Nepal: Mountains and Temples

Arrive at any time and welcome to Nepal's bustling capital - Kathmandu.

Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers as we wander through Patan Durbar Square for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends.

Take a walking tour of Patan Durbar Square where we view the Royal Palace and the temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. Also visit Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess; If she is accepting visitors, we can receive a blessing. After, visit Swayambhunath the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu Valley. Remainder of the day is free to explore, opt to visit Bhaktapur or the Pashupatinath Temple or stroll around the bustling markets.

Swayambhunath Temple VisitKathmandu
Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.

Free TimeKathmanduHalf Day
Get out and explore exciting Kathmandu.

Patan Durbar Square TourKathmandu2h-3h8km
Enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular square built primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. Located within it are the Royal Palace and many temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. We also visit the Golden Temple and Patan museum. South of the square lies the Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess, the Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Talejn. The Kumari lives a cloistered life, rarely leaving the confines of the chowk. When she does, it is for important religious festivals, but her feet are not allowed to touch the ground. Once the Kumari reaches puberty, another 3-5-year-old girl will take her place. If she is receiving visitors, we may be able to stop by for a blessing.

Drive to Sanga and lace up your hiking shoes for a hike through the countryside and local Villages. Take in stunning views and meet friendly folks along the way to Panauti Village community homestay; a G Adventures–supported initiative. Settle into one of the welcoming homes and get to know your host family by pitching in and learning how to cook local dishes for dinner this evening.

Many families in Panauti Village have come together to establish a homestay program. Get to know a local family, explore this lovely village, and if you are inclined to pitch in, assist with preparing your evening meal - learning how to cook local dishes then eat together with your host family.

Private VehicleKathmandu – Sanga1h-1h30m28km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Hike to Panauti Community HomestaySanga – Panauti4h-5h11km
Take in the stunning views, nature and culture on the 11 km hike to your community homestay. The Sanga to Panauti trail has only recently been developed, through villages that are new to foreign visitors. We start from Sanga, a Bhramin community where a large Shiva statue gives a sign of Blessing. Continue through the Tamang community, home to the original Horse Warriors who migrated from tibet. Hike through a few more villages into Panauti town.

Enjoy a bicycle tour of the countryside and ride through three indigenous towns: Panauti, Sunthan and Khopasi. Explore small temples, peddle through an orange farm, learn how silk is produced from silk worms and try a cup of Nepali masala tea. Head back to our homestay for lunch then take a free afternoon to explore the town on your own before another home-cooked dinner with your hosts.

Bike Tour of Panauti RegionPanauti4h-5h10km
Enjoy a bicycle tour of the countryside and three indigenous towns: Panauti, Sunthan and Khopasi. Starting in Panauti old town we explore around the old market, Indreshwor temple and Tri-beni ghat. Continue through orange farms to Sunthan, where we take a break and explore the Village. Peddle on to Khopasi, another small newari town where we enjoy a cup of Nepali masala tea. Riding back towards Panauti we visit a silk farm where we learn about the process of making silk and silk worms. Head back to our homestay in Panauti.

Free TimePanautiAfternoon
Take some time to walk around the Village and explore on your own.

Enjoy stunning views as we drive along the Trishuli River passing ancient stone villages backed by steep rice terraces and the mountains beyond. Arrive in beautiful Bandipur village an ancient trading stop which has been able to maintain its distinct culture. Take an orientation walk around town exploring a bit of history, architecture, and local tradition.

Bandipur Orientation WalkBandipur
Take a walk with your CEO around the small town of Bandipur. Sitting at an altitude of 1030m, Bandipur is home to the Magar and Newar communities, and is known for its culture and tradition.

Private VehiclePanauti – Bandipur5h-8h178km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a hike along local trails with stunning panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Ranges. Along the way we pass though small communities, the old fort of Purano Kot, and visit temples. Continue to Ramkot Village inhabited by the Magar Tribe, a very remote and simple Nepalese community originating from the ancient Mongols. Take a walk through the town before returning by vehicle to Bandipur.

Ramkot Village HikeBandipur – Ramkot4h-5h7km
Follow village trails and catch a glimpse of typical rural-life, traditional homes and interesting temples. The trek gives a stunning panoramic view of the entire Annapurna Ranges. Highlights include the old fort of Purano Kot, and a Temple where local people come to pray to the god Mahadav for rain during times of drought. Continue to Ramkot a beautiful village nestled amongst the hills inhabited by the Magar Tribe, a very remote and simple Nepalese community originating from the ancient Mongols. We'll take a walk around viewing the traditional round houses, untouched by modern development.

Private VehicleRamkot – Bandipur4h146km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Drive towards the mystical Himalayan mountains, and our next stop, Pokhara. Get your bearings in town on an orientation walk around Lake Phewa and be sure to capture a panoramic group photo with the stunning Annapurna range backdrop.

Private VehicleBandipur – Pokhara3h77km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free TimePokharaAfternoon
Jump in a boat or hit the markets, either way there are lots of bars and restaurants to visit along the way.

Pokhara Orientation WalkPokhara
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.

Get to know Pokhara more in-depth by freely exploring this exciting city. Opt to visit Mt Sarangkot for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, visit the stunning World Peace Pagoda or explore Lake Phewa by boat, then wander the markets for some last minute shopping. Later, get ready for your big night out at a lakeside bar with your new friends. Grab a drink on us and cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just shared.

Your Big Night Out Moment: Lakeside Bar
Follow your CEO to best lakeside bar with a mountainous view and enjoy a drink on us to cheers to all the life-changing adventures you've just experienced.

Free TimePokharaFull Day
There's so much to do in Pokhara, the day is yours–have fun.

Travel the last leg of this trip through the stunning green valleys, terraced hills and sweeping mountain views back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the city which is fascinating at every turn, simply wander around and see where chance, fate, or the city may lead you.

Private VehiclePokhara – Kathmandu8h-9h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Depart at any time.