Trip Difficulty and Fitness

The trip is graded moderate because of the trekking section. Expect uneven paths, stone steps and a mixture of uphill and downhill walking. Some days require several hours on foot, with breaks for meals, photographs and rest.

Previous trekking experience is helpful but not essential. You should be comfortable walking for several hours and climbing stairs. Regular walks and hill training before departure will help you enjoy the trek. Please tell us about any health conditions or mobility concerns before booking so we can assess the itinerary with you.

Altitude and Mountain Conditions

The journey stays in the Himalayan foothills rather than entering high-altitude climbing terrain. Nevertheless, walking uphill can feel demanding, especially for travellers arriving from lower elevations.

Your guide will set a suitable pace and provide regular breaks. Report any unusual discomfort to your guide promptly. The maximum elevation will be stated in your final trip information once the exact trekking route is confirmed.

Mountain views depend on weather and visibility. Clear views cannot be guaranteed at any location, including Pokhara, the trekking villages and Nagarkot.

Accommodation

The itinerary includes 13 nights of accommodation:

Accommodation is arranged in hotels, trekking lodges and a jungle lodge. Rooms are normally offered on a twin-sharing basis.

Your booking quotation will identify the confirmed properties, room categories and bathroom arrangements. Facilities at trekking lodges may differ from those at city hotels. Single rooms can be requested, subject to availability and an additional charge.

If a named property is unavailable, we will explain the proposed alternative before confirming your booking.

Meals and Drinking Water

Your final quotation will clearly state which meals are included. Under the proposed package arrangement:

Meals may include Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, noodles, soups and other options available at the accommodation. Menu choices can be more limited during the trekking section.

Please inform us about allergies, dietary restrictions or vegetarian preferences before booking. We will check what the selected hotels and lodges can provide.

Carry a reusable water bottle. Your guide can advise where to obtain safe drinking water. Water purchases or treatment costs should be checked against your final inclusions.

Transportation and Road Travel

Scheduled road transfers are arranged by private vehicle according to the confirmed package. The vehicle size will depend on your group and luggage requirements.

Travel days include journeys between Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot, along with transfers to and from the trekking trailheads.

Road travel can take longer than expected because of traffic, weather, roadworks or other disruptions. Driving times are estimates. The journey from Chitwan to Nagarkot is particularly long, so allow a full day for this transfer.

Seat belts should be used wherever provided. Your driver and guide will arrange suitable stops along the way.

Guides and Local Support

English-speaking guides accompany the sightseeing and trekking sections according to your confirmed booking. They explain local history and customs, coordinate the daily programme and assist with practical arrangements.

Wildlife activities in Chitwan are led by the lodge’s nature guides. Your quotation will clarify whether one guide accompanies the entire journey or different local guides join individual sections.

Please follow your guides’ advice on trails, around religious sites and during wildlife excursions.

Porter Service and Luggage

Porter service must be confirmed in your booking quotation. Where included, the standard arrangement is one porter for every two trekkers, with the permitted luggage weight stated before departure.

During the trek, carry a small daypack containing water, a warm layer, rain protection, personal medication and other items needed during the day.

Pack trekking luggage in a manageable soft bag. Ask our team about storing luggage that you do not need on the trail and where it will be returned to you.

Trekking Permits and Entrance Fees

The final quotation will specify the trekking permits and entrance fees included in the package. Requirements depend on the confirmed route and activities.

These should be listed separately for:

• The Annapurna trekking section.
• The Kathmandu sightseeing programme.
• Chitwan park entry and booked wildlife activities.

We will advise which passport details, copies or photographs are needed to arrange the applicable permits. Carry your passport securely during the journey.

Wildlife Activities in Chitwan

Chitwan provides opportunities to explore forest, grassland and river habitats with experienced nature guides. Activities may include a jeep safari, canoe excursion, birdwatching or a guided nature walk.

Only the activities listed in your confirmed lodge package are included. The schedule may change because of weather, river conditions, park operations or local restrictions.

Wild animals move freely, so sightings are never guaranteed. Follow your nature guide’s instructions, keep a respectful distance from animals and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

Weather and Clothing

Conditions vary throughout the journey. Chitwan can feel warm, while early mornings and evenings in the trekking villages and Nagarkot can be cooler.

Bring clothing that can be worn in layers, including a warm jacket and waterproof outer layer. Winter departures require additional warm clothing.

Your team will provide advice for your travel dates. Daily activities and mountain views remain dependent on local weather conditions.

What to Pack

A final packing list can be adjusted for the season and your confirmed accommodation.

Travel Insurance

Arrange travel insurance covering the activities in your itinerary, including trekking and wildlife excursions. Check that your policy covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption.

Review the policy’s activity and altitude limits with your insurer. Keep your insurance details and emergency assistance number accessible, and provide a copy to our team before departure.

Personal Expenses and Cash

Allow a personal budget for excluded meals, drinks, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, optional activities and tips.

Bring sufficient Nepalese rupees for the trekking section and smaller purchases. Do not depend on card payments being available everywhere. Ask our team for a suggested spending amount based on your confirmed meal plan and services.

Internet, Electricity and Charging

Wi-Fi and charging facilities depend on the accommodation. Connections may be slower or less reliable during the trekking section.

Some lodges may charge for Wi-Fi, charging or other facilities. Check these arrangements in your final trip information and bring a power bank for convenience.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress respectfully at religious sites and follow local guidance about footwear, photography and restricted areas. Ask permission before photographing people.

Some parts of Pashupatinath are restricted to Hindu visitors. Your guide will explain the permitted viewing areas and appropriate conduct.

In villages, approach local customs with patience and respect. A greeting and a little time spent listening often make an interaction more enjoyable.

Responsible Travel

Use reusable bottles where practical, carry litter to appropriate disposal points and avoid leaving waste along the trails.

Respect local homes, farmland and sacred places. During wildlife activities, follow the nature guide’s instructions and avoid actions that disturb animals or damage their habitat.

Airport Transfers and Departure Planning

Airport pickup and departure transfers are provided according to your confirmed itinerary. Share your flight details with our team before arrival.

On departure day, the transfer from Nagarkot will be scheduled to allow for traffic and airport check-in. If you have a very early flight, discuss whether spending your final night closer to the airport would be more practical.

Itinerary Changes and Private Trips

The itinerary may be adjusted because of road access, trail conditions, weather, accommodation availability or activity schedules. Your guide will explain any necessary changes.

Private groups can request a different walking pace, shorter trekking days, additional sightseeing or alternative accommodation. Changes must be agreed in advance and may affect the price.

Visits to Patan or Bhaktapur, a meeting with a Sherpa climber and additional excursions are included only when specifically scheduled and confirmed in your quotation.