VOLUNTOUR AND TREK

Volunteering, Tours and Treks

Nepal is a haven for volunteers and trekkers. With some of the poorest people in the world but 8 out of 10 of the highest peaks, it makes sense to combine a way to offer western help and know how to the most needy and experience some of the astounding beauty that Nepal is reknowned for.

You are most welcome to help out on any part of our project and share homestay with the locals, and your donations go directly to our work on the ground. Come and work first hand in our projects for a period of time. Identify what best fits with your skills or interests and get your hands and your heart engaged! But don’t forget to trek!!

We aim to offer a range of price points for you to engage with us. Either just as a volunteer, or as a volunteer doing a tour and trek, or as a Schoolie or Matur-ie, or time poor executive that wants an amazing premium experience in Nepal and to give back.

Please note our prices are in Australian Dollars but be converted here for the latest USD rate which is the common rate used in Nepal.

7 Days Package: 5 Days Volunteering on Social Project, Including 2 Nights in Kathmandu

Highlights:Discover exotic Kathmandu, give back on the Project, homestay with locals and immerse yourself in amazing Nepali culture. This can be part of a bigger trip you are planning or stand alone.

Nepal is best seen in season, March to April or Sept to Nov, but you are welcome other times although Dec Jan Feb will be cold, however this is a good time to come to our Sarlehi District Project . June July August is monsoon and wet and Nepal is often affected by road closures due to landslides or flooding. Come and enjoy the culture and working on the Project either on the community farm, with local women learning skills, helping at the local school with your specialised skills, or contributing hands on to help construct toilet/shower/laundry block or community rooms. There is always much to do!

Includes pick up and drop from airport and transfers to Thamel hotel for first and last nights. Plus next day transfers to and from project (6 hours each way by bus). Homestay with the locals and enjoy 3 delicious authentic meals per day and work on any part of our project with a local guide.

Your donation not only covers your transfers, accommodation and meals but also goes towards buying materials and supplies for our projects and the community work initiatives. It could be crop seeds, tools, animals or business stock or go towards larger items in water catchment, pumps or solar energy.

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: airport arrival pick up and transfer to hotel in Thamel KTM. 1.5-3 hour walking guided tour around Thamel. Stay overnight in Thamel in 3 star (Kathmandu City Hotel or Hotel Friends Home or Hotel Holy Himalaya)

Day 2- 6: Kathmandu to Social Project by air or share car for project work, homestay with locals and guided tour of the village. Lodgings and meals will be basic but the hospitality warm and unforgettable.

Day 7: Social Project to Kathmandu by bus or share car and overnight stay in Thamel in 3 star. (Kathmandu City Hotel or Hotel Friends Home or Hotel Holy Himalaya)

Any further tours or trekking can be arranged with us (at the best price!), or you are free to do your own thing once this trip is complete.

Services included

Airport arrival pick up by car and all transfers to and from KTM
Three-star hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights (Apsara boutique hotel)
Bus or share car to the Project and from Project to KTM
Local homestay in Social Project for 5 nights with 3 meals per day. Guide on project.
Guided 2-3 hour shopping and cultural tour around Thamel

Not included

Lunch and dinner at hotels
Personal expenses or entry to any attractions
Health Insurance
Any kind of drinks

POA - Please contact us for more details

10 Days: 8 Days Cultural and Historical, Spiritual and Jungle Tour Including 1 day on Social Project.

Highlights: Take in exotic Kathamndu and Kathmandu Valley attractions, a Mountain Flight around Everest, the lakeside beauty of Pokhara, rhino and tiger spotting in Chitwan plus homestay with the locals and work on Social Project in the Terai!

Ideal for Maturies!

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Airport arrival pick up and transfer to hotel in Thamel. 1.5-3 hour walking guided tour around Thamel. Stay overnight in Thamel in 3 star (Kathmandu City Hotel or Hotel Friends Home or Hotel Holy Himalaya)

Day 2: Pashupatinath Temple and Ghats, Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath Temple, Swayambunath Monkey Temple. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara by car (6 hours) and stay overnight at in Pokhara (Mount View Pokhara hotel or Pokhara Eco Resort). Afternoon boating on Fewa Lake. Massage by blind and deaf therapists, one of the best in Nepal! Also a tour of their handicrafts learning facility.

