Nepal's Mountains, Plains and Culture
Highlights:
Easy trekking near Annapurna, ancient cities of Kathmandu valley, and the rear rhinos, tigers and bears in Chitwan jungle and diverse faces of Nepalis
Arrival in Kathmandu! Transfer to your hotel. After settling in, visit Swayambhunath, the majestic Buddhist stupa overlooking the Kathmandu Valley — an iconic symbol of peace and harmony.
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we explore Patan, one of the three ancient royal cities of the valley, known for its exquisite temples and master craftsmen. Continue to Bungamati, a 15th-century village of Newar artisans, and stroll among the terraced fields of Khokhana, famous for its mustard oil. Return to Kathmandu in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel
Discover some of the valley’s true gems. Visit Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex dedicated to Shiva, where cremation rituals take place along the holy Bagmati River. Continue to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved medieval city and the most picturesque of the valley’s three imperial capitals. Overnight in Bhaktapur to soak in its timeless charm.
Accommodation: Hotel
After a morning stroll through Bhaktapur’s narrow streets, transfer to Telkot. From here, hike along the ridge to Changu Narayan, the valley’s oldest temple, dedicated to Vishnu and set on a hilltop overlooking the valley. Descend on foot to Sankhu, a Newar village, before continuing to Boudhanath, home to Nepal’s largest stupa and a thriving Tibetan community. Spend the night here to enjoy the serene atmosphere after the day’s visitors depart.
Accommodation: Hotel
Depart Kathmandu Valley and travel to Bandipur, a charming hilltop village of former Newari traders. From its cobbled streets, enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk among the nearby orange groves.
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 4 hours Hike: 1 hour
Head to Pokhara (2½ hours) for lunch, then continue to Kande (1,700 m) in the lush low valleys surrounded by terraced rice fields. Entering Gurung country, begin your short trek to Australian Camp with magnificent mountain views.
Accommodation: Lodge
Drive: 4 hours Trek: 1 hour Ascent: +350 m
Walk through Gurung villages nestled on the fertile southern slopes of the Annapurna range. Terraced fields and traditional homes line the path as you reach the pretty village of Landruk, the heart of rural mountain life.
Accommodation: Lodge
Trek: 4 hours Ascent/Descent: +250 m / –500 m
Cross the Madi Khola River and climb gradually to Ghandruk, a scenic Gurung village known for its stone-built houses and stunning views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak).
Accommodation: Lodge
Trek: 4 hours Ascent/Descent: +450 m / –300 m
Descend to Birethanti (1,100 m) and transfer by bus to Pokhara. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lakeside or explore the vibrant town.
Accommodation: Lodge
Trek: 5 hours Descent: –850 m
After breakfast, journey from the mountains to the subtropical plains of the Terai, home to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park shelters one-horned rhinoceroses and the elusive Bengal tiger. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take an evening walk through Tharu villages to experience local life, followed by a cultural dance performance.
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 5 hours
A full day of wildlife exploration in Chitwan National Park. Start with a sunrise canoe ride to spot birds and crocodiles, followed by an elephant safari in search of rhinoceroses. Continue on foot through the jungle, where you may spot deer, sloth bears, and — if you’re lucky — a tiger. The evening features a Tharu warrior dance, a vibrant cultural expression of the Terai people.
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy a morning birdwatching walk (Indian roller, kingfisher, bee-eater, bar-headed goose, and more). After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. Free time on arrival to relax or explore at your own pace.
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 5 hours
A free day to enjoy the rich atmosphere of Nepal’s capital. Wander through its colorful markets, ancient courtyards, and winding alleys — the perfect opportunity for last-minute shopping and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
End of Services
All transfers by private vehicle as detailed in the itinerary
3★ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Tibet, Manaslu, or similar)
2★ hotel accommodation in Pokhara (Hotel Lake View or similar)
Full board and lodging during the trek
Domestic flight: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Full accompaniment by an English-speaking SACE guide
Guided visits as per itinerary, with a cultural expert and private vehicle
Luggage transfers during the trek (maximum 12 kg per person)
Trekking support team: assistants and porters
Trekking permits: ACAP and TIMS
Staff insurance
Entrance fees to historical sites and monuments
Meals in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley
Nepal visa (USD 25 per person)
International flights
Personal travel insurance (including repatriation, medical, and helicopter services)
Tips, drinks, and personal expenses
Anything not listed under Included
Level: 2/5
This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy gentle hikes and wish to discover Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage.
Good hiking shoes and suitable walking equipment are required.
Booking a trip with SACE implies acceptance of our terms and conditions of sale.
Each traveler must complete a registration form. Subject to availability, a 35% deposit of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking.
Payments may be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive a booking confirmation via email.
Once your booking is confirmed, an invoice will be sent by email.
