Nepal Himalaya Adventure 10 Days

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day Himalaya adventure through Nepal, from the ancient temples and bustling streets of Kathmandu to the stunning mountain views of Pokhara, the legendary Everest region, the wildlife-rich jungles of Chitwan, and the medieval cities of Bhaktapur and Patan. Experience the rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality of this Himalayan kingdom.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu). Transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 1,400 meters, known as the City of Temples, with its ancient temples, palaces, and bustling streets. Explore Kathmandu: visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic royal palace complex with its beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards, and the famous Kumari Ghar or House of the Living Goddess, where the Kumari, a young girl revered as a living goddess, resides), the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, with its beautiful white dome, golden spire, prayer flags, and hundreds of monkeys, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains), the Pashupatinath Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, with its beautiful golden roof, silver doors, and the famous cremation ghats where Hindus cremate their dead), and the Boudhanath Stupa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest stupas in the world, 36 meters high, with its massive white dome, golden spire, and beautiful prayer flags, a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, surrounded by colorful monasteries and shops). Evening welcome dinner with Nepali cuisine including dal bhat (lentil soup and rice, the national dish), momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and sel roti (sweet rice bread). Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Bhaktapur & Patan

Morning visit Bhaktapur (approximately 30 minutes from Kathmandu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three medieval royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley, known as the City of Devotees, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards, and traditional Newari culture. Explore Bhaktapur: visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square (the historic royal palace complex with its beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards, the famous 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, and the National Art Gallery), the Nyatapola Temple (a beautiful five-tiered pagoda temple, the tallest pagoda in Nepal, built in 1702, dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, with its impressive stone guardians including wrestlers, elephants, lions, and griffins), the Dattatreya Temple (a beautiful three-tiered pagoda temple dedicated to Dattatreya, built in 1427, with its beautiful wood carvings), the Taumadhi Square, and the Pottery Square (where traditional Newari potters still make pottery using traditional techniques). Visit the Bhaktapur Museum and the Woodworking Museum. After lunch, visit Patan (Lalitpur, approximately 20 minutes from Kathmandu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three medieval royal cities, known as the City of Beauty and Fine Arts, with its beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards, and its famous tradition of metalwork and wood carving. Explore Patan: visit the Patan Durbar Square (the historic royal palace complex with its beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards, the famous Krishna Mandir (a beautiful stone temple built in the Indian shikhara style, with its beautiful carvings), the Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal, a beautiful Buddhist monastery with its golden roof and beautiful courtyards), and the Patan Museum (one of the best museums in South Asia, with its collection of Hindu and Buddhist art). Visit the Mahabuddha Temple (the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, a beautiful Buddhist temple covered in thousands of tiny Buddha images), the Central Zoo, and the traditional metalworking workshops (Patan is famous for its metalwork, with artisans creating beautiful statues, bells, and ritual objects using the lost-wax casting technique). Evening return to Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Lukla & Trek to Phakding (Everest Region)

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (approximately 35 minutes), one of the most scenic and thrilling flights in the world, landing at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,860 meters), one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway and mountainous location, named after Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first to summit Mount Everest. Upon arrival, meet your trekking crew and start the Everest Base Camp trek. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (approximately 2-3 hours, 2,610 meters), descending through beautiful mountain villages, terraced fields, and forests, crossing suspension bridges over the Dudh Kosi River, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, visit the beautiful mountain villages of Ghat and Chheplung, with their traditional stone houses, Buddhist monasteries, and friendly Sherpa people. Arrive in Phakding, a small village on the banks of the Dudh Kosi River, with its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Check into your teahouse/lodge. Evening enjoy dinner and the beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight in Phakding.