Day 4: World Peace Pagoda, Water falls (Devis falls), Seti River Gorge and bat caves, Mountaineering Museum and stay overnight same hotel in Pokhara.

Day 5: Pokhara to Lumbini by flight then tour the Maya Devi Birthplace of the Buddha cultural precinct after lunch, stay overnight at Bamboo Resort or Himalayan Peace Hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Chitwan National Jungle Park by car (3 hours) in the morning and afternoon walking tour of Baby Elephant breeding centre, sunset drinks and view over Raptis river. Staying in Centre Park hotel, 3 star.

Day 7: Canoe ride, Jeep driving safari, sunrise and sunset views and cultural dance in evening. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Day 8: Drive to Social Project in Sarlehi Disctrict (3 hours), tour of the villages and stay overnight in homestay

Day 9: Fly Janakpur to Kathmandu (25 mins), final chances for shopping and sightseeing. Stay overnight in 3 star hotel.

Day 10: Departure day from KTM.

Services included

Airport arrival pick up by car and all transfers to and from KTM
Three-star hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights (Apsara boutique hotel or similar)
Kathmandu guided walking tour 1.5-3 hours depending on energy levels.
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
3-star hotel in Pokhara 2 nights (Mount View or Lake Front Hotel Pokhara)
Pokhara city tour with 2 days of adventure. Pokhara to Lumbini by flight
Lumbini tour guide and hotel accommodation
Car to Chitwan and full adventures package in Chitwan National Park
Car to Social Project (3 hours) and Local guide and homestay in Social Project and 3 meals per day.
Return flight to Kathmandu from Janakpur

Not included

Lunch and dinner at hotels
Personal expenses or entry to any attractions
Health Insurance
Any kind of drinks

POA - Please contact us for more details

3 days Kathmandu, 10 days Cultural and Spiritual, Adventure and Jungle Tour and 1 day tour of Social Project.

Highlights: the exotic mix of Kathamndu, the lakeside beauty of Pokhara, rhino and tiger spotting in Chitwan and the birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini plus homestay with the locals and work on Social Project!

Action Packed, ideal for schoolies.

This cultural and spiritual, adventure and jungle tour is designed to show the best of the tourist attractions around Kathmandu Valley before heading off to the amazing relaxation and adventure around the beautiful Pokhara, the start of the Annapurnas. Enjoy a heady mix of amazing sights sounds smells and shopping in Thamel, relaxing lakeside Pokhara and wild times in the Chitwan jungle spotting tigers rhinos and elephants. Marvel at the 2500 year old birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini and the many temples in his honor. Stay in authentic homestay on our Social Projects and learn why Nepal truly is the land of never ending peace and love.

Day to day itinerary

Day 2: . Kathmandu city tour - Pashupatinath Temple and Ghats, Swayambunath Monkey Temple and Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath Temple Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Mountain Flight around Everest, Lunch at Garden of Dreams, Royal Palace tour in the afternoon (if open).

Day 4: Kathmandu to Pokhara by car (6 hours) and stay overnight at in Pokhara (Mount View Pokhara hotel or Pokhara Eco Resort). Afternoon boating on Fewa Lake. Destress if you need with a Massage by blind and deaf therapists, one of the best in Nepal!

Day 5, 6 and 7: World Peace Pagoda, Water falls (Devis falls), and bat caves; take the option of parahawking (paragliding with a hawk!), paragliding, bungy or zip line at Sarangkot, stay overnight same hotel in Pokhara.

Day 8: Pokhara to Lumbini by car (5 hours) then tour the Birthplace of the Buddha cultural precinct in the afternoon, stay overnight at Bamboo Resort or Himalayan Peace Hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Chitwan National Jungle Park by car (3 hours) in the morning and afternoon walking tour of Baby Elephant breeding centre, sunset view over Raptis river. Staying in Centre Park hotel, 3 star.

