Trip Overview

Nepal: Trekking, Jungles, and Cultural Discovery — From Himalayan Peaks to Wild Lowlands

Nepal is rightly celebrated as a trekking paradise—but it’s also a country rich in spiritual depth, cultural vibrancy, and striking ecological diversity. This journey invites you to experience both the soaring beauty of the Himalayas and the lush, wildlife-rich lowlands of Chitwan National Park.

Our adventure begins with the Ghorepani—Ghandruk Trek, also known as the Poon Hill Trek. Over five days, we’ll hike from village to village, staying in cozy teahouses, walking through rhododendron forests bursting with spring blooms, and sharing moments with welcoming locals. The views of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill at sunrise are nothing short of magical.

After completing our trek we travel south to explore a completely different side of Nepal in Chitwan National Park. Known for its dense jungle and rich biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to elephants, crocodiles, and the rare one-horned rhinoceros. We’ll explore by canoe, enjoy jungle walks, and learn about local conservation efforts.

From the majestic Himalayas to the steamy lowland jungles, this trip offers an unforgettable glimpse into the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and traditions that make Nepal so extraordinary.

Maximum group size: 12

Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal
Picture of Trekking, Culture and Wildlife in Nepal

Highlights

  • Trekking the Poon Hill Trail through mountain villages and vibrant rhododendron forests
  • Wake up to the sights and sounds of the jungle during a stay near Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Connect with local communities and discover Nepal's rich cultural traditions
  • Take in breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges
  • Discover the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk and its unique cultural heritage
  • Enjoy hiking with just a daypack while porters transport your trekking gear

Inclusions

  • An English-speaking Nepali sirdar (leader) and an AGC guide depending on group size
  • 12 nights lodging
  • All meals except for lunches in Kathmandu and beverages and desserts during the trek
  • All transportation during the trip including airport transfers and all domestic flights
  • Full day of sight-seeing in Kathmandu including entrance fees
  • All staff gratuities
Not included: airfare to Nepal, Nepal visa, guide gratuities, lunches in Kathmandu, desserts and beverages during the trek, alcoholic beverages, and Travel Insurance.

Trip Info


This trip is for women in good physical condition who enjoy hiking in beautiful settings while learning about the history, culture and cuisine of Nepal. While most hiking is moderate, expect occasional steep ascents and descents on rocky terrain. For several days, you'll climb stone steps for hours at a time, with the remaining trekking on rocky, uneven paths. The trip is rated 4, and will have 5 to 7 hours of activity everyday. The second half of this trip will be in Chitwan National Park which will be more of a Level 3 trip. Participants will enjoy this trip more if they train for a level 4 trip. Before departure, participants should be engaged in aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes, 4-5 times a week, along with additional endurance exercise (such as a two-hour weekly hike) and/or strength training, which is usually necessary.

Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5

Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.


Combining cultural exploration with first rate hiking through beautiful valleys, you will experience Nepalese culture, both past and present, as you hike over mountain passes and through quaint villages. Learn about the vibrant culture and diverse ecosystems, as we travel from central to southern Nepal.

Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.


Our accommodations will range from jungle villas and mountain lodges, to hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the Poon Hill trek, our accommodations will be modest but comfortable with amenities like bathrooms, hot water, and linens.

All participants are guaranteed their own bed. A limited number of single supplement rooms may be available for an additional cost and can be selected during booking if available.

See the FAQs below for more details about accommodation options.

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Itinerary

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1
Welcome to Nepal! Please arrive in Kathmandu by early afternoon. You'll be transferred to our hotel, our base for the first two nights. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the colorful streets and lively neighborhoods nearby. We'll meet at 5 PM for a group orientation and welcome dinner, enjoying Nepali and Western dishes with nighttime views of Kathmandu.

Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Nepali Ghar Hotel (or similar), Kathmandu
Daily Activities: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
After breakfast, we'll visit Pashupatinath, a religious and cultural site filled with temples, monuments, and centuries of history. The complex features architecture, including dome, pagoda, and shikhara designs. We'll explore its statues and sculptures while learning about its religious significance.

