Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 14 days

Nepal is one of the planet's greatest outdoor adventure hotspots. This legendary trip was handmade by Smiling Albino and a longtime Nepal resident with all the ingredients that have made our trips famous - various modes of transport, multi-activities, amazing venues, wonderful hotels, outstanding food, quirky corners, neat local characters and breathtaking scenery. This truly is the ultimate Nepal dream trip, focusing on the must do's and see's while adding many hidden gems only a local would know about. You'll stay at Kathmandu's coolest hotel, mountainbike, ride on a Royal Enfield motorcycle, white water raft, trek quiet mountain paths and enjoy the country's premier lake as the Himalayas tower above. Saddle-up for the best multi-activity, stylish Nepal experience there is - period.

Note: should you require return airfare from Bangkok to Kathmandu we can arrange it aboard Thai Airways International for about $800US. Please contact us for current prices on this flight.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Nepal

Arrange your flight to land in Kathmandu and upon arrival a Smiling Albino host will meet and guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu's narrow, winding streets and introduce you to your incredible digs at one of the coolest hotels. Tonight we'll treat you to a traditional Newari dinner (Newars are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley) at one of the capital's tastiest restaurants and prepare you for the adventure ahead. While in Kathmandu you'll stay at Dwarika's, arguably the country's top property.

Meals: D

Day 2 - Big Sights on Big Bikes

Get ready for a truly exclusive day that only Smiling Albino can pull off - exploring Kathmandu's perennial sites perched on the back of classic Royal Enfield motorcycles. You'll have one of the city's best drivers chauffer you pillion-style, so you can sit back, take in the sights and smells, while locals envy your ride (a van option exists for those who do not want to ride on a motorcycle).

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 - Tibetan Soul & Mountain Bikes

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then we'll visit Boudhanath, the heart and soul of the Tibetan Buddhist community in Nepal. Circumnavigate the massive stupa, then it's onto mountain bikes and through the beautiful Kathmandu valley. Note: non-cyclists can enjoy other activities/sites this afternoon.

Meals: B,L

Day 4 - The Big Down

Today we leave the Kathmandu valley on mountain bikes, cycling over the valley rim and into a great downhill ride which will leave us all smiles for the remainder of the day. Upon arrival at the Trisuli River we'll camp by the riverbank in comfortable style. You'll be amazed at the size of the team on-hand to set up tents, serve drinks, hot tea, snacks and make sure your outdoor experience is a perfect one. Note: non-cyclists can enjoy the day via ride-along support vehicle.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - Rafting and Trekking

We start with rafting which isn't too wild, providing a great introduction to the sport with a few fun kicks here and there and you're sure to get wet as well. After a couple hours on the water we'll enjoy a superbly prepared lunch along the river then trade boats for shoes at Hugdi Khola and start trekking.

This trek is perfect for all fit comers. It's low altitude, not quite reaching 2,000m, and follows little-visited paths by foreigners, giving you an authentic experience without running into other travelers. You'll truly be knocked-out by the scenery while not having to contend with altitude.

Our trek involves mostly climbing up toward our destination, drawing us in to the spectacular views of the mountains from Annapurna in the west to Langtang in the east.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - Meet the Honey Hunters

Today is a hiker's dream. We'll take our time following ancient footpaths and climbing up, as spectacular views of the magnificent Himalayas, the amazing landscape of the Mahabharata range, terraced fields, forests with unspoilt biodiversity and lovely villages spur you on. Tonight's camp is at Chepang Gaun, home of the fabled Chepangs, or Honey Hunters, who in spite of being one of the most disadvantaged communities in Nepal, are exceptionally rich in terms of their culture and traditions.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Chepang Gaun

Today we'll explore the village, walking with locals and learning about their unique lifestyles. The Chepang once relied only on hunting and gathering and were introduced to the world as the Honey Hunters of Nepal in the November 1988 issue of National Geographic Magazine. Or, if you like, relax at camp and enjoy the views - what a day!

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - Trek to Uppar Dang Gadi

This is our longest day of the trek but definitely the most beautiful. We'll pass quaint villages, enthusiastic locals and some of the world's greatest scenery to Uppar Dang Gadi, a classic octagonal artillery fort, then into the Chitwan hills that defended the surrounding countryside. The fort offers the perfect spot for our final camp and panorama views of the Himalayan Range. This is without one of the world's coolest campsites.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 9 - Trek and Chitwan

We start by trekking down towards the lowland of Nepal called the Terai. Our trek ends in Shaktikhor, the southern gateway to the Mahabharata Range then we continue by vehicle to Chitwan National Park. Tonight we'll stay at Sapana Village Lodge, one of the best places to hang your hat and get a true appreciation for this stunning national park. We'll start getting to know the jungle and its inhabitants on a late afternoon jungle safari - keep an eye out for the incredible birdlife as dusk falls across the vast lowlands of the Terai.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 10 - Chitwan National Park Safari

