Nepal Mid-West Himalayan Tea Garden Tour Quick Facts
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13 days, 12 nights (arrival to departure)
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No trekking. 8 nights outside Kathmandu with short walks, a viewpoint hike, about 2 hours of rafting and jungle activities
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Ghale Gaun and Nagarkot, both about 2,100 m / 6,890 feet
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Kathmandu Valley and Chitwan (Bagmati Province) plus Tanahun, Lamjung and Kaski districts (Gandaki Province), central Nepal
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No trekking permit. ACAP for Ghale Gaun, Chitwan National Park entry and heritage site tickets
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September to November and March to May
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Breakfast daily. Welcome dinner in Kathmandu, lunch on rafting day, dinner in Bandipur, and all meals in Ghale Gaun and Chitwan. Other meals at your own cost.
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Private car, tourist bus or coach by group size, plus a short flight from Bharatpur to Kathmandu on Day 10
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1 - 12
Trip Highlights
- Raft the Trisuli River on the way to the hilltop town of Bandipur
- See how tea is grown, picked and processed at the village tea garden in Ghale Gaun
- Spend two nights in Ghale Gaun's community homestay below Lamjung Himal, Annapurna and Manaslu
- Watch sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre from Sarankot above Pokhara
- Look for one-horned rhinos and rich birdlife on jungle activities in Chitwan National Park
- Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Bhaktapur, then see the Himalaya at dawn from Nagarkot
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Online nowOverview
Nepal is more than mountains and trekking. This 13-day Himalayan Tea Garden Tour shows you the country’s hills, rivers, lakes and jungle in one easy loop, with a village tea garden at its heart.
You raft the Trisuli River, stay two nights in Ghale Gaun’s community homestay and learn how tea is grown and made by hand. Then you watch sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarankot, look for rhinos in Chitwan National Park and explore the old royal squares of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
Prefer Nepal’s big tea estates? Try our Ilam tea garden tour in the far east. Ready for a real Himalayan walk? Pair this tour with a short Manaslu trek or the full circuit around Manaslu.
This 13-day tour takes you from Kathmandu’s temples to a hill village tea garden, a river raft, the lakes of Pokhara and the jungle of Chitwan. You ride, we drive, and the walking stays short and easy.
What Is the Nepal Himalayan Tea Garden Tour?
The Nepal Mid-West Himalayan Tea Garden Tour is a 13-day guided road trip through central Nepal. You visit a village tea garden in Ghale Gaun, raft the Trisuli River, and see Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and Kathmandu’s heritage sites. It is easy, with no trekking. Go September to November or March to May. It suits families and first-time visitors.
Why Choose the Himalayan Tea Garden Tour
- Tea up close. In Ghale Gaun the village chief walks you through how tea is planted, picked by season and processed from fresh leaf to dry tea.
- Hills, river and jungle in one trip. You go from hill villages at about 2,100 m down to the subtropical Terai lowland in Chitwan.
- No trekking needed. Days are mostly scenic drives, with short walks, a viewpoint hike and about 2 hours of rafting.
- Two homestay nights. Stay in Ghale Gaun’s community-run cottages, with a garland welcome and a folk song and dance evening.
- Big mountain views without the climb. See Lamjung Himal, Annapurna and Manaslu from Bandipur and Ghale Gaun, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre from Sarankot, and a wide Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot.
- Built for groups. The pace works for families, school and college groups and corporate teams.
Tea Garden Tour vs Ilam Tea Garden Tour
| Himalayan Tea Garden Tour | Ilam Tea Garden Tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days | 13 days |
| Tea stop | Small village garden in Ghale Gaun, Lamjung | Large tea estates around Ilam, far east Nepal |
| Also visits | Bandipur, Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot | Pokhara and Chitwan |
| Extra adventure | Trisuli River rafting | Scenic flights to the east |
Want the big estates instead? See the Ilam Tea Garden and Scenic Cultural Tour. Want a real Himalayan trek after your tour? Look at our Manaslu Circuit trek over Larkya La Pass.
