Essential Nepal - 9 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
18 - 35Start / End
- Kathmandu
- Kathmandu
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
4Highlights
- 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.
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Summary
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. Start and end your trip in Kathmandu's bustling metropolis with your small group of fellow solo travellers, explore Durbar Square and wander the vibrant streets. Then, pull on your adventure boots and hit the road outta town for a rafting experience in Pokhara, camp on the riverside and enjoy dinner beneath the stars by the Trisuli River with your new friends. Then, band together and trek the Annapurna region. Enjoy the chance to stay with local families along the way, including in a remote village in Hemjakot where you’ll tuck into a home-cooked dinner.
Itinerary
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Tea House (2 nights), Permanent Tented Camp (with basic facilities) (1 night), Homestay (1 night)
Meals
Breakfasts: 1, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 1
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Sep 25
from £410Oct 25
from £400Nov 25
from £420Dec 25
from £380Jan 26
from £395Feb 26
from £395Mar 26
from £410Apr 26
from £410May 26
from £395Sep 26
from £410Oct 26
from £425Nov 26
from £410Dec 26
from £395Jan 27
from £415Feb 27
from £415Mar 27
from £430Apr 27
from £430Sep 27
from £430Oct 27
from £445Nov 27
from £445Dec 27
from £415
- Fri 12 Dec 2025 > Sat 20 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£380Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Fri 19 Dec 2025 > Sat 27 Dec 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£435Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Fri 26 Dec 2025 > Sat 3 Jan 20266+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly£425Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
We love you Nepal! The perfect blend of nature, adventure, culture and delicious food. This trip exceeded our expectations and has left us hungry for more!
Matilda May, 2025 VerifiedI had the best time on the Essential Nepal trip. Rafting was super fun and loved hiking through the Annapurna region. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a snapshot of Nepal with not long to travel.
Natalie Apr, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
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