Nepal, Wild Nepal | Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
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Moderate / Vigorous
Moderate: Suitable for anyone who enjoys hill walking.
Vigorous: Suitable for enthusiastic hill/mountain walkers.
Find out more...
Moderate / Vigorous
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- Duration: 16 days from the UK
- On trek: 11 days
Flight inclusive from £2905, Land only from £1595
Breathtaking trekking through a little explored area of Nepal, stunning scenery and friendly villagers
Highlights
- Climb airy stone staircases, and trek along exhilarating mountain ridges
- Trek through verdant farmland and explore unspoilt forests
- Marvel at the incredible mountain panoramas from the Sing La
- Visit remote Gurung and Tamang villages
- Relax after the trek in a four star hotel in Kathmandu
The Ganesh Himal, named for the elephant-headed Hindu god, is home to four peaks over 7,000m and many over 6,000m. The region has spectacular scenery - deep canyons and snow-topped, soaring mountains are criss-crossed by local village paths and small dirt roads. The trek traverses this area from west to east, with the high point of the Sing La pass offering fabulous views of the entire Nepalese Himalaya.
This trekking holiday combines impressive scenery, excellent walking and an interesting cultural mix of Gurung and Tamang villages to visit. Added attractions are the relatively low altitude of the trek – the high point is 4,050m/13,288ft, and the accessibility of the region, both the start and end of the trek can easily be reached by road from Kathmandu.
Despite the relative accessibility of the area, once you start trekking you may well not encounter any other trekkers. From day one of the trek you will wake up to views of stunning snow peaks, and be walking through traditional villages surrounded by verdant terraces. A couple of days are spent trekking in indigenous forests, with beautiful old trees, lichens and ferns. The views from Sing La are really outstanding with spectacular mountain panoramas.
We are delighted to be able to offer a traditional trek, with plenty of excellent walking, that is of a moderate grade and yet is well off the beaten track.
At a glance
Moderate / Vigorous
Duration: 16 days from the UK
On trek: 11 days
Max. Altitude: 4,050m/13,288ft, Sing La Pass, Day 11
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Camping, Tea House
Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast in Kathmandu, full board elsewhere and on trek
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Travel to Kathmandu |
| 3-4 | Drive to Arughat and trek to Manbu |
| 5-6 | Trek above Budhi Gandaki to Lamadhunga and continue to Nauban Kharka |
| 7-8 | Cross Myangal Bhangang and Magne Goth to Khading or Laba, continue to Rachyat and Tiragaon |
| 9 | Trek to Shertung |
| 10-12 | Trek to Sing La Phedi and cross Sing La Pass to Gongoo Danda |
| 13 | Trek to Kaule Village |
| 14 | End trek and drive to Kathmandu. |
| 15-16 | At leisure and overnight flight home |
Leader: Local Leader, Nepal
Whether it's a cultural tour, gentle walking holiday or strenuous trek, our holidays in Nepal are led by professionally-trained English speaking leaders. They have an intimate and expert knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Nepal and will make your trip a memorable experience.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Drive to Arughat - 4-5 hours.
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning for the drive to Arughat. This is an interesting drive, initially on the main road that leads to Pokhara, before turning off north and crossing the Trisuli river to Dhading Bazaar. What has been a very good road deteriorates at this point and progress slows for the final hour or so.
The small town of Arughat is divided into two, old and new, and you should have time in the afternoon to cross the Budhi Gandaki river on the suspension bridge to explore the old town.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4 - Trek along the Budhi Gandaki to Arakhet. Continue towards Manbu, 1,300m/4,265ft - 5-6 hours.
There is a rough track that leads from Arughat to Arkhet. The relatively flat walk is full of interesting sights and is a great opportunity to stretch your legs after all the travelling. There are beautiful wooded hills, paddy fields stretching to the river and numerous locals walking to school and work. It is about two hours to the small settlement of Arkhet where you leave the road and cross the Budhi Gandaki to start climbing up towards Manbu. The path is excellent, as it winds up between terraced fields and small settlements. After stopping for lunch you walk on the small dirt road for an hour or so before reaching the edge of Manbu. You will camp just before the village of Manbu, a large spread out settlement surrounded by terraced fields.
Overnight: Camp
Day 5 - Trek to Lamodhunga via Dunchet, 2,200m/7,260ft - 5-6 hours.
Hopefully you will wake up to stunning views of the Budhi Gandaki valley with the eastern face of Himalchuli, 7,893m, soaring above, and the Tibetan peak of Serang Himal dominating the head of the valley. To start the day you contour northwards following high above the river valley before starting the climb to the large village of Dunchet. You will then walk on the dirt road for about an hour before probably stopping for lunch in Dunchet - there will be time to explore the picturesque village with its stone houses. In the afternoon, it is initially a climb on a well-constructed stone staircase to pass by upper Dunchet before emerging on the upper terraces and briefly entering the forest to ascend to the uppermost terraces. These top terraces are used both for growing barley and by cowherds who live here in small shelters. At the edge of the forest is a rock outcrop, and you will camp on the terraces near here.