Himalayan Tea Garden Tour Itinerary: 13 Days at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu, welcome dinner | 1,340 m | Airport transfer |
| 2 | Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa | 1,340 m | Morning tour |
| 3 | Drive to Charaudi, raft the Trisuli River, drive to Bandipur | 1,030 m | About 3 hours drive, 2 hours rafting, 3 hours drive |
| 4 | Drive to Ghale Gaun via Dumre and Besisahar | 2,100 m | About 5 hours |
| 5 | Ghale Gaun: viewpoint hike, tea garden visit, village life | 2,100 m | Full day |
| 6 | Drive to Pokhara | 860 m | About 4 hours |
| 7 | Pokhara: Sarankot sunrise, Devi’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Mountain Museum | 860 m | Full day |
| 8 | Drive to Chitwan, Tharu village or nature walk | Terai lowland | About 5 hours |
| 9 | Chitwan jungle activities and Tharu cultural show | Terai lowland | Full day |
| 10 | Fly Bharatpur to Kathmandu, tour Bhaktapur, drive to Nagarkot | 2,100 m | Under 30 minutes flight, then tour and drive |
| 11 | Nagarkot sunrise, drive to Kathmandu, singing bowl session | 1,340 m | A few hours drive |
| 12 | Free day in Kathmandu (optional Everest mountain flight) | 1,340 m | At leisure |
| 13 | International departure | – | Airport transfer |
Altitude and Acclimatization on the Himalayan Tea Garden Tour
Altitude is not a big concern on this tour. Your highest nights are in Ghale Gaun and Nagarkot, both at about 2,100 m. Most people feel fine at that height. You may notice you get out of breath a little faster on the uphill walk to the Ghale Gaun viewpoint, so take it slowly.
Know the signs of altitude sickness anyway: headache, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep. They are rare at this height. Tell your guide if you feel unwell. Drink plenty of water, and remember the hills get cold at night while Chitwan can be hot by day.
Who Is the Himalayan Tea Garden Tour For?
Almost anyone in normal health can do this tour. There are no long hikes and no technical activities.
- Fitness: you should be happy to walk for an hour or two on uneven village paths and steps, and climb a short hill to a viewpoint.
- Long drives: several days include 4 to 5 hours on the road. The climb up to Ghale Gaun is on a rough hill road.
- Rafting: no experience needed. A river guide gives a safety and paddling briefing, and you wear a helmet and life jacket.
- Families and groups: the mix of culture, nature and light adventure keeps all ages busy. Tell us the ages in your group when you enquire.
- Talk to your doctor first if you have a heart, lung or mobility condition, or are unsure about rafting.
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Online nowItinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
On first arrival in Kathmandu at Nepal International Airport received by our staff and guide, with warm Nepali traditional welcome. After, getting organized and then a short transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
At the hotel check into your lovely rooms with refreshing rest after a jet-leg. Then join in with other members of the group, for briefing at meeting halls or garden.
Our guide and leader will provide you with useful information regarding the tour, standard of local lodge, foods and so on. If in doubt, can ask questions to make yourself at ease, after briefing enjoy the dinner in a typical Nepalese Restaurant.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Moring after a hearty breakfast, as per the time informed by our guide and staff our tour guide will meet. A short drive and walk in the heart of Kathmandu city, where the famous old Durbar Square located. An ancient palace and courtyard of earlier kings from Malla to former Shah Period. Interesting areas adorned with temples and old palace, as well with resident of famous Living Goddess the Kumari. Includes a temple of Kasthamandap, where Kathmandu name derived from, meaning a temple built from the wood of a single tree.
The temples and monuments of Durbar Square, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After an interesting tour, a short drive leads west of the city to another famous landmark of Nepal. The Swayambhunath Stupa of Buddhist monuments, located on a hillock, one can enjoy views of Kathmandu city and the valley.
The Stupa one of the oldest in Nepal and probably in the world of more than 2,600 years of history. After an impressive morning tour back to hotel, rest of the day preparation for the wonderful Nepal Mid-West Himalayan Tea Garden Tour.
Day 03: Drive to Rafting 'put in point' Chauradhi roadside village. After rafting 3 hours drive to Bandipur
Bandipur 1,030 m / 3,379 ft 3 hrs- 3 hours drive and 2 hours rafting
- Distance: 70 km to Chauradhi
Distance 143 k.m. west of Kathmandu and 80 k.m. from Pokhara.
Depart for wonderful Rafting adventure taking a private car, comfortable tourist standard bus, or coach. As per the size of a group, a long drive takes you beyond Kathmandu valley towards Trisuli River. Reaching a road-side village of Chauradhi, meet our river rafting guide and then walk to the Trisuli River bank.
