May 3   -  Depart USA to Kathmandu.  Air details to come in trip tips later.

May 4 - Welcome to glorious Nepal (Land portion officially begins)

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, and get ready for a wildly wonderful adventure! Our guide will be there to greet you with a warm smile and whisk you away to your cozy hotel (group transfer – just a heads up, check-in time is normally 2:00 PM).

This afternoon, enjoy our city tour of this unique capital city that is packed with stupors, shrines, monuments and temples.

Wander through the bustling Kathmandu Durbar Square, where history comes alive. This royal palace square is one of three in the valley and holds centuries of tradition and charm. The impressive Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex was home to Nepal's royalty until the 19th century – imagine kings and queens living it up in the good old days. The enchanting complex is actually made up of two main courtyards (chowks) that boast stunning wooden carvings, panels, and intricately designed windows.

Inside the palace awaits even more wonders: visit the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum (honoring the king who introduced Nepal to the world) and the Mahendra Museum (dedicated to his son, King Mahendra). We can even explore the State Rooms.

Don't miss one of Nepal's most peculiar attractions - Kumari Chowk. Picture this: a gilded cage inhabited by Raj Kumari, a young girl chosen as the human incarnation of Hindu goddess Durga. She's worshipped oh-so-often during religious festivals, and sometimes you can catch her public appearance. Her guards may kindly ask for a fee.

Imagine this: you're climbing up the ancient, worn stone steps of the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa, with its glittering golden spire reaching for the sky.  As you ascend, your eyes meet the painted gaze of Buddha, watching over all.  With each step, flutters of colorful prayer flags dance around you, adding to the kaleidoscope of sights and sounds.

You've reached Swayambhunath, a World Heritage Site that's not only one of Nepal's most iconic symbols but also one of its holiest Buddhist places. It's like stepping back in time as you explore its mythical origins – legend says that an Enlightened Being transformed a lotus flower into a hill and shining light into this awe-inspiring stupa.

Now picture yourself amidst a crowd of pilgrims and red-clad monks as they circle the sacred monument, spinning prayer wheels to send good vibes out into the universe. Mind the mischievous monkeys! They've earned this temple its nickname "Monkey Temple," and watching them playfully prance around adds an extra dash of fun to this spiritual adventure.

The nearby temple complex is like a melting pot of faiths with shrines and statues dedicated to both Buddhist and Hindu deities. The mingling of pilgrims from both traditions is a testament to Nepal's unique religious harmony. With time permitting, our guide will escort us to the iconic Crematorium to witness Hindu funerals, always fascinating.  $10 entrance.

Head back to the hotel.  Tonight, we'll have a Welcome Dinner where you'll be introduced to your tour team who'll guide you through this once-in-a-lifetime journey. FYI – our past nine AFS groups here love our four-star hotel with the friendliest staff who make you feel like home.

Meals Included: Dinner

Overnight at Hotel Shambala Kathmandu.

Kathamdu Dep. 0855 HRS / Arr. 0920 HRS Drive Pokhara – Nayapul / Trek To Ulleri ( 2,070 M/Approx. 6 Hours)

Ready, set, soar! Transfer to the Kathmandu airport, where a wondrous flight to the magical land of Pokhara. Wave goodbye to city life and meet our guide team of Sherpas!

Touchdown! Welcome to Pokhara, an enchanting paradise cradled in nature's warm embrace. Our adventure begins with a scenic jaunt to the quaint village of Nayapul (1100m), nestled snugly along the babbling Modi River. As we journey onward, you'll be spellbound by the mesmerizing waterfalls that dance along our path. Wherever we tread, lively locals greet us with boundless good cheer.

Together, we shall forge ahead with hearts light and spirits high towards Tirkhedhunga. Prepare your senses for a feast.  Our trail ascends ever upward as we near Ulleri, a mere hour away from our final destination.

(Worry not about hunger's gnawing grip—sustenance awaits: breakfast tempts our taste buds, then lunch keeps us fueled for action, and finally dinner nourishes our weary souls after a day of exhilarating exploration. Healthy meals will include Nepalese, Tibetan and western dishes.)

As dusk's falls softly upon this enchanting land, we take our well-earned repose at a local mountain hut with warmth and hospitality. Sweet dreams of adventures yet to come as we lay down our heads for a well-deserved slumber.

Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at local Lodge.  (Lodging in Annapurna is in mountain huts called "tea houses". Rooms are rustic with clean bedding and attached bathrooms.)

After breakfast, we kick off an exhilarating trek! The path ahead leads us on a twisting dance, up a beautifully crafted stone staircase that meanders through lush, temperate forests filled with majestic oak trees and vibrant rhododendrons. Our destination? The renowned Ghorepani village, a dazzling jewel along the Annapurna circuit.

Ghorepani's charm extends far and wide, drawing in spirited trekkers who simply cannot resist soaking in the spectacular panorama of the awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. This enchanting village is home to the warm-hearted Magar folks, who graciously welcome visitors into their abode.

As nightfall swathes the village in a blanket of stars, we rest our weary-yet-grateful heads in cozy comfort.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at local Lodge.

