Walking Discoveries in Nepal – 11 Days

Greetings from Nepal! Drive to the Haatiban Resort (which name means “Elephant Forest” in Nepalese) to begin your journey. The views are expansive and unique, located southwest of the Kathmandu Valley and roughly 1,300 feet (396 m) above the city. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the resort while being surrounded by pine trees and hiking paths.

Spend the morning of your second day in Nepal traveling to Bansbari in the Kathmandu Valley. From there, don your hiking boots, stroll through the typical Newari town of Khokana, known for its mustard oil mills, and stop by the three-story pagoda-style Hindu Rudrayani Temple, which dates back to the 17th century.

Next, proceed to the renowned 16th-century woodcarving town of Bungamati, which is also the birthplace of RatoMachhendranath, the valley’s protector deity and guardian. Take a look at the shikhara-style temple in the center of the village square, where Rato is said to spend six months of the year. Visit Patan Durbar Square on the way home; it is one of the earliest Buddhist cities in the world and is thought to have been established in the third century A.D. The city is renowned for its rich artistic legacy and traditional crafts.

Grab a window seat in your vehicle since today’s journey will take you through Nepal’s central highlands, down to the Trisuli River, and along its banks to the town of Kurintar, where traditional village dwellings line the edges of a flat, fertile expanse of farmland surrounded by forested hills. From here, take a short 30-minute stroll through the hamlet to your overnight lodging, where you’ll discover stunning views of the forest and a cold pool ready for a dip. Or, if you’re up for a little more action, make a stop in Majhimtar for an 8.5-mile (13.5-km) river rafting excursion.

Grab a window seat in your vehicle since today’s journey will take you through Nepal’s central highlands, down to the Trisuli River, and along its banks to the town of Kurintar, where traditional village dwellings line the edges of a flat, fertile expanse of farmland surrounded by forested hills. From here, take a short 30-minute stroll through the hamlet to your overnight lodging, where you’ll discover stunning views of the forest and a cold pool ready for a dip. Or, if you’re up for a little more action, make a stop in Majhimtar for an 8.5-mile (13.5-km) river rafting excursion.

Put on your hiking boots and pack plenty of water. You’re hiking today from GorkhaGaun to Manakamana Temple. Start by taking a quick gondola trip to the Manakamana (the goddess of wishes) temple, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the nearby towns, river, and hills. Make your way to the temple from the gondola exit to pay your respects to the goddess of wishes, see the vibrant facade, and then trek up the slope in the direction of the Toran town. After eating in one of the mountain towns, hikers can descend through Khanchowk and ThuloDipling to the LudiKhola River before continuing their ascent for an additional hour to GorkhaGaun, where their journey comes to a conclusion.

Gather your gear for a second full day of trekking, including your camera! Start at the Gorkha Bazaar and climb the stairs to the old palace and fortification remnants. From there, proceed to BajraBairab Temple for a panorama of the Himalayas, including Langtang in the east and the Annapurna massif in the west, as well as views of the northern slopes. Once you’ve had time to take it all in, travel to Gorkha Village, making stops at important landmarks and in traditional settlements such Ale Bhanjang and PancheSwara. Enjoy a stunning sunset from GorkhaGaun to cap off the day.

Drive to Pokhara after breakfast and check into a quaint local hotel before taking a boat to the renowned Brindawasini Temple, which is situated in the middle of Phewa Lake. Return to the boat to complete the lake crossing after exploring the temple. After that, hike for about an hour and a half to the Peace Pagoda. The pagoda offers views of the whole length of the Annapurna Mountain Range on clear days.

On the eighth day of your stay in the Kingdom of Nepal, get up early and travel to Sarangkot Hill for a quick ascent and a breathtaking sunrise view of the city and the Himalayas. Make your way back downhill to town for breakfast and a day of touring when you’ve had your fill of the expansive views and pink-orange skies. The International Mountain Museum, Devi’s Fall, the Medieval Barahi Temple, and Pokhara’s historic district are some of the attractions.

As you board an aircraft for a brief, picturesque journey back to the busy metropolis of Kathmandu, bid farewell to the undulating hills and traditional villages. Once you arrive, you have the remainder of the day to yourself to unwind, explore, rest your feet, or go souvenir shopping.

Visit the most well-known sights in Kathmandu on your final day there. Go to Pashupatinath first, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites on earth. Lord Shiva, Nepal’s patron god and protector, is the subject of the temple. It is located alongside the revered Bagmati River.

Next, proceed to one of the nation’s most well-known and ancient stupas, Boudhanath Stupa, also known as KhastiChitya. In the years following Tibet’s 1959 cultural revolution, a large number of Tibetans relocated to the Boudhanath region. It is a vibrant area that is truly a mashup of various cultures and traditions. You might be fortunate enough to see Boudhanath lighted against the night sky if your trip there coincides with one of its holy days (as determined by the lunar calendar).

As you board your journey home, bid a final farewell to mythical, mountainous Nepal.