Nepal Adventure 2022
![Nepal Tour Map [small].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2a1962_99577919788e450290081fbefd44354c~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_55,y_0,w_1150,h_718/fill/w_502,h_313,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Nepal%20Tour%20Map%20%5Bsmall%5D.jpg)
Join us on an adventure tour through some of Nepal's most unique and photogenic locations, from the old kingdom-towns to the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
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Dates: March-April 2022
Group size: max 12 persons
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Get up and close to Nepal by experiencing and photographing historical places, spectacular mountains and meet the warm and friendly locals.
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Your guide, Andrei Stoica will make everything happen. Andrei is an avid photographer living in Arizona who visited Nepal and trekked in the Himalayas twice before. He fell in love with its unique history, nature, and people of this wonderful country. His photos were published in National Geographic and other magazines, while his latest photos are frequently shared on social media.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and check-in at our hotel in the heart of historical Thamel neighborhood.
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Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Start the day at sunrise by exploring Thamel, with its temples, shops, and witness some of the daily life of its citizens.
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After breakfast, we travel to one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, the Swayambhunath Temple. The site is also known as the Monkey Temple for its holy monkeys roaming around!
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Next up, Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, features a huge stupa of Boudha and we'll get to witness the many devotees present there day and night.
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Finally, we'll stop at one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath Temple, a picturesque collection of temples, shrines, hermitages, images & inscriptions. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple, but we'll be able to visit the rest of the complex and, hopefully, meet some photogenic sadhus (holy men).
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In the evening we'll have some free time for shopping and a traditional Nepali restaurant.
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Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Patan and Bhaktapur
After breakfast we check out from our hotel in Kathmandu and head to Patan Durbar Square, an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples, belonging to the medieval period 15th to 17th century.
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Next up, we leave for Bhaktapur, another ancient town, and visit Durbar Square, one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley that highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The centerpiece is the 55 Window Palace built in the 17th century.
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Evening welcome dinner at Nepali Chulo. Traditional dinner with dances.
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Overnight in Bhaktapur.
Day 4: Bandipur
After breakfast we drive to Bandipur, a beautifully preserved hilltop village with a lot of history on display.
Along the way we'll make a few stops to photograph a suspension bridge over the Trishuli river and other photogenic locations.
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Sunset in Bandipur.
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Overnight in Bandipur.
Day 5: Pokhara
We wake up very early to catch the sunrise. After breakfast we hop into our van and head to Pokhara, just a couple of hours away.
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After checking in at the hotel, we'll stroll through town and take a boat ride on Phewa Lake to photograph the Annapurna Mountains and the Barahi Temple located in the middle of the lake.
If time permits we'll climb to the World Peace Pagoda, overlooking the Phewa Lake.
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Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 6: Trekking from Ulleri (1960m) to Ghorepani (2850m)
In the morning we drive to Ulleri, a tiny mountain village where we start our first day of trekking into the Himalayas!
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From Ulleri the trail takes us to Ghorepani among bright red rhododendron forests. Walking time is about 5 hours.
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After a good lunch and some rest, we'll climb to the highest point of our trek, Poon Hill (3210m) to catch the sunset in one the most beautiful locations along our itinerary. Here we get great views of Annapurna South (7219m), Himchuli (6440m) and Fishtail (6996m)​ mountains. After sunset we return to our hotel in Ghorepani for a well deserved dinner. Walking time is about 2.5 hours.
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Overnight in Ghorepani.
Day 7: Trekking from Ghorepani (2850m) to Tadapani (2590m)
Today we walk over mountains and valleys from Ghorepani to Tadapani through oak and rhododendron forests. There are many small but lovely waterfalls along the way, so we'll make sure to have our tripods ready. Walking time is about 6-7 hours.
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Overnight in Tadapani.
Day 8: Trekking from Tadapani (2590m) to Ghandrung (1940m)
Today our trail leads us from Tadapani to Ghandrung. Walking time is about 4 hours.
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Ghandrung is a small village perched on the side of the mountain with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch and a little nap, we'll be ready to capture the sunset.
Overnight in Ghandrung.