Our Rafting guide will brief on safety measures and some paddling technique going through rapids and bouncy waves. Lunch as time permitting or downstream enjoying a picnic on the sandy beach of Trisuli River.
Getting into the boat, after getting equipped with helmet, life jacket and valuable stuff are stored in a water proof barrel. As rafting starts paddling through exciting rapids and bouncy waves reaching at the end of finishing point.
Near a village of Kurintar, after getting in fresh clothes, drive of few hours on Pokhara highway to Dumre town. As drive heads uphill to Bandipur traditional hill town, and staying in nice lodge or Home Stay cottage.
Bandipur located on a hill top facing grand views of Lamjung, Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas.
Day 04: Drive to ghale Gaon Village
Ghale Gaon 2,100 m / 6,890 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours drive
- Accommodation: Home Stay huts / cottage
Morning enjoy the breakfast along with grand views of Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu Himalayas. Depart from Bandipur downhill to Dumre town, and then the road diverts from the main highway. Heading towards Besisar, headquarter town of Lamjung district, as drive climbs on a hilly rough road. Then reaching at Ghale-Gaon, on arrival received with traditional welcome of garland and Khada / silk scarf. Then transfer into a nice cottage made as Home Stay run and managed by village community. Evening enjoy the dinner along with local folk program of singing and dancing.
Day 05: At Ghale-Gaon Village
Ghale Gaon 2,100 m / 6,890 ft- Accommodation: Home Stay huts / cottage
Activities. Visit tea garden and collect information.
Morning having good breakfast facing close views of Lamjung Himal with Manaslu and Annapurna range of peaks.
Enjoy a short hike to a view-point hill for stunning panorama of Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu Himalayan peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail peak. As well tour of local Tea Garden, where the village chief will update regarding the tea garden. How it is planted and harvested seasonal wise, and way of processing tea. From raw leafs to dry ready to use home-made garden organic fresh tea, with full information.
Lunch is served of mixed cuisine of continental, Indian and Tibetan with Nepalese flavour, after lunch explore the villages and interact with the local people, or engage in farm activities.
Evening program with traditional folk programs of dance and songs, and then enjoy your last dinner in Ghale-Gaon.
Day 06: Drive to Pokhara
Pokhara 860 m / 2,822 ft 4 hrs- 4 hours drive
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
Morning a traditional farewell from the village community, where drive leads down back to Besisar town. Then driving on good road joining the main highway at Dumre, as journey leads past Damauli town to Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara transfer to your hotel close to serene Phewa Lake, with time for short stroll around the lake side.
Day 07: At Pokhara
Pokhara 860 m / 2,822 ft- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel near Phewa Lake
Activities: Tour of Sarankot and natural wonders of Pokhara.
Depart from the hotel, early morning for sunrise views from Sarankot Hill, located 1,460 m high above Pokhara valley. From the view-point enjoy stunning sunrise views over snow-capped mountain range with world’s 7th highest Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167 m. Includes 10th highest Mt. Annapurna 8,091 m and 8th high Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m, extends to range of smaller peaks. Facing Mt. Machhapuchare “Fish Tail” towers high at 6,993 meters.
Sarankot a popular spot for paragliding one of the leading adventure sports in Pokhara. After a great enjoyable experience return back to hotel for breakfast, our next tour short drive to Devi’s Water Fall. Includes Gupteshwor Mahadev cave with time for lunch break, tour continues visiting International Mountain Museum. The foundation stone of IMM was laid on 1 Dec, 1995. The soft opening of IMM took place on 29 May, 2002 where it was officially opened on 5 Feb, 2004.
After an interesting and exciting moment head back to hotel with time browse the local market around main areas of Pokhara
Day 08: Drive to Chitwan
Chitwan 415 m / 1,362 ft 5 hrs- 5 hours drive
- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
An exciting morning drive from Pokhara, where landscapes, climate and vegetation dramatically. Journey leads down mid-south around the country’s flat land of Terai belt at Chitwan, where temperatures are of sub-tropical climate.
An interesting overland ride for five hour, and then reaching Chitwan, drive leads close to Chitwan National Park entrance.
On arrival received by jungle guide and naturalist, briefs you with information regarding your program of jungle activities, and then check into your rooms after lunch a short nature walks or visit local Tharu village, the indigenous tribes of low-land and Terai areas of Nepal.
Day 09: At Chitwan
Chitwan 415 m / 1,362 ft- Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel
Activities. Jungle programs, elephant safari.