Day 10: Canoe ride, Jeep driving safari, sunrise and sunset views and cultural dance in evening. Stay overnight in Chitwan.

Day 11: Drive to Social Project in Sarlehi (3 hours) visit the villages we will be impacting with our work with a guided tour, and homestay with locals that night.

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu stay overnight in 3 star hotel. 3 hour cooking class or artisan tour in the afternoon.

Day 13: Rest and shopping day before final departure, last night in Kathmandu.

Day 14: Departure day from KTM.

Services included

Airport arrival pick up by car and all transfers to and from KTM
Three-star hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights (Apsara boutique hotel)
Kathmandu guided walking tour 1.5-3 hours. Everest Mountain Flight
Car to Pokhara and 3-star hotel in Pokhara 2 nights (Mount View or Lake Front Hotel Pokhara)
Pokhara city tour with optional adventure activities for 3 days Pokhara to Lumbini by car
Lumbini tour guide and hotel accommodation
Car to Chitwan
Two night three days full package at Chitwan national park
Car to Social Project (3 hours) Local homestay and Guide on project.
Return flight to Kathmandu from Janakpur

Not included

Lunch and dinner at hotels
Personal expenses or entry to any attractions
Health Insurance
Any kind of drinks

POA - Please contact us for more details

14 Days: 3 days in Kathmandu, 2 days in Pokhara, 9 Days Annapurna Base Camp

Highlights: the amazing Annapurnas mountains, short visit and local immersion on the Social Project, plus the exotic excitement of Kathmandu

Annapurna Base Camp Trekking offers everything a trekker can dream of. Apart from majestic mountains such as Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 3, Fang, Gangapurna, Himchuli and Machhapuchhre surrounding a deep glacier, the trail leads through traditional villages of Gurungs and Magars, with lush mountain forests and wildlife. Stay in unique teahouses and pass by cascading waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron forests, and amazing mountain vistas before reaching the base of the mighty Annapurna. This package involves only an introduction and video overview on arrival night of the Social Project so you can engage your heart before the mountains steal it away...

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft) stay overnight, Social Project overview with video screening.

Day 2: Kathmandu City Tour inc 1.5 hour walking tour and Kathmandu city tour - Pashupatinath Temple and Ghats, Swayambunath Monkey Temple and Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath Temple

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara by air (25 mins), stay overnight in Pokhara. Afternoon tour around Pokhara.

Day 4: Start Annapurnas trek to Tikhedhunga (1540 m)

Day 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani treks (2860 m)

Day 6: Poon Hill hike in early morning 3200m for sunrise. then trek to Tadapani

Day 7: Tadapani to Chumrong (2170 m):

4 - 5 hours

Day 8: Chumrong to Deurali (2310 m): 4 hours

Day 9: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp

Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo trek down: 6 hours

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu DandaL 5 hours (1600m)

Day 12: Trek to Naya Pul (5 hours) then drive to Pokhara, stay overnight

Day 13: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 mins) and rest afternoon after your trek and trip or do last bits of shopping.

Day 14: Final Departure

Service included

Arrival pick up by car and all transfers to airport.
Three star hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights (Apsara boutique hotel)
Kathmandu to Pokhara flight
3 star hotel in Pokhara 2 nights (Mount View or Lake Front Hotel Pokhara)
Annapurna national park permit Annapurna national park tims (trekking permit)
Accommodation in mountain guest house 9 nights with breakfast B/B plan
Guide and food, salary, insurance, equipment all inclusive (tips welcome for guide)
Pokhara to Nayapul and Pokhara by car
Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
Airport pick up and drop by car

Not included

Lunch and dinner in hotels, teahouses
Personal expenses
Health Insurance
Any kind of drinks

POA - Please contact us for more details

15 Days: Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu Valley and Social Project Donation Only.

Highlights: 12 days trek plus 3 days in Kathmandu Valley and a 10% donation of your trip to our Social Project

Everest is more than a mountain and the journey to its base camp is more than just a trek. Along a route dubbed by many as " the steps to heaven," every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity – beautiful forests, Sherpa villages, glacial moraines, and foothills. For active adventurers not afraid to break a sweat, our full trekking support staff will bring you close to local cultures before opening a window to the top of the world. This trip offers you a chance to donate to our project but only visit it digitally! With all the trekking you are going to be doing, you will be busy enough, so we made it easy for you to still give back!

