Group of walkers hiking in the Annapurna Mountains, Nepal

Highlights of Nepal – Trekking and Wildlife

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

12 Days

Prices Start from

£5,695pp(ex. flights)

This 12 day holiday to Nepal is the perfect introduction to the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas, with time to discover the wildlife of Bardia National Park and the UNESCO sites of Kathmandu.

Spend two nights amidst the grasslands and riverside forests of Bardia National Park to experience Nepal’s diverse wildlife and take a guided safari by foot, by jeep or by boat. Home to eight of the world’s tallest mountains, lush terraced fields, wooded canyons and tiny mountain villages, trekking is by far the most rewarding way to experience such magical mountain terrain.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Pashupatinath Temples against mountain backdrop, Kathmandu, Nepal 1

Ancient Culture

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage monuments and buildings of Kathmandu.

Tiger emerging from grass, walking towards camera, Bardia National Park, Nepal 2

On Safari

Search for tigers, elephant, crocodile and rhino at Bardia National Park.

Gurung Honey Hunters collecting honey, Annapurna, Nepal 3

Honey Hunters

Witness the age old tradition of honey hunting from cliffside bee colonies.

Walkers crossing river by bridge, Annapurna Circuit, Nepal 4

Mountain Trekking

Experience the beauty and local community of the Annapurna mountains on foot.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

  • Day 2

    Fly Kathmandu to Bardia (Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge)

  • Day 3

    Bardia National Park (Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge)

  • Day 4

    Fly Bardia to Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

  • Day 5

    Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, trek to Birethanti (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

  • Day 6

    Trek to Ghandruk (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

  • Day 7

    Trek to Landruk (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

  • Day 8

    Trek to Majhgaon (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

  • Day 9

    Trek to Dhampus (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

  • Day 10

    Trek to Pokhara (The Pavilion Himalayas)

  • Day 11

    Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

  • Day 12

    Depart Kathmandu

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

Transfer to your hotel in the city and spend some time at leisure.

Day 2

Fly Kathmandu to Bardia (Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge)

Fly to Nepalgunj. Travel overland for approximately two hours to your accommodation.

Day 3

Bardia National Park (Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge)

Full day exploring the National Park in search of tigers and other wildlife. Activities include jeep safaris, jungle walks and canoeing.

Day 4

Fly Bardia to Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

Return to Nepalgunj to fly back to Kathmandu. Visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur in the afternoon.

Day 5

Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, trek to Birethanti (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

Fly 30 minutes to Pokhara and transfer approximately one hour to Nayapul to begin trekking.

Day 6

Trek to Ghandruk (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

Trek for five to six hours at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. Follow the Modi River, through outlying farms before ascending into the mountains. Pass through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views.

Day 7

Trek to Landruk (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

Trek for around four hours at an altitude of 1,630 metres. Follow the trail from Ghandruk village as it descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. The base of these cliffs is territory of the famed honey hunters. Cross the river and trek to the village of Landruk.

Day 8

Trek to Majhgaon (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

Trek for five to six hours at an altitude of 1,400 metres. Walk through villages and farmland, circumnavigating hillsides, taking around four hours to reach Majhgaon. Optional hikes to surrounding villages in the afternoon.

Day 9

Trek to Dhampus (Mountain Lodges of Nepal)

Trek for around four and a half hours at an altitude of 1,525 metres. Walk through the remote village of Patlekhet before entering sub tropical woodlands. Stop at Pothana village, home to many Tibetan traders.

Day 10

Trek to Pokhara (The Pavilion Himalayas)

Trek for around one and a half hours at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Follow a downhill trail through woodlands and terraced farmland to reach the valley floor. Transfer back to Pokhara and visit the International Mountain Museum.

Day 11

Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (Dwarika's Hotel)

Transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu. Visit the temple of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Day 12

Depart Kathmandu

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Greater one horned rhino entering water, Bardia National Park, Kathmandu, Nepal
Greater one horned rhinoceros, Bardia National Park
White throated kingfisher sat on brance looking right, Bardia National Park, Nepal
White throated kingfisher
Tiger entering water, Bardia National Park, Kathmandu, Nepal
Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park

Initially a royal hunting reserve, Bardia National Park was granted national park status in 1988 and is now the largest park in the region. The riverside wilderness of sal forest and grasslands is home to a wealth of birds and wildlife. One horned rhinoceros, elephant, swamp deer, crocodiles, the extremely rare Gangetic dolphin and Bengal tigers are all residents of the park. Experience the wildlife and scenery of Bardia from the comfort of a jeep safari, a relaxing cruise in a hand carved boat along the Karnali river, or on foot. Nepal is also one of the few places in Asia where walking safaris are permitted. All safaris are accompanied by skilled naturalists.