Jungle and nature activities begins early morning, after a refreshment and then join the jungle programs either elephant safari or nature walks as well bird watching of an hour or more. After a fresh morning program back to hotel / lodge for breakfast, after a short refreshing rest, guide will take you for elephant briefing on elephant stable, as well enjoy watching elephant bathing.
Back to lodge / hotel for delightful lunch, afternoon rest and then late afternoon either elephant safari or jungle drive and walks. Evening back at hotel and enjoy the local Tharu cultural program before a lavish dinner.
Day 10: Drive to Bharatpur airport for flight to Kathmandu
Nagarkot 2,100 m / 6,890 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Activities: Tour of Bhaktapur and drive to Nagarkot.
Early morning options for elephant ride, nature walks or bird-watching on completing the morning activities having breakfast then get ready for departure from the hotel in Chitwan. A short drive to Bharatpur city airport, for less than half hour flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport a short drive to Bhaktapur city. An interesting old city like a living museum take you back to medieval era enriched with ancient monuments. Includes various lively place of great cultural interest observing the local custom of Bhaktapur city.
After an exciting tour drive leads to a winding uphill to a cooler hill atop Nagarkot town. A famous holiday hill station for local and foreign travellers, rewards grand views of Central and eastern Himalayan range. On arrival transfer into a nice hotel or resorts facing views of mountains and beautiful landscape scenery.
Day 11: Drive Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Activities: Singing Bowl Therapy.
Early morning enjoy the glorious sunrise views over array of Himalayan white peaks that extends to Everest range. Towards far eastern horizon, having breakfast with snow-capped peaks views. Depart from the hotel in Nagarkot for Kathmandu, a drive of few hours reaching your hotel by mid-day.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Day 12: In Kathmandu
Kathmandu 1,340 m / 4,396 ft- Accommodation: Hotel
Activities: Free day at leisure options for morning mountain flight.
A free day in Kathmandu after a great tour around hills and low lands of Nepal. Enjoy the day relaxing with individual activities or join in for another exciting tour.
For interested people can book for Everest Mountain Flight, operates early morning in good seasons of the year. Where all passengers gets the window seats to enjoy the Himalayan panorama facing Mt. Everest. An hour flight to enchantment.
Day 13: Final International Flight Departure for Homeward Bound
1,340 m / 4,396 ftLast day in Kathmandu and Nepal, after a great memorable time on Nepal Mid-West Himalayan Tea Garden Tour. Our staff transfer you to the international airport terminal, and then bidding farewell to the guide and staff. As you head for the smooth flight homeward bound.
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Online nowHigh 9°C48°F · Low -1°C30°FJanFeb Ghale Gaun
High 11°C52°F · Low 1°C34°FFebMar Ghale Gaun
High 15°C59°F · Low 3°C37°FMarApr Ghale Gaun
High 19°C66°F · Low 6°C43°FAprMay Ghale Gaun
High 19°C66°F · Low 10°C50°FMayJun Ghale Gaun
High 20°C68°F · Low 13°C55°FJunJul Ghale Gaun
High 19°C66°F · Low 14°C57°FJulAug Ghale Gaun
High 19°C66°F · Low 14°C57°FAugSep Ghale Gaun
High 19°C66°F · Low 13°C55°FSepOct Ghale Gaun
High 17°C63°F · Low 8°C46°FOctNov Ghale Gaun
High 14°C57°F · Low 4°C39°FNovDec Ghale Gaun
High 10°C50°F · Low 1°C34°FDec
High 17°C63°F · Low 6°C43°FJanFeb Pokhara
High 19°C66°F · Low 8°C46°FFebMar Pokhara
High 23°C73°F · Low 11°C52°FMarApr Pokhara
High 27°C81°F · Low 14°C57°FAprMay Pokhara
High 27°C81°F · Low 18°C64°FMayJun Pokhara
High 27°C81°F · Low 21°C70°FJunJul Pokhara
High 27°C81°F · Low 22°C72°FJulAug Pokhara
High 27°C81°F · Low 22°C72°FAugSep Pokhara
High 26°C79°F · Low 21°C70°FSepOct Pokhara
High 24°C75°F · Low 16°C61°FOctNov Pokhara
High 21°C70°F · Low 12°C54°FNovDec Pokhara
High 18°C64°F · Low 8°C46°FDec
High 20°C68°F · Low 9°C48°FJanFeb Chitwan
High 23°C73°F · Low 11°C52°FFebMar Chitwan
High 28°C82°F · Low 15°C59°FMarApr Chitwan
High 31°C88°F · Low 19°C66°FAprMay Chitwan
High 31°C88°F · Low 21°C70°FMayJun Chitwan
High 31°C88°F · Low 24°C75°FJunJul Chitwan
High 30°C86°F · Low 24°C75°FJulAug Chitwan
High 30°C86°F · Low 24°C75°FAugSep Chitwan
High 30°C86°F · Low 23°C73°FSepOct Chitwan
High 28°C82°F · Low 20°C68°FOctNov Chitwan
High 26°C79°F · Low 15°C59°FNovDec Chitwan
High 21°C70°F · Low 11°C52°FDec
Average temperatures (approx.), 2015 to 2024. Source: Open-Meteo, adjusted to each village's altitude.
