At a Glance
![](https://onlyluxetravel.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/Itinerary/Nepal/trekking.jpg)
Embark on a transformative walking journey into The Himalayas, Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park with full support. Hike from lodge to lodge as you trek the Annapurna Gurung Trail and the well-known Royal Trek Route. This itinerary also includes luxury stays in 5 star hotels before and after your trek. From spectacular drives, nature walks, safari jeep adventures and intriguing cultural experiences; unearth this mysterious part of Nepal on this 8 days lodge-to-lodge-trek from The Himalayas to Chitwan National Park.
Your hiking adventure begins in Kathmandu. Explore the lively city and uncover 3 World Heritage Sites of Patan Durbar Square, Boundhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. The next day see's you on a scenic flight to Pokhara, a gateway city to the Himalayas, where you’ll begin your ultimate lodge-to-lodge trek. Marvel at ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All meals as specified
- All luggage transfer
- 7-night accommodations in casual hiking lodges and luxury hotels
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 average guest-to-leader ratio
- Several available routes to enjoy the region at your pace
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
![]() |
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 0 m (0 ft) Meet with your tour leaders at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Dwarika’s Hotel located on Battisputali Road in Kathmandu. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in comfortable walking shoes and come with a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may need for the day’s walk. Welcome to Nepal! After our meeting, we take a quick shuttle to start our walk. With the company of a local expert, we explore the lively Nepalese capital, where there is a seamless blend of ancient relics and modern influences. Today’s highlights include three fascinating World Heritage sites: Patan Durbar Square, a picturesque former royal palace complex; the legendary Boudhanath Stupa, which dominates the city’s skyline; and Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple complex situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. En route, stop at a local cafe to savour a lunch of traditional momos (Nepalese dumplings). Kathmandu, the enchanting capital of Nepal, is an intersection of several cultures and religions and a world of contrasts. Encircled by mountains and overflowing with Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, Newari architecture, and sacred cows, the city’s ambiance gives it a timeless feel. At the same time, the influx of foreigners and hints of Western influences are a definite nod to modernity. Your guided walk provides valuable context and insight into the city’s past and present, and at 4,600 feet above sea level, allows you to adapt to the elevation. |
|
![]() |
You’ll stay at Dwarika’s Hotel, which is situated between the international airport and the city centre. It is a stunning hotel that combines traditional architecture and modern touches. Unwind at the tranquil garden courtyards or laze by the picturesque pool. This evening, savour a superb multi-course Nepalese meal made with farm-fresh ingredients.
|
![]() |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: Say goodbye to the bustling Kathmandu and take a short flight to Nepal’s second-largest city, Pokhara, located in central Nepal on Phewa Lake. If the weather is favourable, enjoy enrapturing vistas of the snow-white Himalayas during the flight. Often referred to as the Rooftop of the World, this striking 460-kilometre-long (1500-mile-long) mountain range includes over 50 cliffs measuring more than 7190 metres (23600 feet) above sea level. Upon arrival, set out to Peace Pagoda, a brilliant-white Buddhist stupa balanced on a narrow ridge above Phewa Lake. Stretch your legs on a relaxing stroll down to the lake, followed by a peaceful boat ride and lunch in Pokhara. This afternoon board a shuttle to the town of Lumie to get acquainted with our friendly local team of mountain guides and porters from the Gurung community, an ethnic group native to the Annapurna region of Nepal renowned for their ability to thrive at high elevations. Your hiking journey begins in the Himalayan foothills beneath a towering skyline of snow-capped cliffs. Descend slowly along stone steps and craggy paths that twist through quiet rural villages. If you’d rather not engage in this technical descent, you could follow a flatter path along the Modi River. Enjoy every moment on the trail, often pausing to soak in the scenery, greet locals, and catch your breath as you approach hiking at elevation. Today’s trek leads to the rural but charming Sanctuary Lodge, set at 1097 metres (3600 feet), under the watchful gaze of sacred Fishtail Mountain. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon traversing the grounds or relaxing and soaking in the views. Tonight, we convene for a welcome reception around the fireplace, followed by a delectable meal in the lodge’s dining room. |
![]() |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, truly experience what it means to hike in the Himalayas. Together with your guides and porters, set out by foot on the aptly named Annapurna Gurung Trail. This famous path offers gorgeous views of the Annapurna Massif, which includes some of the Himalayas’ tallest and steepest summits and has inspired the mountaineering community for decades. Pass through ghost villages seemingly frozen in time, constantly deserted by mountain communities who moved to lower valley elevations drawn by temperate climes and the opportunity for seasonal work. They remain undisturbed, an eerie reminder of new traditions and a changing world. In the afternoon, visit a preserved traditional home to understand the local customs and rural life at altitude. You’ll stay at Gurung Lodge, set at 1400 metres (4600 feet) and comprised of cosy tribal-style houses. Sip a refreshing drink, enjoy the vistas, and rest your legs. If you are interested in more distance, head out on an out-and-back hike to Kanchi Baraha Temple, seated amid nature. This evening, gather tonight for another delicious meal at our abode. |
![]() |
Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 549 m (1800 ft) Savour a hearty breakfast at the lodge, lace up your boots and hit the trail. As you embark on today’s hike, the classic Annapurna scenery of terraced fields, secluded villages, and a backdrop of rocky cliffs accompany you. Pass through high-mountain villages and make stops for a local lunch and an afternoon pick-me-up at a traditional teahouse. On getting to the trail’s end, board a shuttle to the International Mountain Museum, which chronicles some of the most remarkable feats and crises of alpine expeditions in the Himalayas and shows exhibitions about local mountain culture and history. |
|
![]() |
Continue to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, your cozy home for the next two nights, set 305 metres (1000 feet) above the Pokhara Valley. Inspired by trekking lodges, Tiger Mountain allows for a few more creature comforts than the initial two nights on the trail, with equally gorgeous Himalayas reflected in the lodge’s infinity pool. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap under a star-filled night sky before retiring to your room. |
![]() |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: This morning, head out to explore more of the small hamlets and remote mountain temples in the foothills, having some of the highest peaks as our backdrop. The dominant groups in this area are Brahman and Chhetri, who, relative to other hill people, have a rather high standard of living. You will encounter their large stone houses surrounded by seemingly endless terraced hillsides and fertile farmland. We walk along the famed Royal Trek route, named after Prince Charles and his 90-person entourage that toured this region in the early 1980s, before hiking back to our lodge. We enjoy a delightful dinner and a fascinating talk with a longtime friend and conservationist, Marcus Cotton, about the lesser-known British influence and military history in Nepal. |
![]() |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: This morning, you could take advantage of the serenity with a sunrise yoga class or walk with a local naturalist, where birdwatching opportunities abound. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before a flight to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan, located near the Indian border in Nepal’s lowlands, known as the Terai. (Note that flight times may affect our activities today.) |
|
![]() |
Upon arrival, a shuttle takes us on the final leg of your journey to your jungle safari resort,Taj Meghauli Serai, your home for the next 2 nights. Set on the banks of the river Rapti, this oasis overlooks a vast expanse of waters and the core of Chitwan National Park. You won’t have to leave the comfort of the lodge to feel like you’re on safari—your riverfront deck is an excellent place to spot wildlife! We toast to our arrival over sundowners during a sunset longboat cruise, followed by an alfresco dinner. |
![]() |
Level 2, Approx 6 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking This morning, journey on foot for an introduction to Chitwan, the first national park in Nepal, a World Heritage site, and a recognized leader in conservation for rare and endangered animals. Embark on a relaxing walk with a naturalist along jungle trails. Make stops to admire some of the park’s 600-odd species of exotic birds, including the highly endangered Bengal florican, the paradise flycatcher, and the colourful sunbirds and kingfishers, before heading back to the lodge for lunch. |
|
![]() |
Later in the day, return to the wild by jeep in search of regularly sighted animals, including crocodiles, barking deer and wild boar, and the Chitwan’s most elusive inhabitants. The park houses the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros, a feisty solitary beast weighing up to two tons and moving with incredible agility and speed. It is also the territory of the endangered Bengal tiger. The exact global population of Bengals is unknown but is estimated to be below 2,500, with about 120 tigers living in Chitwan. Since cats are nocturnal, we may not see any today, but look along the riverbanks for telltale paw prints. Come evening, be treated as you celebrate with a multi-course dinner and live entertainment by the local Terai community. Come in your dancing shoes! |
![]() |
Relish a final taste of Chitwan’s fascinating terrain and wildlife while accompanying a naturalist for a walk, or perhaps hang back and linger over breakfast. Afterward, begin your return journey to Kathmandu, with a shuttle to the airport in Bharatpur and then a short flight to the capital where your trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Kathmandu
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Kathmandu. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport is the closest airport and receives airlines mostly from South-east Asia and Europe. A number of direct flights fly from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Varanasi to Kathmandu. Popular airlines that operate regularly are Jet Airways, Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines.
Nepal's climate varies greatly depending on altitude, from the southern flatlands' (known as the Terai) subtropical climate, to the temperate foothills and low mountains, and finally to the variable mountain climate of the high Himalayas. Much of the country sees the heaviest rainfall during the monsoon months (June to early October), but rain is possible at any time. Furthermore, in the Himalayas you can experience all four seasons in a single day, so bringing high-quality breathable layers and rain gear is a must. Don't forget a hat with a brim for protection from the sun, cold and rain. Please be ready for all types of weather to ensure that your trip is enjoyable. Please be aware that leeches and stinging plants may be present in the areas we visit. While not particularly harmful, we recommend protecting yourself from these irritants by wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts while hiking.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.