The remaining balance must be received at least 35 days before departure.
SACE reserves the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if payment is not received within this timeframe.
If you must cancel your trip, SACE equires written confirmation.
Refunds will be made according to the following schedule:
Time before departure
Amount retained
More than 30 days
€50 per person
30–21 days
30% of the total trip price (deposit)
20–14 days
50% of the total trip price
13–7 days
75% of the total trip price
Less than 7 days
100% of the total trip price
Special Cases
Hotel, flight, or additional services paid in advance are usually non-refundable; additional fees may apply.
Airline tickets issued early to avoid surcharges are often non-changeable and non-refundable.
In-country fixed costs for confirmed bookings will be charged if the trip is canceled or modified.
Insurance costs are non-refundable once purchased.
Cancellation or modification fees are calculated based on the date SACE receives your written request.
If SACE cancels a trip due to insufficient participants, you will be notified no later than 21 days before departure and receive a full refund.
No additional compensation will be provided.
SACE also reserves the right to cancel a trip due to exceptional circumstances (force majeure) affecting traveler safety. In such cases, a full refund will be issued, without further compensation.
If you wish to modify your booking, please contact us in writing. Any resulting fees will be at your expense.
In the event of unforeseen external circumstances, SACE may adjust certain elements of the program.
If changes are necessary, you will be informed as soon as possible.
All prices listed on our website are regularly updated and accurate at the time of publication.
SACE reserves the right to adjust prices before booking confirmation.
Before confirming your reservation, you will be informed of the current price of your chosen trip, including any supplements or upgrades.
If the number of participants is lower than indicated, a small group surcharge may apply.
Prices may also be subject to revision due to currency fluctuations or changes in supplier costs.
If you are unable to travel, you may transfer your booking to another person.
Both the transferor and the transferee will be jointly liable for payment of the total trip price and any additional costs incurred.
Please note that some airlines treat name changes as cancellations, which may require the purchase of a new ticket.
SACE strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.
Your policy should cover trip cancellation, luggage loss, medical emergencies, repatriation, and helicopter evacuation if applicable.
Please ensure that your insurance covers all planned activities.
Bring your policy details with you, including the insurance company’s name, policy number, and emergency contact information.
Warm sleeping bag (suitable for mountain temperatures)
Water purification tablets (e.g. Micropur, Aquatabs, etc.)
Sun hat or cap
1–2 sets of thermal underwear (long-sleeved tops and full-length bottoms)
Long-sleeved and short-sleeved quick-dry technical shirts
Lightweight fleece or equivalent (plus extra warm layers if needed)
Breathable, waterproof, and windproof jacket (e.g. Gore-Tex)
Lightweight waterproof over-trousers
Comfortable shorts
Walking trousers (durable and quick-drying)
High-ankle trekking boots with strong grip, ankle support, and waterproofing (non-slip soles such as Vibram recommended)
Trainers, sandals, or casual shoes for evenings, villages, or cities
Thick trekking socks
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf (it can get chilly in the mountains)
We recommend avoiding cotton — including underwear — during treks.
When cotton becomes wet from sweat or rain, it loses insulation and dries very slowly.
Instead, opt for:
Quick-drying synthetics (e.g. polyester blends)
Wool, which stays warm even when damp
Breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Nikwax, or softshell materials, which protect against wind and rain
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Pack carefully, especially for winter trips, and remember that the layers closest to your skin make the biggest difference in warmth.
We recommend:
No cotton
Always keep dry spare clothing, including underwear and gloves
Dress in layers:
A warm, breathable base layer
A second insulating layer (thermal or fleece)
A windproof and waterproof outer layer
Personal toiletries and a quick-drying towel
Water bottles (minimum 2 litres total; lightweight and insulated)
Good sunglasses (minimum category 3)
Sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection
Head torch with spare batteries
Pocket knife (packed in checked luggage)
Trekking poles
Waterproof cover or dry bags for your backpack
Toilet paper and anti-bacterial hand gel
Camera or smartphone for photos
Notebook or travel journal
Your luggage should be divided into two separate bags:
1. Daypack (35–50L):
Carried daily, it should contain your essentials — sweater, spare t-shirt, water bottle, lunch, sunglasses, and other personal items.
2. Main Bag (up to 80L / 13 kg):
This will be transported by porters during the trek. Please bring a flexible duffel or travel bag with zippers for easy access.
Avoid hard-shell suitcases — they are difficult for porters to carry.
You may store extra belongings safely at your hotel in Kathmandu during the trek.
For protection, we provide durable waterproof duffel bags for your main luggage.
Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit at all times.
We recommend that you also bring a small personal medical kit containing:
Any prescription medication (inhalers, allergy treatments, etc.)
Plasters or blister patches
Antiseptic wipes or cream
Basic painkillers (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen)