Family adventure holiday to Nepal
| country: | Nepal |
| location: | Annapurna |
| departures: | 2009: 19 Dec, 21 Dec 2010: 6 Feb, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 16 Oct, 18 Dec, 20 Dec 2011: 12 Feb, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 22 Oct, 17 Dec |
| price: | From £1299 - £1729 (14 days) per adult and from £1149 - £1549 per child including flights from the UK. From £849 - £929 per adult and from £849 - £929 per child excluding flights. |
| late availability: | Late availability on 21st December departures |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 4 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Explore the temples, bazaars, foothills and jungle in Nepal's breathtaking mountain landscapes. This 14-day trip is perfect for the fit and active outdoor-loving family
Medieval Kathmandu
Your adventure begins in the twisting alleyways, colourful bazaars and charismatic ‘Monkey Temple’ of Kathmandu.
Secluded Villages
You'll head to the rural village of Nuwakot for a delightful stay in a converted farm house. Explore the village and surroundings, then move on to Bandipur, another forgotten gem. Bandipur's excellent Himalayan views and distinct Newari architecture make this a wonderful place.
The Himalayas
Venturing to Beganas, you’ll get your first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalaya from your lakeside resort. Porters will carry your luggage (perhaps the kids too, for a price!) as you walk into the foothills. During the trek you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the friendly Nepalese. Parents and kids alike will love the contact with local villagers.
Chitwan National Park
Descending into the steamy jungle of Chitwan NP you’ll explore by dugout canoe – a great way to get close to the animals. A highlight will undoubtedly be an elephant-back safari in search of rhinos and even tigers (if you’re really lucky)!
Medieval Kathmandu
Your adventure begins in the twisting alleyways, colourful bazaars and charismatic ‘Monkey Temple’ of Kathmandu.
Secluded Villages
You'll head to the rural village of Nuwakot for a delightful stay in a converted farm house. Explore the village and surroundings, then move on to Bandipur, another forgotten gem. Bandipur's excellent Himalayan views and distinct Newari architecture make this a wonderful place.
The Himalayas
Venturing to Beganas, you’ll get your first glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalaya from your lakeside resort. Porters will carry your luggage (perhaps the kids too, for a price!) as you walk into the foothills. During the trek you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the friendly Nepalese. Parents and kids alike will love the contact with local villagers.
Chitwan National Park
Descending into the steamy jungle of Chitwan NP you’ll explore by dugout canoe – a great way to get close to the animals. A highlight will undoubtedly be an elephant-back safari in search of rhinos and even tigers (if you’re really lucky)!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Depart UK on overnight flight to Kathmandu. |
| Day 2: | Kathmandu Following your flight, you transfer to your first night’s accommodation and check in. You have time to freshen up before your Group Leader meets the group to run through the days ahead. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) |
| Day 3: | Half-day Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu/ Drive to Nuwakot After breakfast you’ll see some of the spectacular sights of Kathmandu during a half-day guided city tour. Out towards the edge of town you’ll visit Swayambunath, a 2000-year-old stupa (shrine) set on a hill. The eyes on the stupa follow you as you walk around it, turning the prayer wheels as you go. You’ll also visit Durbar Square, ‘the original Kathmandu’ opposite the old royal palace that is filled with temples. There’s plenty of time to do your own thing too, or to buy any last-minute items for the trek. The city itself is a labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a bewildering mix of people. You’re likely to see Gurkhas from the area east of Pokhara, proud Tibetan women in their striped aprons, traders from India and sadhus - Hindu holy men - who are, perhaps, on a pilgrimage to one of the countless ‘power places’ (shrines or temples) of the valley.Later, you’ll drive to the secluded rural village of Nuwakot (approx. 3 hrs) for a delightful stay in a converted farm-house. There you’ll spend a few hours in the late afternoon exploring the village and the surrounding area on foot. Guesthouse - 1 night (B) |
