Nepal delights including Dashain Festival 2024

DAY 1 | 2 OCT 24 | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU

Arrive in Kathmandu, the bustling Nepalese capital. The streets of Kathmandu reflect the turbulence the country has seen over the last decades. The Maoist rebellion, the deposition of the king, and the abolishment of the kingdom, and finally, the devastating 2015 earthquake which left deep scars throughout the city. However, a second look beyond the ongoing buzz typical to most big cities reveals the charm of a place that keeps some cards close to the chest. From the airport, drive to the hotel, and if time permits, take a first orientation tour around the old city center.

DAY 2 | 3 OCT 24 | EXPLORING KATMANDU

• Breakfast

Spend the entire day exploring those hidden gems the city closely guards. Begin with a walk through Durbar Square, a cluster of temples, stupas, shrines, and the monarchs' historic seat. This mystical site epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the commoners. From here, take to Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site commonly known as the Monkey Temple for the troops of holy monkeys roaming the vast grounds of this iconic site. Drive out of town to Bhaktapur, a historical city with a medieval feel to it, known for its age-old tradition of mask making. These masks are used during elaborate mask dances performed here several times a year. Visit Bhaktapur and its historic sites before reverting to Kathmandu for a second night.

DAY 3 | 4 OCT 24 | FLIGHT TO POKHARA

• Breakfast

Leave Kathmandu and drive back to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. While Kathmandu is the beating heart of Nepal's vibrant commerce, culture, and education, Pokhara, the country's second-largest city, is better known for recreation. With Phewa Lake stretched right at the edge of the town and the Annapurna range's majestic views at its backdrop, Pokhara retains a very tranquil ambiance. Spend the day exploring sites in and around town, including an excursion to Davis' Falls, paddling and kayaking over the lake, and a walk through the small town’s backstreets.

DAYS 4 - 7 | 5-8 OCT 24 | TREK ALONG THE ANNAPURNA RANGE

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

A one-hour drive out of Pokhara ends at the trailhead for the four-and-a-half days' trek waiting ahead. The trek follows a moderate terrain across Himalayan forests, through narrow valleys, by local farms, and terraced wheat fields. It offers magnificent vistas over the Annapurna Range's ever-snowed peaks and the sacred and unclimbable Fish Tail mountain, locally known as Machhapuchhre. Overnight elevation throughout the trek would range between 1000 to 2012 m (3300 to 6600 ft) above sea level. Walking times would consist of 3 to 6 hours a day at an average walking pace.

DAY 8 | 9 OCT 24 | LAST DAY OF TREKKING, FIRST DAY OF WILDLIFE TRACKING

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

The last day of trekking is also the most demanding one. From the lodge, at 1000 m (3300 ft) above sea level, ascend to 1620 m (5300 ft) to reach the end of the trail and meet the vehicle. Drive back to Pokhara for lunch, and continue the road trip to Chitwan National Park. Though not equal to an African safari, Chitwan serves as a safe haven for some of Asia's rarest species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger and the One-Horned Rhinoceros; both species seeing a remarkable recovery in the region thanks to ongoing efforts to preserve these majestic mammals. Arrive late in the afternoon and set in the simple lodging facility at the reserve's buffer zone.

DAY 9 | 10 OCT 24 | EXPLORE CHITWAN

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Spend an entire day exploring the reserve, with opportunities to see Gharial (fish-eating crocodile), One-Horned Rhinoceros, and different species of antelopes and deer, to name only a few of the 68 mammal species known to inhabit the park. The park's biggest success story is the thriving community of Bengal Tigers, which numbered as low as 25 individuals back in 1973 when the park was first established. It is estimated that there are now as many as 100 tigers roaming the park, which is the maximum number of tigers this habitat could support. After a full day packed with adventures while enjoying the park's mammals, birds, and flora, revert to the lodging facility for a second and last night by the park.

DAY 10 | 11 OCT 24 | BY PLANE BACK TO KATHMANDU

• Breakfast

In the morning hours, drive to Chitwan National Park's small airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu. Upon landing back in the Nepalese capital, drive to the hotel, and then take to the Thamel- the undisputed backpackers' city within the city. Here, amidst souvenir booths, shops of knock-off outdoor equipment, travel books and maps, and restaurants of international cuisines, the thriving community of backpackers living their lives totally disconnected from the reality of everyday Nepalese roaming the streets outside the Thamel. Spend the afternoon wandering through this place of alternative reality and unique international ambiance before enjoying a farewell dinner in one of the city's finest restaurants.

DAY 11 | 12 OCT 24 | CELEBRATING THE DASHAIN FESTIVAL

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Spend the entire day walking the streets of Kathmandu, joining the crowds as they celebrate the Dashain. This is, by far, the largest festival and the most significant day in the Nepali calendar. Nepalese from all over the world are flying back home to celebrate this special holiday with family and friends. Symbolizing the prevalence of good over evil and commemorating the mythical victory of the goddess Durga over evil demons, the holiday is celebrated with colorful processions throughout the streets of Kathmandu. We shall also try to visit local home, and see how the festival is celebrated within the family. Kite flying is an important activity of the festival, a reminder from the people of Nepal to the gods the monsoon season is over, and rain should not be sent to earth anymore. At the end of the eventful day, revert to the hotel for the last night in Kathmandu, and in Nepal.

DAY 12 | 13 OCT 24 | DEPARTURE FROM NEPAL

• Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kathmandu airport for the last time to check-in and board the international departing flight out of Nepal.