Essential Nepal (4 Star Hotels)
9 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dhampus, Chitwan National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NP1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Nepal's rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural landscapes with the "Essential Nepal" tour. Begin in Kathmandu, where you'll explore ancient sites like Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square. Travel to Pokhara, a city renowned for its serene lakes and breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. Experience the warmth of the Gurung community in Ghandrung and Dhampus, immersing yourself in their traditions and crafts. Trek through the lush Annapurna region, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. Discover the exotic wildlife of Chitwan National Park, a haven of diverse flora and fauna. With comfortable accommodations in 4-star hotels and local lodges, this tour promises an unforgettable blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. Enjoy guided tours, trekking adventures, and the vibrant hospitality of Nepal, all while savoring delicious local meals.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Kantipur Village - 4 Star
Greetings to Nepal! Look out for the Travel Talk sign upon arrival at the terminal, as we'll be there to receive you from the airport and transport you to our hotel in Kathmandu. Join us at 6:30pm in the hotel lobby for a casual gathering with the tour guide and fellow group members. Following the meeting, you're welcome to participate in an optional group dinner.
Day 2 : Kathmandu City Tour
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Kantipur Village - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
We commence the day by discovering Kathmandu City, Swyambhunath, and Patan. Our initial destination will be Swayambhunath, an age-old religious edifice situated atop a hill within the Kathmandu Valley, featuring a Buddhist Stupa believed to exceed 2000 years in age. This hill also encompasses an array of small Chaityas and Pagoda-style temples. Our subsequent visit will be to Kathmandu City, renowned as Kantipur. During this visit, you will explore the residence of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges devotees' greetings from her temple balcony and Kasthamandap temple that lends its name to Kathmandu.In the afternoon, we venture to the historical city of Patan, formerly a kingdom of its own. The Patan Durbar Square showcases exceptional Newari urban architecture and boasts temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh, and Vishnu, all frequented by worshippers. In the late afternoon, you have leisure time to explore the city.
Day 3 : Kathmandu, Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: Aabas Pokhara - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have an early start to drive for about 6 hours to reach the Pokhara after breakfast which is the second largest city in Nepal and enjoy the landscape on the way to Pokhara. Meet your trekking guide get prepared for the next day once all done you’ll be able to wander around the beautiful lake city known for its superb mountain views. It is an enchanting city nestled beneath the snow-crested Annapurna Massif in a tranquil valley and is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu and generally a few degrees warmer, Pokhara has a tropical feel to it and has the diversity of beautiful subtropical flora.
Day 4 : Pokhara, Ghandrung
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: Ghandruk Tea House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin our trekking expedition on the inaugural day, commencing with a private transport journey to Nayapul, the gateway to our destination, the Australian Camp. Situated atop picturesque hills, this camp provides an awe-inspiring panorama of the snow-capped peaks encompassing the Annapurna range, including Hiunchuli, Fish Tail, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu. Our path takes us on a gradual descent to Pothana, followed by a pause at Deurali for lunch. Post lunch, we embark on a gradual ascent leading us to Tolka, our overnight stop, where local lodges provide accommodations. Here, a splendid vista of Annapurna South and Himchuli mountains unfolds before your eyes.
Day 5 : Dhampus
Location: Dhampus
Accommodation Name: Dhampus Teahouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks the start of our trek's descent, treating you to vistas of the majestic Annapurna mountain range. As you journey onward, you'll traverse additional Gurung villages, affording you glimpses into their expansive farming communities. Continuing along the path, you'll arrive at the charming settlements of Pothana and Dhampus. Among the renowned tourist villages in western Nepal, Dhampus boasts awe-inspiring panoramic sights of the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan mountain ranges. The evening entails dinner and an overnight stay at a local lodge.
Day 6 : Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Green Mansions Jungle Resort - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embarking on an early morning departure, you'll have the opportunity to relish the vibrant sunrise casting hues upon the Himalayas. Subsequently, an uncomplicated downhill trek leads you to Phedi, traversing through rice fields and quaint cottages along the way. Upon your arrival in Phedi village, our vehicle will be ready to transport you back to Pokhara and onward as we continue our journey to Chitwan.
Day 7 : Chitwan National Park
Location: Chitwan National Park
Accommodation Name: Green Mansions Jungle Resort - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have full day of exciting jungle activities today. The best way to reach the national park is by a jungle safari where you’ll end up at Chitwan National Park. This is considered one of the richest wildlife areas in Asia and boasts the last and largest remaining area of tall grassland habitat. Not to be compared with the wide open spaces of Africa, the intimacy of the search and discovery of Asian wildlife in its dense habitat is considered by many travellers to be equally rewarding and exciting.
Day 8 : Chitwan, Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Kantipur Village - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, we return to Kathmandu by vehicle, leaving you with the afternoon at leisure for shopping and exploration.
Day 9 : Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel at 11:00am.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 & 3 star hotels and local lodge during trekking in Nepal
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
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Transportation
Air conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival and Departure transfers on first and last day of the trip
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Tour Guiding
Services of local guide, trekking guide, naturalist in jungle activities in Chitwan.
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Trekking
Tolka, Dhampus, Phedi
What's Not Included
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Any flights not mentioned above
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not stated above
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips and gestures
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Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Optional activities
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout your Nepal adventure, with airport transfers included on the first and last day.
Accommodation
Experience comfort in 4 and 3-star hotels and local lodges during your trekking adventure in Nepal, ensuring a cozy retreat after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in 4 and 3 star hotels and local lodges during the trekking in Nepal.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses for transportation.
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Is airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the trip are included.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a local guide, trekking guide, and a naturalist for jungle activities in Chitwan are included.
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What trekking routes are included in the tour?
The trekking routes included in the tour are Tolka, Dhampus, and Phedi.
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What activities are included in Chitwan National Park?
The tour includes a full day of exciting jungle activities in Chitwan National Park, which is one of the richest wildlife areas in Asia.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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