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Nepal

Best of Nepal: From Sacred Valleys to Himalayan Peaks

Program No. 25629RJ
From Kathmandu's Durbar Squares to the Buddha's birthplace and Himalayan trails, this expert-led journey takes you to the sacred, spiritual and natural heart of Nepal.
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Start
Small GroupNew
Length
17 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
3,699
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
40 meals ( 14B, 13L, 13D )
5 expert-led lectures
25 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
5 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Afternoon:
Our flight from Varanasi arrives in Delhi around 5pm. We transfer to our nearby hotel and check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. There is no official programming today. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Any early morning arrivals today will need to book a pre-program hotel night if they would like to guarantee that their room will be available prior to 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Check in to the hotel and settle in after your long journey to Nepal. Orientation at 5:00 pm: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and go through any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
Enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas from our hilltop resort. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for our day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking approximately 2 miles over paved surfaces, a few uneven surfaces and some stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our time in Kathmandu with a presentation on contemporary issues in Nepal, given by a local expert. Afterwards, we enjoy tea with university students to learn more about higher education in Nepal. After tea, we board our bus for our exploration of Kathmandu. We begin by exploring Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During the annual Shivaratri pilgrimage, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva come from Hindu communities around the world to pay homage here.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated just beyond the Pashupatinath temple, it houses 108 Buddha images and 147 prayer wheel insets. The settlement of Boudhanath is home to a large community of Tibetans.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Private motorcoach, total of 32 miles drive from Kathmandu to Neydo Monastery to Bungmati and back to Kathmandu. Total drive time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours with making stops at both location to explore. Participants wishing to experience a Mount Everest scenic flight should do so before breakfast this morning. This optional flight is not included in the program; refer to the Free Time section in your First Information Packet for details.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we board our motorcoach to explore one the village of Bungamati and Khokhana. Bungamati is a sacred settlement of the birthplace of Rato Machhindranath, the valley's guardian of rain and compassion, and considered one of the oldest settlement in the Kathmandu valley. Explore this village known for skilled wood carving craftsmanship and temple that is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Then continue by motorcoach to the UNESCO village of Khokana, known for their unique mustard oil pressing tradition. Visit a local factory and get a hands-on experience of this mustard oil.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we board our motorcoach for Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. This Monastery was only built in the early 2000 to help preserve the Neydo tradition, a combination of two of the oldest schools of Tibet Buddhism, Kagyu and Nyingma. The monastery houses 200 monks that live and study here. We have the opportunity to meet with the monks learn about this old religion and its influence on Tibetan Buddhist teaching and receive a blessing. Afterwards we drive to a local restaurant and learn about mountaineering by a local expert.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Flight time is approximately 35 minutes. Coach to Kathmandu airport is approximately 3.7 miles and 30 minutes. Coach from Bhairahawa to hotel is approximately 10 miles and 25 minutes drive. Drive from hotel to Lumbini Garden area is approximately 15 miles/40 minutes one way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We check out of our hotel and proceed to the Kathmandu airport for our flight to Bhairahawa, also known as Siddharthanagar and a gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Upon arrival, we coach to our hotel to check in.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch we board our motorcoach to Lumbini Gardens where we take an electric rickshaw through the different temples and site, including Ashoka Pillar, where King Ashoka from India erected a pillar to mark his visit to the site, Maya Devi Temple, the place where the Lord Buddha was born, and several different Monasteries, erected by different Buddhist nations. Afterwards in the late afternoon, we board our motorcoach and return to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving time today is a total of approximately 37 miles to visit all of the sites. Longest drive is from Lumbini to Kudan, about 18 miles and 44 minutes long.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we board our motorcoach for a full day of exploration of different sites relevant to the life and story of the Lord Buddha. First we drive to Kudan Archaeological site where it is said that the Lord Buddha met his father for the first time after gaining enlightenment. It is also a meeting place for Buddha's followers. We continue to Tilaurakot, the lost palaces of the Buddha. Nestled in the Siwalik hills is the site of ancient Kapilvastu, where Prince Siddhartha lived for 29 years behind palace walls, before be became the Buddha. br>Then we continue to Niglihawa, the birthplace of Kanakamuni Buddha, the holy place where Kanakamuni Buddha (Past Buddha) were born. Afterwards we board our motorcoach and return to the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch and some time to rest, we will get an expert lecture on Buddhism to gain a better understanding on what we saw and it's relevance to Nepal and the community around this area.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Reminder to pack for tomorrows drive to Pokhara.
