Small group trip · Nepal · 12 days
Nepal, beyond the big-name treks
From the Kathmandu Valley to the Himalayan foothills, this trip unlocks Nepal in a way most travellers never experience it. You’ll raft the Trishuli River, learn traditional craft from local artisans, learn to cook Nepali dishes, and explore hill villages at a pace that lets things sink in.
Three days of trekking are woven into a wider journey that’s cultural, hands-on and immersive. Our route is less well-known than the classic circuits, so you’ll hike through quiet villages and meet local people along the way.
Built forUnder 35s
Trekking3 days
Over 35, or rather go at your own pace? Try our DIY trip kit or bespoke trip planning, built from the same knowledge and contacts we have in the region
Highlights
- A heritage walking tour of ancient Patan and a woodworking class with a local artisan
- White water rafting and a night camping by the river
- A three-day trek to Panchase, ending with sunrise from the peak
- A boat ride across Lake Phewa and a hike up to the World Peace Pagoda
- A Nepalese cooking class in Pokhara
- Two nights in a homestay in Tansen, with a sunrise hike above the clouds
Day by day
Route
- KathmanduDays 1–2
- CharaundiDay 3
- PokharaDay 4
- Panchase trekDays 5–7
- PokharaDays 7–8
- TansenDays 9–10
- KathmanduDays 11–12
Day 1 · Arrival and welcome dinner
Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and settle in, then meet the group for a welcome dinner.
Day 2 · Patan and a woodworking class
Kathmandu
Explore Patan in the morning on a heritage walking tour of the ancient city. Free time in the afternoon, then a woodworking class with a local artisan before dinner.
Day 3 · White water rafting
Charaundi
Take the road to Charaundi for a day of white water rafting, then camp for the night.
Day 4 · On to Pokhara
Pokhara
Hit the road to Pokhara and take it easy. Rest, relax and catch up on laundry if you need to, with a free afternoon before dinner.
Day 5 · Trek begins
Panchase trek
Set off on foot in the morning for a two-night trek through the hills.
Day 6 · Into Panchase
Panchase
Continue the trek and arrive in Panchase.
Day 7 · Sunrise at Panchase Peak
Pokhara
Wake early for sunrise from Panchase Peak, then head back down to Pokhara. The afternoon is free, with plenty in Pokhara to fill it, or just some well-earned rest.
Day 8 · Lake Phewa and a cooking class
Pokhara
Take a boat across Lake Phewa and hike up to the World Peace Pagoda. Later, learn to cook Nepalese dishes in a cooking class.
Day 9 · Peaceful Tansen
Tansen
Drive to Tansen, a peaceful hill town that most travellers skip or only stop in briefly. We think it deserves more time. Cross the Tindikot suspension bridge, then arrive at the homestay.
Day 10 · Sunrise above the clouds
Tansen
Head out early for a sunrise hike above the clouds, then explore Tansen in the afternoon.
Day 11 · Back to Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Travel back to Kathmandu, usually by plane, for a goodbye dinner with the group.
Day 12 · Departure day
Kathmandu
Flights home or onward travel.
What’s included
Three meals a day, including welcome and goodbye dinners. Some travel days mean a lighter packed meal on the go.
Shared rooms with individual beds, at places rated 8.5+ or chosen with the same care when we go off-grid. Private rooms on request.
Private jeeps, buses, taxis and the flight back to Kathmandu, plus airport transfers.
All group activities on the itinerary, permits, local guides and their tips.
An experienced leader on the ground with you the whole way.
Interested in leading? Tell us when you apply and we’ll assess you on the trip.
Not included: flights to and from Nepal, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional add-ons beyond the group itinerary.
Dates and prices
Private rooms available on request (shared rooms on teahouse nights if space is tight). Can’t make these dates? Apply anyway and we’ll see what we can do, or register interest in future trips.
How joining works
Fill in the short application form so we can get to know you.
We’ll chat so you can ask questions and know exactly what to expect.
When you’re ready we send a link to secure your spot.
The rest is due a month before departure. We’ll send a reminder.
Why travel with OTW
Built for 18 to 35s, never more than 10, so you travel as new friends.
Access built on years of local knowledge and trusted contacts.
We work directly with communities and local organisations.
Mentorship, and the chance to come back as a leader and travel free.
from £1,390
Departures April and October