Nepal
From the Kathmandu Valley to the Himalayan foothills, this trip unlocks Nepal in a way most travellers never experience it. Think temple-lined backstreets, mountain hikes with unreal views, and spontaneous moments you simply can’t plan.
You’ll raft the Trishuli River, learn traditional craft from local artisans, cook Nepali dishes in family homes, and explore hill villages at a pace that actually lets things sink in. The days are full and varied, but there’s also space to choose your own story – extra hikes, hidden cafés, yoga lessons or simply exploring.
Many travellers come to Nepal purely for the big-name treks, but that’s not what this trip is about. We focus on balance – three days of trekking woven into a wider journey that’s cultural, hands-on, and genuinely immersive. The route we take is less well-known than the classic circuits, so you won’t be surrounded by crowds. Instead, you’ll hike through quiet villages, meet locals along the way, and experience Nepal beyond the well-trodden paths.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Airport transfer included.
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Get ready for an early start to the next day
Day 2: Kurintar
Hit the road to Charaundi, your launch point for a thrilling white water adventure. Paddle through the scenic Trishuli River, flanked by steep hills and remote villages. Spend the night at a rustic riverside camp – fall asleep to the sound of the water
Included activities: White water rafting on the Trishuli river
Day 3: Pokhara
After breakfast by the river, drive west to Pokhara, Nepal’s laid-back adventure capital. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Lake Phewa or sipping masala chai with a mountain view
Day 4: Pokhara
A free day to get ready for your upcoming trek. Stock up on snacks or gear, enjoy a lakeside walk, or take a boat ride across shimmering waters, or just relax in one of Pokhara’s many riverside cafes with a view.
Optional paid activities: Paragliding, yoga, hike to Australian Base Camp, walk to Sarangkot View Tower (free), paddleboarding on Lake Phewa, massage & spa
Day 5: Pumdi Bhumdi (TREK BEGINS)
Start with a rowboat across Lake Phewa, then climb to the World Peace Pagoda for sweeping views of Pokhara and the Annapurna range
After lunch, continue trekking through peaceful hills to the quiet village of Pumdi Bhumdi for sunset
Included activities: rowboat across Lake Phewa, World Peace Pagoda, trekking
Day 6: Panchase Banjyang
Today’s hike will take you through the forest and terraced hills before reaching Panchase Banjyang
Included activities: full-day trek
Day 7: Pokhara (TREK ENDS)
Sunrise hike to the peak of Panchase Banjyang and then return to Pokhara. Reward yourself with a hot shower – and maybe a local beer and a massage
Included activities: trekking
Day 8: Pokhara
Visit the Women’s Skills Development Organisation, a non-profit Fair Trade organization that has been working since 1975 to empower socially and economically disadvantaged women of rural Nepal. Free afternoon to relax or do activities you didn’t get a chance to do on day 4
Included activities: Women’s Skills Development Organisation visit
Day 9: Tansen
Private transfer through windy mountain roads to get to Tansen, a culturally rich hidden gem in the hills of Central Nepal, with a stop at a breathtaking 300m long rope bridge.
Admire the change in scenery as it becomes less mountainous and more lush and green
Arrive at a family-run homestay
Included activities: Tindobate-Pelakot Suspension Bridge
Day 10: Tansen
Start the day with a sunrise walk up Shreenagar Hill, where you can watch locals doing their morning exercises as a sea of clouds drifts below the viewpoint – a peaceful and unforgettable way to greet the day. Then continue onwards to visit a small farm or return to the homestay to rest.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Tansen at your own pace or wander into the surrounding countryside. Stroll through the town’s quiet lanes, discover hidden viewpoints, or hike down to the romantic Rani Mahal – often referred to as Nepal’s own Taj Mahal, built as a monument to love.
Included activities: Sunrise hike and farm visit
Day 11: Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Woodworking class in the afternoon with a local artisan whose family has been in the art for generations before the group goodbye dinner.
Included activities: Woodworking class with an artisan
Day 12: Kathmandu departure day
Flights or onward travel. Airport transfer included.
We can recommend longer trek and activity providers – just ask
At a glance
Food
32 meals (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners including a welcome dinner and goodbye dinner)
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nights), Teahouses on trekking routes (2 nights), Camping (1 night), Homestay (2 nights)
Transport
Flight (Bhairawa – Kathmandu), Private car/jeep transfers, taxis or buses to / from group activities and dinners (if not within walking distance), 2 tourist buses
Activities
- White water rafting and camping
- Rowboat ride across Lake Phewa
- World Peace Pagoda
- Panchase Banjyang trek (including sunrise hike to the peak)
- Nepalese cooking class
- Woodworking class with an artisan
- Women’s Skills Development Organisation visit
- Tindobate-Pelakot Suspension Bridge
- Sunrise walk and farm visit in Tansen
You’ll be backpacking and on the move – we keep things comfortable but real, and put the budget where it matters: local culture, meaningful encounters, and experiences you can’t book on Google.
Food
Three meals a day are included. Some days with early starts or where we’re on the move may mean a lighter packed meal on the go.
Accommodation
Shared rooms with individual beds across guesthouses, hostels, homestays and mid-range hotels. We prioritise places rated 8.5+ on major booking platforms, and when we go off-grid to family-run stays (where online ratings don’t exist), we choose places with the same level of care and comfort. Private rooms can be arranged for an extra fee.
Transport
All domestic travel is covered – planes, trains, taxis, buses, jeeps, and whatever else it takes to get you into the places most travellers never reach.
Activities
Permits and local guides
Tips for local guides are included, though you’re welcome to give extra if someone goes above and beyond.
Support
24/7 on-the-ground support from your experienced OTW trip leader
Opportunities to lead
If you’re up for it, you can apply to be a trip leader. You’ll be assessed on your first trip and if you pass the assessment, you’ll be able to lead future trips and travel for free (we’ll cover your costs on the ground, you cover your flights and extras). If you’re interested, let us know when signing up.
What’s not included
Flights to and from Nepal, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional add-ons beyond the group itinerary.
Why choose us over the big operators?
Groups that make sense – We’re for 18–35s who want to get to know the places they’re visiting, not tick off a cookie-cutter itinerary. Everyone’s at a similar stage in life, keeping the energy active, curious, and ready to engage. Plus, we keep our groups small (no more than 8 people), which means you get to know each other and travel as new friends.
Experiences you can’t find elsewhere – From hidden corners to unique local encounters, our trips include activities and access built from years of local knowledge and trusted contacts. Some experiences aren’t even bookable on Google.
Leadership opportunities – Come back as a team leader and travel for free while gaining hands-on experience running a trip.
Give back for real – We work directly with communities. Volunteer and learn from local organisations to understand challenges in the places we’re visiting.
A community beyond the trip – Meet like-minded travellers who often become lifelong friends or adventure partners.
Mentorship – The team is around if you want guidance before, during, or after the trip.
Everything essential included – All group activities, 3 meals a day and experiences on the itinerary are covered unless specified. Add-ons exist, but only if you want them.
Nepal
12 days, 11 nights
Price: £1390
Dates:
(1) October 14-25th 2026
Optional extras:
- Private room supplement = £130 (You’ll have a private room on most nights. During teahouse stays while trekking, private rooms are only available if there is space, otherwise you’ll be in a shared room)
Can’t make these exact dates? Sign up anyway and we’ll see what we can do: Apply now
More dates and destinations to be announced, let us know your availability here: https://www.otwtravels.com/future-trips/
Add-ons
If you’re planning to stay in Nepal a little longer, here are a few ideas to inspire the next part of your adventure. These are not part of the trip, but you can easily arrange them through local trekking and tour companies:
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Pikey Peak Trek (7 days, 6 nights) – a shorter, quieter route with distant Everest views and a completely different feel from the Annapurna region
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Other trekking routes
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Meditation or yoga retreats
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Chitwan National Park safari
We’re not your standard “book and go” travel company. We create trips for curious, open-minded travellers who want real experiences. Our groups are small, so it’s important that everyone gets along and knows what to expect before committing.
There are two ways to join:
1. Join as a Traveller
If you want to relax and enjoy the trip, knowing everything is taken care of:
Step 1: Sign up using the application form below
Step 2: We’ll schedule a quick call so you can ask questions and know exactly what to expect
Step 3: Once you’re ready, we’ll send a link to pay your deposit and secure your spot (non-refundable once confirmed)
Step 4: The full balance is due at least one month before departure – we’ll send you a reminder
- 2. Join as a Future Trip Leader
If you want to take on more responsibility — leading groups, creating content, or being part of the community behind the scenes:
• Step 1: Submit the same application form
• Step 2: If shortlisted, you’ll have a short video chat with our founder
• Step 3: If it’s a fit, we’ll confirm your place, and you’ll be assessed during the trip
