Explore the main highlights of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys combined with an easy multi-day trek in the lower Annapurna region for great Himalayan views. You'll also have some free time to relax and explore on your own, along with recommended activities and places to eat that we'll recommend.

Highlights

  • Experience village life on a short trek with great views of the Annapurnas
  • Paraglide above Phewa Lake against the backdrop of the Himalaya
  • Catch one of Nepal's classic sunrise spots from Sarangkot Hill
  • Explore Kathmandu and its famous cultural highlights

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Welcome to Kathmandu! Kathmandu
Day 2 Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Trek to Australian Camp (6,168 ft / 1,880 m) Australian Camp
Day 3 Trek from Australian Camp to Phedi, Drive to Pokhara Pokhara
Day 4 Morning Paragliding Flight, Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu Kathmandu
Day 5 Depart Kathmandu  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!

Kathesimbhu Stupa. Kathmandu
Kathesimbhu Stupa. Kathmandu

Flying into Kathmandu, you'll have great views of the Himalaya (on a clear day) and of the terraced fields and hillsides, below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you and drive you to your hotel.

After you've settled in, you'll have time to explore the city. Recommended sights to see on your first day include Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and its narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants, and also Swayambhunath temple, where you can watch the sunset over the valley and the Himalaya to your north.

The tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes. 

Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Trek to Australian Camp (6,168 ft / 1,880 m)

Village life in the lower Annapurna region
Village life in the lower Annapurna region

A short flight from Kathmandu takes you to Pokhara, where you'll be picked up at the airport in a private vehicle and driven to Kande. Here, you start our trek to Australian Camp!

Australian Camp is located on the hilltop that offers beautiful views of the valleys along with a view of the Annapurna range. The drive is about one hour to Kande from Pokhara. The trail is steep with the stone staircase for the first two hours. 

Flight time: 30 minutes
Driving time: 1 hour

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Day 3: Trek from Australian Camp to Phedi, Drive to Pokhara

Dhampus Village
Dhampus Village

From Australian Camp, you'll descend through jungle forest on your way to Dhampus, arriving in just under two hours. Dhampus is a beautiful village that is located on the route of Annapurna Trekking. After another one hour walk, you'll arrive at Phedi, where your driver and vehicle will be waiting to bring you back to Pokhara. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Day 4: Morning Paragliding Flight, Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Paragliders descending from Sarangkot Hill
Paragliders descending from Sarangkot Hill

Today, you'll get picked up early in the morning by a paragliding trip staff member who will drive you to Sarankot Hill for a beautiful sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. You'll then prepare for a tandem paragliding flight over the surrounding valley, with great views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the entire Annapurna Range. After landing by the lake, you'll be transported back to your hotel and have some time to relax before catching your flight back to Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel and can enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu's streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.

Paragliding flight: 30 minutes
Flying time: 30 minutes

Day 5: Depart Kathmandu

The all-seeing eyes of Buddha at Swayambhunath
The all-seeing eyes of Buddha at Swayambhunath

It's time to say farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It's good to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.