Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
9 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Kathmandu, Trisuli River, Trisuli River - Pokhara, Ghandruk (1950m / 6397ft), Tolkha (1700m / 5577ft), Hemjakot (1530m / 5019ft), Pokhara , Kathmandu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HNYU
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-35 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This nine-day trip will tick all your boxes – thrilling outdoor adventures, an insight into bustling city life and an introduction to the slower pace of the Nepali countryside. Start and end your trip in Kathmandu's bustling metropolis, explore Durbar Square and wander the vibrant streets. Then, pull on your adventure boots and hit the road outta town for a rafting experience in Pokhara, camp on the riverside and enjoy dinner beneath the stars by the Trisuli River and trek the Annapurna region. Enjoy the chance to stay with local families along the way, including in a remote village in Hemjakot where you’ll tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 2 pm this afternoon in Kathmandu, where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, there's plenty to do in this vibrant city. Kathmandu’s most important Buddhist shrine, Swayambhunath Stupa and the nearby ‘City of Devotees’ Bhaktapur are well worth a visit. If you want to delve deeper into ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage, there are some Urban Adventures day tours that can help you out (just see www.urbanadventures.com). After the meeting, Maybe have dinner with your group to get to know each other or hit up one of the nearby bars. Your leader will have a tonne of recommendations for a great place for a cocktail (or two).
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Trisuli River
Location: Trisuli River
Accommodation: Camping (basic facilities)
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Take a morning drive over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and soak up the views of the Ganesh and Lantang ranges. Then hit the waters for some whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River – this is the most popular river for rafting in all of Nepal. Soak up the thrill of the rapids, aptly named Ladies Delight, Rock Garden and Snell's Nose, among the beauty of the nearby gorges. Explore the magnificent scenery from the rapids, and then tonight, camp on the beach and enjoy a local meal under the stars.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 3: Trisuli River - Pokhara
Location: Trisuli River - Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning is for some more fun on the river, including negotiating the Monsoon and Upset rapids. In Kurintar, refuel your energy with a light lunch with your group and then drive to Pokhara. When you arrive, take an afternoon walk around the city with your leader, who will point out some sights and sounds in the area, including Phewa Lake. This evening is free for you to chill out at one of the many lakeside restaurants or bars. Maybe get yourself a plate of momos (dumplings) or a nourishing bowl of dal bhat (thick lentil or bean soup) for dinner tonight.
Included Activities:
-
Day 4: Ghandruk (1950M / 6397Ft)
Location: Ghandruk (1950m / 6397ft)
Accommodation: Tea House
Today, you’ll make the drive from Pokhara to Shyauli Bazaar – this is where the trekking adventure begins. Your hike is mostly uphill today on some pretty diverse terrain. There’s a dirt track leading to Birethanti and Shyauli villages, then you’ll reach a stone staircase up to Kimche, where you’ll stop for lunch. There are views of snowcapped mountains and expansive fields below, so make sure you’ve got your camera. From here, you’ll follow the stone flags that lead you through fields of wheat to Ghandruk. Tonight, you'll stay in your first Nepalese teahouse.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Tolkha (1700M / 5577Ft)
Location: Tolkha (1700m / 5577ft)
Accommodation: Tea House
Look east this morning to Landruk, the next village on your route. Look down to the Modi Kola River 600 m below. Your breakfast this morning will be a refreshing start, with a mountain view so you can take it all in. When you’ve refuelled, start the trek towards Tolkha – where you’ll be staying for the night. Along the way, take in the diverse scenery of the river below, the mountain above and the wild landscape on every side. The Annapurna range makes for a pretty great photo subject (and she’s not shy, either).
Day 6: Hemjakot (1530M / 5019Ft)
Location: Hemjakot (1530m / 5019ft)
Accommodation: Homestay
This morning after some breakfast, you’ll continue your trek from Tolkha to Hemjakot – the best spot to connect with some locals. As you start today’s walk, you’ll notice you’re surrounded by pink and purple rhododendrons. Do you know what you won’t see much of? Other people – this trail from Dhampus to Hemjakot is pretty remote, giving you the chance to really switch off and enjoy the scenery. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local family. The homes in Hemjakot reflect the traditional style of this part of the Himalayas and are made from natural stones from this region. This displays a domestic style of architecture that has largely been overshadowed in Nepal's big cities. When you arrive, you’ll experience the rural way of life in the mountains, gaining insight into the local culture of the Gurung population, who migrated here from Tibet.