Next, we'll visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Asia's largest Buddhist shrines, standing 328 feet in diameter and 130 feet high. The surrounding monasteries reflect the region's rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. After lunch, we'll head to Bhaktapur, one of the Kathmandu Valley's best-preserved medieval cities. Its beautiful temples, intricate woodcarvings, stone sculptures, and brick-paved streets make it feel like an open-air museum. After dinner, we'll return to the hotel for our Annapurna trek orientation.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Nepali Ghar Hotel (or similar), Kathmandu
Daily Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing
DAY 3
This morning, we'll explore Kathmandu's Durbar Square, where the city's kings were once crowned and ruled (durbar means palace in Nepali). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic palace complex, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, was once home to the Nepali royal family. Today, it remains a vibrant center of cultural life, showcasing remarkable traditional architecture. Although damaged in the 2015 earthquake, ongoing reconstruction reflects the resilience of the Nepali people.

Afterward, we'll fly to Pokhara, enjoying our first magnificent glimpses of the Himalayas along the way. This laid-back lakeside town is ours to explore this evening before our five-day Annapurna trek begins tomorrow!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Barahi (or similar), Pokhara
Daily Activities: Walking Tour, Travel to Pokhara
DAY 4
After breakfast, we'll depart at 7 AM for the three-hour drive to our trailhead, following the Seti River past rice fields, villages, and waterfalls. From Hile (4,900 feet), we'll hike to Tirkhedhunga for lunch at a local tea house and our first taste of life along the Annapurna Trail.

The afternoon brings a challenging but rewarding climb toward Ulleri, including more than 3,200 stone steps! At the top, we'll celebrate our accomplishment in this small Gurung village (6,400 feet), with magnificent views of Mt. Annapurna South and Mt. Hiunchuli.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Local Tea House & Lodge (or similar), Ulleri
Daily Activities: Hiking (4-4.5 hours, 5-6 miles)
DAY 5
After our first night on the trail, we wake up refreshed and ready for adventure! We'll gradually climb toward Banthanti, passing villages and terraced fields before stopping for lunch at a local tea house. From here, the trail winds through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. In March, the rhododendrons may be bursting with colorful spring blooms, and we'll keep an eye out for local birdlife. Our day ends in Ghorepani (9,400 feet), a mountain village with panoramic views of Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and the surrounding peaks. Temperatures can be chilly at this elevation, especially in the evenings, so we'll be glad to settle into our cozy lodge for the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Local Tea House & Lodge (or similar), Ghorepani
Daily Activities: Hiking (5-6 hours, 7-8 miles)
DAY 6
Today is one of the highlights of our trek! We'll rise early and begin our roughly one-hour climb to Poon Hill (10,500 feet), hoping to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas. Weather permitting, we'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

