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    The Taste of Nepal

    SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE — 21 DAYS

    The Taste of Nepal

    Rhododendron Ridges to Elephant Grass: 21 Days The Tender Thread Between Peak and Wild.

    Expedition Data

    Here is brief information regarding the expedition, including dates, duration, pricing and more.

    The Taste of Nepal — elephant in Chitwan
    Month
    March – May | September – November
    Group Size
    Limited to 10 adventurers per departure
    Duration
    21 days
    Transportation
    Private 4WD transfers
    Difficulty
    Moderate

    Three Tastes, One Journey

    Summit · River · Jungle trek the Valley of Glaciers, raft the Kali Gandaki, and safari through Chitwan, all in one 21-day journey.

    Mission Brief

    Rhododendron Ridges to Elephant Grass: The Tender Thread Between Peak and Wild

    Expedition Overview

    Taste of Nepal with Himalayan Outdoor Project (HOP) is the ultimate sampler of everything that makes this country extraordinary a single journey that captures the three essential flavors of the Himalaya: summit, river, and jungle. Over 21 unforgettable days, you'll trek the Valley of Glaciers, summit a Himalayan peak at sunrise, paddle through thundering Class IV rapids on the Kali Gandaki, and search for one-horned rhinos in the jungles of Chitwan. Whether you're a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveler, Taste of Nepal is designed to be accessible and life-changing.

    Founded by Anup Gurung a world-class kayaker, IRF instructor, solo paraglider, and enduro rider who has conquered extreme environments across the globe and Rajiv Chand, a retired Major from the Nepali Army Special Forces with over 20 years of leadership and expedition experience, HOP was built on a powerful belief: "We don't just take people on journeys, we help them discover who they are through every experience." Taste of Nepal is more than a tour; it's a purpose-driven adventure that empowers local communities and preserves Nepal's pristine landscapes.

    HOP's 4E Principle Education, Experience, Expertise, Excellence ensures that every element of Taste of Nepal is accessible, safe, and deeply rewarding. No prior trekking, rafting, or safari experience is required; HOP's expert guides provide comprehensive training and support at every stage. The trek is graded as moderate, with daily walks of 4–7 hours and built-in acclimatization days. Taste of Nepal is designed to be achievable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a spirit of adventure.

    The best seasons for Taste of Nepal are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the skies are clear, the rhododendrons are in bloom, and the rafting conditions are optimal. The journey includes boutique hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the best teahouses in Langtang, jungle lodges in Chitwan, and riverside camps all meals during the trek and rafting are included.

    Trip Highlights

    • Trek the Langtang Valley the "Valley of Glaciers"
    • Summit Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) at sunrise, with views across the Himalaya
    • Sleep in cozy teahouses and experience genuine Sherpa hospitality
    • Raft the Kali Gandaki through Class III–IV rapids, including "Little Brother" and "Big Brother"
    • Camp on remote sandbanks under star-filled skies
    • Safari in Chitwan in search of one-horned rhinos, sloth bears, leopards, and maybe a Bengal tiger
    • Canoe the Rapti River and visit the Elephant Breeding Center
    • Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
    • Expedition led by founders Anup Gurung and Rajiv Chand's HOP philosophy
    • Limited to 10 adventurers per departure for a genuinely personal experience

    The Journey

    Three Tastes. One Journey.

    01

    Summit Taste

    Days 1 to 11

    Kathmandu → Langtang Trek → Kyanjin Ri Summit (4,773m) → Pokhara

    Trek the Valley of Glaciers. Summit at sunrise. Sleep in cozy teahouses. Wake to prayer flags.

    02

    River Taste

    Days 12 to 16

    Kali Gandaki Rafting Expedition

    Four days of Class III to IV rapids. Camp on sandbanks. No roads. No crowds. Just water and stars.

    03

    Jungle Taste

    Days 17 to 21

    Chitwan Safari → Flight to Kathmandu → Heritage Sites

    Track one-horned rhinos by jeep, canoe the Rapti River past basking crocodiles, then close the journey with Kathmandu's sacred stupas and a farewell dinner.

