From a city tour of ancient Kathmandu to game viewing in Chitwan, this trip showcases the best of Nepal. The highlight is a short trek in the Annapurna foothills, surrounded by magnificent Himalayan mountain views and passing through traditional villages. Using luxury lodges, we offer a higher standard of comfort than is normally available on trek, and this premium tour also includes upgraded accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. With comfort in mind, we fly back from Chitwan to Kathmandu.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 30ºC.
Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking..
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Daytime temperatures will be up to 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping to about 5ºC.
Winter: December to end February. Despite the cooler conditions, this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Early mornings and evenings are cold with temperatures down about freezing but once the sun is out days are pleasant and sunny with temperatures up to 19ºC. The trails are much less busy at the time of year. Chitwan will be cold in the early mornings and evenings but pleasantly warm in the daytime.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there can be rain. It is very hot in Chitwan and temperatures rise to 30ºC and above in Chitwan and in Kathmandu. On trek the days will be hot (up to 25ºC). Nights will be a bit cooler. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring. The Annapurna region is famous for its rhododendrons in spring.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Eating and Drinking
The Ker and Downey luxury lodges and Kasara Lodge in Chitwan are on a full board basis. There is a daily happy hour in the K&D lodges, serving complimentary drinks. Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is on a bed and breakfast basis. Please allow between £20 and £25 (approx. US$30-40) per day for meals not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.
Meals in the lodges range from traditional Nepalese food to Chinese and western dishes. The food served is of good quality and is usually buffet style. You will be provided with safe drinking water whilst on trek.
The 6 days of point-to-point walking on this tour come with full porterage. The walks are low altitude throughout and are a good introduction to Himalayan walking. The lodges used on this premium tour offer the highest level of comfort available in the Himalaya and are luxurious in comparison to the teahouses in the area. The trekking has been graded as level 3 and as there is full porterage throughout, you need only carry a daypack. In the Annapurna Region many of the trails consist of stone steps and a fairly decent level of fitness is still required, as there are a few steep uphill walks and some quite long descents. Altitude is not a factor on this trip as the maximum height you will reach is 1955m with an average of 1300m. There are 2-5 hours of walking on most days.
Depart London on an evening flight
Upon arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to our hotel. Those not travelling with the group will meet us in the hotel in the early evening.
Hotel Shangri La
For those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on day 1.
We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. First, we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. We have lunch nearby and then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There will be a full trip briefing today.
Hotel Shangri La Meals included: breakfast
We leave Kathmandu early this morning and drive to Pokhara - traffic leaving Kathmandu can prolong the journey but once out of Kathmandu city, the journey usually takes around 6 hours depending on the road and traffic conditions. In the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Pokhara is a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna range.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara Meals included: breakfast
We have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided today.
Ker and Downey Lodge (Sanctuary Lodge, 1,025m) Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Mt. Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. It is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the early afternoon to a late lunch that is served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna Massif.
Ker and Downey Lodge (Himalaya Lodge, 2,012m) Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Although we can see Landruk across the valley we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there! Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna Range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up on the ropes to harvest the wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains, or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide.
Ker and Downey Lodge (La Bee Lodge, 1,565m) Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
You will start your trek passing through the village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is an easier walk to Majgaon with no steep up or downhills. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the garden. There is also the option of a guided village walk.
Ker and Downey Lodge (Gurung / Mala Lodge, 1,400m) Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Starting your trek today, you continue trekking towards Patlekhet, a small village on the way towards Pothana. Pothana is used by Tibetan traders to sell their souvenirs and gifts to the tourist trekking up and down the trails to Annapurna Base Camp. As you reach your lodge in Dhampus, you get the spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village.
Ker and Downey Lodge (Basanta Lodge, 1,525m) Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1.5-2hrs hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (1hr). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting mountain museum or you can go for a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara Meals included: breakfast
We drive from Pokhara to Chitwan, which will take about 4 hours. On a clear day look to the left as we leave Pokhara for the magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime and after lunch we'll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the programme of activities. In the late afternoon we take an ox-cart ride around Tharu village and witness a traditional Tharu dance.
The knowledgeable staff from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions.
Kasara Lodge Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme will include an early morning bird watching walk before breakfast. Before lunch there will be another activity, normally a trip along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, looking for crocodile and observing the many birds. Then before dinner, we set out on a jeep safari. If we are lucky we may encounter the Indian one-horned rhinoceros or some of the several species of deer found here.
Kasara Lodge Meals included: breakfast, lunch & dinner
For those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning. We then transfer to Bharatpur airport and catch a flight to Kathmandu.
Hotel Shangri La, Kathmandu Meals included: breakfast
The trip finishes after breakfast. Those travelling on the group flights to London will transfer to the airport for their flight back to the UK.
