The Tea House Trail

Kathmandu

Your morning starts with an optional flight to view majestic Mt. Everest.

After breakfast, visit the highlights of Kathmandu: Kumari Bahal, the Temple of the Living Goddess; Kasthamandap, the wooden house that gave Kathmandu its name; Durbar Square, the central area housing an array of temples; the Royal Palace, overlooked by the ancient Hanuman Dhoka; and Swayambhunath, the 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa.

In the afternoon visit Pasupatinath, the famous Lord Shiva Temple and Hindu cremation ground, and Boudhnath, the 2500-year-old Buddhist stupa. During the visit to Boudhnath Stupa, visit Thangka Art Gallery. Learn about the ancient Tibetan art of Thangka and meet with the painters, both monks and learners. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu - Pokhara

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Pokhara. 

Pokhara is a lakeside town often labeled the Switzerland of the East. The beautiful valley is situated at a height of 2950 ft. and has snow clad peaks, crystal-clear lakes, gorges and picturesque villages. In the afternoon, visit Old town. Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temple and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley.

Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement. The settlers have established a handicraft center that provides employment and sources of income to the Tibetan community. Evening at leisure and overnight.

Trek to Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk / 6,600 ft / 6 hours

After breakfast, leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. 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 Himalaya lodge in the early afternoon. At leisure and overnight.  

Trek to Basanta Lodge, Dhampus / 5,000 ft / 3 hours

Start your trekking through the village of Tolka (approx. 1hr) at 1700 m. Your walk takes you through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Along the way,  stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs.

After approximately 2 hours from Pothana, 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. At leisure and overnight.

Pokhara - Kathmandu/Bhaktapur

After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu. Continue to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees. The best preserved of the three main medieval cities of the valley, Bhaktapur houses some of the most breathtaking religious architecture in the entire country. It has three major squares: Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square; studded with pagoda and shikhara-style temples.

Devoid of traffic and pollution, Bhaktapur is often considered the cleanest city in the valley. Narrow stone paved streets snake through red brick houses, leading you to hidden temples, water sprouts, and courtyards. The city proudly displays its cultural life; artisans have been continuing traditional work like weaving and pottery for generations. Return to Kathmandu and overnight.