| Day 4: | Bandipur Village Stay This morning you set off east on your four-hour journey to the small village of Bandipur, breaking the journey en route at the Trisuli Centre - the riverside community village. The foothills of the Himalayas are in themselves impressive enough, but as you get closer to Bandipur you get now familiar views of the high peaks. Arriving in Dumre you turn south, off the main highway, and continue to a ridge set at an altitude of 1050m; here lies the delightful village of Bandipur. Winding its way up and down hills, Bandipur’s main street has many three or four storey brick buildings with carved wooden windows. The small temples in the town add to the atmosphere in what is a traditional Nepali hill village, still relatively untouched by modern tourism; few foreigners find their way up here. You can sit and relax or stretch your legs with a walk through the village and out into the surrounding countryside for superb views up the Marsyangdi river valley, to the Himalaya beyond. Many of the range’s giants can be seen: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and the distant Annapurnas amongst them. |
| Day 5: | Begnas Lake After spending a morning walking around Bandipur, you’ll pause for lunch before heading west to Begnas Lake driving through terraced hillsides and to the south of the great Himalayas themselves. Bordered by precisely maintained rice terraces on either side, Begnas Lake is a great place to relax before your trek. During your time here, there will be time for a pleasant stroll, or simply to watch the tranquil waters of the lake itself. This evening, your Group Leader will brief you about arrangements for your Himalayan trek. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) (B) |
| Day 6-7: | Trekking In The Annapurna Trekking in Nepal is one of the most rewarding parts of a visit to this mountainous kingdom. However some visitors are put off by the thought that all trekking requires the skills of a mountaineer, and specialist equipment to match. This is not true for the majority of routes, including the one you walk!One should, however, remember that all trekking is more difficult than just a ramble - there is little if any flat ground in Nepal’s hills but you don’t reach very high altitudes. You’ll be walking on well-graded paths that link small farming communities. Steep stone staircases and occasional suspension bridges dot your route. Most people – even children – will find the pace, distance and duration of each day’s walk within their capability as long as they are realistic about their fitness and abilities. (rough distances and duration of walks are indicated below).Few nationalities provide a camping experience as well as the Nepalese; their hospitality and organisational skills are legendary, as will become clear on your trek! Tents and mattresses are provided, camp staff cook your meals, providing tasty and nutritious food, whilst porters carry your main bags, leaving you with only your daypacks to carry!A short boat ride across Begnas Lake signals the start of the trek. The first day’s walk will take you to the village of Chisapani, (‘cold water’ in Nepali). Walking at a leisurely pace you first pass through rice fields indicating that you are still at a relatively low altitude. From here the trail now climbs through villages offering superb panoramic views along the way of Annapurna 2, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Himalchuli. You’ll head into the renowned Annapurna Region and after approximately six hours’ trekking you arrive at the small village of Chisapani, your night stop and camp, at an altitude of around 1260m.Next day you continue to Lipiyani, and en route you can pause to admire the views, take photos or have a drink in one of the many wayside village teahouses. When you arrive at Lipiyani (1010m), your campsite will be already set up, water boiling in anticipation of a hot cup of tea. (9km /5 hours trekking). All around these villages the terraced fields are a testament to the ingenuity of the Nepalese people who have turned the steep hills into productive fields, growing rice, wheat and maize. People you pass are incredibly friendly and kids will often walk alongside, practicing their English skills. In the village centres, old men sit beneath banyan trees on stone benches smoking and gossiping. Women and children come up from the fields carrying huge loads effortlessly, and giggle as you greet them with a namaste, the Nepali word for ‘hello’. Camp – 2 nights (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 8: | Trek ends Pokhara On your last day of walking you’ll pass through rice fields and then climb for a last time to the ridge that separates Begnas Lake from Rupa Lake. As you reach the main road linking Pokhara with Kathmandu you rejoin your vehicle and return to your hotel in Pokhara. Pokhara, standing at 884m above sea level, is warmer and more humid than Kathmandu. The vegetation is lush, reflecting the sub-tropical climate. Depending on your arrival time into Pokhara, there maybe time for some sightseeing today. Sited on Phewa Lake, beneath the great Annapurna massif and dominated by the ‘Fish-tail’ mountain, Machhapuchhare, Pokhara is surrounded by verdant green hills. You may visit the World Peace Pagoda (built in 1994 and sitting on a ridge overlooking Phewa Lake), Devi’s Falls and Mahendra Cave - a good torch is useful here! We’ll also try and make time for a visit to one of the Tibetan villages that dot the area, where superb carpets and other handicrafts can be haggled over. This evening you celebrate your trek with a wonderful dinner. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) (BLD) |
