Depart your home country for your flight to Nepal.
Ideal for first-time visitors, this trip revels in the diversity of Nepal and gives you a proper feel for the country.
From exploring her culturally rich capital and her majestic mountains, to coming face-to-face with wondrous wildlife and being invited into the homes of warm people, you’ll experience it all while travelling overland and giving back to the communities you visit.
Nepal, the ETG Way: Iconic Sights with a Twist
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Kathmandu
Touch down in Nepal and meet your guide who will drive you to your hotel. Spend 3 days easing in and admiring the city’s intricate architecture, holy Hindu temples and sacred Buddhist stupas like Swayambhunath.
Wander her bazaars and crafts markets, stopping off at whichever stalls catch your eye, and enjoy some more unusual experiences that’ll immerse you in the history and culture of Nepal (from trying your hand at some pottery in Thimi to helping whip up traditional dishes like Nepali Dal, Bhat, or Tarkari).
Days 5 - 7
Chitwan National Park
On day 5, your driver will whisk you off to Chitwan National Park – a journey of around five hours. Have your binoculars handy to scan your surroundings for wonderful wildlife, from hundreds of birds to the elusive one-horned rhinos. You might catch a glimpse of sloth bears, and playful monkeys and if you’re particularly lucky, there’s a small chance of a Bengal tiger sighting.
Spend another day on the Narayani River travelling from Meghauli to Amaltari by boat, keeping an eye out for creatures great and small as you glide through serene landscapes. Your destination is the Barauli Community Homestay, where the warm-hearted Tharu villagers will welcome you with a delicious, home-cooked lunch.
Days 8 - 9
Pokhara and Hemjakot
On Day 8, it’s time to travel to the lovely ‘lake city’ of Pokhara. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll have the chance to explore your spectacular surroundings. Fuel up for your excursions by digging into lunch at a hospitality school – where you’ll actively be helping the younger generation train for their careers in this industry.
Head off on a 3-hour hike through the Himalayan hills to the World Peace Pagoda. This hillside monument is in an incredibly scenic spot overlooking the Phewa Lake with the snow-capped mountains scraping the sky. During your stay, you’ll go boating and cross the lake – hopping off to visit a pagoda on a small island on the way – and arrive in time to witness the atmospheric Hindu ritual of Aarti. It’s mesmerising to witness this enlightening evening ritual, where devotees express their gratitude and welcome happiness by pressing lit wicks against their foreheads.
Day 10
Hemjakot Community Homestay Experience
Be an early bird and head out of town to see the sun rise at Sarangkot. On a clear day, the views are just staggering – with the morning light bathing Pokhara lake in a golden glow and dancing through the multi-layered Annapurna mountain range.
Then, it’s on to Hemjakot Homestay. Here, the villagers of this farming community will take you under their wing and you’ll have a unique opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life. Even if cooking isn’t your forte, you’ll love preparing a meal with your hosts and dining all together as it’s great fun.
Days 11 - 13
Annapurna Trekking
Today, you’ll head to Lumle to begin your exciting Annapurna trek. Spend the next 4 days hiking through the diverse and dazzling mountains with a private guide and porter on hand.
Trekking in the Annapurna’s can be fine-tuned to your own fitness and interests. On this route, you’ll pass through river valleys, subtropical forests, terraced farmlands and picturesque villages, with glorious alpine views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre… trust us, these mighty mountains will stop you in your tracks.
Throughout this immersive adventure, you’ll have the chance to interact with different rural communities and rest overnight at simple but comfortable mountain lodges (the higher you go, the more basic they get – but you’ll be rewarded by sweeping views and the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets you’re likely to see in the Himalayas).
You’ll be replaying the magic in your head forevermore.
Day 14
Summit River Lodge
After finishing the final leg of your awe-inspiring Annapurna trek, you’ll meet your driver who will take you to Summit River Lodge in Kurintar. This spot sits between Pokhara and Kathmandu, making it a great place to break up your journey from A to B.
Relax at this rustic retreat, unwinding by the pool and dining at the homely restaurant, before drifting off to sleep.
Day 16
Patan (Kathmandu)
After breakfast, hop in the car and continue on to Kathmandu. End your memorable holiday by exploring a different side of the capital city, taking in the cultural richness of Patan. Enjoy a special meal in your heritage hotel to toast and reflect back on your holiday.
Day 17
Fly home
Wave goodbye to Nepal and take your flight back home.
Experience in Nepal
Our itinerary was stimulating and varied. It coincided with the festival of Tihaa or Diwali and therefore allowed us to experience a special family time of year. Our guide, Anup, was charming and knowledgeable. He invited us to join his family for their special Diwali celebrations ,which was such a memorable experience and also a privilege. Trekking in the Annapurna foothills was a significant part of our two week visit. The chance to trek from Lodge to Lodge, and to see the village way of life was fascinating. We would thoroughly recommend ETG for their attention to detail in creating a perfect holiday.
Bob Williams
Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our Nepal Experts
Sara has a deep love for Nepal’s mix of mountains, culture, and calm. She knows how to craft trips that balance adventure with moments of pure stillness and charm.
“Nepal is at its most rewarding when you slow down and experience its variety. This trip combines wildlife, culture and trekking, with warm community stays that give you a genuine sense of life in the Himalayas.“
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Nepal. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Nepal
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of what we do. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and create moments that are magical and memorable.
Important FAQs about Nepal
Nepal is a land of awe-inspiring peaks, ancient traditions, and warm hospitality. Travelling with ETG means experiencing this remarkable country with the insight of expert local and mountain guides who bring the landscapes and culture to life.
Whether it’s walking through quiet Himalayan villages, exploring the temples and markets of Kathmandu, or spotting wildlife in Chitwan National Park, we ensure your Nepal experience is rich, authentic, and stress-free. Our carefully planned routes and knowledgeable guides help you uncover Nepal’s beauty without the rush of standard tourist trails.
The best seasons for Nepal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the skies are clear, mountain views are at their best, and trekking conditions are ideal. Spring offers blooming rhododendrons across the hills, while autumn brings crisp, cool weather after the summer rains. Winter (December to February) can be cold at higher altitudes but is perfect for cultural exploration and lowland regions, while summer (June to August) is monsoon season, with fewer visitors and lush, green landscapes.
Every ETG holiday to Nepal is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels or homestays.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Nepal specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.