Ghandrung, Chitwan & Everest

You will arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. You can spend the evening as you like.

Today is a free Day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath; one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Bodnath; the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. You can also visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving, is located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living goddess. The area is a maze of temples and images, and, leading away from the square in all directions, are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. Sightseeing tours can be booked locally. ToDay there will also be a full trip briefing in the morning.

You will depart from Kathmandu early in the morning, and head towards Pokhara. After leaving the Kathmandu Valley, you will head westwards along the Trisuli Valley, getting superb views of the mountains as you follow the river to Mugling. You will stop for lunch at one of the roadside cafes before reaching Pokhara. A short drive will bring you to the end of the road at Naya Pul, from where it is a short walk to Birethanthi, a pretty riverside resort on the bank of the Modi Khola.

Descending, you will have a final view of Machhapuchhare, the ‘Fishtail Mountain’. You will wind down the long ridge to the Yamdi Khola, before transferring back to Pokhara.

There should be time this afternoon for you to explore Lakeside, a beautiful resort on the banks of Phewa Tal.

In Pokhara, you will stay in a hotel close to the lakeside.

Stay in a hotel close to the lakeside

Explore Pokhara

You will be driven to Chitwan, where you will spend the next two nights.

The most popular way of seeing the wildlife here is on elephant back, and you would be very unlucky not to see at least the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and several species of deer! You will also take a trip along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, looking for crocodiles and observing the many birds. The safari lodge has knowledgeable and helpful staff, who will accompany you on all the excursions. The lodge is made up of a small complex of two-roomed huts with attached bathrooms, and a dining/bar area.

After breakfast, you will be driven back to Kathmandu, in order to arrive there in the afternoon.

You will fly to the mountain airstrip of Lukla (2800m), before setting off on the first leg of the Everest trek, ascending northwards into the valley of the Dudh Kosi (‘milk river’). You will then descend from the small plateau into the forested valley. The trail crosses several tributary streams, and there will be some tantalising views before you reach the small settlement of Phakding (2652m), where you will spend your first night.

Today will be spent exploring the area around Namche Bazaar, the heart of the Khumbu region. You will have the chance to properly introduce yourself to the Sherpas, before you climb steeply out of Namche Bazaar and get excellent views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, and many other peaks. You may be able to take tea at the spectacularly situated Everest View Hotel, and you will also have the opportunity of visiting the Edmund Hillary Hospital in Kunde.

Passing through the village of Khumjung, you drop down to join the main trail at Kyanjuma (3600m), high above the Dudh Kosi, with excellent views of Ama Dablam across the valley.

You will walk back to Namche Bazaar along a beautiful undulating trail high above the Dudh Kosi. There will be time to see the National Park Museum, which has wonderful views of Everest and interesting displays of Sherpa culture.

Descending through Namche Bazaar, you will pick up the trail again, following the Dudh Kosi south through rhododendron and pine forests, past Jorsale, Monzo, and Benkar, to Chaunrikhara. Here, you will leave the main trail, and climb the short distance to the small airstrip of Lukla.

You will fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.

Today will be a free Day in Kathmandu for sightseeing or shopping.

After breakfast, Depart from Kathmandu.