Overnight: Camp
Day 6 - Forest walk to Nauban Kharka, 2,750m/9,075m - 5-6 hours. Sunset views of the Annapurnas.
Today is a complete contrast as you spend much of the day walking in the forest. This is a fabulous experience as you trek on small trails used by herdsmen and woodcutters through the virgin forest. There are exotic ferns and lichens and hanging rattans. It is likely that the only sounds you will hear are cicadas and monkeys. The trail is at times steep and involves a small amount of scrambling. There are clear, rushing streams to cross on stepping stones and small clearings used by cowherds. The path contours and climbs eventually reaching Nauban Kharka, a large clearing with temporary shelters for herders and amazing views of Machhapuchare, Annapurna South and Annapurna 2, Boudha Peak and Himalchuli.
Overnight: Camp
Day 7 - Trek across two passes - the Myangal Bhanjyang, 2975m/9821ft, and Magne Goth, 2,936m/9,680ft. Continue to the village of Khading - 6 hours.
After admiring the early morning mountain views, it is about a one hour climb to the first pass of the trek, the Myangal Bhanjyang at 2,975m/9,812ft. New views are opened up below the pass, as you contour along the grassy hillsides, dipping in and out of forest. It is a couple of hours walk to the second pass, the Magne Goth pass at 2,936m/9,680ft. (Depending on conditions, you may cross a slightly lower pass at 2,780m/9,174ft).There are fabulous views of the Ganesh peaks and Paldor. From here a newly renovated path descends past a couple of small kharkas, or clearings, to reach the beautiful and vibrant village of Khading. This is a substantial stone settlement, with a school. Depending on time, you will either stay the night here or continue for an hour to camp at Laba school.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 - Trek to Lapchet and Rachyet Village. Follow high trail to camp at Timla school 1,760m/5,800ft (or continue to Tiragaon) – 6 hours.
This is a really superb day's trek, with a relatively easy morning as you contour high above the river valley with great views of the valley far below, and terraced hillsides stretching into the distance. The path is newly renovated and excellent. You pass through several tiny settlements perched on the hillside, growing wheat, millet and lentils. You may well see people weaving bamboo into baskets, mats and even house walls and muzzles for goats! A couple of bluffs are crossed before you make a short descent to the village of Lapchet where you may have lunch at the school. From here you can see the large school on the hillside opposite that is your objective for the day. You descend to the river before climbing to Rachyat. There are several beautiful old chortens along this part of the trail, and the villages, a mixture of Gurung and Tamang are well kept. Water permitting you will camp at the secondary school, set high above the valley floor in a small area of forest.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 - Trek to Shertung, 1,920m/6,299ft – 6 hours.
It's a lovely gentle walk this morning, mainly walking on the dirt road, passing through several small villages en route and stopping for lunch after about 3 hours. After lunch you cross a bridge and start a gentle climb through beautiful tree dotted grassland to reach the village of Chalise. You will get good views of Ganesh Himal and other smaller peaks from here. You then continue climbing gently on stone steps through fields to reach the pretty village of Shertung.
There is a lovely spot for camping in the heart of the village.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10 - Morning in Shertung with exploration of village and excursion to monastery. Afternoon, trek towards Machhyang Kharka – 5 -6 hours.
This morning you have a welcome rest day in Shertung. The name Shertung means “place of gold” and the story is that two brothers in search of gold were led here by a dream and were inspired to found the settlement. The village is largely inhabited by Tamangs who follow a religion which mixes elements of Hinduism and Buddhism along with shamanistic beliefs. In the morning you will have time to explore round the village, including having a look at the school and hospital. You may also have time to visit Phyangchet Monastery, situated about an hour’s ascent above the village below a beautiful forest and at the start of one of the major trekking routes to the Sing La pass. If the caretaker is around you should be able to go inside the monastery, but in any case there are fabulous views from here, so it is well worth the climb up.
You then begin walking gradually uphill on the trail which avoids the road. The path zig zags through jungle, rhododendron, oak and bamboo, and passes through several clearings called kharkas, where local animal herders graze their sheep, cows and goats. Along the way you have magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and Himal Chuli. You will camp at Machhyang Kharka.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11 - Trek to Machhangbo and cross the Sing La Pass, 4,050m/13,288ft then descend to Rupchet - 5-6 hours.