    Trail Manifest

    Itinerary | 21 Days Peak, River, Jungle

    DAY 01Welcome to Nepal
    Land in Kathmandu, meet our team, and enjoy a short drive to your boutique hotel in Thamel. Rest or explore before your overnight stay.
    DAY 02Easy Kathmandu Start
    Wake to breakfast, stroll Thamel's alleys, then gather for a team dinner, briefing and gear check before your overnight at the boutique hotel.
    DAY 03Into the Langtang Valley1,550m
    A 6–7 hour private 4WD drive through river valleys and hill villages to Syabrubesi. Overnight at a teahouse.
    DAY 04Trek to Lama Hotel2,480m
    Follow the rushing Langtang River through forests and bamboo groves on a gentle 5–6 hour uphill trek to Lama Hotel.
    DAY 05Heart of the Valley3,430m
    Walk past ancient stone walls, spinning prayer wheels and yak pastures on a 5–6 hour trek to Langtang Village.
    DAY 06Reach Kyanjin Gompa3,870m
    A gentle 4–5 hour walk to the valley's spiritual heart, visiting a sacred monastery and a cheese factory along the way.
    DAY 07Summit Day — Kyanjin Ri4,773m
    Choose a pre-dawn hike to Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) for sunrise over the Himalayas a 903m climb in 3–5 hours — or take a rest day. Overnight back at Kyanjin Gompa.
    DAY 08Begin the Descent2,480m
    An easy 5–6 hour downhill walk back to Lama Hotel.
    DAY 09Final Trekking Steps1,550m
    A last 5–6 hour walk alongside the Langtang River back to Syabrubesi, celebrating with your team.
    DAY 10Scenic Drive to Pokhara (4WD)822m
    A scenic 7-hour drive to Pokhara, followed by a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and great food at your boutique hotel.
    DAY 11Pokhara Chill Day822m
    A free day hike to the Peace Stupa, unwind with a massage, stroll Phewa Lake, or linger at lakeside cafes.
    DAY 12 – 15River Time Begins Kali Gandaki Rafting
    A 4-day, 55km rafting expedition. A 3-hour private jeep ride to the put-in, meet your raft crew, and gear up with helmet, life jacket and paddle. Days of Class III warm-ups and the roaring Class IV rapids "Little Brother" and "Big Brother," canyon waterfalls, remote landscapes with no roads or towns, and incredible starry nights at riverside camps, ending with a final Class IV send-off and take-out at Mirmi.
    DAY 16Final Paddles
    Savour your last morning on the river, then dry off, rest at the lodge, and gather for dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
    DAY 17Drive to Chitwan
    A 3-hour drive into the subtropical lowlands, checking into a comfortable jungle lodge in Sauraha.
    DAY 18Chitwan Safari Experience
    A full day of jungle adventure: a morning jeep safari searching for one-horned rhinos, sloth bears, leopards, and maybe a Bengal tiger; an afternoon canoe ride on the Rapti River past basking crocodiles and water birds; a guided nature walk with a naturalist; a visit to the Elephant Breeding Center; and a sunset Tharu village walk with evening cultural dance. All meals included.
    DAY 19Flight to Kathmandu & Sacred Temples
    A 25-minute morning flight to Kathmandu, then an afternoon at the 2,000-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), followed by Pashupatinath Temple Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrine, where the holy Bagmati River flows past painted sadhus.
    DAY 20Heritage Visit & Farewell
    Begin at the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, then wander through Bhaktapur's medieval pottery squares and ancient wood-and-brick palaces. Last-minute shopping in Thamel, capped by a heartfelt farewell dinner. Breakfast and farewell dinner included.
    DAY 21Depart or Stay
    Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Some fly home, some stay, and a few start planning their next river.

    Cost Breakdown

    What's Included

    Cost Includes

    Accommodation

    • Boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Best teahouses in Langtang
    • Jungle lodges in Chitwan
    • Riverside camps and lodges

    Meals

    • All meals during the Langtang Trek
    • All meals during Kali Gandaki Rafting
    • Breakfast in cities
    • Welcome dinner (Day 2) and farewell dinner (Day 20)

    Transport & Gear

    • Private 4WD to and from the Langtang trailhead
    • Private 4WD to the rafting put-in and pick-up
    • Rafts, paddles, safety kayaks, PFDs, helmets, dry bags

    Trekking & Guide Support

    • Porters, duffle bags (1 per 2 guests), permits
    • Medical kit and oximeter checks
    • Highly trained, insured guides with international expedition experience
    • Ex-military and adventure rescue background
    • Licensed naturalists for Chitwan

    Special Add-Ons

    • HOP hoodie or cap
    • All national park, temple, and heritage site entry fees

    Cost Excludes

    • International flights to Nepal
    • Nepal visa fee (available on arrival)
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except welcome and farewell dinners)
    • Bottled drinks, alcohol, snacks, laundry, phone calls
    • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (recommended, not required)

    Mandatory Insurance

    • Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover trekking to 5,000m and whitewater rafting.

    Ready For The Taste Of Nepal?

    This Is Nepal At Its Wildest. This Is Your HOP Adventure.

    Real connections. Life-changing moments. Book your seat now limited to 10 adventurers per departure. Questions? Talk to our team we love to talk about rivers, mountains, and magic. See you in the Himalayas.

    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly is the Taste of Nepal Expedition?
    • Taste of Nepal is our signature adventure designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Nepal in a single journey.
    • Rather than focusing on one activity, this expedition combines adventure, culture, food, landscapes, local communities and authentic experiences into one carefully crafted itinerary.
    • It is the perfect introduction to Nepal.
    Who is this expedition designed for?
    • Taste of Nepal is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, families, adventure enthusiasts, and travelers with limited time.
    • If you want to understand Nepal beyond the guidebook, this expedition was designed for you.
    What makes Taste of Nepal different from a traditional tour?
    • Most tours show you Nepal. Taste of Nepal helps you experience Nepal.
    • You'll walk through mountain villages, meet local families, sample traditional cuisine, explore diverse landscapes and discover the stories behind the places you visit.
    • It's immersive, authentic, and personal.
    Will I experience the real Nepal?
    • Yes. Authenticity is at the heart of every HOP expedition.
    • Our experiences are designed around genuine cultural interactions, meaningful local connections and destinations that showcase Nepal beyond the typical tourist trail.
    What kind of food can I expect?
    • Food is one of the highlights of traveling in Nepal.
    • Throughout the expedition you'll enjoy traditional favorites such as Dal Bhat and Momos, regional specialties, fresh local ingredients and meals that reflect Nepal's incredible cultural diversity.
    If I only visit Nepal once, is this the expedition you recommend?
    • Without hesitation.
    • Taste of Nepal was created specifically for travelers who want to experience the country's mountains, rivers, culture, food, wildlife, heritage, and people in one unforgettable journey.
    Why travel with Himalayan Outdoor Project?
    • At HOP, adventure is not left to chance. Founded by Anup Gurung and Rajiv Chand, HOP was built on the belief that great adventures begin with great preparation.
    • Every expedition is guided by our 4E Philosophy: Education, Experience, Expertise, Excellence.
    • Our team combines elite military-level planning, world-class outdoor expertise, deep local knowledge, and decades of real Himalayan experience.