Culture of Ghale Gaun and the Gurung People
The hills on this route are home to Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri and Newar communities. Hindu and Buddhist traditions mix along the way.
Ghale Gaun is a village of the Ghale, a Gurung clan. Their faith blends Buddhism with Bon, an older pre-Buddhist tradition. Guests are greeted with a garland and a khata (silk scarf).
- Folk dances: Villagers perform dances such as Ghatu, Sorathi, Jhyaure and Serka, with traditional dress and instruments.
- Crafts: Look for woollen goods and bags and scarves woven from allo, a nettle fibre.
- Tharu culture: In Chitwan you meet the Tharu, the Indigenous people of the Terai, and watch their cultural program.
- Newar heritage: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur show centuries of Newar temple and palace building.
Dress modestly in villages and temples, ask before taking photos of people and walk clockwise around stupas.
Best Time for the Himalayan Tea Garden Tour
| Season | Months | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September to November | Clear skies, mountain views, good river levels for rafting, pleasant days in Chitwan from October | Best overall |
| Spring | March to May | Flowering hills and fresh spring tea leaves, haze later in the season, hot in Chitwan by May | Very good |
| Winter | December to February | Clear but cold mornings in Ghale Gaun and Nagarkot, morning fog in Chitwan | Good, pack warm |
| Monsoon | June to August | Heavy rain, landslide risk on hill roads, high rivers and limited jungle programs | Not recommended |
- Autumn: the clearest views from Sarankot and Nagarkot. October and November are the busiest months, so book hotels early.
- Spring: rhododendrons bloom in the hills in March and April. Expect more cloud in the afternoons.
- Winter: nights at about 2,100 m drop close to freezing. Chitwan mornings can be misty until late morning.
- Monsoon: roads to Ghale Gaun can be blocked by landslides, and rafting and jungle activities may be cut short.
Permits and Entry Fees for the Himalayan Tea Garden Tour
This tour does not enter a restricted area, so you need no trekking permit or restricted area permit. You do need a few entry tickets. We arrange the paperwork, so you only send your passport copy and travel details.
| Permit or ticket | Where it applies | Fee for foreign visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | Ghale Gaun, inside the Annapurna Conservation Area | NPR 3,000 |
| Chitwan National Park entry | Jungle activities inside the park | Daily fee set by the park. We confirm the current rate. |
| Heritage site tickets | Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Bhaktapur | Paid at each site. Rates are set locally. |
Rules to know:
- Carry your passport or a copy each day. Park and heritage site staff can ask for it.
- SAARC nationals pay lower rates at most sites and parks.
- In Chitwan, enter the park only with a registered nature guide.
- Fees are set by the government and local authorities and can change. We check the current figures before you travel.
Last checked: October 2026. Adding a trek? Read our Manaslu trekking permit guide.
Himalayan Tea Garden Tour Packing List
| Clothing | Light layers for warm days, a fleece or light down jacket for cold mornings in Ghale Gaun and Nagarkot, a rain jacket |
|---|---|
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes, sandals with straps for rafting and evenings |
| Rafting day | Quick-dry clothes or swimwear, a full change of clothes and a small towel |
| Jungle days | Clothes in muted green or brown, long sleeves, insect repellent, binoculars, sun hat |
| Health | Sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medicine, a refillable water bottle |
| Documents and money | Passport with visa, travel insurance, passport copies, Nepali rupees for snacks, drinks and tips |
Accommodation & Food
Hotels: Tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu, near Phewa Lake in Pokhara and near the national park in Chitwan. In Nagarkot you stay in a hotel or resort facing the mountains.
