Ker and Downey Nepal

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 13 night / 14 day itinerary is considered to be one of the most comprehensive programs offered in Nepal. It allows guests to experience all aspects of this wonderful and exciting country. It has been designed so that the minimum amount of time is spent travelling between each destination, enabling one to enjoy the best that each activity can provide. The Royal Nepal Spectacular features the 5-star Hyatt Hotel (in Kathmandu), the 5-star Shangri-La Village (in Pokhara), Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek), Ker & Downey River Camp (on the Seti Gandaki River) and Tiger Tops Tented Camp (in Royal Chitwan National Park)

Note:

Customized Trek, Raft and Chitwan programs of varying lengths can be provided on request.

Rates:

US$ 3350 Per Person
Single Supplement US $ 650
Optional Mount Everest Flight including transfers: US$ 185
Optional Annapurna Mountain Flight including transfers – US$ 165

Departure Dates

ITINERARY

DAY 1: KATHMANDU (4265 ft / 1300 meters):
Reception at international airport and transfer to the centrally located Hyatt Hotel. The Hyatt Hotel is a unique property featuring a temple complex in its lobby as well as 25 acres of land. There will be a briefing on our program. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. This is followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel.
O/N Hyatt Hotel

DAY 2: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE: (3750ft/1150m)
After an optional early morning flight to Mount Everest, we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft /1000 m).  We’ll have a briefing at the Ker & Downey head office before we transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided with a late afternoon arrival at the Lodge. (Trek time 3-4 hours).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 3: TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE, GHANDRUK. (6,600ft/2,012m). After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 4: HIMALAYA LODGE:
We wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 5: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE, BIREHTANTI: (3750ft/1150m)
After breakfast, we leave the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. You may also meet some of the trekkers coming down from or heading up to the Sanctuary itself. We continue descending for about 2 or 3 hours until we reach Shauli Bazaar. From here, we follow along the Modi River until reaching the Sanctuary Lodge. We’ll have lunch at the lodge followed by another opportunity to walk to the village of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the river bank. (Trek time 4 hrs).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 6: TREK TO GURUNG LODGE, MAJGAUN:(4620ft/1,400m) Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary lodge & trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge. The lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Trek time to the Lodge is just 2 hours. After lunch at the lodge, you will be escorted to the local village of Tanchok. There will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. There will also be a visit to the school and should there be more than 6 guests, the school children will visit the lodge and perform a number of local dances and songs typical of the region.
Overnight Gurung Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 7: TREK TO BASANTA LODGE, DHAMPUS (5000 ft / 1525 m).
This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ˝ hours, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.
Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 8: TREK TO POKHARA (3300 ft /1000 m)
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ˝ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll arrive at the Shangri-La Village in time for lunch. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are spacious, landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.
Overnight Shangri-La Village Resort (B, L, D)

DAY 9: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m)
After breakfast, we transfer to Damauli, a journey of some 1˝ hours through the countryside. Here we will be met by our experienced boat crew, who will give us a full briefing prior to launch. The Seti River has no road access so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the way to the camp. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari style tent with beds, changing room, veranda and attached bathroom. Rafting time 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 10: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m)
Today we will have a layover day at the Seti River Camp. This second day allows us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where no other travel companies go. After our hike, we can take a dip in the river. Lunch is at the camp. The afternoon is free to explore the landscaped gardens, riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house. Evenings are spent around an open fire of driftwood, at this unique safari-style river camp.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 11: The morning is spent rafting. There are 5 class 2 rapids. Again, each is no more than 165 ft / 50 meters. The remainder of the trip is a float when you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels. On completion of the rafting, we transfer by vehicle to the Royal Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey of some 2 hours.) On arrival at the park, we are transferred to the Tented Camp by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle. On arrival at camp, we will receive a briefing prior to an afternoon safari or nature walk. The safari-style tents at Tiger Tops have en suite bathrooms.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 12: The day is spent game viewing on elephant back and on foot. There are also lectures on the wildlife of the Park. Boat trips are available on request.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 13: After early morning game viewing and breakfast at camp, we will be transferred to the airfield. We’ll have a light lunch here before our 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll visit Pashupatinath, the holiest of the Hindu Temples in Kathmandu. We’ll then return to the hotel before enjoying our farewell dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarikas Hotel.  Overnight Hyatt Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 14: Transfer to international airport for your departure (B)

Royal Nepal Spectacular includes:

• Nepalese Tour Leader from start to finish
• Two nights' accommodation at the Hyatt Hotel:
  • Deluxe rooms
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Welcome dinner
• One nights' accommodation at Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara:  
  • Deluxe rooms
  • Full Board
• Six nights' accommodation in Ker & Downey's Lodges. Featuring:
  • Solar heated showers, flush toilets and electricity
  • All meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee while on trek
  • All laundry while on trek
  • Evening Happy Hour including soft drinks and local alcoholic
  • Services of qualified Ker & Downey guides and porters
  • The loan of Ker & Downey Trek Pack, which includes duffel bags, daypacks, hat and scarf (these items you may keep) walking stick, poncho
  • Down jackets, warm hats and gloves are provided in the lodges
  • A comprehensive group First Aid Kit, carried by your guide
• Three days, two nights rafting featuring:
  • Accommodation at Ker & Downey's Seti River Camp
  • All meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Evening Happy Hour including soft drinks and local alcoholic
  • All equipment including life vests, helmets, dry bags, spray suits and rafting booties
• Two nights accommodation in Tiger Tops Tented Camp including
  • All activities
  • All meals
  • Drinking water, coffee and tea
• Sightseeing in Kathmandu:
  • Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
  • Farewell dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant
  • All internal air and land transfers in Nepal
  • All permits
  • Use of trained guides throughout your trip

Royal Nepal Spectacular excludes:

International air, departure taxes, insurance, gratuities, Mount Everest Flight, Beverages with meals

ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.