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The Lumbini Buddhist temple in Nepal reflected in a calm pond surrounded by green lawns and trees under a bright cloudy sky.
Nepal

Best of Nepal: From Sacred Valleys to Himalayan Peaks

Program No. 25629RJ
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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
39 meals ( 14B, 13L, 12D )
5 expert-led lectures
26 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag. 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: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leaders as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private bus unless noted otherwise; minivans may be substituted in certain areas. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Meals in Nepal are a milder version of Indian food with fewer spices. They are usually served family style. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. 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
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 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’ll enjoy tea with university students to learn more about higher education in Nepal. After tea, we’ll board our motorcoach for our exploration of Kathmandu with our Group Leader. 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 will 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
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 32 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5-2 hours total riding time. Participants wishing to experience a Mount Everest scenic flight should do so before breakfast this morning. This elective 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:
We’ll board our motorcoach to explore 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 settlements in the Kathmandu valley. We’ll explore this village known for skilled woodcarving craftsmanship and a temple that is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. We’ll then continue by motorcoach to the village of Khokana, known for their unique mustard oil pressing tradition; we’ll visit a local factory and get a hands-on experience of the oil.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach for Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. This Monastery was only built in the early 2000s 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 will 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 will drive to a local restaurant and learn about mountaineering by a local expert.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and our flight to Bhairahawa in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 29 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off an airplane; flight time slightly over 1/2 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will 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 will take the motorcoach to our hotel to check in.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, an expert will give an introductory lecture on Buddhism and its significance to Lumbini. Next, we’ll board our motorcoach and ride to Lumbini Park where we will learn about Maya Devi Temple, the place where the Lord Buddha was born and the center piece of Lumbini Gardens. In the late afternoon, pilgrims will congregate to pay respect to the Lord Buddha. We’ll then board our motorcoach and return to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total driving time. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to the International Monastic Zone, a one-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site, where different countries have built monasteries, temples, and meditation centers to promote their different Buddhist traditions. With the Group Leader, we will explore some of the temples and their significance to the country and religion.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach to Kudan archaeological site where it is said that the Lord Buddha met his father for the first time after gaining enlightenment. This is one of the most meaningful historical sites connected to the Buddha’s life. After our visit here, we will return to our hotel for some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 109 miles throughout the day, approximately 5-6 hours total riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our journey by motorcoach to Pokhara, the second-largest city in Nepal and the gateway to many trekking routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Our drive to Pokhara will be on winding roads heading towards the western snowcapped peaks of Nepal. Along the way, we’ll stop in the village of Tansen, known for producing the ancient dhaka cloth. Here we will take a short break and learn about this traditional weaving process. After our break, we’ll continue on our journey. Our Group Leader will give insights into Pokhara and the hiking trails in this area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route.
Afternoon:
We will conclude our drive to Pokhara and check in at our hotel in the late afternoon. After we get our rooms, 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:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 26 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Trekking under 3 miles, approximately 4 hours; stone stairs for about 1/3 of the route, mostly at the first climb from Modi Khola to ridge and short final sections; trail/terrace paths for about 2/3 of the route. Forest floor, stone-paved village lanes, and field trails. Elective: trekking to Majgaon; over 1/2 hour uphill, under 1/2 hour downhill. Total distance under 3 miles, elevation gain 1,328 ft.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and begin the day with a drive to the trek starting point at Birethanti (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 (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:
Those interested may join the Group Leader and the local trek guide to visit the village of Majgaon (4,724 ft., approximately 40 minutes uphill), a charming Gurung village nestled among forested ridges and expansive terraced fields. There we can enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna Range (weather permitting). After the visit, we will return to the lodge (approximately 25 minutes downhill). For those preferring to stay in Tomijong, the remainder of the day is free, allowing you to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings or explore the village.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Prepare for check-out and our hike in the morning.
Activity Note
Trekking about 7.5 miles, approximately 4-5 hours; stone stairs for about 1/4 of the trek, found near Pothana (6,561 ft.) and the last descent into Dhampus (5,741 ft.); trail/terrace paths for about 3/4 of the trek, forest paths, short ridgeline trails. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
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 (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 (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, we’ll check in at our next lodge.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 18 miles to Pokhara, approximately 1-2 hours riding time. Walking about 1 mile.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll enjoy the view of the Annapurna mountains before boarding our motorcoach and driving back to our hotel in Pokhara. On the way, we’ll stop at Bindabasini Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati, a reincarnation of Kali, the goddess of time, death, and destruction. After our visit, we will continue to our hotel and check in.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board our motorcoach and ride to a coffee farm to learn about coffee cultivation, a relatively new process in Nepal. We will learn about the farming process, observe coffee production, and participate in a coffee tasting session. We will then return to our hotel and participate in a lecture by a local expert on the cultural diversity of Nepal.
Dinner:
At a local residence, we’ll have dinner with a local family.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking around 1-2 miles throughout the day. Getting on/off a motorcoach; stops for field trips.
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 panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna Himalayas (weather permitting). We continue to a Tibetan refugee camp where a community has lived since 1959 and become an important part of Nepal’s multicultural population. From there, we’ll make our way to the World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, a prominent Buddhist stupa located on Anadu Hill, southwest of Pokhara city. This is one of 80 peace pagodas built around the world and has a relic of the Lord Buddha.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board our motorcoach and head to the International Mountain Museum (IMM) with our Group Leader. The museum was conceived by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in 1973 and opened in 2004. This museum was built to record, document, and chronicle 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. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 106 miles, approximately 4-5 hours riding time. Getting in/out of jeeps; safari time approximately 1-2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out and 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. En route, we'll make a stop at to stretch our legs at Bandipur, a historic hill town with well-preserved architecture and views of the Himalayas. We then continue our drive to the national park. Along the way, the Group Leader will give us information on the national park as well as the cultural community in that area. We’ll arrive at the lodge in the early afternoon and check in to our rooms.
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 hosts many different wildlife, flora and fauna, and over 500 species of birds. On this safari, we will learn about the diversity of the park and hope to catch glimpses of the different wildlife here. After our return to the lodge, we will see a slideshow presentation of the park by a senior naturalist.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a boat and jeeps. Walking 1 mile in the national park and through a village.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
For those early morning risers, 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 a 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, we’ll continue to a local school to learn from an expert 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.
Dinner:
At the resort, we’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner with a cultural dance program by the Tharu community.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and our flight to Kathmandu in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 27 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to airport. Getting on/off an airplane; flight time approximately 1/2 hour. Walking up to 2 miles, mostly on paved paths with some uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of our lodge and board our motorcoach for our flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we’ll 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’ll explore Patan Square, which is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. We will view Krishna Mandir, the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. We’ll also visit Mahabouddha, a Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. We will also visit the Patan Museum. With the Group Leader, 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’ll continue by motorcoach to our hotel, on the hills just outside of Kathmandu in Lakuri Bhanjyang.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas (weather permitting) and the surrounding landscapes as the sun sets over the mountains.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles, approximately 1.5 hours through a nature trail on the property. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For those interested, yoga is offered daily by the resort. Time and location given at the resort. After breakfast, we’ll join our Group Leader for a leisurely walk on a nature trail to visit the Tamang village, where we’ll explore, meet with the locals, learn about their architecture, and gain a better understanding of their way of life. We’ll then return to the resort where the rest of the afternoon is free to relax.
Lunch:
At the resort.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
At the resort. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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 like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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