Places to Visit in Nepal
Nepal Hotels
Nepal Trekking Lodges
Nepal Luxury Trekking Lodges
All Bhutan Trips
Places to Visit in Bhutan
Bhutan Hotels
Our Story
Our Team
Support Rural Nepal
Testimonials
Blog
Customise a Trip
Departure Information
How to Book
About Payments
Booking Terms and Conditions
About our Price Guides
Important Trek Activity Info
About Contingency
FAQ and Reality Check Warning
Country Facts
Climate Information
Travel Health
Travel Advice
Visa Information
International Flights

Nepal Off The Beaten Track

Gurung and Tharu Village Home Stays - Off The Beaten Track Trekking - Authentic Cultural Experiences

All meals 'on tour' included

duration.svg

Duration

13 Days
accommodation.svg

Accommodation

Hotels, Rural Inns and real village (very basic) family home stays
b(20)-1633519360.jpeg

Trip Overview

As the title suggests, an off-the-beaten-track tour of Nepal featuring real home stays.

Designed for travellers who truly wish to immerse themselves fully into the rural village culture of Nepal and enjoy real, genuine, unique experiences in Nepal. This naturally requires physical effort (otherwise everyone would be doing it), and thus there are three days of stiff trekking involved on a rather unusual trekking route between villages. But you'll get some pretty fantastic views of the Himalaya. However, "going native" is how you will experience the real life of the Gurung hill villages, and to further enhance the authentic nature of this holiday, you'll stay with local Nepalese people too. No creature comforts or touristy frills. You will live how they do, eat what they eat, and do what they do. Contrasting with your experiences in the hill villages, you then journey down to the Chitwan area to stay with a Nepalese family in their Tharu tribal home too. Nights in hotels are intentionally kept to a minimum to preserve the authentic nature of this trip, although to break up the 'roughing it with the locals, a couple of nights are spent in comfortable accommodations that nonetheless still pay homage to Nepal's heritage. You'll need a 3 season sleeping bag for this holiday. If you don't have a sleeping bag, we can arrange a sleeping bag rental for you.

As the title suggests, an off-the-beaten-track tour of Nepal featuring real home stays.

  • Designed for travellers who truly wish to immerse themselves fully into the rural village culture of Nepal and enjoy real, genuine, unique experiences in Nepal. This naturally requires physical effort (otherwise everyone would be doing it), and thus there are three days of stiff trekking involved on a rather unusual trekking route between villages. But you'll get some pretty fantastic views of the Himalaya. However, "going native" is how you will experience the real life of the Gurung hill villages, and to further enhance the authentic nature of this holiday, you'll stay with local Nepalese people too. No creature comforts or touristy frills. You will live how they do, eat what they eat, and do what they do. Contrasting with your experiences in the hill villages, you then journey down to the Chitwan area to stay with a Nepalese family in their Tharu tribal home too. Nights in hotels are intentionally kept to a minimum to preserve the authentic nature of this trip, although to break up the 'roughing it with the locals, a couple of nights are spent in comfortable accommodations that nonetheless still pay homage to Nepal's heritage. You'll need a 3 season sleeping bag for this holiday. If you don't have a sleeping bag, we can arrange a sleeping bag rental for you.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Kathmandu
    • Day 2
      To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot
    • Day 3
      Nuwakot Exploration
    • Day 4
      Drive to Pokhara
    • Day 5
      Yangiakot Home Stay
    • Day 6
      Sikles Home Stay
    • Day 7
      Real life in Sikles
    • Day 8
      To Ghalegoan via Tara Top
    • Day 9
      Back to Pokhara
    • Day 10
      Tharu Village Home Stay - Chitwan area
    • Day 11
      Tharu life
    • Day 12
      Overland to Kathmandu
    • Day 13
      Depart Nepal