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Morning trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (approximately 5-6 hours, 3,440 meters), the main trading hub and gateway to the Everest region, a beautiful Sherpa town nestled in an amphitheater of mountains, with its colorful shops, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and the famous Saturday market. The trek involves a steep climb from the Dudh Kosi River up to Namche Bazaar, passing through beautiful pine forests, crossing suspension bridges, and with the first views of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,864 meters), and Ama Dablam (6,812 meters, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world) as you climb. Along the way, visit the beautiful villages of Monjo (the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jorsalle, and the beautiful forests with their waterfalls and prayer wheels. Arrive in Namche Bazaar in the afternoon. Explore the town: visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum, the Everest View Hotel (for stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and the surrounding peaks), the local shops, and the beautiful viewpoints. Acclimatize to the altitude (important to take it easy and drink plenty of water). Evening enjoy dinner and the beautiful mountain views. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar & Everest View

Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar (important to spend an extra day at this altitude to acclimatize before going higher, to prevent altitude sickness). Morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (approximately 1-2 hours round trip, 3,880 meters) for the closest and most spectacular views of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Nuptse (7,864 meters), Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), Thamserku (6,608 meters), and Kusum Kanguru (6,367 meters). The views from the Everest View Hotel are simply breathtaking, with the massive peaks of the Himalayas towering above you. Visit the Hotel Everest View and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the views. After the hike, visit the Syangboche Airport (the highest airport in Nepal, 3,780 meters) and the nearby Syangboche monastery. After lunch, explore Namche Bazaar: visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum (to learn about the Sherpa culture, their history, and their connection to Everest), the local shops (selling trekking gear, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts), the bakeries (famous for their apple pies and baked goods), and the beautiful viewpoints around the town. Visit the nearby village of Khumjung (approximately 1 hour from Namche, 3,790 meters), a beautiful traditional Sherpa village with its stone houses, terraced fields, and the famous Khumjung Gompa (a monastery that houses a supposed yeti scalp). Visit the Hillary School (built by Sir Edmund Hillary) and the Khunde Hospital. Evening return to Namche Bazaar. Enjoy dinner and the beautiful mountain views. Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Lukla & Flight to Kathmandu

Morning trek from Namche Bazaar back down to Lukla (approximately 4-5 hours), descending through the beautiful mountain villages, forests, and suspension bridges, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trek is mostly downhill, passing through the villages of Monjo, Jorsalle, Phakding, Ghat, and Chheplung, before arriving in Lukla. Upon arrival in Lukla, explore the town and visit the Tenzing-Hillary Airport memorial. After lunch, take the flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (approximately 35 minutes), with beautiful views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Evening free for relaxation or last-minute shopping in Kathmandu (visit the Thamel district, the main tourist area, with its shops, restaurants, bars, and trekking agencies). Celebrate your successful Everest region trek with a farewell dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 7: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Morning fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (approximately 25 minutes flight or 6-7 hours drive), the second-largest city in Nepal, located in the Gandaki Valley at an altitude of 827 meters, known as the City of Lakes, with its beautiful lakes, stunning mountain views, and laid-back atmosphere, a popular destination for trekkers and tourists. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Lakeside (the main tourist area along Phewa Lake). Explore Pokhara: visit the Phewa Lake (the second-largest lake in Nepal, with its beautiful calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, perfect for boating, kayaking, and swimming), the Tal Barahi Temple (a beautiful Hindu temple located on an island in the middle of Phewa Lake, dedicated to the goddess Barahi, accessible by boat), the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa, a beautiful Buddhist stupa on a hilltop overlooking Phewa Lake, with stunning panoramic views of the lake, the city, and the Annapurna mountain range including Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,993 meters, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world), and Hiunchuli (6,441 meters)), the Bindhyabasini Temple (a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bindhyabasini, with beautiful views of the city and the mountains), the Old Bazaar (the traditional market area of Pokhara, with its narrow streets, shops, and temples), and the International Mountain Museum (a museum dedicated to the mountains of the world and the history of mountaineering, with exhibits on Everest, the Annapurnas, and the famous mountaineers). Evening enjoy dinner with beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 8: Pokhara – Sarangkot Sunrise & Annapurna Views