Meals included: breakfast
Passport
Nepal {BREAK) All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
Visa
Nepal
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15-day visa and £35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports, there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you. If you use the machine you will not need a passport photo). You must first join the queue to pay the visa fee and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. If you use the paper form to obtain a visa on arrival then you will also need one passport photo (a photo is not required if you use the electronic registration machines but we recommend you bring one with you anyway in case, for any reason, the machines cannot read your passport). There can be long queues for visas on arrival. Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival). Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Vaccination
Nepal
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Altitude is not a factor of consideration on this trip as all activities take place below 2000m. Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of the UK, North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary. For additional information please visit: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Hotel Shangri-La (a 5-star local rating) in Kathmandu boasts beautifully maintained gardens and a large outdoor swimming pool and is well-known for its excellent food.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel nestled close to Lake Phewa in an area called Gaurighat. Accommodation here is in two-storey individual cottages, finished in hand-cut stone and featuring beautifully-decorated timber struts and pillars. Each room has a private balcony with pergola looking onto a lush garden. There's also an outdoor swimming pool and a spa. (some departures may require us to stay in an alternative hotel)
Find out more on the hotel website.
We will stay in the luxury Ker & Downey mountain lodges, which are the most luxurious in the region. All rooms are twin-bedded and are decorated in a traditional Nepalese Gurung-style, local to the region. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with solar showers, flush toilets and electricity. There is a restaurant in each lodge, typically with a cosy fireplace and a bar. Happy hour at the bar runs from 6 to 7 pm. During this time alcoholic beverages are served on a complimentary basis (please note happy hour is on trek only). In short, these lodges offer a far superior service and level of comfort compared to the teahouses used on other Himalayan treks.
Find out more on the hotel website.
We will stay in the luxury Ker & Downey mountain lodges, which are the most luxurious in the region. All rooms are twin-bedded and are decorated in a traditional Nepalese Gurung-style, local to the region. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with solar showers, flush toilets and electricity. There is a restaurant in each lodge, typically with a cosy fireplace and a bar. Happy hour at the bar runs from 6 to 7 pm. During this time alcoholic beverages are served on a complimentary basis (please note happy hour is on trek only). In short, these lodges offer a far superior service and level of comfort compared to the teahouses used on other Himalayan treks.
Find out more on the hotel website.
We will stay in the luxury Ker & Downey mountain lodges, which are the most luxurious in the region. All rooms are twin-bedded and are decorated in a traditional Nepalese Gurung-style, local to the region. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with solar showers, flush toilets and electricity. There is a restaurant in each lodge, typically with a cosy fireplace and a bar. Happy hour at the bar runs from 6 to 7 pm. During this time alcoholic beverages are served on a complimentary basis (please note happy hour is on trek only). In short, these lodges offer a far superior service and level of comfort compared to the teahouses used on other Himalayan treks.
Find out more on the hotel website.
We will stay in the luxury Ker & Downey mountain lodges, which are the most luxurious in the region. All rooms are twin-bedded and are decorated in a traditional Nepalese Gurung-style, local to the region. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with solar showers, flush toilets and electricity. There is a restaurant in each lodge, typically with a cosy fireplace and a bar. Happy hour at the bar runs from 6 to 7 pm. During this time alcoholic beverages are served on a complimentary basis (please note happy hour is on trek only). In short, these lodges offer a far superior service and level of comfort compared to the teahouses used on other Himalayan treks.
Find out more on the hotel website.
We will stay in the luxury Ker & Downey mountain lodges, which are the most luxurious in the region. All rooms are twin-bedded and are decorated in a traditional Nepalese Gurung-style, local to the region. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with solar showers, flush toilets and electricity. There is a restaurant in each lodge, typically with a cosy fireplace and a bar. Happy hour at the bar runs from 6 to 7 pm. During this time alcoholic beverages are served on a complimentary basis (please note happy hour is on trek only). In short, these lodges offer a far superior service and level of comfort compared to the teahouses used on other Himalayan treks.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Kasara Resort is a comfortable jungle lodge. Rooms here are minimalist and contemporary in design and natural materials help it to blend into the natural environment. The lodge has a restaurant, swimming pool and spa.
Please call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com to arrange flights and connecting transfers to your hotel.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
This 12 night guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 evening meals
Management by our sister company, Exodus
Services of an experienced walking guide
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip
Happy hour drinks in the K&D lodges
Trek Pack including a daypack, walking stick, rain poncho, sun hat and scarf
All listed transport and activities, including internal flight
How to book:
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
| Oct 2019 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 8th Oct | US$4495 | Check availability |
| 21st Oct | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Nov 2019 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 12th Nov | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Dec 2019 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Dec | US$4495 | Check availability |
| Mar 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 17th Mar | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Apr 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Apr | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Oct 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 13th Oct | US$4575 | Check availability |
| 27th Oct | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Nov 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 17th Nov | US$4575 | Check availability |
| Dec 2020 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Dec | US$4575 | Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 4 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Guided walking Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Selected departure dates from 8th Oct 2019 to 1st Dec 2020, for 12 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 evening meals
Other details
Tour Only dates commence the day after the Air Inclusive date
Single Accommodation The single supplement price shown below includes a single room for the seven nights in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. Should you also wish to have a single room for the five nights in the Ker & Downey lodges, an additional supplement will be payable on top of the amount shown. Single rooms are subject to availability - please request this at the time of booking.
Tour only
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for . Simply complete the form below (fields marked * are mandatory) and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
We've been creating high-quality relaxed activity holidays since 1985 and our wealth of experience means we're able to build the perfect tailor-made tour for you. Our 'Gold Trusted' rating on Feefo, the independent review site, underlines our exceptional levels of customer service, and our ATOL bonding and ABTA membership guarantees your holiday is safe with us.
