8-10D Marvels Around Mystical Kathmandu

Namaste. Nepal has always called out to us, with its never-ending peaks, medieval city squares and jungle mazes — all there for bold travellers like us, and yourselves, to explore. So come October, we’ve taken the liberty of organising our second fitness retreat (the first was in Bhutan) — an 8D7N journey to the capital city of Kathmandu, tailored specially for fitness enthusiasts who want to leave their footprints and pole marks in this trekker’s paradise.

Featuring a 3D2N trek from Kharidhunga to Dolongsa Khamathang, temple visits, incredible scenery, extreme sporting activities and luxury camping experiences dot the way. As a sweetener, you have the option of a 2D1N extension to Pokhara: a laidback, lakeside city that will ease you down your adrenaline high with short hikes and charming sights.

This insider journey is only open to a limited number of guests.

Key Highlights

Day by Day Highlights

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu and be privately transferred to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur, which literally translates to “City of Devotees”, is a beautifully preserved medieval city-state in east Kathmandu Valley. Built in the early 15th century, it is an ancient architectural dream, with the finest religious temples, palaces and courtyards scattered across the UNESCO heritage city. Wander along the narrow alleys for a glimpse of Nepali life, where artisans weave cloth and chisel timber, and locals gather to socialise and make merry.

Day 2

Up bright and early, your day begins with a scenic 1.5-hour hike in the lush countryside north of Bhaktapur, followed by a visit to Changu Narayan Temple — an ancient, revered Hindu temple featuring intricate carvings of Tantric deities and a distinctive gold pagoda-style exterior. Pause for lunch here in this serene setting, before heading back to Bhaktapur.

Day 3

Prepare for a long day ahead, starting with a 5-hour drive to Kharidhunga, where you will be introduced to your trekking team before embarking on an exhilarating 3D2N trek. Begin your 5-hour hike, following a beautiful trail that overlooks stunning valleys and pristine grassland below. Set up camp along the mighty Himalayas for a night under the stars.

Day 4

This morning, continue your hike, taking a steep trail to Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple. The sacred temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, sits perched on a precarious hilltop. Trek along a ridge that opens up to incredible, panoramic views of the expansive landscape, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains including the imposing Gauri Shankar (7,134m), the Annapurnas and Manaslu, amongst others. After crossing the Tingsang La Pass,  stroll through a dense rhododendron forest en route to your next campsite at Dhumthala.

Day 5

Today’s hike takes you through local villages to Dolangsa Khamathang. Upon arrival, hop into your private transport towards The Last Resort, a calm sanctuary of luxurious safari tents set in the tranquil outdoors. Fall asleep listening to the sound of the river and wake up to the birds singing. Time permitting,  go canyon-swinging or bungy-jumping for that adrenaline rush.

Day 6

Tuck into a hearty breakfast before making your way to the banks of the Bhote Koshi river for a thrilling morning of intense white water rafting. Replenish your energy at lunch, before heading back to the resort to freshen up. Spend the day canyoning or rock climbing, or drive to the Nepal-Tibet border.

Day 7

Head to Dwarika’s Resort in Dhuklihel, a Himalayan nirvana designed for pure relaxation, reinvigoration and reflection. Lying on a holistic buffet of activities and entertainment, engage in a group yoga session, or take a class — art, pottery or cooking lessons are at your personal disposal. Wrap up the day with a culinary journey through the fascinating terrains and cuisines of Nepal in a 22-course slow-dining experience.

Day 8

Option 1 (8D7N): Enjoy your morning at leisure. After checking out, proceed to Kathmandu for day explorations in Kathmandu Durbar Square, a royal landmark where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised. As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. Wander the ancient streets of Ason Tole and Indra Chowk before transferring to the airport for your departure flight home.

Option 2 (10D9N Pokhara extension): Hop on a 30-minute domestic flight to Pokhara — a metropolitan city located at the based of the Annapurna mountain region and gateway to the famous hiking circuit. A treasure trove of outdoor activities, go boating on the peaceful Phewa Lake, stopping at an island temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Lake called “Tal Barahi”. Hike to a beautiful viewpoint at “Shanti Stupa”, a magnificent Buddhist stupa, before making a gentle descent down the valley.

Day 9

Early this morning, take a short car ride to Sarangkot to watch the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Expect Sarangkot to be crowded and a little touristy, but the views from here are considered one of the best in order to see the Himalayas from a relatively close distance. Head back to the hotel for breakfast before embarking on the Begnas Thulokote hike (approximately 3-4 hours), which is part of the famous “Royal Trek” completed by Prince Charles in 1980.

Day 10

Head to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu (30 minutes) to catch your connecting flight back home. Bon Voyage!

*This journey outline is a guideline only and may be subject to change. The final journey price includes (i) lodging at 4 and 5-star accommodation, on the basis of double rooms, (ii) activities and experiences (where specified), (iii) meals (where specified), (iv) private services with local English-speaking guide, (v) private transportation, (vi) entrance fees (where applicable), (vii) domestic flight (where applicable) and excludes (i) international flights, (ii) travel insurance, (iii) any visa charges, (iv) expenses of a personal nature, and will be confirmed based on the final number of confirmed guests. In this regard, if a pre-requisite number of guests for this journey is not met, Blue Sky Escapes reserve the right to cancel or make such amendments to the journey as they deem fit.

This insider journey starts from US$2,050 and is only open to a limited number of guests.

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