Day to day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation

Day 3: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 5: Acclimatize day at Namche Bazaar

Day 6: Namche to Tyangboche

Day 7: Tyangboche to Dingboche

Day 8: Acclimatization at Dingboche

Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 10: Trek to Gorak Shep

Day 11: Early morning Hiking to Kalapathar (5545m.), Trek back to Pheriche(4240m)

Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 13: Trek back to Lukla

Day 14: Flight back to Katmandu and overnight stay

Day 15: Departure day

What you'll do

Trek the legendary Everest Base Camp trail to Kala Patthar
Vist the sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar
Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, and more
Experience the renowned hospitality of the sherpas
Get spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas on a flight to Lukla
Stay in atmospheric tea houses with full board services
Walk along the banks of the Dudh Kosi river
Acclimitise to the high altitudes with en route rest days
Get spectacular view of Everest and the Khumbu Ice Fall
Stay in exotic Kathmandu, sightsee the Valley while preparing for your trek. Then relaxing afterwards but shopping up a storm before your return home.

Everest base camp is designed for novice hikers who are healthy, and normally fit. Hikers should be prepared beforehand and should have all medical exams done. However, in case you cannot go to higher altitude due to altitude sickness, we have other alternatives such as re-routing to Namche Bazaar.

Services included

Pick-up and drop off at Kathmandu Airport
3 nights accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (day of arrival and days after the trek)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the 13-day trek
All necessary paper work and national park entry permits
Domestic flights to Lukla from Kathmandu and back, including domestic airport tax
Accommodations in lodges or tea houses during the trek
Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
National Park entry permits
1 guide, and 1 porter per 2 participants, including porter's salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation, and insurance
All transportation
Medical supplies and first aid kit

Not included

Nepal entry visa fee (visas can be issued upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. You will require 2 passport size photos)
Travel insurance
Personal trekking equipment which you can hire
International airfares and departure tax
Food in Kathmandu
Tips and personal expenses
All alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
Sweets, such as chocolate and dessert
Hot showers during the trek

POA - Please contact us for more details

Super Premium Bucket List - 6 Nights 7 Days

Only in seasons March to May and Sept to Nov. Price on application.

Day 1: Arrive at airport with traditional welcome and transfers, be met warmly at Dwarika 5 star Hotel Kathmandu and enjoy a complimentary massage after your long flight. Later follows a fabulous Nepali dinner in the Krishnarpan* speciality restaurant while taking in a personal introduction to Growing Nepal and a video of our Social Projects.

KRISHNARPAN

To spend an evening at Krishnarpan, the Nepali speciality restaurant at Dwarika's, is to take a culinary journey through the fascinating terrains and cuisines of Nepal. Serving the finest Nepali of Nepali flavours, Krishnarpan is a slow dining experience reminiscent of the ritual feasts enjoyed by the Kathmandu Valley's Newari community.

Meals range from six to twenty two courses and are prepared using the freshest vegetables from the Dwarika's own farms. The courses are offered on traditional brass and earthenware, and served by hostesses representing Nepal's diverse ethnic communities.

Day 2: Everest helicopter flight to Everest View Hotel landing on top of hotel where you will have uninterrupted views of Everest range over breakfast and then Kalapathar for an Everest experience on the ground after flying over Everest Base Camp with full guided tour. Heli back to your hotel in KTM. Then if up to it, do a walking tour of Thamel, the tourist precinct of Kathmandu.

