activities
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Chitwan Jungle Safari and Activities
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day exploring the park through a dugout canoe ride on the Rapti River, a guided jungle walk, and an afternoon jeep safari to spot rhinoceroses and deer.
Day 10
Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our return transport for the drive back to Kathmandu, following the Trishuli and Narayani river corridors before checking back into our hotel.
Day 11
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 11
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our representative picks you up from the hotel 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
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the Annapurna trek
- All meals during the trek and Chitwan safari
- Licensed English-speaking guide and porter support
- Trishuli River white-water rafting excursion with gear
- Chitwan National Park safari activities and jungle guide
- ACAP entry permits and local government taxes
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging fees on trek
- Tips for guides, drivers, and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Fitness and Preparation
This trip combines moderate walking days with stair climbing, water sports, and long drives. We recommend cardiovascular training and leg conditioning several weeks before departure to comfortably handle consecutive days of stair ascents.
Accommodation on Tour
We provide standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, clean twin-share teahouses during the four-day Annapurna trek, and comfortable jungle lodges or resorts in Chitwan National Park.
Permits and Documentation
All required conservation area entry permits and local government documentation are managed by our office team as part of your booking package. You only need to provide passport copies and passport-size photographs upon arrival.
Weather and Seasonality
Weather in the hills and lowlands can vary significantly. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and warmer days, while autumn offers clear skies and crisp mountain visibility across the Annapurna range.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Needed for cold mornings at Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for managing the stone staircases in Ulleri.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
Pair with water purification tablets or drops.
HeadlampEssential
Safety
Required for the early morning hike to Poon Hill.
Passport and insurance papersEssential
Documents
Keep physical copies and digital backups.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong high-altitude UV rays.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna region trekking trails.
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
PermitStandard registration card for trekkers in Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?
The highest point on the itinerary is Poon Hill at 3,210 m, which we visit for sunrise on day six.
Do I need previous rafting experience for the Trishuli River?
No prior experience is necessary. Our rafting trip features grade 2 to 3 rapids and is guided by professional river runners with full safety briefings.
What kind of wildlife can we see in Chitwan National Park?
Chitwan is home to greater one-horned rhinoceroses, spotted deer, wild boars, marsh mugger crocodiles, and over 500 bird species, with rare sightings of Bengal tigers and leopards.
Are luggage weight limits enforced on the tour?
Yes, for internal travel and porter allocation, we recommend keeping your main duffel bag around 10 kg to 12 kg.
How are dietary requirements handled during the trek?
Teahouses serve a variety of dal bhat, noodle dishes, soups, and vegetable preparations. Please inform us of any allergies in advance so our guides can assist.
Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 3,500 m is required for all our participants.
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 11 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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