  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the KGH Hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. After a pre-tour briefing, you can enjoy dinner tonight at one of the many, many choices in Thamel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be met and receive a private transfer for the short distance into central Kathmandu and to the KGH Hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. After a pre-tour briefing, you can enjoy dinner tonight at one of the many, many choices in Thamel.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel - Kathmandu
    Included Meals: None

    DAY
    2

    To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot

    Leaving city life behind, you are now taken by private vehicle out of the Kathmandu Valley. The road reaches a 2000-metre pass, from where you have panoramic Himalayan views and will be able to see the village of Nuwakot perched on a hill in the distance beneath. Following the road down to the Trisuli River Valley floor, a single-track road leads up through pine forests and to the delightful, authentic village of Nuwakot. Located high above the Trisuli Valley, you'll stay at the delightful Famous Farm here in Nuwakot. A converted Newari Manor House that retains many original features as well as being a most pleasant place to stay. Relax in the gardens here, enjoy the views, and enjoy the afternoon warmth. Perhaps in the evening after dinner, enjoy a refreshing cold beer by the open-air fire.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm - Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 2

    To hill village Nepal, Nuwakot

    Leaving city life behind, you are now taken by private vehicle out of the Kathmandu Valley. The road reaches a 2000-metre pass, from where you have panoramic Himalayan views and will be able to see the village of Nuwakot perched on a hill in the distance beneath. Following the road down to the Trisuli River Valley floor, a single-track road leads up through pine forests and to the delightful, authentic village of Nuwakot. Located high above the Trisuli Valley, you'll stay at the delightful Famous Farm here in Nuwakot. A converted Newari Manor House that retains many original features as well as being a most pleasant place to stay. Relax in the gardens here, enjoy the views, and enjoy the afternoon warmth. Perhaps in the evening after dinner, enjoy a refreshing cold beer by the open-air fire.

    Accommodation: The Famous Farm - Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    3

    Nuwakot Exploration

    You really can't leave Nuwakot in a hurry. Here you'll find the real, rural Nepal in what is, by and large, a village untainted by tourism. Today, your guide will take you on a pleasant walking tour of the Nuwakot area. Along the way, you'll pass tiny homesteads and head up to a viewpoint before dropping down to the bazaar area. No rush; this is very much an unhurried, slow paced on-foot exploration. After lunch in the gardens of the Famous Farm, you can head out into what is now familiar territory to discover more of the delights of Nuwakot (or your guide can come with you if you prefer). The local people are very friendly, and perhaps it is the chance encounters with people you meet that leave the most indelible of memories.

    Accommodation, The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 3

    Nuwakot Exploration

    You really can't leave Nuwakot in a hurry. Here you'll find the real, rural Nepal in what is, by and large, a village untainted by tourism. Today, your guide will take you on a pleasant walking tour of the Nuwakot area. Along the way, you'll pass tiny homesteads and head up to a viewpoint before dropping down to the bazaar area. No rush; this is very much an unhurried, slow paced on-foot exploration. After lunch in the gardens of the Famous Farm, you can head out into what is now familiar territory to discover more of the delights of Nuwakot (or your guide can come with you if you prefer). The local people are very friendly, and perhaps it is the chance encounters with people you meet that leave the most indelible of memories.

    Accommodation, The Famous Farm, Nuwakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    4

    Drive to Pokhara

    Back to the valley floor and onto the main highway to Nepal's premier tourist resort, Pokhara. Spend the afternoon at your leisure in one of the many relaxing lakeside cafes, or take a boat out on the lake. Take your evening meal at one of the many restaurants in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 4

    Drive to Pokhara

    Back to the valley floor and onto the main highway to Nepal's premier tourist resort, Pokhara. Spend the afternoon at your leisure in one of the many relaxing lakeside cafes, or take a boat out on the lake. Take your evening meal at one of the many restaurants in Pokhara.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    5

    Yangiakot Home Stay

    A drive of around an hour to reach Kalikasthan. From here, you now must journey on foot (well, you did want to get off the beaten track), beginning with a descent to the Modi River. There are pretty villages along the way, as well as great views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal peaks. After crossing the river, it's an ascent all the way as you climb a steep trail through dense Sal forest to Chachowk. Still, continuing up the gradient, the gradient eases a bit as you make your way to Yangiakot (approx. 1500 m). Walking time is approximately 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Yangiakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 5

