KATHMANDU - POKHARA LUXURY TRIP AND TREK TO AUSTRALIAN BASE CAMP

Pokhara and Kathmandu are entirely different worlds altogether. Kathmandu is bustling with cultural diversity whereas Pokhara is boastful of its natural riches and beauty.

Built as a valley by draining a lake, Kathmandu is a melting pot of cultures from all over Nepal, largely because it has the highest educational and infrastructural facilities in the country.  On the other hand, Pokhara is also a thriving city where Tourism is one of the major income sources. 

According to welcomenepal.com, Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions are zealously guarded while at the same time embracing modern technology. Electric wires tangling around old brick buildings with state-of-the-art architecture will surely prove this point. The historic sites, temples, and monasteries in the city make it a serene tourist destination. The air is polluted but the spiritual atmosphere is warm, the highways are noisy with car horn but the religious sites are satiated with solitude.

All in all, Kathmandu can be mesmerizing and exhausting at the same time. 

On the other hand, Pokhara is a city that loves to bask in the sun and drink watermelon juice. It is a lot cleaner, calmer, and equally confounding. Unlike Kathmandu, Pokhara does not have much historical value. This must be because it was busy flaunting its beauty in all of history. The mesmerizing lakes, rivers, caves, and gorges can keep you involved all day. Furthermore, the nightlife in Pokhara is a majestic one. Expect to see visitors from a lot of countries who are here--just like you are--to steal the perfect moment. 

What if we could blend the tranquil charm of Pokhara with the fluttering buzz of Kathmandu? Looks like we can.

Kathmandu - Pokhara Tour and Trekking with Two Night Luxury 5 Star Accommodation

We at Himalayan Social Journey proudly introduce a one-of-its-kind holiday trip package: Kathmandu--Pokhara Tour with trekking and two-night 5-star Luxury accommodation. One thing is clear--this trip screams pleasure and smells like luxury.

Are your traveler's feet twitching already?

Here's everything you need to know about this trip.

Day 1: Arrival

We will receive you at Tribhuwan Airport, Nepal's only international airport. Our representative will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport with a Himalayan Social Journey placard in hand. You will then be escorted to Hotel Holy Himalaya. Today's welcome dinner is on us. We also have a welcome performance for the evening, where you will get to live singing and dancing performances from different castes and ethnic groups of Nepal. In other words, the entire nation will be brought together to make you feel welcome and cared about. 

Jet lagged and exhausted, we will call it a day and you will be greeted to bed.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu

Since the only international airport of Nepal is in Kathmandu, this city is the gateway to tourism. Thus, one cannot come to Nepal and not visit this awesome city. But Kathmandu also has something of its own that will not disappoint you. The city has a 2000 year long history. The sculpture and architecture portray the sentiments of generations of people who called this city home. Hence, religious and cultural festivities comprise a major part of Kathmandu's daily life. The most popular attractions are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and the streets of Thamel.

Despite all these gorgeous places to visit, the best thing to do in Kathmandu is to interact with the locals. Although the city is always in a hurry, the locals never fail to take time out of their busy routine and engage in small talks. Everyone will have a story to tell and a lesson to teach. And this is simply beautiful. 

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara

After morning breakfast, we will take a bus (or a flight) to Pokhara. This depends on how you planned your package. However, let us tell you that a ride to Pokhara is as elegant as a flight if not more. 

(Psst. Take a seat on the right side of the bus. That way, you can catch occasional glimpses of the green fields and roaring rivers during the trip and not have to stare at the rocky walls.) 

We will spend the night at Mount Kailash Resort.

Day 4: Drive to Dhampus and trek to Australian Base Camp

Although you are in Pokhara itself, a city in all its glory and praise, we will be leaving it behind and heading towards Dhampus. The trip takes about two hours by a private vehicle. 

Our trek starts from the feet of Dhampus. It is an easy trail with stairs made of stone slabs. There are tea houses and resting spots at frequent intervals so you don't really have to worry. Water taps are also abundantly distributed throughout the trail so you don't really have to worry. However, if you are health conscious, you can bring purification tablets with you.

In between the trek from the entrance of Dhampus to Australian Base Camp, there is a place called Pothana. No houses and artificial things are in the sight except the wooden billboard with "Pothana" carved on it, this is a small but noticeable green pasture. You will rest and probably click a lot of photos here. 

After a few minutes of rest, we will head to Australian Base Camp, gradually pacing our way through the woods and climbing the stone stairs. The forest is beautiful, and you might notice some unique species of vegetation not seen before. This is an awesome journey. 

Also, this might be a time to socialize with your team members and chit-chat along the way. Nevertheless, some feel that nature is best observed and absorbed in tranquility, which is totally reasonable. 

After passing through the terraced farmland, lush green forest and crossing the small stream you will reach Australian Base Camp. This is more a recreational camp rather than functional. There are tents all around the place besides well-built hotels, which is ironic. However, a "Good morning" sounds better in these little tents than inside the stone walls. 

If the atmosphere isn't humid, you will see Fewa Lake and the beautiful city of Pokhara from the hill. We will spend the night at a guesthouse. 

