11-Nights Nepal: Kathmandu and the Himalaya - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu Valley presents a striking vista of tiered temples and ochre monasteries embraced by green hills. Old courtyards showcase centuries of Newari artistry and spiritual practice, adorned with detailed carvings and waving prayer flags. The city’s energy is apparent in its markets, a sensory experience of colorful fabrics, fragrant spices and echoing merchants’ calls.

Among Kathmandu’s significant landmarks are the meticulously restored Durbar Square and Teleju Temple, which stand near Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the ancient Royal Palace protected by the revered deity Hanuman. Within the city, glimpse the Kumari, the Living Goddess. Kathmandu’s vibrant bazaars and backstreets then offer a sensory experience, capped by a rickshaw ride. Explore Patan, a city renowned for its metalwork. Visit Durbar Square, the Golden Temple and Krishna Mandir. Then, discover Nepal’s cultural history at the Patan Museum, featuring Hindu and Buddhist metal sculptures.

A brief flight from Kathmandu delivers you to Pokhara, where majestic snow-clad peaks overlook pristine lakes, including the serene Fewa Taal. Machhapuchhare’s foothills embrace the city, its beauty mirrored in the lake where Barahi Temple sits. Nearby, the International Mountain Museum chronicles the history of Himalayan mountaineering with exhibits on gear, mountain cultures and local geography.

Journey by road through breathtaking landscapes, arriving at your retreat in Jomsom in the trans-Himalayan region of Annapurna, where Mount Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri Himal range stand as silent guardians.

Enjoy a scenic trek from the lodge, passing Dumbe Lake and Khutsab Terenga Monastery, with breathtaking Kali Gandaki Valley views en route to Marpha Village, known for its apple orchards and traditional stone architecture. Later, share a meal with a Thakali chef at her kitchen table.

A trek through the Jomsom Valley reveals dramatic, rugged terrain, where streams meander beneath soaring Himalayan peaks. Pause for a mountaineer-style picnic complemented by chilled Rosé. As the afternoon deepens, the stillness of this pristine landscape encourages quiet contemplation, letting you set your own pace and appreciate the beauty.

Timeless Jharkot invites exploration, its gompa — a monastery and a ruined fortress — presiding over the village. From there, a serene hike intersects ancient orchards and crosses suspension bridges before ascending to ancient Jhong village. There, tour a traditional home and sit down to lunch overlooking the surrounding valleys and mountains. Afterward, choose between an exhilarating mountain biking adventure down a less-travelled trail or a comfortable jeep ride toward Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Visit the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, a site of great historic and religious value.

A drive to the Bon Village Valley precedes a trek over a suspension bridge, where a local guide leads a tour of the village, including the old gompa (Buddhist monastery). Continue on a hike to a cave monastery, learning its 800-year history before a local lunch at a teashop. Discover fortress ruins and enjoy fresh apple juice at the orchard before returning by vehicle or bike.

After scenic flights to Pokhara and Kathmandu, a drive leads you to Dhulikhel, an ancient Newari town nestled in the Pachkhal Valley foothills, where rich traditions and culture are carefully preserved. An important trade center, it’s characterized by its pagoda-style temples and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. As dawn and dusk paint the sky in vibrant hues, the Himalayan ranges — from Cho Oyu to Himalchuli — are beautifully framed. Exploring the Old Town reveals fine Newari houses adorned with intricately carved windows and doors.

Resting on elevated land, Namo Buddha offers a sanctuary of peace and harmony, its distant snow-capped mountains adorned with fluttering prayer flags. For centuries, this sacred site has drawn pilgrims; today, the ancient stupa of Namo Buddha marks the revered burial site of the Great Being’s remains.

At leisure, rejuvenate in the Himalayan salt room or Chakra sound therapy chamber, the meditation maze or a group yoga session. Creative expression awaits in pottery and art painting classes, while a farm visit connects you with nature.

Depart Kathmandu.