Sample Trip

 

Green Triangle – Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, 11 days

Described as the Golden Triangle of Nepal, this popular trip is modified to include local insights and to take travelers off the beaten trails with the help of our sustainable partners. Add to that our support of eco friendly practices and what was once a typical tour becomes, with Socialtours, an experience of a lifetime. Excellent for families and people looking for something different, this trip blends a insider’s peek into the cultural melting pot that is Kathmandu with a visit to a small mountain village on the way to the mesmerizing views at Pokhara and tops it off with an elephant safari at Chitwan before icing it with some responsible fair trade shopping (optional). A well- rounded, feel-good trip if there ever was one.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival. We transfer to Hotel Kantipur Temple House, renowned for its responsible practices and preservation of culture, and one of our long standing partners. In the evening we go to Bhojan Griha to indulge in a seven course traditional dinner prepared from organic products.

Day 2: Briefing and Orientation: After breakfast, we spend the morning conducting a detailed briefing on the trip. After lunch we walk the back streets of one of the most popular areas in Kathmandu – the Kathmandu Durbar Square – following the tradition of the Living Goddess, Kumari. Time permitting, we move to the famous Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, to wind off the evening.

Day 3: This day is an optional day, where we either go to the hill station of Nagarkot for a walk, or to the medieval town of Bhaktapur or even venture out on a short cycling trip. The activity is entirely up to the group to choose. We overnight either in Nagarkot, Bhaktapur or Kathmandu.

Day 4: An early start in a private car gets us out of the valley and on the road to Bandipur, a breathtaking mountain village close to Pokhara. The drive takes four hours through a winding valley that follows a pristine mountain river. Adventurous travelers can opt for a  day of rafting. The evening is in Bandipur.

Day 5: We spend the morning exploring Bandipur. In the afternoon we get in our vehicles for the two hour drive to Pokhara, arriving just in time for sunset and the brilliant views of the Annapurnas.

Day 6:  Our free day in Pokhara. We can either relax by the lake, take a short hike to the Peace Stupa, or leisurely row around the lake and enjoy the majestic views. The more adventurous can book a tandem paragliding trip which, with the backdrop of the two 8000+m peaks of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri,simply could not have a better setting.

Day 7: After a late start we move to Chitwan National Park, about six hours away by car. We stay at our resort, Park Side, renowned for its environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices.

Day 8: Jungle Activity day. We hop on elephants and ride into the jungle to watch the famous one horned rhino. We also might visit Tharu villages and experience their culture. At some point we take a look at the responsible practices conducted around the hotel (e.g. making paper out of elephant dung; the hospital project).

Day 9: After another morning of jungle activity, or an optional cycle ride around Sauraha, we fly back to Kathmandu from Bharatpur.

Day 10: Responsible Shopping Day (optional) or a visit to an orphanage or a school that we support (as requested). In the evening we conclude with a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Departure back home. Time to rest a bit after such an eventful holiday before getting back to work. A perfect way to spend two weeks!