CULTURE - NATURE - HISTORY
This is a trip we have been threatening to do for years, but the time was never quite right, until now. Recent road improvements and a handful of new hotels have made it possible to easily access some of our favorite places without too many long travel days.
The theme of this trip is centered around combining all of the elements we love about Nepal. We start with an extended visit of Kathmandu to explore all seven of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the city. We then hop in a 4×4 SUV to head into the lush foothills by way of Gorkha, the hilltop kingdom that eventually united Nepal as one country. We then ascend into the Manang Valley to walk amongst the world’s biggest peaks. There we will see ancient villages and Buddhist monasteries while staying in one of the nicest hotels in all of Nepal.
On our journey back to Kathmandu we will overnight in Bhandipur, a quaint hilltop town with an almost European quality.
Traveling by SUV ensures maximum ease and comfort and is best suited for couples, travel friends, or a maximum group of three. We can bump the max number to five by adding a second vehicle.
If you have wanted to join a Far Xplorer ramble and have no interest in motorcycles, this is a great way to see Nepal the way we often see it. With a bag of road trip snacks, Nepali tunes on the radio, and great views passing by.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
We will spend two full days in Kathmandu with our award-winning cultural guide, Susan Manandhar. The pace will be slow and deliberate as to take in the full experience without feeling rushed. One day will include a food tour of Newari cultural cuisine. We will spend one day touring the quiet streets of Bhaktapur, one of the best preserved corners of the valley. Our adventure then pushes beyond the city to the foothills and then the heights of the Manang Valley on the flanks of Annapurna, the tenth tallest peak on earth. Returning via Bhandipur gives us one last night in the quiet hills before returning to Kathmandu.
DEEP DIVE KATHMANDU
We often don’t have a chance to spend enough time in Kathmandu to really soak it all in. On this trip we added a second day in Kathmandu to visit the hidden corners and iconic attractions that define this ancient place.
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BOUDHANATH STUPA
The largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, this is our favorite place to visit on arrival in Kathmandu. Tranquil and exotic it is the center point for Buddhist culture in the city.
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PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
One of the three royal palaces of the Kathmandu Valley, Patan Durbar Square is beautifully preserved and ornate. Situated right in the heart of the city it is bustling with life.
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PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
It’s one of the most sacred temple grounds in the Hindu world and the location of Nepal’s most holy cremation grounds. It is a powerful place to visit and central to Nepal’s cultural identity.
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SWAYAMBUNATH STUPA
This beautiful Buddhist shrine sits atop a hilltop on the edge of the city. Flanked with an urban forest filled with monkeys it lives up to it’s common name as the monkey temple.
HIMALAYAS MANANG
Manang is a somewhat new destination for us. For many years the road to Manang was in such terrible shape it was virtually impossible to travel. Today it is in great shape allowing us to quickly ascend through the foothills to this Himalayan paradise. Manang is a small but dramatic valley set against the slopes of Annapurna, the 10th tallest mountain on earth. As a small area it is perfect for this trip. We will spend one full day on foot, enjoying local villages, or perhaps embarking on a short 2-3 hour trek to one of the remote monasteries or viewpoints. Once in Manang, we will decide what to do and let the adventure unfold.
ACCOMMODATIONS
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HOTEL NOMAD-KATHMANDU
Our home base in Kathmandu for the start and end of the trip is the Nomad Hotel, centrally located near many attractions and conveniences.
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HOTEL DURBAR - BHANDIPUR
With superb views of the Himalayas and it’s old world charm, this is one of our favorite hotels in Nepal.
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MOUNTAIN LODGE - MANANG
This fine hotel sits atop a ridge overlooking Annapurna and the Marsygandi River below. We stay here for two nights in supreme comfort.
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MOUNTAIN LODGE CHAME
Squeezed in a tight gorge halfway to Manang, this beautiful hotel is perfectly located for our day in the mountains.
Genuine Adventure
As a small group trip, one without too much of a fixed itinerary, this trip will unfold organically. With just one guide, Christophe, and one drive, Buddha, this will be a trip with friends.
If you have questions, please contact me, Christophe, via email, text, or phone:
+1 970 501 8651
Let’s talk adventure
Still have questions? Want to customize your trip? Drop us a line and our expedition leader and co-founder, Christophe Noel, will get in touch with you in a matter of hours. christophe@farxplorer.com
Ready to book your trip? Click the link below to complete your online booking form. We will confirm your spot within 24 hours and get you on the road to big adventure!