Nepal Family Holiday with Teenagers - 11 Days

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm where you’ll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the streets of Kathmandu, where you’ll see the city’s mixture of ancient architecture, modern development and rich artistic heritage. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. After your meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your leader and the other families in your group.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll set off for Bhaktapur. Stop along the way to visit the Boudhanath Stupa – one of Nepal’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recognised as one of the largest stupas in the world, this is the perfect setting to listen to stories about the sacred site’s rich history – the perfect spot for your teens to grab a photo. After, continue to Bhaktapur – one of Nepal’s most culturally rich medieval cities. When you arrive, take a guided walking tour through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its temples, courtyards and intricate woodcarvings. Then, visit Pottery Square for a sculpting session led by local artisans. Later, return to Kathmandu for the evening.

Drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway, passing terraced fields, river valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. Swap the road for the Trisuli River where you’ll stop for a half-day white-water rafting adventure through Grade II to III rapids, jungle gorges and some quiet stretches of water (to calm the adrenaline!). Fuel up with lunch by the river, then carry on to Pokhara. When you arrive, spend some more time on the water, this time on Phewa Lake – the third largest lake in Nepal. After your relaxed boat ride, join your leader for an orientation walk along the lively lakeside promenade, with the Annapurna range rising beyond the city.

Make your way to Nayapul, where you’ll trek through terraced fields and riverside trails, moving from river valleys to terraced hillsides. Cross the river on suspension bridges, winding past waterfalls and the snow-capped Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) that peeks over the hills. Tonight, you’ll stay in Tikhedhunga village, known for its traditional stone houses and friendly locals. This village is also known as the starting point for the famous Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek, which you’ll tackle in the morning.

Fuel up with a good breakfast this morning, then start the steady climb up Ulleri’s stone steps into rhododendron and oak forests. Reach Ghorepani, the hub for the local Magar communities, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views. Tonight, enjoy a storytelling session with local guides, who will share tales of their ancestors, folk mythology and their deep-rooted spiritual connection to the mountains.

Wake up well before dawn to hike roughly 1.5 km (1 mi) up to the summit of Poon Hill. Watch the sunrise over snow-capped peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek down through the forest to Tadapani. The main trail starts with a steady climb through mossy, dense rhododendron forests to Deurali Pass (3210 m or 10,531 ft) – the highest point of the day’s trek. Descend through thick woods to the village of Banthanti, head across streams and through the scenic, misty forest before arriving in Tadapani. You’ll be treated to incredible views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri as you approach. This evening, rest your legs at the tea house with your fellow families.

Descend into Ghandruk – a large, traditional Gurung village that’s home to the Indigenous Gurung (Tamu) people. Sitting at approximately 2012 m (6601 ft), Ghandrunk is a cultural and agricultural hub of the region, famous for its stone houses, narrow alleyways and breathtaking mountain views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. While you’re here, you can visit the Gurung Museum and learn about the culture’s deep ties to the land and if you like, don some Gurung attire for photos. After, drive back to Pokhara, where you’ll spend the night.

Arrive in Chitwan today and check into your jungle lodge. Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon to rest your legs after all that trekking, then regroup in the evening for sundowners on the banks of the Rapti River. You’ll also watch a cultural Tharu dance performance, introducing the traditions of the Indigenous Tharu community.

Venture out this morning on a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site home to one of Asia’s best wildlife experiences. While you’re here, you may be fortunate enough to see one-horned rhinos, deer and with any luck, Bengal tigers. You’ll also hop in a canoe for a gentle ride along the Rapti River to observe crocodiles and aquatic birds in their natural habitat.

Return to Kathmandu today, check into your hotel, then head out for the afternoon with your group. First, you’ll visit Ashon Bazaar – the oldest market in Nepal, known for its narrow lanes, traditional shops and vibrant atmosphere where locals gather for daily essentials and local spices. Continue to Thamel – the tourist district in Nepal with many shops offering a wide range of local products, gifts, outdoor gear and handicrafts. Thamel is also home to many great restaurants, so you’ll have lots of delicious options for dinner. Maybe get together with your fellow families tonight and toast to an incredible adventure.

Your trip officially comes to an end after breakfast today and you’re free to depart any time after checkout. If you would like to book additional optional trips, post-trip accommodation or an airport transfer, just speak with your booking agent ahead of time.