Everest View Hotel

Situated within the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park in Nepal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel offers a 360 degree view of the awe inspiring peaks. With a view of Mt. Everest from every room, visitors can immerse in this mesmerizing scenery in luxury. Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed on the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the Highest Placed Hotel in the world at 13000ft. Featured in numerous guide books and having received media coverage, the resort has become a destination in its own right.

See Mount Everest in all its immense glory from inside a helicopter on this 4-hour helicopter ride from Kathmandu.Your journey starts from Kathmandu Airport with a helicopter moving eastward, flying parallel to the Himalayan range, allowing magnificent vistas of the soaring Himalayan peaks. After landing at Lukla for fueling, you will fly to the airstrip in Syangboche, located at 12,340 feet (3,761 meters), then onto Hotel Everest View, where the helicopter will land at the hotel’s helipad.

From Syangboche your tour will take you closer to Mt. Everest and all the magnificent Himalayas, like Amadablam, Pumori, Number, and Cho Oyu. The Solukhumbu (Solu) region of Nepal, where Mount Everest is located, has been a magnet for travelers ever since its opening to foreigners in 1950. This region is famous not only for its proximity to the world’s highest mountain but also for its Sherpa villages and monasteries with their virtually unchanged unique culture. Solu has received countless trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. Solukhumbu has developed to a stage where many options are possible, from a full-scale expedition with tents and porters, to an independent trek using the local lodges. Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, covers much of this region. This fascinating land, surrounded by high mountains, is a real paradise for mountaineers and trekkers.

Depending upon the crowd at the base camp, you will land either at Everest Base Camp or head closer to Kalapatar for a quick photograph. After, the helicopter will fly you back to Shyangboche or Lukla and to Kathmandu.

Should you still feel up to exploring Thamel the tourist centre of Kathmandu after this amazing air tour you can take a fascintating 3 hour guided walking tour around Thamel and its many temples, shops, markets and entertainment precincts.

Helicopter Trek Itinerary:

7 - 8am: Drive from hotel to airport
Fly to Everest View Lodge for breakfast and exploring
Fly from Everest View Lodge to Everest Base Camp or Kalapather
 Fly from Everest Base Camp to Lukla and continue flying to Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel

Total Duration:

4.5 hours

 Number of Passengers:

2 - 4 in helicopter (Maximum 250KG)

Day 3: Fly a light plane to Pokhara and boat across Fewa Lake to Fishtail Lodge luxury lakeside hotel. After a round of 9 hole golf in the morning or visit to World Peace Stupa, Choose from a variety of adventure choices of paragliding with a hawk, or an ultralight flight, bungy or zip flyer. Mountaineering Museum and City tour as options. Return to hotel for massage and cultural dinner.

Fishtail Lodge

Situated on a peninsula with the Fewa Lake on one side and a forest-covered hill on the other, Fish Tail Lodge offers spectacular views all around making it a unique lake resort. It was established in late 1960’s with unique round cottages that are set amidst a lush garden. The Fishtail Lodge is ideal for travellers seeking the charm of a small hotel with very high standards.

Day 4: Helicopter to Jomson for Sherpa community and visit Buddhist monastery and meet child monks to learn philosophy. Then helicopter back to Pokhara

Day 5: Jeep Pokhara to Chitwan Jungle Green Park luxury resort then Jeep safari in afternoon til dusk then cultural dancing show at Green Park luxury resort.

Chitwan Jungle Green Park luxury resort

We borrowed the cool from the breeze that plays along with tall elephant grasses that grow in the wilderness just outside our traditionally carved entrance doors. We borrowed the warm hospitality from the ethnics that has made Baghmara ever such a wonderful place to visit in chitwan. We went into the deep heart of the jungle, and borrowed the songs of the flowers and stories of the trees and then painted them in our rooms, with each room getting a different song, a different story. Green Park Chitwan is the best luxury resort in chitwan with its traditional touches with luxurious appurtenance and a homely atmosphere.

Day 6: Chitwan to Kathmandu by flight. Pushupatinath Ghats and Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, check in to Hyatt Hotel for massage, spa and dinner.

Day 7: Final Shopping at Dubur Marg and Lunch at Garden of Dreams. Fly home.

POA - Please contact us for more details

Make Your Own Trip

We can customise any length, any package, from the offerings below.

For many, stepping off a plane into Kathmandu is a mind boggling experience, a melting pot of sights, sounds and smells that can quickly overload your senses. Whether you’re barrelling over bumpy roads through the traffic-jammed alleyways, marvelling at medieval temples or dodging touts in the major tourist district of Thamel, Kathmandu is overwhelming yet amazingly exotic place. However, the variety and quality of food will surprise, the shopping is good and bargaining fun, the culture colouful and the people resilient, laidback and friendly. Kathmandu always surprises. Do budget or bask in luxury, there is the full spectrum here if you want it. Just let us know what to include you want and we can plan it.

Recommended: All the attractions within the Kathmandu Valley below can be fitted into 2-3 days.

A 1.5-3 hour GUIDED WALKING TOUR to show you the cultural, spiritual and tourist highlights of the hub of this fascinating capital. Your donation helps to provide practical, vocational support to some 4,000 young families that live on the streets in Nepal and many more at risk. This tour will take in Durbur Square, the markets, alleyways, temples, living gods and goddesses, ceremonies and rituals, cultural points to be aware of and much more.

The Garden of Dreams in Thamel

In the midst of Kathmandu’s urban bustle, the tranquil oasis of the Kaiser Mahal Garden of Dreams stands as an enduring legacy of the extraordinary vision of one man: Field Marshall Keshar Sumsher Jung Bahadur Rana (1892-1964). This magnificent garden was created in the European neo-classical style and themed to pay homage to Nepal’s six seasons. Today the gardens offer a respite from the busy city, and a place to enjoy history, style, and a delicious bite to eat.

Must do

Everest Mountain Flight

Departing mornings from Tribhuvan Airport for an unforgettable few hours is the legendary Mountain Flight around Mount Everest. The Mountain Flight, one of the world’s most exclusive tours, is a once in a lifetime experience. A flight that takes you deep into the Himalayas, flying into valleys close to the rock face, as close as five nautical miles from the Everest itself. Now you can see the stunning beauty of nature; raw, undiluted and truly majestic. With views from every window and a very capable cockpit crew you will be guided every breath of the way on this amazing air adventure.

Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Palace of the Royal Family that ruled Nepal until 2007 in was reopened as a people’s museum by then prime minister Prachandra, the very Maoist guerrilla leader who had been largely responsible for the king Gayandra’s spectacular fall from grace. Full of chintzy meeting rooms and faded 1970s glamour, the palace interior is more gaudy than opulent. The highlights are the impressive throne and banquet halls and the modest royal bedrooms (check out the great armchair with built-in speakers). Stuffed gharial, tigers and rhino heads line the halls next to towering portraits of earlier Shahs and photos of the royal family. The locations where Prince Dipendra massacred his family in 2001 are rather morbidly marked, though the actual building was rather suspiciously levelled after the crime. Bullet holes are still visible on some of the walls. Just as interesting as the building are the locals’ reactions to it, as they peek at a regal lifestyle that for centuries they could only have dreamed about.

Also in the Kathmandu Valley

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all directions. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. Swayambhunath stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple' because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed.

Pashupatinath

One of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal - Pashupatinath Temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath is rich in Hindu architecture and devotion and the colourful and religious yogis called Sadhus. Plus you will openly see Hindu cremations here at its ghats, as Hindus from all over Nepal arrive to die here and be reborn into the next life. Truly a highlight, to gain a deeper appreciation of the Hindu culture.

