Depart From: Depart from home for Nepal.

Arrive To: Arrival to Delhi. Please note that this is a forced overnight for gateway participants because you are unable to make your connecting flight to Kathmandu on the same day.

Dinner: Dinner is not included.

Lodging: Crowne Plaza Gurgaon

Note: Kathmandu elevation is approximately 5000ft.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Lunch: Lunch at the program hotel upon arrival. Participate in a program orientation.

Afternoon: Get an orientation of Kathmandu city. Kathmandu was the seat of royalty till the last century. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can't help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area. Continue to Swoyambhunath stupa, a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the program hotel.

Evening: Participate in a presentation on Nepal history and culutre. Then meet with students from the local university and learn about their goals and aspirations.

Lodging: Hotel Himalaya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Participate in a presentation by a local NGO to learn about their projects in Nepal. Continue to learn about Bhaktapur and Patan both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. It is located in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone and situated about 14 Kms to the east of Kathmandu. It is the third largest city in Kathmandu valley and was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century. Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork. It is the home of traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craft works, magnificent windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, rich local customs, culture, religion, festivals, musical mystic and so on.

Lunch: Lunch on your own in Bhaktapur.

Afternoon: This afternoon, explore Patan city, full of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Himalaya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Note: Nagarkot elevation is 7200 ft. Hike is approximately 5 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Today is a hike in the Kathmandu Valley. Soon after having breakfast, drive to Nagarkot to the beginning of your hike for the day. The hike is about 5 hours up Nagarakot, walking through the villages of mixed ethnic groups such as Gurung, Newar, Tamangs.

Lunch: Stop at a beautiful location to have your packed lunch. On a fine day one can enjoy scenic beauty and the mountain ranges from this hiking trail.

Afternoon: Continue your hike to Sankhu. Upon reaching Sankhu, proceed to the Vajra Yogini temple situated in Sankhu. Later, drive back to Kathmandu which is about 30 Kms.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel. Reminder to pack for tomorrow's trip.

Lodging: Hotel Himalaya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Pokhara elevation is 2700ft. Drive to Pokhara is about 7 to 8 hours with stops en route.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Today, is a early morning departure for Pokhara (about a 6-7 hour drive). Enjoy the scenic drive towards Pokhara and watch for the Annapurna range appear in front of you.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: After lunch continue your drive to Pokhara. Check-in to your program hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Participate in a presentation on what is being done to preserve the Annapurna Mountains.

Lodging: Shangri-La Village Pokhara

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Birethanti elevation is 3750ft.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: After having breakfast, drive to the trek starting point. Your hike follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley where your lodge will be located. Get a magnificent view of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: After lunch join a walk to the town of Birethanti. Birethanti, both a town and a bazaar in Nepal, lies across the bridge at a foothill. This bazaar is an important point along the trekking route that runs from Pokhara towards the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre base camps and further towards the town of Jomsom. Birethanti is a very picturesque village situated on the edge of the river with great views of Machapuchhre - Fish Tail Mountain. The best mountain views are always in the early morning and evening before clouds obstruct the views. Some Annapurna Sanctuary treks do an identical out-and-back. Birethanti is very low in altitude, 1,000m/3,200'. A good beginning with little worries about altitude sickness. Interact with the villagers to understand their normal everyday life including their culture/customs and see the bazaar.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Lodging: Sanctuary Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Ghandruk elevation is 6,600ft. Trek time is 5-6 hours, with an elevation gain of about 3000ft and mostly stone steps. Your GL will provides snacks but it will also be a good idea to bring some of your own along with you. The trek to Ghandruk is about 1 hr flat (first hr) 4-5 hours uphill. The 1 hr flat is on the track with the occasional vehicle passing. You then get off the main route and pass through villages and fields. It is about a 7 mile hike.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast, depart the lodge and walk out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge upon arrival in the early afternoon. (Trek time is 5-6 hours)

Afternoon: Rest of the afternoon to relax. Enjoy the magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains at the lodge. Then participate in a presentation on village life, including the lifestyle of the villagers, agriculture & micro enterprises led by your group leader.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Lodging: Himalaya Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: It is an easy hiking day, but a full day out of the lodge, approximately 6-8 hours. Hike to the local school is approximately 2.5 hours away from the lodge. Ghandruk town itself is near the lodge.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: This morning after enjoying a relaxing breakfast with the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, descend to Ghandruk village to explore this mountainside area. Explore this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk is a rather easy and peaceful trek. It is famous for its culture, geographical diversity and spectacular views of mountains and stone built villages. Basically Ghandruk village is also called Konda Village in the local language and it means Stone Village. Trails are on clean stone steps both uphill and downhill, with close views of mountains and Rhododendron flowers in the spring season. This trek offers you to have an unforgettable time in the Nepal Himalayas. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

Lunch: Lunch in town.