We'll return to Ghorepani for a well-deserved large breakfast and start our hike towards Tadapani. The ascents and descents will be moderate so we can use this time to relax and enjoy the beautiful sights around us. The trail follows scenic ridgelines and winds through blooming rhododendrons and oak forests, and finishes with a hike next to the river, just a short ascent towards the town of Tadapani. We will celebrate our big day with dinner at a local tea house!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Local Tea House & Lodge (or similar), Tadapani
Daily Activities: Hiking: (6-7 hours, 8-9 miles)
DAY 7
After yesterday's early start, today brings a refreshingly shorter hike! We'll trek through lush forests toward Baisi Kharka, with possible views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre ("Fishtail"), and Annapurna III on a clear morning. Passing remote villages and terraced gardens, we'll descend toward Ghandruk, where we'll stop for lunch. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung villages in the region, offering a wonderful opportunity to learn about local traditions and culture. We'll visit the Gurung Culture Museum, where displays highlight traditional homes and daily life. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore this mountain village before gathering for dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Local Tea House & Lodge (or similar), Ghandruk
Daily Activities: Hiking (~4 hours, 4-5 miles)
DAY 8
Today marks the end of our Annapurna trek! After breakfast, we'll continue our descent through the Annapurna foothills, where we'll meet our transportation for the drive back to Pokhara. After several days on the trail, we'll be glad to return to this relaxed lakeside town. The afternoon is yours to enjoy a hot shower, explore Pokhara, or simply relax. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you the opportunity to try one of the town's many restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Barahi (or similar), Pokhara
Daily Activities: Hiking (~2 hours)
Travel Time: Driving (3-3.5 hours)
DAY 9
Today we trade the Himalayan foothills for the lush lowlands of southern Nepal! After breakfast, we'll begin our scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, following winding rivers through green hills, forests, and rural landscapes. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a homemade lunch and settle into our jungle lodge. Depending on our arrival time, the afternoon may include a riverside sunset, a village visit, or an introduction to the park's conservation efforts. There will also be time to relax and enjoy our new surroundings.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Chitwan Jungle Lodge (or similar)
Daily Activities: Transfer to Chitwan, Chitwan National Park (activities may vary)
Travel Time: Driving (5-5.5 hours)
DAY 10
Today we'll discover the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Chitwan National Park! Located along the Rapti River, the park is part of a rich ecosystem that has long supported the Indigenous Tharu communities and their cultural traditions. Accompanied by local naturalists, we'll explore the park's diverse habitats and learn about conservation efforts protecting elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Depending on conditions and availability, our adventures may include canoeing along the river, a guided jungle walk, or a jeep safari. Along the way, we'll learn about the communities that call this region home before returning to our jungle lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Chitwan Jungle Lodge (or similar)
Daily Activities: Chitwan Jungle (activities may vary)
DAY 11
It's our final morning in the jungle! Depending on availability, we may enjoy an early birdwatching excursion or jungle walk before breakfast. Then we'll transfer to the airport for our short flight back to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, the afternoon is yours! The afternoon is yours to explore the city, relax at the hotel, or sample more of Kathmandu's local cuisine. Lunch is on your own, and we'll reunite for dinner this evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Nepali Ghar Hotel (or similar), Kathmandu
Daily Activities: Chitwan Jungle (activities may vary), Transfer to Kathmandu
DAY 12
After breakfast, we'll head to Bhaktapur for another look at this fascinating historic city. We'll explore its beautiful palace, giant Taleju Bell, and ornate golden gates before wandering through narrow streets to visit a potter's studio and learn traditional pottery-making techniques. We'll also peek into a woodcarver's workshop near Dattatraya.

This afternoon, we'll try our hand at making traditional Nepali momos! After enjoying these delicious dumplings throughout our trip, it's time to make your own. Following our homemade lunch, we'll return to Durbar Square and will stop at Ason Chowk, a lively traditional market surrounded by temples and shrines. Save room for dinner, as tonight we'll gather at a local restaurant for our final celebratory meal, sharing memories of our adventure together.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Handmade Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Nepali Ghar Hotel (or similar), Kathmandu
Daily Activities: Sightseeing in Bhaktapur, Cooking workshop
DAY 13
Our Nepal adventure comes to an end today. You are free to depart at any time, and our airport representative will transfer you to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey home.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Reviews

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Dates & Prices

Year Departure Date Availability Price

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Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.

Common Questions


All participants are guaranteed their own bed on our trips.

A Single Supplement (SS) means you will have your own room with your own bed, and no other participants will share that room with you. Single supplements are limited, offered at an additional cost, and will appear as a booking option at the time of registration if still available.

A Double Accommodation means you will share a room with another participant. You will still have your own bed. Shared beds can be requested but cannot always be accommodated depending upon the property.

Bathrooms: Bathroom arrangements vary depending on the trip and lodging. A single supplement guarantees your own sleeping space but may still include a shared bathroom. Double accommodations typically share a bathroom with a roommate and sometimes additional participants, depending on the property. Private or ensuite bathrooms will be noted in the trip details when available.


All your meals will be served at the lodges where you're staying or trekking by. In Kathmandu you will have dinner at a restaurant where you can order off the menu.


Overall food variety on the trek is limited, with few fresh vegetables and no fruit. This is even more true for vegetarian and vegans; options are available but the variety of foods is limited. If you are concerned about having enough protein during your trip, please bring some plant-based protein sources such as nut butter, instant dried hummus, or high-protein energy bars. If you cannot eat gluten or if you have other dietary restrictions, you will need to bring some supplemental food with you.


You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.

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