Activity Note
Driving distance: Approx. 175 KM, 108.74 Miles, Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we begin our journey to the Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal and the gateway to many trekking routes in the Annaurpurna Conservation Area. Our drive to Pokhara will be on winding roads heading towards the western snow capped peaks of Nepal. Along the way, our Nepalese group leader will give insites on Pokhara and the hiking trails in this area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en-route.
Afternoon:
We continue our drive to Pokhara an check into our hotel in the late afternoon. After we check into our room, we will meet up with our local trekking guide to prepare for our two day trek in the Annapurna mountain ranges.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
Pack our bag for our two day trek.
Activity Note
Activity Notes Driving distance is approximately 26 miles and 1.5 hours long. Trek Distance is 2.79 Miles, Walking Hour: Approx. 4 hours. Note: Stone stairs: approx. 30-35% of the route. Mostly at the first climb from Modi Khola to ridge and short final sections. Trail/terrace paths: approx. 65-70%. Forest floor, stone-paved village lanes, and field trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach and begin the day with a 1.5-hour drive to the trek starting point at Birethanti (1,025 m / 3,363 ft.), a small village nestled at the base of the Modi Khola Valley. From here, the trek starts with a gentle ascent through lush subtropical forests and terraced farmland. The trail follows the Modi Khola River, offering picturesque views and glimpses of rural village life, with traditional stone-and-wood homes along the way. We will reach the serene village of Tomijong (1,430 m / 4,691 ft.), the peaceful surroundings and panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills provide a refreshing experience. The area is rich in natural beauty, with rhododendron groves, bamboo clusters, and occasional sightings of local birds and wildlife.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings or explore the village. For those interested, join your group leader and the local trek guide to visit the village of Majgaon (1,440 m / 4724 ft., approximately 40 minutes uphill ), a charming Gurung village nestled among forested ridges and expansive terraced fields. There you can enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna Range (weather permitting). After visit, we will return back to the lodge (approximately 25 minutes downhill).
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Activity Note
Trek Distance: 12 KM, 7.45 Miles Walking Hour: Approx. 4-5 hours Note: Stone stairs: approx. 25-30%. Found near Pothana (2000 M, 6561 Ft.) and the last descent into Dhampus. Trail/terrace paths: approx. 70-75%. Forest paths, short ridgeline trails.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we begin our scenic trek from Tomijong, continuing through beautiful forests, terraced hillsides, and traditional Gurung settlements. The trail gently ascends to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m / 6,890 ft.), a picturesque ridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain ranges (weather permitted). Pitam Deurali is a perfect rest point to pause and enjoy the serene surroundings, as the trail here winds through rhododendron forests and provides occasional glimpses of the snow-capped peaks. From Deurali, the trail descends gradually towards the charming village of Dhampus (1,750 m / 5,741 ft.), passing through forests, farmland, and scattered homes. Dhampus is one of the most scenic villages in the Annapurna region, known for its sweeping Himalayan views, especially at sunset and sunrise, and its rich Gurung culture. Upon arrival in Dhampus, check-in at the lodge.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the village or simply relax.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving distance: Approx. 28.6 KM, 17.77 Miles, Duration 1-2 hours
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
This morning, enjoy the view of the Annapurna mountains. Then we board our motorcoach and drive back to our hotel in Pokhara. On the way, we stop at Bindabasini Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati, a reincarnation of Kali, the goddess of time, death and destruction. After our visit, we continue to check into our hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach to a coffee farm to learn about coffee cultivation, a relatively new process in Nepal. We will learn about the farming process, observing coffee production, and participating in a coffee tasting session. We will return to our hotel and participate in a lecture by a local expert on the Cultural diversity of Nepal.