Early morning drive to Sarangkot (approximately 30 minutes from Pokhara, 1,592 meters), a beautiful hilltop village famous for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna mountain range. Watch the sunrise as the first rays of light hit the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurnas, creating a magical and unforgettable experience, with the mountains changing colors from pink to gold to white as the sun rises. The views from Sarangkot include Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,993 meters), Hiunchuli (6,441 meters), Annapurna I (8,091 meters, the 10th highest mountain in the world), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters, the 7th highest mountain in the world), and many other peaks. After the sunrise, hike down from Sarangkot to Pokhara (approximately 1.5-2 hours), passing through beautiful villages, terraced fields, and forests, with beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. After lunch, visit the Seti River Gorge (a spectacular deep gorge carved by the Seti River, with its white water rapids and beautiful views), the Davis Falls (Patale Chhango, a beautiful waterfall where the Phewa Lake water disappears into a deep gorge, with its beautiful views and the nearby Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave (a beautiful cave with a Shiva lingam inside), the Mahendra Cave (a beautiful limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites), and the Bat Cave (a cave with thousands of bats). Visit the Tibetan refugee camps in Pokhara (to learn about the Tibetan culture and see their traditional handicrafts including carpets, jewelry, and clothing). Evening enjoy a sunset boat ride on Phewa Lake (a beautiful and peaceful experience, watching the sunset over the lake with the mountains reflected in the water). Dinner with beautiful views. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 9: Pokhara to Chitwan National Park

Morning fly or drive from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park (approximately 20 minutes flight or 3-4 hours drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best national parks in Asia for wildlife viewing, located in the southern Terai region of Nepal at an altitude of 150 meters, with its dense jungles, grasslands, rivers, and diverse wildlife including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal tiger, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, deer, monkeys, wild boar, and over 500 species of birds. Upon arrival, check into your jungle resort/lodge. After lunch, take a jeep safari through the national park (approximately 3-4 hours), driving through the grasslands, riverine forests, and sal forests in search of wildlife including the one-horned rhinoceros (Chitwan has one of the largest populations of one-horned rhinos in the world, with over 600 rhinos), the Royal Bengal tiger (elusive but sometimes seen), elephants, deer (spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer), monkeys (rhesus macaques, gray langurs), wild boar, sloth bears, and a variety of birds including peacocks, hornbills, eagles, kingfishers, and many migratory birds. Visit the river banks to see the gharial and mugger crocodiles basking in the sun. Evening enjoy a traditional Tharu cultural program (the Tharu people are the indigenous people of the Chitwan region, with their unique culture, traditional dances, and music, including the famous stick dance). Dinner at the resort. Overnight in Chitwan.

Day 10: Chitwan – Elephant Activity & to Kathmandu & Departure

Morning take an elephant-back safari through the national park (approximately 1.5-2 hours), riding on the back of an elephant through the tall grasslands and riverine forests, getting up close to the wildlife including the one-horned rhinoceros (elephants can get closer to the rhinos than jeeps can, as the rhinos are used to elephants), deer, monkeys, and birds, with the elephant’s height providing excellent views over the tall grass. Visit the elephant breeding center (to see the baby elephants and learn about the elephant conservation program in Chitwan). After the elephant safari, take a canoe ride down the Rapti or Narayani River (approximately 1 hour), gliding silently through the river in a traditional dugout canoe, watching for gharial and mugger crocodiles basking on the river banks, and a variety of birds including kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, and ospreys. After lunch, visit the Tharu village (to learn about the Tharu culture, their traditional way of life, their houses, and their farming practices) and the Chitwan National Park Visitor Center (to learn about the park’s conservation efforts and its wildlife). After the activities, fly or drive from Chitwan back to Kathmandu (approximately 20 minutes flight or 5-6 hours drive). Upon arrival in Kathmandu, do some last-minute shopping for Nepali handicrafts, pashmina shawls, tea, spices, and traditional products. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable 10-day Nepal Himalaya adventure.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses