Then lace up your walking boots and head into a quieter corner of the Annapurna region, walking through small villages, forested trails and open ridgelines with ever-changing Himalayan views. After your trek, return to Pokhara with time to relax by the lake before ending your trip on a more reflective note, observing daily life at Neydo Monastery.
Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
When you arrive in Kathmandu, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. We’ve selected a small scale property with a warm welcome and an authentic local vibe. Once you’ve settled in head out for a stroll to get your first feel for the city and find somewhere to eat. We would recommend one of the many rooftop restaurants in Thamel, where you can try your first Nepalese thali.
Optional: Wellness experience
Step away from the buzz of Kathmandu and slow things down with our AVATA Wellness package. This well-balanced experience combines yoga, a relaxing massage and a sound bath healing session, rounded off with a nourishing three-course dinner. Ideal if you’re arriving after a long flight or looking for a calm end to your trip, it’s an easy way to reset and feel refreshed without committing to a full retreat.
If this sounds of interest, ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 2 – City tour of Kathmandu
Today, you’ll explore Kathmandu with a local guide. First stopping at Swayambunath, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Kathmandu Valley. At the foot of a long stairway into the valley, you’ll the famous stupa painted with the eyes of Buddha, covered in rainbow prayer flags and curious monkeys. Next, you’ll continue to Bouddhanath temple, one of the largest stupas in the world, perched in the heart of ‘Little Tibet’. After lunch, you’ll head for Pashupatinath, the most sacred site in the city. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple complex, however if you cross the Bagmati River and take a seat on the stairs, you’ll have an extraordinary view of the ghats, as well as the ritual bathing and cremation pyres. The final stop is Durbar Square. Nestled in the thick of downtown Kathmandu, it’s crammed with temples and ancient palaces just waiting to be explored.
Day 3 – Discover Bhaktapur & Patan
Today, you’ll visit the Kathmandu Valley with your guide and driver. First, you’ll set off for Bhaktapur, a medieval city that feels like one large open air museum. As large parts of Bhaktapur are pedestrian only, you can wander between the temples in peace. By late morning you’ll arrive in Patan, where you can grab lunch. Patan is known for its many ancient squares, where rice is laid out to dry and children run around with rustling paper kites. Seemingly untouched by time, it’s like stepping into a medieval time-warp. In the late afternoon return to Kathmandu.
If you prefer, instead of returning to Kathmandu we can arrange for you to stay overnight in a boutique hotel in Bhaktapur. Rooms are simple and comfortable, and the rooftop terrace offers views over the city’s temples and squares. Just ask your Travel Specialist to include this in your Travel Plan.
Day 4 – Travel to Chitwan National Park
Today you will travel with a private driver from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park in about five hours. Located in the Terai – the subtropical lowlands of Nepal – Chitwan is home to several deer species, mugger crocodiles, wild elephants and over 500 species of bird. It is also one of the best places to spot the elusive Asian rhino in the wild.
You’ll stay in a lodge on the edge of the park, run in collaboration with the local Tharu population. When you arrive, we’ll arrange an orientation walk through Tharu farmland and tall elephant grass. Meet a local family for tea, enjoy sunset views over the jungle, and return to the lodge for dinner. In the evening, there’s a Tharu cultural performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 5 – Wildlife spotting in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is incredible at dawn when the early morning light sweeps across the plains and shimmers on the rivers. At sunrise, you’ll set off on a canoe trip and guided walk through the jungle, gliding down the Rapti river in a wooden canoe. With any luck, you’ll see crocodiles sunning themselves on the shore as the sun rises. Back on dry land you’ll begin a jungle walk, hiking along narrow paths through the forest and crossing plains carpeted in tall grass. Be sure to listen for rustling in the leaves – you never know when a rhino might appear!
Day 6 – Travel to Pokhara
After breakfast, travel with your driver from Chitwan National Park to Pokhara (a journey of approx 5 hours). As you approach Pokhara, you’ll see the Annapurna Mountains appear on the horizon, including the most striking landmark, Machapucchre, and Fishtail Mountain. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel near the centre, within walking distance of Phewa Lake. Here, you’ll find everything from small bistros to colourful restaurants, serving local cuisine and some of the best Western food in Nepal.
In the early evening, your driver will collect you from your hotel and take you up to Sarangkot viewpoint (1,600m), about a 30-minute drive above Pokhara. Sarangkot offers some of the best panoramic views in the region, and as the sun begins to set, the views open up to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with the distinctive peak of Machhapuchhre rising sharply between them.
Day 7 – Start your community trek
Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours drive and 4 hours trekking
Altitude 822m
This five-day trek shows you a quieter side of the Annapurna region, walking through small villages, forests and open ridges with impressive mountain views. You’ll stay in community-run teahouses and homestays giving you a close-up look at daily village life, far from the busier trekking routes.
After breakfast, you’ll leave Pokhara behind and drive for around 3 hours to Galeshwor. After lunch, the trek begins with a crossing of the suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River. From here, you’ll walk through quiet countryside, passing traditional villages and terraced fields with mountain scenery slowly unfolding around you. After around 3 – 4 hours on foot, you’ll arrive in Baskharka, a small Magar village known for its orange farming. This first day is a gentle introduction to trekking life and offers a warm welcome into rural Nepal. You’ll sleep in the village and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Day 8 – Trek to Nangi
Duration: approx. 6 hours trekking
Altitude 1,520m
An early start takes you uphill towards Nangi village. The trail winds through rhododendron and pine forests, with regular glimpses of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along the way. You’ll pass small settlements such as Danda Kateri, stopping for lunch en route. The walking today is steady and rewarding, with changing landscapes as you climb higher. By the afternoon, you’ll reach Nangi, a traditional Magar village surrounded by green hills. This community-focused village is known for its local initiatives and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to connect with daily life.
Day 9 – Trek to Mohare Danda
Duration: approx. 7 hours trekking
Altitude 3,300 m
After breakfast in Nangi, you’ll start the climb towards Mohare Danda (Mohare Hill), one of the highlights of the trek. The trail leads through dense forest and higher terrain, gradually opening up to wide Himalayan views. Along the way, you’ll cross the Him Pal Pass (3,098m), where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continuing on, you’ll pass waterfalls and cross several small bridges before reaching Mohare Danda (Mohare Hill). Sitting south of Poon Hill, this viewpoint is known for its peaceful setting and sweeping views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, especially at sunset.
Day 10 – Trek to Narchyang
Duration: approx. 5 hours trekking
Altitude 1,400 m
Today you’ll descend from Mohare Danda towards the village of Narchyang. The walk takes around six hours and leads downhill through fields, forest and patches of farmland. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of peaks such as Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli, with the landscape gradually becoming more lush as you lose altitude. The trail links areas often combined with Khopra and Mohare routes, but remains quieter than the main trekking paths. By the afternoon, you’ll reach Narchyang, where you’ll spend the night in a local homestay.
The homestay at Narchyang is part of a Nepali Community Homestay project in which local women open up their homes to visitors. This innovative social enterprise supports a network of community homestays throughout Nepal. Not only does this allow tourists to learn more about the Nepali people and gain a better understanding of the local customs, but also provides these women with a much needed source of income. All the Home Stays are run by the local women; an initiative to empower all the women of the town.
Day 11 – Trek to Tatopani – Pokhara
Duration: approx. 30mins trekking and 5 hours drive
Altitude 1,190 m
A short and easy walk brings you from Narchyang down to Tatopani, taking around half an hour. Here, you can soak your legs in the famous natural hot springs — a well-earned reward after several days on the trail. Tatopani sits on the main Annapurna Circuit, making it noticeably busier than the villages you’ve passed through. After some time to explore the bazaar, you’ll travel via Beni back to Pokhara. The drive takes around five hours, marking the end of your community trek.
Day 12 – Free time in Pokhara
Today is free for you to rest up after your trek and explore Pokhara at your own pace. Take a walk down the main street, lined with a colourful jumble of shops and stalls selling everything from prayer flags to trekking gear. You’ll find waterfalls, caves and Tibetan villages scattered across the nearby hills. Fancy more of a thrill? Try paragliding from the Sarangkot viewpoint, with glorious views over the Himalayan peaks and shimmering lake.
Day 13 – Overnight at Neydo Monastery
Today you’ll travel from Pokhara to Neydo, an impressive monastery nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. This monastery is visited by pilgrims of all faiths who come here to pray, including Newari, Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists. Below the monastery you’ll find the prayer room where readings and ceremonies (pujas) are held by monks. You’ll be able to watch the monks chanting mantras and offering sacrifices. This is a truly unique opportunity to observe and learn about life inside a monastery.
You will spend the night in the guesthouse of the Neydo Monastery. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with single beds and private bathrooms. There is also a dining room. The income from the guesthouse goes towards educating young monks.
Day 14 – Departure from Neydo & goodbye to Nepal
After a good night’s sleep it’s time for an early start this morning. At 5am the bells ring to wake the monks, and they make their way to the main hall. Every morning they spend 1.5 hours praying for world peace and longevity. Afterwards you can have breakfast with the monks or return to the guesthouse to eat. After breakfast, the Tibetan language classes for the young monks start. You’re free to take a walk around the local area and enjoy the surroundings before heading to Kathmandu in time for your homebound flight.
If you would like to add in a final night in Kathmandu just let your Travel Specialist know.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Nepal in a Nutshell - In Style accommodation
If you’re after a bit more comfort, you can upgrade to our ‘In Style’ accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. These stays are a step up in terms of comfort and design, with a more personal feel or a distinctive style, while still keeping that authentic, local character.
If you’d like to upgrade your itinerary, simply select the ‘In Style’ option below. Please note that during the trek, you’ll stay in locally run teahouses and homestays, and in Neydo you’ll stay at the Neydo guesthouse.