    Yangiakot Home Stay

    A drive of around an hour to reach Kalikasthan. From here, you now must journey on foot (well, you did want to get off the beaten track), beginning with a descent to the Modi River. There are pretty villages along the way, as well as great views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal peaks. After crossing the river, it's an ascent all the way as you climb a steep trail through dense Sal forest to Chachowk. Still, continuing up the gradient, the gradient eases a bit as you make your way to Yangiakot (approx. 1500 m). Walking time is approximately 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Yangiakot
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    6

    Sikles Home Stay

    Continuing off the beaten path, you first walk down to the Modi River. Crossing the river via a bridge, you carry on to the village of Chasu. From here, it's ascent once more on a stone-stepped trail as you rise through dense woodlands interspersed with verdant terraced fields to reach the very scenically located village of Sikles (1980m). This typical Gurung village is about as authentic as you can get and embodies the raw beauty of a Nepalese hill village. You'll find the locals are exceptionally welcoming, and here amongst picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows, along with views of Annapurna giants, you're 'home'. Walking time is approximately 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Sikles
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 6

    Sikles Home Stay

    Continuing off the beaten path, you first walk down to the Modi River. Crossing the river via a bridge, you carry on to the village of Chasu. From here, it's ascent once more on a stone-stepped trail as you rise through dense woodlands interspersed with verdant terraced fields to reach the very scenically located village of Sikles (1980m). This typical Gurung village is about as authentic as you can get and embodies the raw beauty of a Nepalese hill village. You'll find the locals are exceptionally welcoming, and here amongst picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows, along with views of Annapurna giants, you're 'home'. Walking time is approximately 8 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Sikles
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Real life in Sikles

    How you spend today in Sikles is entirely up to you. However, we recommend that you 'shadow' your hosts and become involved in their daily chores and life routine. As idyllic as Sikles appears, life here is tough, and a helping hand with some of the work will be both welcomed and fun.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Sikles
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY 7

    Real life in Sikles

    How you spend today in Sikles is entirely up to you. However, we recommend that you 'shadow' your hosts and become involved in their daily chores and life routine. As idyllic as Sikles appears, life here is tough, and a helping hand with some of the work will be both welcomed and fun.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Sikles
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    DAY
    8

    To Ghalegoan via Tara Top

    Bid farewell to your new-found village friends in Hill Village, Nepal. Another tough day of walking lies ahead, and it's a four-hour, 1200-metre ascent to reach the top of Tara Hill (2800m), although your reward for effort should be stunning Himalayan views across much of central Nepal too. Heading down initially, the trail contours the steep-sided slopes shrouded in rhododendrons until you begin your descent to the village of Ghalegaon (1620m), perched on a promentory above the valley below. Walking time is approximately 8–9 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Ghalegaon
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    To Ghalegoan via Tara Top

    Bid farewell to your new-found village friends in Hill Village, Nepal. Another tough day of walking lies ahead, and it's a four-hour, 1200-metre ascent to reach the top of Tara Hill (2800m), although your reward for effort should be stunning Himalayan views across much of central Nepal too. Heading down initially, the trail contours the steep-sided slopes shrouded in rhododendrons until you begin your descent to the village of Ghalegaon (1620m), perched on a promentory above the valley below. Walking time is approximately 8–9 hours.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Ghalegaon
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Back to Pokhara

    A couple of hours of descent and then along the river banks until you reach the road, from where you will travel by private vehicle back to Pokhara in time for a leisurely late lunch.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 9

    Back to Pokhara

    A couple of hours of descent and then along the river banks until you reach the road, from where you will travel by private vehicle back to Pokhara in time for a leisurely late lunch.

