All photos
Nepal rewards those who seek it — the medieval courtyards of Kathmandu, the Himalayan skyline reflected in the lakes of Pokhara, a trek into the foothills of the Annapurna range and a flight over Everest if the sky is clear. Nine days, small group, personally escorted throughout.
Arrive in Kathmandu. The city hits you immediately — prayer flags, incense, motorcycle horns and the smell of marigolds. Welcome dinner in the Thamel district with briefing.
Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River — Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple and the site of outdoor cremations on the river ghats (respectful observation from the far bank). Then Boudhanath Stupa — one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. Afternoon at Kathmandu's Durbar Square, a UNESCO-listed medieval royal plaza.
Morning in Patan (Lalitpur) — Kathmandu Valley's second medieval city, with perhaps the finest collection of Newari Buddhist architecture in Nepal. Visit the Patan Museum and the extraordinary metalwork workshops. Fly or drive to Pokhara in the afternoon.
Arrive in Pokhara and take in the extraordinary situation of this lakeside city — Phewa Lake in the foreground, the Annapurna Massif forming a white wall 30km north. A boat across Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi. Evening stroll along the lakeside.
Begin the Poon Hill trek from Nayapul (1,070m). Trek through terraced fields and rhododendron forest to Tikhedhunga (1,540m) and on to Ulleri (1,960m) — the steepest section, with over 3,400 stone steps. Arrive at Ghorepani (2,860m) in the late afternoon as mountains emerge above the clouds.
Pre-dawn hike (45 minutes) to Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210m. As the sun rises behind Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Massif, the mountains catch fire in shades of gold and pink. A moment that justifies the entire journey. Trek back down to Pokhara via Tikhedhunga and Birethanti.
Rest day in Pokhara — tired legs, mountain views and a choice of activities: paragliding from Sarangkot, kayaking on Phewa Lake or simply relaxing. Farewell group dinner this evening.
Fly back to Kathmandu. Morning at leisure — final shopping in Thamel, a last cup of masala chai on a rooftop overlooking the city. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
Our team has led small-group adventures across Asia, East Africa, the Caucasus and South America since 2006. We know the routes we run inside out — and we run them personally.
Never more than 10 people on this tour. Small groups move differently — you get into places larger groups can't, spend more time in the moment and actually get to know the people you're travelling with.
You book your own flights, so you have full flexibility over your dates, airline and route. We're always happy to advise on the best connections — just ask when you enquire.
No booking engine. Enquire and our team will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss everything personally — and to tailor the trip around your schedule and what matters most to you.
