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  4. Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft

Hit the hiking trails, rapids and mountain tracks on this active Nepal adventure

Get amongst the giants of the Himalayas on this active adventure in Nepal. While most tours tend to focus solely on the hiking trails, this eclectic round-trip from Kathmandu combines classic trekking with mountain biking and river rafting, with a yoga class to stretch out and finish up. Explore the northern Kathmandu Valley on two wheels, float down the rapids of the Trisuli River, trek through ethnic Gurung villages, set eyes on the mighty Annapurna peaks, and take a boat trip across Fewa Lake.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.

Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Kathmandu, Nepal
Destination
Nepal
Style
Original
Theme
Active Adventures
Code
HNXN
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • As well as hiking the foothills of the Annapurnas, enjoy rafting trips on the Tirisuli River, mountain bike adventures in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, and a boat cruise across beautiful Fewa Lake

  • See some of Nepal’s greatest icons, both natural and man-made: Bodhnath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and the magnificent Annapurna range

  • Learn more about local ethnic cultures on a hike through the villages around Lowang, home to Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri and Dalit people

  • Unwind with some yoga in Pokhara, the perfect way to re-calibrate at the end of all that outdoor adventure

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are some long travel days on roads that seem to be permanently under construction. What looks like a short distance on a map can take an unexplainably long time to complete. Plenty of patience (and maybe some good podcasts at the ready) will go a long way toward your enjoyment of the journey. 

  • This trip does not go to high altitude, so if you were hesitant to explore Nepal for this reason you should have little trouble acclimatising on this tour. 

  • As there as an included rafting activity, please speak to your leader in advance if you are not a confident swimmer. There is also the option to sit out this activity and instead spend time at the campsite. 

  • While at the Trisuli river we have an included night of camping. This is at a permanent campsite where tents, mats and sleeping bags provided and toilet facilities are basic. 

  • As we stay in some locations where there are few options for eating out, some meals may be set menus rather than being able to choose from a variety of options.

  • If you would prefer a less active trip in Nepal, check out our Experience Nepal (Original - HNSC) or Classic Nepal (Comfort - HNKA) trips.

Map of Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft including Nepal
HNXN sunrise over Kathmandu Nepal
HNXN traveller stopping for a break in Nepal
HNXN Group rafting in Nepal
HNXN Making new friends in Nepal
HNXN Pokhara Boats on a Lake

Itinerary
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Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Kathmandu is a city too laid-back to bother being the best; it’s just legendary Kathmandu, a spicy masala of mixed reputations. If you arrive early, why not try one of our Urban Adventure day tours to get a feel for this fantastic city and its surrounds. Meet your leader and group tonight at 5 pm for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD68
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD93
  • Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66
  • Kathmandu - Exploring Patan & Bhaktapur Urban Adventure - USD97
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Check out a few sights around Kathmandu, soaking up the atmosphere along the way. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. See two iconic Nepalese structures: Bodhnath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Asia, is a place to see Tibetan Buddhism in action, as large numbers of pilgrims congregate daily around the stupa and circle it as part of their ritual kora. Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, is the most important temple in Nepal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Set off on a bike ride around Kathmandu, total ride time approximately 6 hours; 45 km. The ride takes you through the north of the Kathmandu Valley, departing from the hotel after breakfast at around 8 am. Riders will need to navigate traffic on the roads for about 2 km before an easy 4 km climb on a paved road up to Mudkhu pass. Mudkhu is every cyclist’s favorite place for tea (chiya) and a chat, and you may meet some locals cycling enthusiasts here. From there, ride to the Tinpipple and continue heading up to Kakani hill station, from where you can see stunning views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal and meet with Tamang locals. Head off on jeep tracks and village trails, returning to Tin Pipple and riding towards Tokha village - one of the oldest settlements of Newar in Kathmandu Valley. Continue the ride back to the hotel after having lunch at Tokha Village. This single track hugs the valley rim and offers great views of Kathmandu Valley and an interesting insight into semi-rural life in Nepal. The trails are moderate and undulating with many easy ups and downs. Spend tonight back in Kathmandu.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Leave Kathmandu behind today and drive to Benighat (approximately 3 hours). Embark on a rafting trip (approximately 4 hours), tackling a few rapids of class 2–3: Twins Rock, Ladies Delight and Landslide. There will be a stop for lunch along the way at one of the beaches by the river. Continue the journey on the raft, heading up to the camp site at Muwa Khola. Settle into your camp and enjoy some dinner as you relax and unwind from the adventure.
Accommodation
  • Camping (basic facilities) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trisuli River - Rafting
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Rise at around 6:30 am for a quick breakfast and to pack up. Head off on another half-day rafting adventure and experience the rapids (also of class 2–3) known as Bijuli (which translates to "electricity"), Up-set and Surprise. We stop for lunch at Kurintar before continuing the journey to Pokhara by private vehicle (approximately 6 hours in total, combining the raft and the drive). Arrive in Pokhara early evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Trisuli River - Rafting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Back in the saddle for a mountain bike ride to the Peace Pagoda Temple and its beautiful surrounds. This is a half-day excursion (approximately 3–4 hours). On a clear day, spectacular views of the mountains can be enjoyed from this vantage point. You can see the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. Sit down to lunch, and to stretch your legs and catch your breath. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore back in Pokhara.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today we trek! Drive to Milanchok (approximately 45 minutes) then trek to Lowang (approximately 4 hours). This trek to our homestay tonight is the best opportunity to explore the life and landscape around Pokhara. The main indigenous people living in this area are Gurung, Magars, Brahmins, Chhetris and Dalits. Along the way, see tea gardens near Machhapuchhare and several Gurung villages with their friendly residents going about their daily lives. Learn more about their various customs, culture, language and traditions during along the course of the trek. Settle into your homestay in Lowang Village.
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast in our home stay, begin trekking to Australian Camp via Dhampus (approximately 6 hours in total). Make a gentle climb, passing the terraced fields and small villages. Cross into the rhododendron and pine forest and terrace fields. Take in views of the spectacular Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Mountain. Watch the sun set over the Himalayas in the evening from Australian Camp.
Accommodation
  • Teahouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Annapurna Mountains - Australian Camp trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Trek up to Ghattekhola or Phedi (approximately 3.5 hours) via Kande and Dhukur Pokhari. From here you can see stunning views of Annapurna and Manaslu. Afterwards, drive back to Pokhara and check into the hotel (approximately 1 hour).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Annapurna Mountains - Ghattekhola/Phedi trek
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Tend to your mind and body today with a yoga class in the morning. Afterwards, set out on a boating trip across lovely Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Yoga class
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Head to the bus station and take a public bus back to Kathmandu, departing at around 7 am (approximately 6 hours). Check back into your hotel and celebrate your final night together.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Your adventure ends in Kathmandu this morning.
Optional Activities
  • Kathmandu - Panorama Hike Urban Adventure - USD57
  • Kathmandu - Spiritual Nepal Urban Adventure - USD80
  • Kathmandu - In Focus: Handmade Kathmandu - USD93
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Bicycle, Raft

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Camping (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Teahouse (1 night)

Included activities

  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Trisuli River - Rafting
  • Annapurna Mountains - Australian Camp trek
  • Annapurna Mountains - Ghattekhola/Phedi trek
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Yoga class

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

1. A Single Supplement to have your own name is available to purchase, excluding nights in homestay, camping and teahouses.
2. This trip begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm on Day 1.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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