    Accommodation: Hotel Karuna - Pokhara
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    10

    Tharu Village Home Stay - Chitwan area

    You now travel from Pokhara into the flat, low-level gangetic plains area of Nepal, close to the border with India. This fertile land is the 'bread basket' of Nepal and is most certainly very different from what you have seen and experienced so far. Not surprisingly, the people here are different too. Arriving mid-afternoon, you'll meet your Tharu tribe family hosts and take a walking tour of the area.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Chitwan area
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 10

    Tharu Village Home Stay - Chitwan area

    You now travel from Pokhara into the flat, low-level gangetic plains area of Nepal, close to the border with India. This fertile land is the 'bread basket' of Nepal and is most certainly very different from what you have seen and experienced so far. Not surprisingly, the people here are different too. Arriving mid-afternoon, you'll meet your Tharu tribe family hosts and take a walking tour of the area.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Chitwan area
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    11

    Tharu life

    It's time to get your hands dirty and muck in with your hosts daily farming activities. Crops are very much the thing here. Rice might need thrashing, seeds may need to be sown, fields ploughed, and as the wildlife inside Chitwan National Park does not observe boundaries, although now rare, the odd encounter with a foraging rhino is not unknown! Alternatively, one option would be to enjoy a day of wildlife watching in Chitwan National Park instead or in addition.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Chitwan area
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 11

    Tharu life

    It's time to get your hands dirty and muck in with your hosts daily farming activities. Crops are very much the thing here. Rice might need thrashing, seeds may need to be sown, fields ploughed, and as the wildlife inside Chitwan National Park does not observe boundaries, although now rare, the odd encounter with a foraging rhino is not unknown! Alternatively, one option would be to enjoy a day of wildlife watching in Chitwan National Park instead or in addition.

    Accommodation: Basic Village Home Stay, Chitwan area
    Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    12

    Overland to Kathmandu

    A private vehicle will now take you back to Kathmandu (approximately 6 hours). You should arrive late afternoon, so plenty of time for some last souvenir shopping. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trip, whether it be for any delays that can and do occur, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek or journey.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 12

    Overland to Kathmandu

    A private vehicle will now take you back to Kathmandu (approximately 6 hours). You should arrive late afternoon, so plenty of time for some last souvenir shopping. However, you may wish to consider some additional contingency for this trip, whether it be for any delays that can and do occur, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek or journey.

    Accommodation: KGH Hotel, Kathmandu
    Included Meals: Breakfast

    DAY
    13

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    DAY 13

    Depart Nepal

    A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Of course there's no reason to depart today, your Nepal holiday can be readily tailor-made.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 1055

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes only. The price is inclusive of all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary, all airport and land transfers, private overland travel in the itinerary (all meals on trek), porterage on trek, permits & fees & a Snow Cat Travel Trekking Guide (Day 2-Day 12) All guides are english-speaking, professionals and fully licensed.

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips.

extend. shorten. upgrade

About Customising Departure Information
More Hand-Crafted to Perfection

Don't Forget

We can customise
all our trips to Nepal.

extend. shorten. upgrade

More
nepal_travel_guide-1695555921.png

Read our Nepal Travel Guide

Nepal is home to a beautiful and varied landscape, a wealth of cultural sights, and a diverse people. Here’s everything you need to know, from the capital of Nepal to visa rules.
Nepal Travel Guide
Email us at

sales@snowcattravel.com

From UK

01405 862917

Outside UK

+44 1405 862917

Follow us
footer-logo.png
Snow Cat Travel is the brand name of and trading as Rural Heritage Journeys PVT LTD of Nepal with a Head Office in Kathmandu. Our parent company Rural Heritage Nepal owns and operates select boutique, heritage hotels in Nepal such as the Famous Farm at Nuwakot and the Old Inn at Bandipur.
© 2024 Snow Cat Travel.
All rights reserved. Snow Cat Travel is a Registered Trade Mark UK 00003289264
4634004577_174x89.png
rough-guides.svg
adventure-travel.svg