Day 5: Trek to Sarangkot

The way down is as enjoyable as the way up. However, you might notice that pushing yourself up was a lot easier than descending down carefully. Pace yourself, take time to mingle with nature, and you should be okay. 

The hike to Sarangkot is an easy uphill with denser habitation. However, the journey is rewarding because of the view from the top. Fewa lake will look a lot closer from here. 

Sarangkot is a popular tourist destination to view the sunrise and sunset. To see the sun exhale the first light of the day from behind the hills and bring the city to life is a special moment to witness. Moreover, Sarangkot also hosts private paragliding and zip-flying services.

Day 6: Trek back to Pokhara, Sightseeing Day 

Compared to other major cities of Nepal, Pokhara is built around heaven. Somebody who has lived in Pokhara all their life won't acknowledge this simply because they believe the entire world is the same. But we who come from far know the truth. You will hear this incredible city sing immediately after you put your first foot here. The towering peaks of the Annapurna Range guard this city from the northern side. The Seti river penetrates it in all its pride and resilience. Unlike its noisy bench mate Seti, Fewa Lake is a gentler, softspoken enticement. Pokhara hasn't quite been grappled by the tentacles of modernism, and this is why beauty frequently sips in this city in its raw. 

Needless to say, Pokhara seduces, relaxes, and entertains.

After Sunrise, we will enjoy your breakfast and make our journey down to Pokhara via walking or through paragliding (Optional). Afterward, we will visit the major attractions of Pokhara like Davis fall, Gupteswor cave, and Bindyabasini temple. You will then boat in Fewa Lake for about an hour. The night will be spent at Mount Kailash Resort.

Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drive or fly (flight is optional which can be booked on your request) back to Kathmandu. You will check in your hotel and enjoy a relaxing Spa. The HSJ team and the team members of this trek will accompany you for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Gokarna Forest Resort.

Day 08: Leisure Day in Kathmandu.

Today is your free day. Start your day with an energizing yoga. Then, enjoy the warm breakfast. Later in the evening, enjoy a relaxing Spa. Overnight at Gokarna Forest Resort. 

Day 09: Departure Day

Time to head back to civilization and keep up with life.

A warm breakfast should prepare for the journey back to your country. We will be more than happy to bid you goodbye at the airport. 

Cost Includes

• Airport pickup & drop

• Accommodation in Kathmandu first 2 night after your arrival (Hotel Holy Himalaya) and Pokhara (Hotel Mount Kailash), in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.

• Last 2 night before your departure at Gokarna Forest Resort including one buffet  dinner
• Meals, accommodation, insurance, and other expenses of the trekking crew (guide and porters) 2 people will have one porter and highly experienced English speaking guide.  
• Accommodation in the lodge with breakfast during the trek
• Necessary permit, TIMS, and National Park fees
• Necessary equipment during the trek [Duffle Bag if necessary]
• Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara by private vehicle
• Kathmandu -Pokhara, Pokhara-Dhampus, and Pokhara -Kathmandu by luxurious transportation (tourist bus)
• Spa and 2 yoga classes
• All Government taxes, VAT and service charge

Excluded in the price

• Personal equipment and clothing

• Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and trekking days. (Meal costs about U$4 - $7 per item depending on the place where you eat)

• City sightseeing entry fee in Kathmandu (Entrance fee cost NRS 400+250+1000+ 1000)
• Paragliding (USD 100pp) and flight ticket KTM-PKR (USD 110 PP for one way)
• Any other activities or items not mentioned in the itinerary
• Pokhara Mountain Flight (USD 120)

Extra Activities
If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding ($ 100 per person), Bunjee jump ($ 70pp), Mountain flight ($ 185pp), Heli Tour ($ 800pp) Bhaktapur Sightseeing, etc., you can book by contacting us at [email protected].

What to Pack

• Daypack (rucksack)

• Backpack (a porter will carry it) Recommended size: about 50-liter capacity (10-12 kgs per person) If you are traveling with a friend you can share one pack between the two of you.

• Well-worn hiking boots or shoes
• A pair of sandals
• Sleeping Bag (If you want to go to Trekking in winter which is from Mid-October - Middle of March
• A one-liter hard water bottle to be filled up along the trekking trail
• Warm jacket (during winter months)
• Light-weight cotton clothing
• Waterproof jacket (a fold -away windcheater is fine)
• Light sweater
• Bath towel
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Knee supports (optional for the downhill portions of the trek)
• Trekking pole
• Water purification (Himalayan Social Journey will provide sterpin which kills 99% germs of water)
• Small First-aid-kit (Himalayan Social Journey will also provide one)
• Headlamp (preferable) or Flashlight (torch)
• Camera
• Toiletries for the trek (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc...)

Optional: School supplies (pens, notebooks, colored pencils, etc...). These gifts can be directly turned over to our company when you arrive in Kathmandu. And we will manage them to distribute through our proper channels.

Much of your trekking clothes and supplies can be easily purchased in Kathmandu near our hotel at good prices. Bring hiking boots/shoes from your country. The Nepali ones are not recommended.

Risk & Liabilities: We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a lifetime journey. We perform our duties honestly & seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal are conducted strictly under the rules and regulations of their own policies. So in this case, we will give options to choose different itineraries for an enjoyable holiday.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.