Today you continue on the trail, ascending to reach Machhangbo. Here there are magnificent views of the snowy peaks to the north and east. You descend from here to meet the main route to the Sing La. Sing La is really less a pass than the side of a peak, the top of which is only another 20 meters up a very gentle slope. From the pass the world seems to fall away in three directions. To the west is the Manaslu massif, with Manaslu, 8,163m/26,780ft) poking up from behind the Ganesh Himal and the peaks of the Annapurna Himal beyond. To the northwest is the Ganesh Himal where Ganesh, 7,406m, 24,296ft, and its satellites create a stunning panorama of peaks, glaciers, rock, snow and ice. ute to the Sing La pass. From the pass you will descend all the way to the large grazing meadows at Rupchet to camp for the night.
Overnight: Camp
Day 12 - Descend to Gongoo Danda, 2,900m/9514ft - 3 hours.
Today you descend to Gongoo Danda for your overnight camp.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13 - Trek to Kaule Village, 1,800m/5,905ft – 5-6 hours.
After breakfast, you begin with a shortish uphill walk and then make a long gradual, downhill descent, mainly on a small road - in the far distance you will see the small town of Dunche with Gosainkunda Danda beyond. You walk through rhododendron and pine forest to the open grazing area near the Gompa at Kaule and then though a picturesque landscape of mixed forest, farm land and scattered villages. You will have lunch in camp and will be able to relax for the afternoon before celebrating your last night on trek with your trekking crew.
Overnight: Camp
Day 14 - Trek to Roadhead - 1 hour. Drive back to Kathmandu - 5-6 hours.
You walk for about half an hour to reach Kaule village where you will meet your transport for the drive back to Kathmandu, passing through the village of Betrawati and the town of Trisuli Bazaar.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 15 - At leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer to airport and depart for London.
You will have time at leisure in Kathmandu today when you may do some sightseeing and shopping or simply relax at your hotel. Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Overnight: In flight
Day 16 - Arrive London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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Optional supplements
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Single room Kathmandu
From £95 -
Single Supplement
From £100
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed group airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel accommodation (4 star) in Kathmandu, twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- Best available tea-house in Arughat
- All road transport by private vehicles
- All camping facilities and all meals on trek
- Camp staff to carry out all camp work
- Free use of a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag with liner on trek.
- Costs of all porterage and porter insurance
- Carbon offset for clients taking our flight-inclusive option
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.4 (Based on 5 reviews)
Overall, this was an enjoyable off-the-beaten track trek through countryside untouched by tourism with some pleasant rural and forest scenery. We didn't encounter any other trekkers. Unfortunately, apart from a couple of brief early morning glimpses of distant mountains and fragments between breaks in the clouds, we were denied the spectacular high mountain scenery we had been hoping for.
Our group got on very well. Having a small number is, I think, a considerable advantage in terms of smooth running etc.It also made it easy to talk to local people. The trek was very much as described and expected The route was beautiful; we saw monkeys and mongoose and many different birds.
Lovely trek in remote area. Great to see people at work and play. Great views.
Wonderful trek in this 'little known' region. Overall, well organised. The trek had stunning scenery/interaction with local villagers/getting to know our porters and how they live. Excellent camping facilities.
I loved the combination of lots of views of big, snowy mountains with trekking through interesting and remote villages. The people are genuinely delighted (and amazed) that you have made the effort to visit their villages, and give you a very warm welcome.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- 5-day cultural tour or 8-day gentle walking options available
- See the main sights in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
- Bhutan is just a short flight from Kathmandu
Though only a short flight from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers a very different Himalayan experience to Nepal. Characterised by lush valleys, terraced hillsides and soaring peaks the landscape is endlessly picturesque, whilst the imposing dzongs (monastery/fortresses) and Swiss chalet style houses give each town or village a look that is distinctly Bhutanese. Here are just two options – if you would prefer something different please discuss with this office.
A taste of Bhutan - five-day cultural tour This five-day tour visits Bhutan’s key sights and cultural centres including magnificent Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the beautiful riverside dzong at Punakha and the fascinating treasures housed in the National Museum at Paro. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable Bhutanese guide and accommodation is in comfortable hotels with all meals included.
A short walk in Bhutan - eight-day gentle walking and cultural tour This eight-day gentle walking trip offers the perfect introduction to some of the cultural highlights and scenic delights of Bhutan. You begin with sightseeing om Thimphu and a walk to Cheri Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most historic temples before travelling over the Dochu La Pass to Punakha, the former winter capital. In Punakha you take a lovely valley walk and visit the beautiful riverside dzong. Driving back to Paro you take a pretty walk from the Dochu La through beautiful forest. You then drive up to the Chele La Pass and take the lovely walk to Kila Nunnery, before ending your trip with the walk up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s greatest cultural treasure and a fitting conclusion to a superb extension. You will stay in good quality, comfortable hotels throughout and all meals are included.
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
- Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
- Idyllic setting with mountain views
- The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
- Eco-friendly
We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.
The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.
The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.
All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.