The Best of Nepal is one of our most popular soft trek programs. People of all ages and levels of experience can join and embrace this outstanding multi sport adventure. The program offers an amazing cross section of Nepal - cultural sights, mountains, rivers and jungles, shopping, meditation, biking, canoe trip on Phewa Lake, river rafting, elephant safari, and more. This trip is designed for anyone seeking a safe Himalayan adventure and who don't want to compromise comfort.

ITINERARY

Oct. 10: Upon arrival in Kathmandu you are welcomed and transferred to the Gangjong Hotel. Dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants while taking in expedition briefing.

Oct. 11: Full day tour of old Kathmandu with its Durbar Square, the Kumari temple with it's living Goddess, and continue to Swayambunath stupa (monkey temple). Drive to Patan for lunch at the Patan Cafe, part of the Patan museum complex. After lunch visit the Patan Museum and tak a tour of Patan city and its cultural sites, places, and its artisans (Patan is known as the city of fine arts). End the tour with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee camp where one can view carpet weaving and buy fine traditional Tibetan hand-knotted carpets. Overnight at the hotel.

Oct. 12: Early morning transfer to the airport for a mountain flight around the Everest region. We will tip the wings and look down on Tim's climbing expedition to see how they are doing. After the flight transfer to Chez Caroline's for a delicious breakfast. Chez Carline's is owned and managed by a French expatriate lady. This is one of the best restaurants in Kathmandu, patronized by Nepalese and expatriates of the Kathmandu valley. Chez is located in Babar Mahal, an old palace complex, now renovated and filled with shops selling all kinds of handicrafts, Pashmina, Metalwork's etc. After breakfast we will drive to the kopan monastery on a hilltop overlooking Bodnath for a talk on Buddhism and meditation. Following the talk, we drive down to Bodnath for a tour of the Stupa, its monasteries, stalls, market, and then head off to Pashupatinath Hindu temple with its cremation ghats.

Oct. 13: Drive south to Dakshinkali to witness the Hindu ritual of animal sacrifice at the temple of Goddess Kali. Follow this with a tour of the ancient Newari villages of Bungmati and Kokhna. Lunch at the Hatiban Resort. After lunch we will visit Kirtipur city and return to Kathmandu

Oct. 14: Using mountain bikes take a bicycle tour to Changunaravan temple and Bhaktapur city. En-route we stop at Thimi village, which is famous for its earthen pottery and you can see potters at work. After the tours of the temple and the ancient city, we drive to Nagarkot for sunset views of the Himalayas and overnight at a hotel on the hilltop.

Oct. 15: After early breakfast and view of Himalayas at sunrise we drive down to Kathmandu airport to catch the flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara we take a boat ride on the Phewa Lake and tour of Pokhara town. Dinner at a lakeside restaurant and overnight at hotel.

Oct. 16: Drive to Phedi and begin the trek to Dhampus. Supported by porters and a local guide. Overnight at lodge. Spectacular views of Machapuchare (fishtail peak), Annapurna massif and other giant peaks.

Oct. 17: Trek to Ghandrung. Overnight at lodge.

Oct. 18: Trek to Birethanti and meet our vehicle for the drive to Pokhara, overnight in lodge.

Oct. 19: Drive to river put in point, and begin our 2-day river raft trip to Chitwan National Park. Overnight on the banks of the Trisuli river in a fully supported river camp.

Oct. 20: On the river, rafting until you reach Chitwan where our vehicle pick-up is waiting to drive us to the Island Jungle Resort for wildlife safari activities by elephant and jeeps.

Oct. 21: Island Jungle Resort (jungle activities).

Oct. 22: Transfer to Bharatupur airport for mid-day flight to Kathmandu. Afternoon free for Shopping and relaxation.

Oct. 23: Enjoy an amazing afternoon at Yak and Yeti's Club Nirvana Spa for a much appreciated massage or pedicure, steam bath and Jacuzzi. Farewell dinner at the Bhojan Griha, a traditional Nepali thali dinner accompanied by Nepalese cultural dancing and singing.

Oct. 23: Transfer to the airport for final departure. Or stay on in Kathmandu for optional tours.

COST $2595.00US based on twin sharing- Single supplement- $213.00US

COST INCLUDES

All airport transfers, guided tours including entrance, monument fees; Patan museum fee; lunch at Patan; Nirvana Garden Hotel 6 nights including breakfast, mountain flight , breakfast at Chez Caroline; lunch at Hatiban Resort during tour of Dakshinkali, Bugmati, kokna; mountain bike tour to Bhaktapur, transport to Nagarkot, Country villa hotel in Nagarkot on full board; drive to Kopan monastery for talk on Buddhism; Pokhara flight; tour of Pokhara; dinner at restaurant in Pokhara lakeside; Hotel in Pokhara on bed/breakfast for 2 nights; 3 day Annapurna lodge trek with 3 meals a day; sherpa guide, porters and Annapurna conservation fee; 2 day raft trip with meals, camping arrangements, transport to river; 2 nights at Island Jungle Resort on full board with jungle activities; flight Chitwan to Kathmandu and Bon Voyage dinner party.

NOT INCLUDED meals other than those included in itinerary for Kathmandu & Pokhara; airport taxes (international Rs 1100 ($20US)per person on departure; domestic Rs 165 ($4US)per person for each flight); personal expenses like tipping, alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, emergency evacuation insurance in the event of illness or an accident. Personal gear as stated on the gear list provided upon booking. International airline ticket from your home town to Kathmandu and return.

Extra time? An extension to the Everest trekking region is possible. Interested parties are welcome to join in in this high altitude trek up to Sherpa Land. Visit the Canadian team climbing on Pumori at their base camp, visit Everest Base Camp or a short trek to Tengboche to afford amazing panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam while visiting with our Sherpa families of friends. This is a side trip and optional for the those who want to test themselves at altitude, while experiencing life on a major mountaineering expedition without climbing skills. Extra cost for this applies.

REQUIRED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS-

You will need a valid passport valid for at least 6 months. You will also need a Nepalese entry visa. These are easily obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu airport . You will need one photo (doesn't have to be a passport one) of yourself and $30US for the issuance of these.