| Day 9-10: | Chitwan National Park After a free morning, you’ll retrace part of the route that brought you to Bandipur, only this time bearing south at Mugling. This long road journey brings you into the low lying terai jungle region, and the world-famous Chitwan Reserve, which covers 932 square kilometres of floodplain. The park is home to varied wildlife and birdlife, including the famed symbol of Chitwan, the one-horned rhino, and the elusive royal Bengal tiger, of which there are believed to be around 80 roaming in the park. An experienced jungle guide will accompany you on your excursions, perhaps the most exciting of which is your safari on elephant-back, penetrating deep into the jungle. Rhino, bison, wild boar, monkeys, and a wide array of birds (over 400 species on record) are a common sight, and with luck on your side even the royal Bengal tiger, bear and leopard are a possibility, albeit a slim one. Another highlight of the trip is the canoe ride on Rapti River, which drapes the national park, the banks of which are home to sun-bathing 'mugger' crocodiles and the unique long-nosed 'gharial' crocodiles.Keeping you engrossed and buoyed over the span of your stay will be a ride on an age-old mode of transportation (an ox cart to a ‘Tharu’ village), bird-watching walk on the periphery of the national park, dancing to the tunes and moves of the ‘Tharu’ artistes and an informative slide show on the rich flora and fauna of the jungles of Chitwan. Hotel - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (Bx2, Lx2, Dx2) |
| Day 11-12: | Kathmandu A short transfer is followed by a flight to Kathmandu. Aiming to arrive by lunchtime the afternoon is free for you to wander the little streets around Durbar Square and of course to do some shopping; there are plenty of bargains, but friendly haggling is essential! The following day, you’ll be taken sightseeing to the medieval town of Bhaktapur and the temple complex of Pashupatinath – regarded as the holiest place in Nepal and the site of the Pashupatinath Temple, which is the most important Hindu shrine in Nepal. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) (B) |
| Day 13: | Fly To London Your final day is left free for further exploration. One possibility is to show the kids the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest – on a scenic over flight (optional); a fantastic experience and wonderfully fitting end to your stay in this mountainous kingdom before your evening flight to the UK. The trip ends in Kathmandu for Land Only clients while those on group flights to the UK transfer to the airport and join your overnight flight to London. (B) |
| Day 14: | Arrive London Arrive London early morning |
travellers' tales
The whole experience will live with us forever and it is almost impossible to single out separate elements. Overall the people were fantastic, so friendly, helpful and humorous and our guide was simply outstanding. (more)
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: Our policy of staying in locally owned accommodation, having local group leaders and using transport owned and operated by local people wherever possible is continued in Nepal. Our small groups (maximum of 16 people) have a minimal impact on the Himalayas' fragile environment as we explore. All tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimise the impact that they may have.
When we are camping we only use designated campsites, collect and dispose of all litter, boil all drinking water instead of using bottled water, and use responsible cooking fuels (kerosene) instead of wood. Our porters are equipped with suitable clothing and footwear for the type of trek they are about to work on, and this is recorded at the start of the trek. In addition the actual size and /or awkwardness (e.g. fluids, mattresses etc.) of the load to be carried, as well its weight is assessed prior to porters setting off on trek, ensuring that only comfortable loads are allocated. During the trek there is fascinating insight into the simple lives of the friendly Nepalese people, parents and kids alike will love the contact with local villagers. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |