A 12-day circuit from Kathmandu to the Annapurna foothills and Chitwan National Park, combining classic teahouse trekking, sunrise at Poon Hill, Pokhara’s lakefront, and a Terai wildlife safari. Ideal for travelers seeking varied landscapes and cultural stops with guide-supported logistics.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning smells of simmering tea and dust from the Kathmandu ring road follow you as a driver eases through Thamel toward the Valley’s temples. In twelve days the trip shifts like a set of postcards: crowded Durbar squares, the reflective calm of Phewa Tal in Pokhara, rhododendron corridors climbing to Ghorepani, and the low, humid beat of Chitwan’s jungles where the river calls you to the riverbank.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Good general fitness with regular hill-walking; able to manage 4–6 hours of walking on consecutive days and basic stair-like ascent/descent.
Wildlife
History
Kathmandu Valley served as a cultural and trade crossroads for Newar civilization; Gurung and Tharu groups have long inhabited the Annapurna and Terai regions respectively.
Conservation
The Annapurna Conservation Area and Chitwan National Park rely on regulated permits and community tourism; follow leave-no-trace practices and respect local wildlife regulations.
Reserve your spot on the Explore Nepal today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before high points
Spend the first night in Kathmandu and avoid rapid ascent—Poon Hill reaches 3,210 m and mornings are cold; take it slow to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support handle steep stone steps and muddy trails on the Ghorepani route.
Cash for teahouses
ATMs exist in Pokhara and major towns but mountain teahouses accept cash only—carry small NPR notes for meals and tips.
Wildlife viewing etiquette
In Chitwan keep quiet during canoe trips and follow ranger instructions—do not approach or feed wildlife for safety and conservation.
Mountaineering-style hiking boots
Support and grip for steep stone steps and uneven teahouse trails.
Insulating midlayer and waterproof shell
Warm mornings above 3,000 m and sudden rain require layering and weather protection.
winter
2–3L hydration system & water purification tablets
Reliable hydration and simple water treatment for teahouse stops and longer trekking days.
Lightweight trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on long descents and aid balance on slippery or stepped sections.