Experience Nepal

Reach Kathmandu and enjoy some local sightseeing in your own leisure as this is a day for you to acclimatize and relax.

Start your day with a walking heritage tour of Kathmandu’s old bazaars, Hanuman Dhoka and Durbar Square. Relish the labyrinth of the alleys leading from one bazaar to another showcasing the city’s character. Visit one of the holiest temples for Hindus all around the world- Pashupatinath. Visit the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Watch the pilgrims offer prayers to Lord Buddha. There may be the option for lunch at a roof-top restaurant with a view of the Stupa. Enjoy some free time after the sightseeing is over.

Head towards the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Soak in the old-world charm of the Kathmandu Valley. You can see the timeless craftsmanship in its temples and squares. Take an afternoon walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square. Take the rest of the day exploring on your own.

(Altitude 1730m)

Reach the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley, stopping at the ancient town of Panauti before reaching Khopasi. You could hike or continue by 4WD to the hill-top village of Balthali through thick forests. Retire for the day at the hidden retreat of Balthali Village Resort with the commanding views of verdant villages and farms and the mighty Himalayas. You could also take some time out exploring the place on foot.

(Altitude 1530m)

Enjoy a day of hiking. The walk will take approx 3-5 hours depending on your fitness and track conditions. Start descending from the hotel before making way off road. Cut through the vast terraced fields. Go along the trail bridge and reach an uphill winding track through open pastures and then meet the dirt track coming from Panauti. Pass some villages, enter dense forest for some time and then ultimately reach the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtze Monastery. Head to the town of Dhulikhel, famous for more spectacular views of the Himalayan range and especially picturesque at dawn and dusk.

(Altitude approx 1500m)

Head towards Nuwakot, a place hidden from the mainstream tourist routes, a forgotten historic citadel. Reach the Himalayan Langtang region.

Walk around the Nuwakot Bazaar and learn the history behind the 16th century fortress and royal palace. Return to the farm for lunch and then choose between hiking in the tranquil surrounds or to a nearby temple viewpoint or relaxing in the farm grounds, or go for a cooking class.

Head towards the Trisuli River (approx 50km/90 min). This is the start of the rafting experience. If you do not wish to raft continue to the campsite by vehicle and meet the group on the completion of their trip.

The Trisuli River is the best place to start for first time rafters as it has decently calm waters and only minor rapids. Stay the night at the permanent campsite Trisuli Centre at Big Fig Beach.

Wake up early and get ready for another fantastic day. Enjoy some more time rafting and then have lunch at the finishing point at Kuringhat. Drive back to Kathmandu (approx 100 km/3 hours).

Your rafting adventure ends here. There are no activities planned for today so you can take time to do some local sightseeing or head back to your home town.