Overview
Embark on a journey starting in Kathmandu amid ancient temples, intricate architecture and lively markets. Transition west to Pokhara — Nepal's adventure capital — for a beginner-friendly trek through the Annapurna region's rhododendron forests and snow-capped peaks (Ghalekharka 1,800 m, Tara Hilltop 2,814 m, Sikles 1,980 m). Next, a two-day Lower Seti River rafting expedition for beginners and families (Grade II / II+ scenery from Machapuchre's southeast slopes). Conclude in Chitwan at Tharu Lodge with ethical elephant herd time, Narayani river safari and jeep safari. Nights include Dwarika's, trek camps, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge and Tharu Lodge. Tiger Tops handles transfers through to activities so every detail is covered.
Trip Highlights
- Kathmandu arrival and optional guided temple tour
- Trek Ghalekharka–Tara Hilltop–Sikles with Annapurna views
- Rest at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge above the valley
- Two-day Lower Seti River rafting (Grade II / II+)
- Ethical elephant experience with mahouts at Tharu Lodge
- Narayani river safari and Chitwan jeep safari
- Kathmandu half-day: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from International Airport to Dwarika's Hotel and Overnight
Kathmandu
AccommodationDwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
Tiger Tops staff welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to Dwarika's Hotel in the vibrant city centre — a luxurious 5-star stay. Optional afternoon guided sightseeing in the capital.
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara and Start Trekking to Ghalekharka (B, L, D)
Kathmandu - Ghalekharka : via Pokhara
AccommodationCamp, Ghalekharka
After breakfast, load luggage and transfer for the flight to Pokhara (~25 min via Bharatpur/Pokhara routing). Continue by road with guides and porters to the trek start at Khadarjung (~4 hrs drive from Pokhara), then trek 3–4 hours to Ghalekharka (1,800 m). Staff prepare camp; evening around the campfire with village views below.
Day 3: Trek to Tara Hilltop (B, L, D)
Ghalekharka - Tara Hilltop
AccommodationCamp, Tara Hilltop
Ascend toward Tara Hilltop (2,814 m), stopping at Ghalegaon for local culture and village life. From the top: Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Camp dinner. Trek time about 4–5 hours.
Day 4: Trek to Sikles (B, L, D)
Tara Hilltop - Sikles
AccommodationCamp, Rishi Danda
Final trek stretch through jungle to Sikles (1,980 m) in the Annapurna Conservation Area — panoramic views of Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal. Explore the Gurung village or museum. Final camp night at Rishi Danda (2,220 m). Trek about 5 hours.
Day 5: Back to Pokhara and Transfer to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (B, L, D)
Sikles - Pokhara
AccommodationTiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Trek to the road at Parche (1,760 m; 30–45 min walk), then about 5 hours by road to Pokhara and Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge — about 1,000 feet above the valley with a Himalayan backdrop.
Day 6: Drive to Damauli and Start Rafting on Lower Seti River (B, L, D)
Pokhara - Damauli
AccommodationRiver camp
Drive to Damauli for a two-day Lower Seti raft. The Seti is classified as a Grade III river with mostly Grade 2 / 2+ rapids — scenic and accessible for beginners and families — originating from the southeast slopes of Machapuchre (Fish Tail). Safety briefing at put-in; first Grade 2 rapid within ~20 minutes; jungle corridor with hanging vegetation and birdlife; beach lunch; more Grade 2 water and a Grade 2+ near Sarang Ghat bridge. Rafting about 3–4 hours.
Day 7: Half-Day Rafting and Transfer to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Damauli - Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
AccommodationTiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Leave camp ~9:30 am for exploration, bird-watching, photography and local culture; lunch en route. Grade 2+ rapids to the Trisuli confluence, short float to Gai Ghat take-out. Transfer to Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge on the western edge of Chitwan. Welcome drink; if time allows, sundowners watching resident elephants bathe. Dinner at the lodge.
Day 8: Elephant Experience and Overnight at the Lodge
AccommodationTiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Early start joining elephants to the grasslands with morning tea in the mist. Learn grass-cutting and binding from mahouts; breakfast, then morning making kuchis (elephant sandwiches) and corral time. Lunch and midday rest. Late afternoon guided jungle walk with elephants and mahouts — eating habits, rumbling and trumpeting — while a naturalist explains wildlife and vegetation across jungle, grassland and wetland.
Day 9: River and Jeep Safari and Overnight at the Lodge
AccommodationTiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Al fresco breakfast under mango trees — fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs and bacon. Narayani river safari via nature stroll then float — endangered gharial and marsh mugger among the highlights. Nepali lunch; pool optional. Afternoon jeep safari in vintage Land Rovers for deer, birds, monkeys and, with luck, Royal Bengal tiger.
Day 10: Departure from Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge
Kathmandu
AccommodationDwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer for your flight. Optional visit to the non-profit school if time allows. Fly to Kathmandu; rest at Dwarika's, then half-day sightseeing: Pashupatinath on the Bagmati, Boudhanath stupa with rooftop lunch option, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) overlooking the valley. Return to Dwarika's to unwind.
Day 11: International Departure
Kathmandu
Day at leisure until transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight — time to reflect on the mountains-to-jungle arc.
