Essential Nepal

Essential Nepal

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Essential Nepal

9 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu

Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Naya Pul, Namaste Guesthouse - Tolka Nepal, Dhampus, Chitwan, Phedi, Chitwan National Park

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

NE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-59

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Shopping, Trekking

Tour Overview

Keen to experience the vibrant sites and culture of Nepal? This 9 day Essential Nepal tour lets you experience the wonders, incredible natural beauty and history of Nepal. Home to the Himalayas, meet with local villagers, visit sacred temples and religious sites and explore the colourful towns and villages. Take a journey to Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, to the green jungle of Chitwan National park and beautiful landscapes in Pokhara.

Highlights

  • Explore Kathmandu

  • See the Annapurna mountain range views

  • Watch the sunrise over the Himalayas

  • Discover Chitwan National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Truly Asia Boutique Hotel- 2 Star

Welcome to Nepal! At the terminal keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Kathmandu hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:30pm for an informal meeting with tour guide and group. After the meeting, you can join us for an optional group dinner.

Included Activities Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities Group Dinner



Day 2 : Kathmandu City Tour

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Truly Asia Boutique Hotel- 2 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start the day by exploring Kathmandu City, Swyambhunath and Patan. Our first stop will be Swayambhunath, an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley where the Buddhist Stupa is said to be more than 2000 years old. This hill also has a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. Our second stop will be Kathmandu City known as Kantipur. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, Kasthamandap temple, the source of the name Kathmandu and the Durbar Square, which has an array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Ex Nepalese Royalty. In the afternoon we visit the ancient city of Patan, once a kingdom in itself. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal and there are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited. Late in the afternoon you are free to explore the city.


Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Kathmandu
Sightseeing of Swayambhunath
Sightseeing of Kantipur
Sightseeing of Patan


Optional Activities Group Dinner

Entrance Fees
Kathmandu Durbarsquire - USD 11
Patan Durbar Squire - USD 8



Day 3 : Kathmandu, Pokhara

Location: Pokhara, Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ustab Himalaya Hotel- 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have an early start to drive for about 6 hours to reach the Pokhara after breakfast which is the second largest city in Nepal and enjoy the landscape on the way to Pokhara. Meet your trekking guide get prepared for the next day once all done you’ll be able to wander around the beautiful lake city known for its superb mountain views. It is an enchanting city nestled beneath the snow-crested Annapurna Massif in a tranquil valley and is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu and generally a few degrees warmer, Pokhara has a tropical feel to it and has the diversity of beautiful subtropical flora.

Optional Activities Group Dinner


Day 4 : Pokhara, Nayapul, Trek Tolka

Location: Naya Pul, Pokhara, Namaste Guesthouse - Tolka Nepal

Accommodation: Local Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It is the first day of our trekking adventure where we start our journey by private transport to Nayapul to reach the Australian Camp. This camp offers a spectacular view of the snow-clad mountains of the Annapuran ranges, Hiunchuli, Fish Tail, Lamjung Himal and Manasla. We gradually descend up to Pothana then will stop at Deurali where we have lunch. After lunch, we progressively incline to Tolka where we stop for the night and stay in a local lodge. Here, you’ll see a spectacular view of Annapurna South and Himchuli mountains.



Included Activities
Trekking to Tolka



Day 5 : Trek to Dhampus

Location: Dhampus

Accommodation: Local Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, the trek begins downhill and offers views of the Annapurna mountain range. You will pass more Gurung villages allowing you to see the huge farming communities in which they live in. Passing on, you will reach the villages of Pothana and Dhampus. Dhampus is one of the most famous touristic villages of western Nepal and offers visitors breath-taking panoramic views the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan mountain ranges. Tonight you’ll have dinner and stay overnight at a local lodge.


Included Activities
Trekking to Dhampus




Day 6 : Trek to Phedi, Chitwan

Location: Chitwan, Phedi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Wildlife Camp - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s an early morning start so you can enjoy the colourful sunrise over the Himalayas and then you’ll take an easy downhill trek to Phedi where you will pass rice fields and small cottages. When you reach the village of Phedi our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara and then to continue our drive to Chitwan.

Included ActivitiesTrekking to Phedi




Day 7 : Chitwan National Park

Location: Chitwan National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Wildlife Camp - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have full day of exciting jungle activities today. The best way to reach the national park is by a jungle safari where you’ll end up at Chitwan National Park. This is considered one of the richest wildlife areas in Asia and boasts the last and largest remaining area of tall grassland habitat. Not to be compared with the wide open spaces of Africa, the intimacy of the search and discovery of Asian wildlife in its dense habitat is considered by many travellers to be equally rewarding and exciting.

Included ActivitiesVisit of Chitwan National Park





Day 8 : Chitwan, Kathmandu

Location: Chitwan, Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Truly Asia Boutique Hotel- 2 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu and in the afternoon you have free time for shopping and wandering.

Day 9 : Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel at 11:00am.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    3 star hotels and Local Lodge during trekking,

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts | 1 lunch | 4 dinners

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus

show more

What's Not Included

  • Any flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals not stated in the itinerary

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Visa fees

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Entrance Fees

    For sights and museums

  • Optional activities

  • Other services not stated in the itinerary

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 Star

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No passenger under age 18.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    30

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

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Paul Gash (Google Reviewer)  

Just about to finish our...

29-Mar-2025

Just about to finish our first ever Travel Talk Tour. Our tour was 9 days across the Balkans. What an amazing experience from start to finish. Visited some amazing, historical places, ate superb food, met wonderful people but what made the tour even better was Simon, our tour leader. We can't write enough superlatives for him. So will just say amazing. Also a special mention to our driver Pero. To stay so calm with the mad drivers on the roads of the Balkans deserves a medal on its own. Never felt in danger at any time. Both are a credit to this company. 5 stars all round.

Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Aixa Rey (Google Reviewer)  

During my trip to Turkey,...

29-Mar-2025

During my trip to Turkey, I had an incredible experience with Mustafa. All my expectations for the trip were exceeded. The breathtakingly beautiful Turkish landscape and the incredibly welcoming and kind people made my trip truly unforgettable. Mustafa provided the perfect balance of guidance and free time to explore, making the tour fantastic. The air balloon ride was an unforgettable experience, and the Turkish bath was a perfect way to relax during the tour. The thermal bath was equally relaxing. The impressive ruins at Ephesus offered a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The experience in Istanbul was amazing, with its extensive history and precious sites. Overall, I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has Turkey on their bucket list.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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