From 1400€/person
9 days
Nepal, a cultural crossroad
A tiny country surrounded by huge India and Tibet part of China, Nepal has always been a crossroad for these cultural and religious influences, that have made their way into Nepal through trade routes and spiritual teachers retired to the mountains. However, maybe thanks to mountain life remoteness, Nepalese people also developed strong cultures of their own. Travel to Nepal to discover them!
Gurung and Newar
Nepal is a nation composed of hundreds of ethnic groups. At the foot of the famous Annapurna range, you'll meet the Gurung people thanks to a 2-day walk across some of their villages at mid-level altitude. The Newar developed mostly in Kathmandu valley, where three brother kings competed in three city-kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. You'll explore a bit of their old cities. Newars were also very good merchants: walking through the streets of Bandipur, you'll soak into this old caravan trade stop atmosphere.
Itinerary
Visit the cultural basin of Nepal in and around two of the three ancient city-kingdoms, in Kathmandu and Patan. Then you'll reach Pokhara, departure gate for all treks to the Annapurna. Enjoy an easy 2-day hike and a night in a real homestay, with an amazing view on the Machhapuchhre if the weather is clear. Then you'll visit Bandipur, an old trade stop town on the caravans way between India and Tibet, before going back to Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to Patan
Today you’ll fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival your driver will take you to your hotel in Patan. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 2: Patan – Swoyambhunath – Patan (B)
Today discover Patan with your guide: the beautiful Durban Square and pagodas of different styles, and Mahabudhha Golden Temple. Stroll through the city where many buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, visit the very well restored Royal Palace and walk around the goldsmiths neighborhood. In the afternoon, you’ll reach Swoyambhunath or “Monkeys’ Temple” on top of a hill, for a great view over the city.
Day 3: Patan – Bodnath (B)
Today you will drive to Bodnath in the northeast of Kathmandu for a complete change of atmosphere. Walk around the biggest stupa in Nepal, where thousands of Buddhist pilgrims pray every year. Many Tibetan refugees who fled China live in this area. Witness the Buddhist ceremonies called puja inside Bodnath monasteries, and get enlightened with a Tibetan singing bowls session.
Day 4: Bodnath – Pokhara (B)
Today you will drive to Pokhara, the city-gate to the range of the Annapurna mountains. In the afternoon, you can discover the city, go for one of the numerous yoga classes offered there, or why not paddle with a boat on the lake to reach the opposite shore and climb to the stupa for a nice view.
Day 5: Pokhara – Gurung village (B, D)
Today you will drive nearby Pokhara in the countryside, in order to start trekking in the afternoon towards a tiny village up the mountains where you’ll stay for the night. In this old Gurung village, many youngsters have left for the city and you’ll meet their elders still living in the old-fashioned way. You’ll discover their way of life in your homestay, a very simple clay house with a beaten earth floor.
Day 6: Gurung village – Pokhara – Bandipur (B)
This morning, after a healthy homemade breakfast, you’ll start hiking again on the surrounding mid-level altitude mountain paths. You’ll discover more about the local rural life, observing people at work in the fields or carrying huge and heavy baskets. Finally you’ll meet your driver who will take you to Bandipur, a town on the way to Kathmandu.
Day 7: Bandipur (B)
Today, you’ll discover the old town of Bandipur. This village turned into an important trade halt for the caravans that crossed the country from India to Tibet and vice-versa, thanks to its great location. The merchants, mostly from the Newar ethnic group, brought their city tastes and way of lives, as you can see in terms of architecture around the town. It gives it all a very special charm. In the afternoon, go for a walk up the hills in order to get beautiful panoramic views on the surrounding mountains.
Day 8: Bandipur – Kathmandu (B)
This morning, your driver will take you to Kathmandu. On this last day, discover the capital city Kathmandu at your own pace.
Day 9: Kathmandu Departure (B)
Today is the end of your travel to Nepal. Your driver will take you to the airport, where you’ll take your flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- Hotel with breakfast
- Homestay with dinner (D) and breakfast in a Gurung village
- Private driver
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International & domestic flights
- Other meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Insurances
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