City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas Introduction

City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas

City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas is an amazing, individualized 13-day exploration of the stunning and diverse regions in Nepal. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan Tour, or simply referred to as Nepal’s Golden Triangle. It is a fixed itinerary starting from Kathmandu to Chitwan.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu – the energetic City of Temples that is home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. We will visit ancient palaces, sacred stupas, and spiritual courtyards that showcase the depth of culture and religion in Nepal.

Pokhara

Then we will continue on to Pokhara, the mystical Lake City, or the 7-Lake City of Earth. A picturesque place where lakes and hills surround you, and the pace has a completely different feeling to Kathmandu. Pokhara is at the threshold of the Annapurna region, where stunning vistas of the Himalayas loom large with tranquility and charm.

Your next adventure will take you back to the Himalaya for another five days of trekking in view of the Annapurna and Dhauligiri mountains. The hill trek to Ghorepani and Ghandruk is a memorable trip in itself, but the world famous hospitality and warmth of the Gurung and Magar people provides a unique experience of mountain culture and traditions you will indelibly imprint in your mind. The trek to Poon Hill has you waking up early so you can view one of the world’s breathtaking sunrises and majestic snow capped peaks basking in the warm sun light.

Once your trek is finished you will return to Pokhara and be able to discover the hills and the many cultural and natural sights you have the opportunity to experience that could include Devis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, or the World Peace Pagoda, just to mention a few of the sites. Your final legs of the journey will take you south into jungled like areas with flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site often said to be the best wildlife preserve in Nepal.

Chitwan

In Chitwan you will embark on jungle safari adventure into the deep sal forest and grasslands, looking for animals including the One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, wild elephants and more; you will also be rewarded with exposure to the Tharu culture including watching traditional dances, staying with the village community, etc.

City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas captures everything any traveller could want for their nature, culture, adventure or spiritual experience. It connects the sacred temples Bhaktapur in Kathmandu, with tranquillity of Pokhara’s the lakes, the eternal mountains of the himalayas as well as the jungle in Chitwan.

Conclusion on City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas

For first time Nepal travellers it is a great introduction – a combo trip where you get a bit of everything, helping you discover what you like, culture, mountains, jungle or all of it – allowing the experience to provide the context for your next trip to Nepal with clarity and excitement. Contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal, on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok

FAQs on City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas 

1. What is the best time of year to do this City, Jungle, Lake & Himalayas trip?

The best months to do this trip, in our experience, are during the spring months (March to May) and autumn months (September to November). These months tend to have clear skies and moderate temperatures, good conditions for visibility of the Himalayas and spotting wildlife. However, you can do the trip at any time of the year with proper planning.

2. How physically demanding is the trekking portion of the trip?

The trek to Ghorepani & Ghandruk is rated “moderate” and is suitable for first-time trekkers of average fitness levels. You will be trekking for approximately 4-6 hours each day on well-marked trekking trails. Up and down hill climbs are gradual! Most trekkers will have little or no experience, however, we asked that you do some sort of walking or hiking before your trip.

3. What kind of accommodation can I expect?

You will be staying in comfortable hotels in the cities you will visit on this trip: Kathmandu and Pokhara; tea houses, or lodges while trekking; and jungle resorts in Chitwan. All accommodations are clean, safe and have basic amenities. If you prefer a more luxurious accommodation, this can be arranged upon request.

4. What will I see for wildlife in Chitwan National Park?

Chitwan is home to over 700 species of wildlife including the One-Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, wild elephants, crocodiles and 500+ species of birds. There will be no shortage of wildlife spotting opportunities while on jeep safaris, canoe trips, and jungle walks.

5. Is this trip suitable for families and can I do this independently?

Yes. The trip can be family friendly, couple friendly, and solo friendly. This itinerary is flexible and can adapt to your interests, travel preference and level of fitness. Safety and comfort are of utmost importance throughout the trip.

6. Do I need trek permits?

Yes. You will need two permits for trekking in the Annapurna region: the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Generally, the travel organizer/guide will arrange these for you ahead of time.