As the sun stretches over the horizon, we embark on an adventure to Poon Hill, a magical peak sitting at a lofty 3100 meters. With just an hour of frolicking through the enchanting trails, our eyes will be greeted by a panorama of magnificent Machapuchre, the awe-inspiring Annapurnas, and the regal Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Himal. We'll find ourselves in a sea of vibrant Rhododendron flowers that paint the trails between Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Like nature masterpiece, it's a dreamy landscape.

The red Lali Guras, Nepal's beloved national flower, will dance in the breeze as we weave our way toward Tadapani, leaving behind the well-trodden path to Jomsom and Muktinath.  Our gentle ascents coax us through fragrant forests in the crisp mountain air with amazing vistas of Annapurna South.

We'll nestle down in lively little Banthanti for a scrumptious lunch. After sating our appetites with local delicacies, we have just one hour left of hiking through fairytale scenery before reaching the welcoming abode of Tadapani.

Rest well in our cozy local tea house where dreams of conquering mountains are born.

Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at local Lodge

Today is our longest trek through the forest of oak, and alpine flowers. Our final destination, the large Gurung village of Ghandruk, offering breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and other magnificent mountains. We explored the scenic route on our way back from Ghandruk, with stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Gangapurna Mountains. We eventually reach Nayapul, followed the Modi Khola.  Lunch here.  Late afternoon drive to Pokhara where we check into Hotel Temple Tree Resort & Spa. In the afternoon, we provide you a comp relaxing foot massage at the hotel's spa center. It's a lovely boutique hotel set in the hills of the Western Himalayas. Poolside rooms with balconies, infinity pool, great restaurant with all meals included traditional Asia spa with Nepalese treatments.  Meals included breakfast and lunch.

Overnight at Hotel Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

Morning free to relax or explore some local trails this town is called the gateway of adventure with so much to do. In Pokhara, you can book things like boating on the lake, white water rafting on Seti or Trishuli River, bungee jumping, mountain biking or sightseeing to the World Peace Pagoda and International Mountain Museum.

We suggest advance booking on our Microflight as all our past groups love this most! Or the Zipflyer here is said to be the steepest and longest zip line in the world. My fave is paragliding off a mountain cliff for stunning views of the lakes and valleys of the Annapurna range.

To reserve this selection, simply include it in your order during the checkout process.

The Pokhara Ultra Light Aircraft experience offers visitors a thrilling and unforgettable aerial adventure over the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal's Annapurna Mountain Range. Participants board a lightweight, small-engine plane, designed for optimum visibility and agility. The skilled pilot navigates through the skies, flying over picturesque valleys, enchanting lakes, and verdant hills, providing stunning glimpses of snow-capped peaks and pristine natural beauty. This captivating experience provides photographers with unique opportunities to capture some of the world's most striking panoramas. The Pokhara Ultra Light Aircraft experience is an exhilarating way to appreciate and admire the awe-inspiring majesty of Nepal's rugged terrain.

In the afternoon, we embark on a tour of Pokhara's captivating sights, starting with the sacred Bindabasini Temple, followed by the mystical Gupteswor Mahadev Temple situated within the enigmatic Gupteswor Cave. Finally, we pay a visit to the Tibetan refugee camp in Chhorepatan, providing insights into their lives and culture.  (I love this place. Please consider bringing school supplies or candy for the hundreds of kids.)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Hotel Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

As the first light of morning graces the sky, we'll make our way to Sarangkot for a breathtaking sunrise view, up the mountain by cable cars for great photos. After this awe-inspiring experience, we'll head back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast and prepare to check out.  Transfer to Pokhara airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. - 2 PM to 2:45 PM. Our friendly team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Evening is free to explore Kathmandu by night.

Meals Included: Breakfast.
Overnight at hotel Shambala Kathmandu

The Everest Experience on Buddha Air Flight     Optional-    US $ 240 pp limit 24 participants 

Early morning rise for the option of a one-of-a-kind mountain experience.  In just an hour, you'll marvel at some of the world's tallest peaks, including the awe-inspiring Mount Everest (8,849 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Mount Makalu (8,481 m). 

Experience the wonders of Nepal's Himalayas in a unique way through a mountain flight that offers fantastic views and insight into the country's geography. The one-hour flight takes you on a journey to the East of Nepal, where you'll catch a glimpse of 20 of the highest peaks, including the iconic Mt. Everest, Chamlang Peak, and Langtang Lirung Peak.

Witness magnificent Himalayan peaks, lakes, and glaciers. Our flight attendant will provide you with a 'Himalayan Peaks' map and give you a briefing on the visible mountains, including the towering Cho-Oyu, Shisha Pangma, Mt. Everest, and Lhotse.  With Buddha Air's everyone gets a window seat. On this popular mountain flight, you'll gain insight into the wonders of Nepal's geography and history while enjoying a thrilling adventure that promises an unforgettable experience. Book your flight today and start your journey to the peaks of the Himalayas.  (Please note mountain flights are dependent on favorable weather conditions. Rest assured, everyone will return to the hotel in time for a noon check out before transferring to the airport for your later flight on this day.)

Transfer to Airport later this afternoon.