Day 9: Day off in Ghandrung!
Today is your day off :) We'll take time to rest, walk about the village and take photos of the surrounding mountains.
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In the evening we'll do a review of participants' photos and discuss our Nepali experience so far.
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Overnight in Ghandrung.
Day 10: Trekking from Ghandrung (1940m) to Nayapul (1050m) and Hemjakot
After breakfast, we trek from Ghandrung to Nayapul, an almost descending and flat trail along the banks of Modi River. Walking time is about 5 hours.
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From Nayapul, we drive to Phedi and then trek to Hemjakot. We are staying at a guest house owned by a local teacher; their family will host and cook for us in a very welcoming setting and we'll get a glimpse of Nepali village lifestyle.
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Overnight in Hemjakot.
Day 11: Hemjakot and Pokhara
After a hearty breakfast we take a short hike to the closest road and drive to Davi’s Falls, an impressive waterfall.
After checking into our hotel in Pokhara, we visit the old bazaar as colorful as its ethnically diverse people.
Next up: Bindhyabasini Temple, with its rich architecture, arts and crafts.
In the afternoon we visit Gupteswor Guffa, the holy cave.
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Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 12: Kathmandu
After breakfast, we fly to Kathmandu and check into our hotel.
Free time in Kathmandu.
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In the evening we have a farewell dinner together with our trekking crew.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast we drive to the airport to catch our flights home.
What to expect
This trip has an activity rating of moderately strenuous; travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods, and prepared for multiple hours of activity on some days. Trekking will include navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs without handrails, and walking on paths with steep ascents/descents.
Accommodations are generally 3 star hotels in towns and "tea house" rooms during trekking. Tea houses generally include basic rooms for 2-3 persons and shared bathrooms.​
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Click here for a detailed list of recommendations -- what to pack and what to expect.
Prices
The trip cost is $(TBD) USD per person for lodging in a double room. Add $300 per person for a single room.
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A $800 USD deposit is required when booking this adventure. The balance is due 30 days prior to the departure date.
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Cancellations and refund policy
Cancellation greater than 60 days from the start date: full refund minus a $300 fee.
45 days or more: 75% refund
30 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 30 days: no refund
Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made. Refunds will be initiated within 72 hours of the time that the request is approved.
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Although very unlikely, Arizona Photo Adventures LLC reserves the right to cancel the tour at any time for a variety of reasons (for example, if a minimum number of participants is not met or if unforeseen circumstances dramatically impacted cost of the tour or global conditions somehow warranted a cancellation).
In the very unlikely event of a cancellation, all funds/deposits paid to Arizona Photo Adventures LLC would be refunded to participants; however no compensation would be made for participant flight cancellation fees or any other associated travel costs.
What's included
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Transportation by private van throughout our trip, including airport pickup and drop-off
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During our stay in towns:
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Lodging in 3-star hotels
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All necessary permits and entrance tickets for visiting temples, etc.
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Breakfast
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During our trekking in the Himalayas:
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Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner, lodging in "tea houses"
- Tea or coffee
- Local guides
- Porters (we only need to carry a small backpack)
- Comprehensive first aid
- All necessary permits
- Trekking map
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency​
- Tips for trekking guide and porters
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What's not included
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Flights to and from Nepal
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Meals not mentioned above (i.e. lunch and dinner outside our trek)
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Nepal entry visa fee $25 for 15 days (you need to obtain one upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport)
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Alcoholic beverages and any drinks not included in the menu
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Excess baggage charges for the internal flight (Pokhara to Kathmandu)
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During our trek: hot showers, battery charges
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Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslides, strikes, political unrest, etc.
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Travel insurance: it's advisable to carry both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for any adventure
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Although most locations offer free WiFi, we highly recommend purchasing a mobile phone SIM card (less than $10 for 7GB of data) for easier access to the internet
Legal
Our lawyers insist that all participants must sign an agreement and waiver form. Please read it here and be ready to sign it upon payment. If the agreement is not signed 30 days prior to the tour start date, we would have to cancel your participation and refund the payment as per the refund policy above.