Included Activities:
-
Day 7: Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Say goodbye to your new friends in Hemjakot and head out again – this morning’s trek is a short descent to Phedi. When you arrive, transfer to Pokhara, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to do all the things you didn’t do the first time around in Pokhara – a popular choice is taking a rowboat (doonga) out on Phewa Lake. If there are blue skies today, you’ll have mountain views wherever you look. After, maybe check out the Tal Barahi Temple and the Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, which are both free to explore.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
It’s a long bus ride back to Kathmandu (so bring some snacks, road trip games and a good book). When you arrive, maybe grab a banana lassi to soak away the bus ride. Tonight, you’re free to explore Kathmandu’s nightlife further (what better way to celebrate a good trek).
Optional Activities:
-
Day 9: Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Tea House (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (1 night) -
Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
-
Trisuli River – Riverside Camping
-
Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking
-
Hemjakot - Community Homestay
-
Pokhara - Orientation Walk
-
Meals
1 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinners
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
-
International Travel
Included Activities
- Trisuli River - Rafting
- Trisuli River - Rafting
Transport
- LUGGAGE LIMITS:
- Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Accommodation
- TEAHOUSES:
- Accommodation at local lodges - better known as teahouses - are simple but comfortable. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, travellers are provided with small twin share rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are limited number of teahouses, travellers may have to make do with dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity, depending on solar powered lighting instead. In more remote regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in some teahouses for a price but occasionally a hot shower means a bucket of hot water, enough to wash your body. Electricity to charge devices as well as WiFi is usually for an additional fee when available.
Important Information
- 1. An excellent level of fitness is required for this trip as there are long trekking days in difficult terrain. Altitude does not exceed 1950m.
- 2. Please ensure you bring a passport size photo for our Annapurna trek permit application.
- 3. A sleeping bag is required for this trip. Please bring your own or hire in Kathmandu for a few dollars a day.
- 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1,3, 7 & 8 (Hotel) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 5. If you need assistance booking optional activities pre or post trip, please contact our local operator on +977 980 112 3645.
- 6. Please be aware that in the event of an emergency evacuation, Intrepid does not have control over which helicopter service may be used. Some helicopters are not in regular use with Intrepid and have not passed our internal safety auditing.
Mode of Transport
- LUGGAGE LIMITS:
- Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
- TRAVEL BETWEEN KATHMANDU & POKHARA:
- On itineraries that include road travel between these destinations, past travellers have often decided to fly this route independently to avoid the long overland journey (200km, approx 6+ hours). The flight takes around 35mins. Should you decide to fly, this will be at your own expense with no refunds for road travel available.
- ROAD TRAVEL:
- Roadworks and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and bandhs (strikes) without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
- MONSOON:
- The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
There are some long travel days on roads that seem to be permanently under construction. What looks like a short distance on a map can take a long time to complete. Plenty of patience (and maybe some good podcasts at the ready) will go a long way toward your enjoyment of the journey.
For one night of this trip, you’ll be camping by the Trisuli River. This is at a permanent campsite where tents, mats and blankets are provided, and toilet facilities are basic.
Outside of the main towns, Nepal can be a quiet place, with few tourist attractions and options for organised activities or meal choices. There is plenty of time for your own exploration or relaxation. Don't expect each day to be action-packed, but be ready to seek out your own, more simple cultural experiences.
This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Epic India to Nepal. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Friday - Saturday
Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Friday - Saturday
Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Friday - Saturday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 02, 2025 - May 10, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Friday - Saturday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Friday - Saturday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 02, 2026 - Jan 10, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Friday - Saturday
Jan 23, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026Friday - Saturday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Friday - Saturday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026Friday - Saturday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Friday - Saturday
May 01, 2026 - May 09, 2026Friday - Saturday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Friday - Saturday
Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 06, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 20, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Friday - Saturday
Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026Friday - Saturday
Dec 11, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026Friday - Saturday
Dec 18, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026Friday - Saturday
Dec 25, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions