Authentiek Nepal
Trekking through three parts of the Annapurna region, with a gentle build-up to get used to the altitude.
Hosted by Mandala Travel
- Where
- Kathmandu · Annapurna region · Pokhara · Namo Buddha · Bhaktapur
- How long
- 20 days
- Group
- 2–12 people
- Languages
- Dutch, English
The experience
Nepal is one of those destinations in the world that a traveller takes to heart immediately. It is a country that has so much to offer: the awe-inspiring landscapes, the unique atmosphere and culture. The Tibetan peoples in the mountains, the remarkable melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Kathmandu valley, and the friendliest people on earth. It is still a country steeped in mystery; there is so much left to discover.
With nature and cultural deepening as the most important elements of the trip, Mandala Travel has worked out an authentic travel programme for you. We deliberately choose a trek in an area where few tourists still come, so that you really experience the authentic Nepal.
After the trek you stay two days in Pokhara, a pleasant town on the beautiful Phewa lake, then travel back to visit the Namo Buddha monastery — one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites south of the Himalaya. You round off the last days in Bhaktapur, a living monument of medieval Newari culture.
Who this is for
Said plainly, so you can rule it out as easily as rule it in.
- Suitable for couples, friends and families who take the time to get used to the rhythm and altitude of the mountains
- You can walk four to seven hours on several consecutive days — not elite sport, but good preparation is needed
- You want trekking and culture in the same trip, not one or the other
What's included
Included
- An extensive packing list, travel information, health advice and preparation tips before you go
- Local transfers by minibus or taxi
- 9 nights in small-scale comfortable hotels including breakfast, and 10 nights in a lodge
- All meals during the trek, plus hot drinks and water
- All meals during the stay at Namo Buddha
- An English-speaking guide throughout the trip, and a porter during the trek
- Return flight Kathmandu–Pokhara, trekking permits and excursions in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- VZR guarantee fund contribution and 100% CO2 offset of the flight and local car kilometres
Not included
- International flight
- Vaccinations and visa
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- Tips for the guide and porter
- Other drinks and snacks
Meet your host
Mandala Travel
15 years running experiences
Hanneke van Dal and Leopold Roessingh build small-scale, tailor-made mountain journeys — “slow down, wonder, connect”. For more than fifteen years they have organised trips in the Alps, Himalaya and Atlas, and they still sell every trip as a private departure shaped around the group rather than a fixed schedule. Leopold, who leads the leadership journeys, is co-owner of the climbing organisation Climbing Network; Hanneke develops the leadership programmes with outside facilitators.
Why you can trust this listing
- A person read this listing against a checklist before it went live. It carries the quality stamp only because it passed.
- Every photo above was confirmed as this experience, not stock photography.
- Your money is held by NatureTreats and released to the host 3 days after the experience ends.
Practical details
Including the cancellation terms — visible before you book, not buried at checkout.
Meeting point
Kathmandu — travellers are collected at the airport. Most flights arrive in the morning.
What to bring
Broken-in walking boots and a daypack of 30–35 litres Light, breathable layers plus something warm for the evenings Sun hat, high-factor sun cream and sunglasses A valid passport, any required visa, and personal travel insurance
Accessibility
You must be able to walk four to seven hours on several consecutive days. Acclimatisation days are built in and the pace kept calm; the programme is adapted if there is any doubt. You sleep in tea houses on most of the route rather than tents.
Cancellation — Moderate
Full refund up to 30 days before the start date.
- More than 30 days before: 100% refund.
- More than 14 days before: 50% refund.
- Inside the last window: 0% refund.