Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

   You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here, you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room, and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

2. Day 02: Kathmandu - Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

   We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa, and Bouddhanath stupa, which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple, and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

3. Day 03: Drive to Chitwan from Kathmandu – Tharu Village Walk, Evening Tharu Cultural Show

   We descend down along the winding road on the banks of the Trishuli River. After checking into the hotel, there will be a briefing on the activities we will be engaged in during our stay in Chitwan. We then walk on the banks of the Rapti River to enjoy the sunset in the sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and a brief cultural program showcasing the tribal dances unique to the Chitwan region of Nepal. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

4. Day 04: A Full Day Jungle Excursion in Chitwan National Park

   Early in the morning, we will be mounted on elephants for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. After breakfast, we visit the elephant stables and even enjoy bathing the elephants. During the afternoon, we can drive through the jungles, followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti River. While canoeing, we may get a close look at the Gharial and Mugger crocodiles along with freshwater dolphins, otters, and varieties of water birds. Or, we may even go for bird watching or nature walks and come closer to various wild flora and fauna found in the park. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

5. Day 05: Drive to Pokhara from Chitwan

   We drive to Pokhara – about 140 kilometres from Chitwan and a 5-6 hour drive. The drive is very much similar to that we had while coming to Chitwan from Kathmandu. From Mugling, we drive further west into the mountains, following the rivers for much of the day. Pokhara, also nicknamed the Lake City, is not only Nepal’s but one of the most beautiful places on earth. The town offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna, and others. Pokhara is also the gateway for trekking in the Annapurna Region. After arriving in Pokhara, we make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara’s marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, explore the surrounding lakeside areas. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

6. Day 06: A Full Day Pokhara Sightseeing

   We spent a full day exploring Pokhara. After breakfast, we make a full day of sightseeing in Pokhara. Enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake, admiring the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake waters. We also take a boat around the Phewa Lake, which is the second biggest lake in Nepal. We take the boat across the lake and take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. We also make a short visit to the Gupteshwar Gufa Cave (also called Shiva Gufa). Some of the other places that we visit today include the Seti River Gorge, Devi’s Fall, the mountain museum, etc. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

7. Day 07: Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus

   We transfer to the tourist bus station and, at 6:30 a.m., drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River, originating from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

8. Day 08: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly Back Home

   Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.