This is a day never to be forgotten - a full day of safari action including wildlife viewing from elephant back, jungle walks, bird-watching, Landrover drives and river safaris. All wildlife activities are escorted by an experienced naturalist that will impress you with knowledge of all things big and small. Wildlife in Chitwan National Park includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer as well as a wide variety of bird life. After lunch we'll visit and learn about the local culture, very different from the people of the middle hills with whom we've been staying with during our trek. We'll mount old-school bicycles and pedal to small villages, sharing the road with ox-carts, buffalo and other cyclists.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 11 - Safari and Pokhara

After a morning safari we'll take gorgeous roads to one of the country's premier destinations, Pokhara. Our late-afternoon arrival allows us to enjoy sunset with the Annapurna massif in the background. We'll stay at the Fishtail Lodge, situated lakeside next to the Pokhara Valley. It has spectacular, panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) and three of the world's 8,000m peaks, Daulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna. Tonight we'll dine at one of the area's finest restaurants.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 12 - Enjoy Pokhara

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish: explore Pokhara town, try paragliding, go fishing, boating, trekking, bird watching, golfing or curl up in a comfy chair next to the swimming pool.

Meals: B,D

Day 13 - Back to Kathmandu

A 30-minute morning flight along the Himalayan range takes us back to Kathmandu for one final night. We'll top things off with an amazing foot trip of alleyways and courtyards in old Kathmandu, taking you into the heart of locals' lives. Spend the remainder of the day shopping ancient bazaars before our final feast together when we're bound to be recounting tales of the adventure.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 14 - Depart Kathmandu

We'll enjoy a huge breakfast of champions, tell one final round of tales about the trip, then transfer you to the airport, bid farewell and look forward to our paths crossing again.

Meals: B

 

return to the main travel page...

FAQs

What kind of clothing & equipment should I bring to Nepal?

You'll need a reasonable variety of clothes to best enjoy your trip, from light active wear for hiking, to warmer clothes for evenings at higher elevations, and at least one nice, casual outfit for city dining. As this is a physical adventure, you may wish to bring some of your favorite personal equipment such as: bike helmet, biking shorts, biking gloves and hydration pack.

Keep in mind that Nepalese are very modest and don't appreciate visitors passing through their communities or visiting temples in tank-top shirts and shorts. Having appropriate clothing - sleeved shirts and long pants - will ensure you make the best of your adventure.

For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

What is the biking like in Nepal?

During our days mountain biking we use high-quality, 24-speed Shimano-equipped mountain bikes, with front suspension. A variety of sizes are available to accommodate all riders. You'll be riding on paved roads, dirt roads and possibly even some single-track. The riding routes are easily adaptable to all comers, but experience on a bike and gearing, coupled with a good level of physical fitness will ensure you enjoy this trip.

How much hiking will we do in Nepal?

On trekking days you'll be climbing up and down steep mountain footpaths. A reasonable level of fitness and stamina is important. Big hiking boots are not needed, but a comfortable outdoor shoe is definitely recommended. Expect to be hiking for up to 6 - 8 hours per day. This adventure is designed to be physically active yet flexible. While biking and rafting are easily left out, hiking is a major component of the trip and not avoidable.

What is the camping like?

You'll enjoy five nights of fully supported camping, getting the most out of the great outdoors. A full crew will be on hand, including sherpas and porters to carry all equipment, your main pack. They'll set up and tear down camp, cook three incredible meals per day and make sure all you have to do is relax and enjoy the walk and vistas. There will be a shower available on one day during the camping portion of the trip, with hand and face washing basins on offer all other days. Each traveler will enjoy their own private sleeping tent with sleeping mat. It is recommended that you bring a three-season sleeping bag though sleeping bag rental can be arranged if needed.

Will I get altitude sickness on this trip?

On the Nepal Grand Slam you won't go over 2,200m, therefore altitude sickness is extremely unlikely.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

Do I need any special visa for Nepal or Tibet?

For information on visas, as well as general details on customs and how to prepare for your trip, visit our Nepal Tips page.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

return to the main travel page...

Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Like to stay an extra night in Kathmandu before or after the trip?

Extra nights at Dwarika's $310US/night (double) or $290US/night (single).

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a flight to Bangkok before or after your adventure in Nepal?

Should you require return airfare from Bangkok to Kathmandu we can arrange it aboard Thai Airways International for approximatley $800US. Please contact us for current prices on this flight.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $115US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Novotel Suvarnabhumi $220US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

return to the main travel page...