Essential Nepal

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
Essential Nepal
9 Days
From AUD $805
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Essential Nepal

Essential Nepal

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
4.3
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This nine-day trip will tick all your boxes – outdoor adventures, bustling city life and an introduction to the slower pace of the Nepali countryside.

Highlights

  • Get wet and wild on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Trisuli River (the most popular river in Nepal for rafting), where you’ll zoom downstream next to giant boulders and gorges and between bright green hills.
  • Stretch your legs on an awesome three-night, low-altitude trek through rural villages and rhododendron forests, taking in views of the Annapurna Ranges.
  • Kick back in super-Zen Pokhara, where you can take a boat out and float the day away on the smooth waters of Phewa Lake. Cruise beneath behemoth mountains and find serenity.
  • Start and end your trip in the bustling metropolis of Kathmandu – explore Durbar Square, wander the chaotic streets or simply kick back with a relaxing massage to soothe those post-four-day-hike feels.
  • Enjoy some local hospitality with a homestay with a local family in Hemjakot – this community’s architecture reflects the traditional style of the Himalayas. Get an insight into countryside culture as you take in the views from a traditional teahouse.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Auto-rickshaw,Local bus,Whitewater raft,Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Kathmandu, Nepal

Finishes

Kathmandu, Nepal

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kathmandu
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:

  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Experience Urban Adventure (59 USD)
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight (240 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Trisuli River
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:

  • Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)
  • Trisuli River – Riverside Camping

Accommodation:

  • Camping (basic facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Trisuli River - Pokhara
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:

  • Trisuli River - White Water Rafting (Grade 3)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Ghandruk (1950m / 6397ft)
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:

  • Annapurna Region – 3 Night / 4 Days Trekking

Accommodation:

  • Tea House (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Tolkha (1700m / 5577ft)
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).

Accommodation:

  • Tea House (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hemjakot (1530m / 5019ft)
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:

  • Hemjakot - Community Homestay

Accommodation:

  • Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Pokhara
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:

  • Pokhara - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda - Free
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip (900 NPR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Kathmandu
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:

  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure (49 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: 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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $805
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

This nine-day trip will tick all your boxes – outdoor adventures, bustling city life and an introduction to the slower pace of the Nepali countryside.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 May 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Ben
Traveled, March 2023

04/05/2023

Was an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget with some amazing people in an unbelievable place

4.5
David
Traveled, March 2024

04/10/2024

Really enjoyable week and a great introduction to the adventurous side of Nepal. Although the walk wasn’t the easiest, our trip leader was great and supporting everyone to complete the trek. If you want to experience Nepal without a high altitude trek, then this is the trip for you.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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