Bandipur: A lodge or homestay cottage in the old hilltop town.
Ghale Gaun: Two nights in homestay huts and cottages run by the village community. Rooms are simple. This is a village stay, not a hotel.
Meals: Breakfast is included every day. You also get a welcome dinner in a Nepali restaurant in Kathmandu, lunch on the rafting day, dinner in Bandipur, and all meals in Ghale Gaun and Chitwan. In Ghale Gaun lunch mixes continental, Indian and Tibetan dishes with Nepali flavours. Other lunches and dinners are at your own cost.
Evenings: Folk song and dance in Ghale Gaun and a Tharu cultural program in Chitwan.
Drinking water: Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water only. Bring a refillable bottle.
Money: Cards work in many Kathmandu and Pokhara shops, but villages run on cash. Carry Nepali rupees.
Safety & Guide Information
Your guide: An English-speaking tour guide meets you at the airport and travels with you. Local experts join on the way: a river guide for rafting, the village chief in Ghale Gaun and a naturalist in Chitwan.
Rafting: You get a safety and paddling briefing before you start. Everyone wears a helmet and life jacket, and valuables go in a waterproof barrel.
Jungle activities: Stay with your naturalist at all times, keep your distance from animals and follow every instruction. Wild animals in Chitwan, including rhinos, can be dangerous.
Roads: Hill roads, especially up to Ghale Gaun, are narrow and rough. In the monsoon, landslides can block them, so we may change the route or timing.
Insurance: Bring travel insurance that covers medical care, rafting and trip cancellation.
Health: Use insect repellent in Chitwan and drink only treated water. Tell your guide early if you feel unwell.
- Tea Gardens Up CloseSee how tea is grown and picked in the small gardens of Ghale Gaon.
- Hills, Lakes and JungleOne 13-day trip from Nagarkot and Ghale Gaon to Pokhara and Chitwan.
- Rafting and SafariFloat down the Trisuli River and head into Chitwan's jungle on safari.
- Sunrise at SarankotWatch the Annapurna range light up from Sarankot above Pokhara.
- All Transport ArrangedWe plan every drive and transfer, so you just enjoy the trip.
- 24/7 SupportOur team stays on call for your whole tour, from arrival to departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour runs 13 days and 12 nights from arrival in Kathmandu to departure. You spend 8 nights outside Kathmandu: Bandipur, Ghale Gaun, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot.
No. This is a touring holiday. You walk around villages, towns and heritage sites, do a short viewpoint hike in Ghale Gaun and join jungle walks in Chitwan, but there are no long trekking days.
The tea garden is in Ghale Gaun, a Gurung village in Lamjung district at about 2,100 m. It is a small village garden. The village chief explains how the tea is planted, picked by season and processed by hand.
Both run 13 days. The Ilam tour goes to the large tea estates of far east Nepal. This tour stays in central Nepal and mixes a village tea garden with Trisuli rafting, Bandipur, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot.
No. You raft for about 2 hours on the Trisuli River with a river guide. You get a safety and paddling briefing first, and you wear a helmet and life jacket.
Chitwan is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, many bird species and the rare Bengal tiger, which few visitors see. Activities include an elephant safari or jungle drive, nature walks, bird watching and a Tharu cultural program.
Breakfast is included every day. You also get a welcome dinner, lunch on the rafting day, dinner in Bandipur, and all meals in Ghale Gaun and Chitwan. Other lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot are at your own cost.
You need no trekking or restricted area permit. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit for Ghale Gaun, Chitwan National Park entry and tickets for the Kathmandu Valley heritage sites. We arrange them for you.
September to November gives the clearest mountain views and good rafting. March to May is also very good, with flowering hills and fresh spring tea. Avoid June to August, when monsoon rain can close roads.
Yes. The pace is easy and the mix of culture, wildlife and light adventure suits most ages. Tell us the ages in your group when you enquire, so we can plan rafting and jungle activities to fit.
You stay in tourist standard hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, a hotel or resort in Nagarkot, a lodge or homestay cottage in Bandipur, and two nights in Ghale Gaun's community homestay.
Yes. Day 12 is free, so you can book an early morning Everest mountain flight from Kathmandu. If you want a full Himalayan trek, ask us about joining a Manaslu trek before or after the tour.
Nepal Mid-West Himalayan Tea Garden Tour Map
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