Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Kathmandu is a city too laid-back to bother being the best; it’s just legendary Kathmandu, a spicy masala of mixed reputations. If you arrive early, why not try one of our Urban Adventure day tours to get a feel for this fantastic city and its surrounds. Meet your leader and group tonight at 5 pm for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Check out a few sights around Kathmandu, soaking up the atmosphere along the way. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. See two iconic Nepalese structures: Bodhnath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Asia, is a place to see Tibetan Buddhism in action, as large numbers of pilgrims congregate daily around the stupa and circle it as part of their ritual kora. Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, is the most important temple in Nepal.

Day 3 Kathmandu (Bike)

Set off on a bike ride around Kathmandu, total ride time approximately 6 hours; 45 km. The ride takes you through the north of the Kathmandu Valley, departing from the hotel after breakfast at around 8 am. Riders will need to navigate traffic on the roads for about 2 km before an easy 4 km climb on a paved road up to Mudkhu pass. Mudkhu is every cyclist’s favorite place for tea (chiya) and a chat, and you may meet some locals cycling enthusiasts here. From there, ride to the Tinpipple and continue heading up to Kakani hill station, from where you can see stunning views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal and meet with Tamang locals. Head off on jeep tracks and village trails, returning to Tin Pipple and riding towards Tokha village - one of the oldest settlements of Newar in Kathmandu Valley. Continue the ride back to the hotel after having lunch at Tokha Village. This single track hugs the valley rim and offers great views of Kathmandu Valley and an interesting insight into semi-rural life in Nepal. The trails are moderate and undulating with many easy ups and downs. Spend tonight back in Kathmandu.

Day 4 Trisuli River (Raft)

Leave Kathmandu behind today and drive to Benighat (approximately 3 hours). Embark on a rafting trip (approximately 4 hours), tackling a few rapids of class 2–3: Twins Rock, Ladies Delight and Landslide. There will be a stop for lunch along the way at one of the beaches by the river. Continue the journey on the raft, heading up to the camp site at Muwa Khola. Settle into your camp and enjoy some dinner as you relax and unwind from the adventure.

Day 5 Trisuli River (Raft) - Pokhara

Rise at around 6:30 am for a quick breakfast and to pack up. Head off on another half-day rafting adventure and experience the rapids (also of class 2–3) known as Bijuli (which translates to "electricity"), Up-set and Surprise. We stop for lunch at Kurintar before continuing the journey to Pokhara by private vehicle (approximately 6 hours in total, combining the raft and the drive). Arrive in Pokhara early evening.

Day 6 Pokhara (Bike)

Back in the saddle for a mountain bike ride to the Peace Pagoda Temple and its beautiful surrounds. This is a half-day excursion (approximately 3–4 hours). On a clear day, spectacular views of the mountains can be enjoyed from this vantage point. You can see the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. Sit down to lunch, and to stretch your legs and catch your breath. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore back in Pokhara.

Day 7 Milanchok - Lowang (Hike - 1280mt / 4199ft)

Today we trek! Drive to Milanchok (approximately 45 minutes) then trek to Lowang (approximately 4 hours). This trek to our homestay tonight is the best opportunity to explore the life and landscape around Pokhara. The main indigenous people living in this area are Gurung, Magars, Brahmins, Chhetris and Dalits. Along the way, see tea gardens near Machhapuchhare and several Gurung villages with their friendly residents going about their daily lives. Learn more about their various customs, culture, language and traditions during along the course of the trek. Settle into your homestay in Lowang Village.

Day 8 Dhampus - Australian Camp (Hike - 2060 mtr / 6760 ft)

After breakfast in our home stay, begin trekking to Australian Camp via Dhampus (approximately 6 hours in total). Make a gentle climb, passing the terraced fields and small villages. Cross into the rhododendron and pine forest and terrace fields. Take in views of the spectacular Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Mountain. Watch the sun set over the Himalayas in the evening from Australian Camp.

Day 9 Ghattekhola/Phedi (Hike) - Pokhara

Trek up to Ghattekhola or Phedi (approximately 3.5 hours) via Kande and Dhukur Pokhari. From here you can see stunning views of Annapurna and Manaslu. Afterwards, drive back to Pokhara and check into the hotel (approximately 1 hour).

Day 10 Pokhara (Yoga)

Tend to your mind and body today with a yoga class in the morning. Afterwards, set out on a boating trip across lovely Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Head to the bus station and take a public bus back to Kathmandu, departing at around 7 am (approximately 6 hours). Check back into your hotel and celebrate your final night together.

Day 12 Kathmandu

Your adventure ends in Kathmandu this morning.