Boudhanath

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The lanes around the stupa are crammed with monasteries and workshops producing butter lamps, ceremonial horns, Tibetan drums, monks’ headgear and the other paraphernalia essential for Tibetan Buddhist life. Historically, the stupa was an important staging post on the trade route between Lhasa and Kathmandu, and Tibetan traders would pray here for a safe journey before driving their yaks on to the high passes of the Himalaya.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is ancient city about 12km outside of Kathmandu city within the Kathmandu Valley. Once one of the capitals of Nepal in the 15th century, today it's Nepal's third largest city and renown as being a city of culture, temples and craft work. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines. Much of Bhaktapur is now being rebuilt after being badly damaged in 2015 earthquakes.

Lalitpur

Of the fifty-eight municipalities of Nepal, Lalitpur is the third largest city. A Rich historic past, centuries old living culture of the people, and thriving city development are what this historic city today boasts. Lalitpur is extremely rich in its arts and architecture and boasts on the largest community of artisans, especially metal and wood workers.

Outside of the Kathmandu Valley

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a somewhat rustic resort village high on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu valley. Situated on a ridge at the edge of the Valley, it offers great views of Himalayas, attractive mountain scenery and impressive views of those mountains at sunrise and sunset. From Nagarkot, one should have views of the major Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, one can even see the tip of Mt Everest (8,848 m) from here. Arriving here in the afternoon and staying at one of the local hotels will give you the opportunity to see both sunset and the early morning sunrise over the mountains. Be aware that the view may be obscured by cloud, even in autumn, when the air is usually clear.

Pokhara

Beautiful lakeside Pokhara (200km from KTM) is the gateway to the Annapurnas and a great place to seek many adventure options and tourist attractions or simply recharge and relax. Marvel at the many underground caves that Pokhara is built on, the Seti River Gorge, Devis Falls, International Mountaineering Museum, Gurka Museum, World Peace Pagoda, Tibetan Refugee camp and Monastery and of course the mountains view from Sarangkot. If that doesn’t blow your mind, paragliding, parasailing, parahawking, an ultralight trip or the zip line or bungy will!

Chitwan Jungle

Chitwan National Park covering a vast 932 square kilometres was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984 . It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tigers and Gharial Crocodiles. Enjoy a Jeep, Elephant or Jungle Walk Safari after a dug out canoe ride down the river, or a visit to the baby elephant breeding centre while you marvel at the jungle sunsets and sounds.

Lumbini

Maya Devi Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple situated at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lumbini, Nepal. It is the main temple at Lumbini, a site traditionally considered the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The temple stands adjacent to a sacred garden and sacred pool (known as Puskarni) where his mother Queen Maya Devi bathed before birthing. The archaeological remains at the site have been dated as early as 550BC. Explore the expansive grounds and tribute temples from many countries around the world, and feel the peace and spirituality that this pilgrimage site exudes.

Annapurna Region

Located towards the north of Central Nepal with several astounding peaks the Annapurna massif is regarded as one of the most spectacular mountain regions in the world. And is still #1 favourite of trekkers everywhere. Nowhere else do you get such a varied feast of scenery and hill culture and flora and fauna. It’s a region of stunning diversity, ranging from the sodden bamboo forests of the southern slopes (Lumle, northwest of Pokhara, is the wettest village in Nepal) to windswept desert (Jomsom, in the northern rain shadow, is the driest). From a short 4-5 day trek to Poon Hill (elevation 3210m) to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) with 7-14 days depending on route and length of walking in days and fitness with acclimitisation.

Everest Region

Home to the world’s highest Mountain- Mount Everest along with the Himalayas such as Thamseru, Amadablem, Loptse, Nuptse, Makalu, Pumori is in Sagarmatha National Park which is famed for its deep gorges, stunning glaciers, rhododendron forests, musk deer, snow leopards and Danphes a beautifully coloured pheasant etc. Everest region is one of the most famous trekking regions in Nepal after the Annapurnas. The trekking here takes you through wonderful Buddhist Sherpa villages and Buddhist culture with the trails filled with colourful player flags, painted Mani walls and beautiful Monasteries. Should high mountain ground trekking not be your thing, the options are the popular Mountain Flight (daily from Kathmandu) or a helicopter arial trek of Everest for a bucketlist experience.