Dinner:
Home hosted dinner with a local family.
Activity Note
Walking around 1 - 2 miles today. Getting off and on Motorcoaches to visit the sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will spend this morning exploring the sites of Pokhara. Our first stop is at Pumdikot Hill where there is a 108 foot statue of Lord Shiva , a pilgrimage site for Nepalese during major festivals. The site also offers a panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna Himalayas (weather permitting). We continue to a Tibetan Refugee camp where there community of Tibetan Refugees have lived since 1959 and has become an important part of Nepal's multicultural population. From there we make our way to the World Peace Pagoda also known as the Shanti Stupa, is a prominent Buddhist stupa located on Anadu Hill, southwest of Pokhara city. This is one of 80 peace pagoda build around the world and has a relic of the Lord Buddha.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we board our motorcoach to the International Mountain Museum (IMM). The museum was conceived by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in 1973 and opened in 2004. This museum was build to record, document and chronical the mountaineering activities especially in the Himalayan peaks. It also showcases the indigenous communities in different regions of Nepal, who are imperative to the mountaineering activities.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving distance: Approx. 106 Miles, Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we board our motorcoach for our drive to Chitwan National Park. Chitwan National Park is Nepal's first national park, established in 1973. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for protecting the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger. Along the way, your group leader will give you information on the National park as well as the cultural community in that area. We arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon and check into our room.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will embark on a jeep jungle safari in search of the wildlife in the national park. With a subtropical climate, Chitwan recorded hosts many different wildlife, floral and fauna and over 500 species of birds. On this safari, we will learn about the diversity of park and hope to see catch glimpse of the different wildlife here. After our return to the lodge, we will get a slideshow presentation of the park by a senior naturalist.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting off and on boat and jeeps. Walking 1 mile in the national park and through a village.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
For those early morning riser, we can join a naturalist on a nature walk to search for some of the bird species in the park. After breakfast, we will take a boat ride down the Narayani River in search of the Gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles, otters and other variety of water birds.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will get a briefing on the Asian elephants and meet some of them up close. Afterwards, continue on to visit a local school to learn about education in Nepal. Located in a Tharu village, we will learn about this community that live in the terai region in Nepal and visit one of their homes to understand more about this community.
Dinner:
BBQ dinner with a cultural dance program by the Tharu community.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Flight time is approximately 30 minutes. Drive from lodge to airport is 27 miles/30 minutes drive. Walking up to 2 miles, mostly on paved paths with some uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We check out of our lodge and board our motorcoach for our flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer by motorcoach to Patan City, renowned for its marvelous monuments. Patan displays the sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, with our Group Leader, we explore Patan Square which is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. We view Krishna Mandir, the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. We also visit Mahabouddha, a Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. We also visit the Patan Museum. Here we can view exhibits that cover a long span of Nepal's cultural history, as well as the rare objects and cultural treasures for which Patan is famous. After our exploration, we continue by motorcoach to our hotel, on the hills just outside of Kathmandu in Lakuri Bhanjyang.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
In the evening we will enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas (weather permitting) and the surrounding landscapes as the sun sets over the mountains.
Activity Note
Walk is about 2 miles/1.5 hours through a nature trails on the property.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For those interested Yoga is offered daily by the resort. Time and location given at the resort. After breakfast, join your group leader for a leisurely walk on nature trail to visit the Tamang village. Explore the village, meet with the locals, learn about their architecture gain a better understanding of their way of life. We then return to the resort where the rest of the afternoon to relax.
Lunch:
At the resort.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon for you to enjoy the resorts amenities.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Pack and prepare for departure tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00am. Refer to the program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free Morning. Hotel check-out 11:00am. Program concludes. Those who have booked their airfare through Road Scholar transfer by motorcoach to the airport for flights home. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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