Chic, Boutique Heritage Hotels - Meet the friendly people of Nepal - History and Culture
A one week Nepal vacation. Ideal for "culture vultures" and families too. A gentle tour of the delights of rural Nepal staying at our very own boutique heritage hotels in hill village Nuwakot and the Newari mountain town of Bandipur. A great way to discover the real soul of Nepal and avoiding the main tourist traps too. For a bit of fun, there's a journey down the Trisuli River by raft (optional) with an overnight halt at our permanent riverside camp too.
The trip begins spectacularly with the journey out of the Kathmandu Valley to be greeted by the magnificent sight of the Himalayas and to reach the idyllic, traditional hill village of Nuwakot and the wonderfully atmospheric Famous Farm Inn. Explore the delights of Nuwakot and meet the friendly locals before taking to the waters of the Trisuli River arriving at our permanent riverside camp by raft! It's the onwards and upwards to the ancient Newari town of Bandipur from where there are stunning views of Manaslu and the Annapurnas.
Of course, as Snow Cat Travel are custom Nepal specialists, this itinerary can be readily and effortlessly customized to your requirements. The rafting (for example) isn't compulsory. You can spend longer time at the locations and add in "other stuff" like a visit to Pokhara, time in Kathmandu or even a short trek.
Example Fully- Customizable Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and travel by private vehicle towards the Langtang Himal, into the rural foothills of the Himalayas and the beautiful village of Nuwakot. It's around 3 hours drive on a mountain road that when you reach the 2000m pass, you'll be greeted with panoramic Himalayan views. You'll be staying at the Famous Farm. A former Newari Manor House, tastefully converted to provide atmospheric accommodation. It has its own large, private hillside gardens, as well as vegetable growing area and is a favorite with couple and families with children alike, particularly as there are ducks, chickens, turkeys and goats running around the gardens.
Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
Meals: D
Day 2 - Explore Nuwakot
Adjust to Nuwakot time, i.e., slow, relaxed and peaceful. In the morning a member of Famous Farm staff will take you on a little walking tour of Nuwakot village environs. You may appreciate visiting the school here (the local kids will be happy to see you all), as well as the small school for the deaf, mute children (the only one of its kind in Nepal). Outside the main school is a large, flat area that the kids use to play. You will be made very welcome to join in and play too if there's a kickabout going on, or a spot of skipping, or whatever the local children are up to. English is taught at school in Nepal from an early age and the local kids will be very, very pleased to try out what they have learned. Of course, interactive cultural encounters cannot be manufactured, but our staff are happy to help you or your family engage with the friendly people of Nuwakot. The afternoon is free for you to explore further, or get involved with whatever might be going on that you or your family might like. Enjoy another tasty Nepali dinner at the Famous Farm and as we have an open kitchen here, by all means, pop in and see how they prepare typical Nepali cuisine
Accommodation: The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
Meals: BLD
Day 3 - Rafting on The Trisuli River
If rafting isn't your thing... don't worry. This is a private tour, and the rafting is not compulsory. Just let us know, and we can customize accordingly. For example be driven to the Trislui Centre Camp, or miss the camp out altogether and be driven from Nuwakot to Bandipur. However, if you're up for a bit of rafting, then it's time to get wet... well, maybe just a little! You'll be driven down to the Trisuli Valley floor and the river banks. Here you'll be taking to the waters of the Trisuli River in a raft. You'll be given wetsuits, life jackets, safety helmets and a safety briefing from the rafting guide. Naturally, you all get paddles too, as you're part of the rafting team. The rafting itself is quite straightforward with a lot of slow water paddling, mixed in with some whitewater fun (grade 2-3). With a riverside picnic stop along the way, around 3 hours (total) paddling brings you to the permanent river bank camp. Your main baggage will be taken to your overnight halt by private vehicle, and anything you want with you for the rafting can be stored in dry bags on board. Have a game of beach volleyball in the afternoon, explore the locality, rest and perhaps enjoy a campfire, BBQ dinner, and a balmy sub-tropical climate.
Accommodation: Trisuli Centre Camp (The Big Fig)
Meals: BLD
Day 4 - To Bandipur
After a relaxing riverside breakfast, you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. Following the highway for a short while, you then turn left to ascend a mountain road that climbs up around 900m into the hills on the southern side of the Trisuli River Valley. Here lies the small, peaceful, ancient town of Bandipur, which occupies an enviable 'eagle's nest' location perched high in the hills with uninterrupted views over to Manaslu and the Annapurnas. Your accommodation here is located in the heart of the town, in a welcoming pedestrianized area. From the terraces of the Old Inn, there are commanding views of the Himalaya, and there's a very relaxed feel about Bandipur. In the afternoon a member of our staff from The Old Inn will take you on a familiarisation walk around Bandipur.
Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur
Meals: BLD
Day 5 - Explore Bandipur
Today you can explore Bandipur and beyond at your leisure, chill out on the Old Inn Terrace and enjoy the Himalayan views, read that book you've always promised yourself you would read, or whatever else takes your fancy. One additional option would be to take a guided walk to the hill village of Ramkot, one of the last places in Nepal where traditional round houses can still be found - please note, that this option must be booked in advance at additional cost.
Accommodation: The Old Inn, Bandipur
Meals: BLD
Day 6- Private transfer to Kathmandu Airport. Depart Nepal
A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight. The journey time is around 4-5hrs, so international flights that are scheduled to depart Kathmandu late afternoon onwards are recommended.
Meals: B
For full details of this unique and special Nepal cultural vacation visit- Rural Heritage Nepal Tour