Afternoon: This afternoon visit some of the major attractions in Ghandruk, Old Gurung Museum, Buddhist Monastery and Small Deurali pass around 2100 meters. Continue to visit a local school and interact with the students and teacher there. Return to your lodge.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Participate in a presentation on the Gurung Tribes.

Lodging: Himalaya Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Gurung Lodge is at 4620ft. Trek time is approximately 5-6 hours. Morning trek is easy through farmlands. Towards the end of trek before lunch, there are many stone steps. After lunch, trek is all uphill to Majguan. ½ hour along the Modi River , crossing a suspension bridge; 1.5 hours uphill hike towards Majgaun; ½ hour will be switch back and 45mins is going up stairs until you reach Gurung village; gradual incline for 15 minutes until you get to the lodge, with additional 70 steps down.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast, depart the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. Continue descending for about 2 or 3 hours until we reach Shauli Bazaar. From here, we follow along the Modi River until reaching the Sanctuary Lodge.

Lunch: Lunch at the converted house near the Sanctuary Lodge

Afternoon: Continue your trek towards Majgaun partly on well-paved steps and partly on switch-backs. We reach the Gurung Lodge after about 2 hours.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Lodging: Gurung Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Dhampus elevation is 5000ft. Trek time is about 3.5 - 4 hours. Trek starts 15 minutes on dirt path; ½ hour on switchback path up hill; 1.5 hours on stone steps uphill. At the hop of the hill is a lake. From the lake it is 15 minutes flat terrain with broken steps towards Pothana. Pothana is 6200ft. From Pothana, about 1.5hrs gradual downhill on dirt path, which then turns into a gravel path. Basanta Lodge is at 5570ft. Change in elevation from Pothana to Basanta Lodge is 630ft.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: This morning begin your trek through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Your walk takes you through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ½ - 4 hours, arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus to explore this town. Dhampus, a name of a fabulous village which is situated at an altitude of 1750m above sea level, in the western Nepal. The village is very famous among visitors because it provides them with breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt Fishtail, Mt Himchuli, Lamjung Himal and many other mountains. It is just 18 km away from the beautiful city of Pokhara, in the north west. Dhampus is a large village spread out along a hill top only a short walk from the main road to Pokhara. It is inhabited by a mix of people: Gurung, Brahman, Magar, low-caste, etc.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Lodging: Basanta Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Pokhara elevation is 2700 ft. Hiking is approximately 3 hours going down steps.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: After breakfast, depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Then transfer by vehicle to your program hotel in Pokhara. (Hiking is appoximately 3 hours).

Lunch: Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Early afternoon at leisure for you to explore Pokhara.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Participate in a presentation on trekking in Nepal.

Lodging: Shangri-La Village Pokhara

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Note: The drive is about 7 hours with a lunch stop along the way.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart for Chitwan National Park. This is a five to six hours leisurely drive on the highway passing small villages and terraced rice fields along the Marshyangdi river that takes you through the Tharu Villages of Chitwan with their ochre colored mud houses with thatched roofs. The ethnic tribe of the Tharu’s are the local inhabitants of Chitwan and are agriculturists by profession.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Continue on your drive that brings you to Amaltarighat, near Narayani River. Temple Tiger Green Resort is located right outside of Nepal 's premier Chitwan National Park. Though the location is among one of best in Chitwan, the property's commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable conservation practices contribute to the lodge's rustic feel and nascent infrastructure. While you will visit and experience many unique attractions - such as viewing wildlife, and exploring the natural faunas and floras- please note that accommodations are sensible but not luxurious. We hope that you stay flexible and open while traveling through this part of Nepal.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Participate in a slide show presentation on Chitwan National Park.

Lodging: Temple Tiger Green Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Early morning before breakfast, take an elephant back jungle safari for 2-3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18-20 ft. It is the favorite habitat for rhinoceros and other mammals. Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Morning: After breakfast take jeep safari through jungle thickest in search of game. The safari ends at the river bank where you continue on canoe back to the lodge. The canoe ride provides an opportunity for viewing Gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, and varieties of water birds.

Lunch: Lunch at the dining hall.

Afternoon: In the afternoon participate in a presentation by the naturalist at the lodge on the Asian elephant, outlining the difference between the Asian & African elephant and the behavior. Here one may witness a rare scene of the elephant bath.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Participate in a presentation on the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park carried out by senior naturalists.

Lodging: Temple Tiger Green Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: The drive is about 5-6 hours with rest stops.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer back to Kathmandu. From the lodge, either elephants or Land Rovers and boats will transfer you to the waiting vehicle at the drop out point from where you board your bus for your drive to Kathmandu.

Lunch: Lunch en route to Kathmandu.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and prepare for your farewell dinner.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at restaurant in town.

Lodging: Hotel Himalaya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Please note that a day room is provided for all participants who have bought air from Road Scholar and are flying on Air India from Kathmandu to Delhi on flights that arrive in India at mid-afternoon. All meals are on your own, however.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive To: Arrival home.