Trek, Annapurna, Nepal
Mountain Lodges of Nepal, Majhgoan, Annapurna, Nepal
Mountain Lodge at Majhgoan
Suspension bridge, Annapurna, Nepal
View of Annapurna mountains from Ghandruk village, Annapurna Mountains, Nepal
Ghandruk village

Annapurna Trekking

This is trekking in style. With soaring snow covered peaks, subtropical rainforest and lush valleys carved by fast flowing rivers, the Annapurna mountain range is wild and richly diverse. Cover all the highlights on a five day trek with local village culture and epic scenery at every turn. Trek for around five to six hours each day with a moderate difficulty level, before retiring to your mountain lodge accommodation where a warm Nepalese welcome awaits. An English speaking guide and porter will accompany you throughout and carry everything you need.

Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Tiger Tops Karnali
Woman bird watching from balcony at Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Tiger Tops Karnali
Elephants crossing Karnali river in distance, Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Bardia National Park
Jeep safari, Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Tiger Tops Karnali, Jeep safari
Guests sat enjoying sundowners on banks of river, Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Tiger Tops Karnali, sundowners
Tiger walking away looking back at camera, Tiger Tops Karnali, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Bardia National Park

Pioneering Responsible Tourism

Where possible, this itinerary includes stays at properties that offer comfort and character, as well as a strong positive impact ethos. Tiger Tops properties have paved the way for sustainable high-end tourism in the Himalayas of Nepal since the early sixties. By connecting adventurous people to authentic wildlife experiences, they facilitate some of the most extraordinary encounters. Experience Bardia National Park at its most natural, all whilst supporting conservation and community outreach programs.

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

Although still critically endangered, tiger numbers in Nepal are on the increase. The Tiger Tops hotel group are members of Travel Operators for Tigers  and work with the Fund For The Tiger charity on their anti poaching network. Dedicated to the preservation of tigers in the wild, Tiger Tops provide funding to train and educate local youths to monitor resident tigers and illegal activity. They also provide the salaries of the buffer zone guards at both Chitwan and Bardia National Parks.

A stay with Mountain Lodges of Nepal supports their work with the Pasang Lhamu Foundation. Established in the name of the first Nepalese women to summit Everest, they strive to empower deprived and marginalised women and children from mountainous regions. Collaborations include a “Learn to Earn” barista and service training program, offering free vocational training to local mountaineers and their families, impacted by the COVID pandemic.

The Pavilions Himalayas’ farm is run as a social business, with the goal of providing 50% of local families with direct, sustainable employment at the hotel. Other local workers and farmers are also encouraged to develop their skills and supply the hotel with organic produce, for dining and use in the hotel’s signature toiletries.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Mountain Lodges of Nepal £££££

  • Nepal
  • Wilderness

Located in the Annapurna Mountains, Mountain Lodges of Nepal offer the perfect opportunity to experience trekking in the Himalaya in comfort. With hot showers, comfortable beds and great food, these lodges are the best on offer whilst trekking. There are six lodges on the circuit all set an easy day walk apart from each other. Each lodge accommodates between only 14 and 20 people. Every room in each lodge has an en-suite bathroom with hot running water and everything is provided, from sheets and blankets to hot water bottles, down jackets, scarves and hats.

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The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm £££££

  • Nepal
  • Farmstead and Ranches

The Pavilions Himalayas, The Farm is nestled in the natural paradise of a lushly forested valley and set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountain range in Nepal. Set on an organic farm, guests enjoy the natural beauty of Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas. Whether adventurous or contemplative, guests can be reassured of the resort’s deep commitment to the sustainability of the natural environment and the welfare of the people of Nepal.

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Dwarika’s Hotel £££££

  • Nepal
  • City

Dwarika’s Hotel is a museum-like complex showcasing a wide range of traditional Nepali art. All of its 71 rooms display original works of art – they have four-poster beds and deluxe bathrooms with sunken baths. There is also a presidential suite and two further standard suites. Room service offers light refreshments and the hotel has two restaurants, a bar, a library, and a meeting room. Massages are also available. The hotel is close to the national heritage sites of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. It is in the heart of a busy and colourful street with people and farm animals constantly passing by.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £5,695 Per person

When to travel

With two distinct seasons, dry and wet, Nepal is at its best from October through to December. This is when the monsoon, which runs from June to September, come to an end and the dry season begins, leaving the countryside green, lush and bursting with life. Mountain views are clear and crisp across the Himalayans.

Visitors going to Nepal in January and February should expect freezing temperatures in the evening but with this brings fewer crowds arguably making it a perfect time to discover the country. March, April and May see the temperatures begin to climb and the humidity reaching its climax before the monsoon rains arrive. The springtime is warmer but cloud build-up over the Himalayan peaks occurs.

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