Easy Nepal for those who wanna travel. On Christmas Eve, we'll enjoy beautiful Pokhara. Then we'll set off on a shorter trek to the scenic Poon Hill and visit Chitwan National Park. We'll observe crocodiles from a canoe and rhinos from jeeps. If we're very lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of a Bengal tiger. We'll welcome the New Year in the heart of Kathmandu – Thamel, which is famous for its celebrations.
Difficulty: 5/10
Date: 22. 12. 2026 - 2. 1. 2027
Guide: Michal
Group size: max 10 pax
Price: 1 800 Eur
Itinerary
22.12. - Arival Kathmandu
23.12. - Drive to Pokhara
24.12. - Pokhara xmass eve
25.12. - Drive to Hile, trek to Ulleri
26.12. - Trek to Ghorepani
27.12. - Poon Hill, trek to Ghandruk
28.12. - Drive to Chitwan
29.12. - Chitwan
30.12. - Drive to Kathmandu
31.12. - Kathmandu sightseeing & party
1.1. - Kathmandu lazy day
2.1. - Fly home
Christmas and New Year in Nepal? Why not!
Come spend the holidays with us in this stunning country.
What awaits us?
After arriving in Kathmandu, we’ll head the next day to the lakeside city of Pokhara—a popular Nepali resort town full of cafés, bars, restaurants, and a charming promenade along Lake Phewa. We’ll take a boat trip on the lake and soak in the Christmas Eve atmosphere of this beautiful place (perhaps with some fresh fish from the lake!).
The following day, we’ll drive about two hours by jeep into the Himalayan foothills. In two days, we’ll reach the village of Ghorepani. At dawn, we’ll hike up to Poon Hill, a viewpoint with phenomenal sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
Later that same day, we’ll continue trekking through the beautiful foothills to the magical town of Ghandruk, a cultural center of the Annapurna region.
Next, we’ll travel by jeep back to Pokhara and then head to Chitwan National Park - the oldest national park in Nepal. We’ll stay at a resort on the banks of the East Rapti River. Activities include a jungle walk, canoeing to spot birds and crocodiles, and an afternoon jeep safari to see Indian rhinos, a wide range of birdlife, possibly a bear, and - if we're very lucky - even a Bengal tiger.
From Chitwan, we’ll return by jeep or van to bustling Kathmandu, where we’ll explore the cultural treasures of the valley: Patan Durbar Square, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple (where cremation ceremonies take place), and one of the largest stupas in Asia - Boudhanath. We'll enjoy sunset from the hilltop Swayambhu Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple).
Then it’s time to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Kathmandu’s tourist hub,
Thamel - perhaps in the famous mountaineering bar Tom & Jerry. The next day is for relaxing or shopping for gifts for family and friends.
Weather in Nepal in late december is usually good and stable, though nights can be colder.
The entire trip (departure/return) lasts 12 days, and will be led by UIMLA-certified international mountain guide Michal Gabriž. We will also be accompanied by a required local guide and a porter on the trek, who can carry up to 25 kg (1 porter per 5 people). Additional porters can be arranged upon request.
The trekking group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
Poonhill is an easy trek and should be manageable for anyone who moves at least a little and enjoys hiking. Trekking in the Himalayas is not that different from hiking in Slovakia in terms of difficulty. The pace of the trek is slow, and we will not be moving at high altitudes. So there is no need to worry about poor fitness. This trek is also suitable as an introductory trek in Nepal. You also don’t have to worry about mass tourism — our trekking groups are limited to a maximum of 9–10 participants. You can find more about trekking in Nepal in this article.
- All needed transfers
- All necessary permits (National park fee, trekking permit)
- Slovak guide UIMLA
- Nepali guide (mandatory)
- 1 porter for 5 pax group (25 kg), possibility to order another porter
- Accomodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in european standard hoteli with breakfast
- Accomodation on trek (lodge / tea house)
- Full board at Chitwan resort Into The Wild, including all program
- international flight ticket
- Food / drinks in Kathmandu (breakfast included)
- Food / drinks on trek
- Shower on trek
- tips for nepali staff
- insurance (alpenverein)
- visa to Nepal (30 USD)
When entering Nepal, it is necessary to have a valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry into the country. Visas are purchased at the airport upon arrival; the procedure only takes a few minutes.
Visa fees:
14-day visa: 30 USD
30-day visa: 50 USD
90-day visa: 125 USD
Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided at the *** Hotel Marshyangdi in the Thamel district. Accommodation during the trek is in tourist guesthouses called lodges (teahouses), usually in double rooms with beds. It is necessary to have your own sleeping bag; at some accommodations, especially at lower altitudes, blankets are available and are generally of satisfactory cleanliness.
In most cases, a shower is available for a small fee; however, do not expect the luxury of a European-style bathroom.
The tour price is generally without airfare; the flight ticket will be invoiced separately according to the current price at the time of purchase. We usually arrange the flights once the minimum number of participants has been reached. It is also possible to arrange your own flight ticket, provided that you are in the agreed destination (Kathmandu) on the specified day.
The preferred departure airport is usually Vienna, but we can also оперативly find flight options from another departure point if needed.
Airport pickup in Kathmandu is, of course, arranged by us.
If you have specific comfort requirements (business class, a more premium airline, etc.), we are happy to accommodate them.
The transfer to the airport in Vienna is not included in the price. All transfers in Nepal are generally included, from the moment of arrival to the final destination. Transportation within Nepal is arranged by private jeeps and vans. The quality of Nepali roads is not very good, so patience is required. It is also a way to see parts of the country beyond the trekking trails.
Meals during the trek are not included in the price and depend on local availability. The diet mainly consists of rice, potatoes, vegetables, soups, eggs, and various flatbreads. However, it is very tasty. In some places, chicken or yak meat is available. Food prices for tourists have increased significantly in recent years; expect to pay between 3–8 EUR for a hot meal. Daily food and drink expenses can be estimated at around 30 EUR per day. You certainly won’t make a mistake if you bring a few pieces of vacuum-packed sausage or bacon from home to occasionally diversify your meals. Water in Kathmandu or other cities is not drinkable. During the trek, bottled or boiled water is available everywhere, either plain or in the form of various teas. Coca-Cola, Fanta, beer, and similar drinks are also widely available. You can learn more about Nepali food in this blog.
Nepal is generally an exceptionally safe country. Local people are almost without exception friendly and welcoming. The state security forces also usually do not cause any problems; however, it is advisable to follow their instructions if required.
In the case of a necessary evacuation from the trek for medical reasons, commercial helicopters are available. We are able to arrange such an evacuation through insurance, so in this regard trekking in Nepal is relatively safe.
There is also no significant danger from wild animals.
When passing animal caravans of donkeys or yaks, it is important to be cautious and stand on the side of the trail facing the slope. Otherwise, a yak could accidentally push you off the trail into the valley.
During the main trekking seasons – spring and autumn – the weather in Nepal is usually relatively stable. Mornings and late mornings are almost always clear, while in the late afternoon there is a possibility of precipitation, especially in spring. In Kathmandu, temperatures often rise above 30 degrees Celsius.
During the trek, it usually feels warm throughout the day, but after sunset - particularly at higher altitudes - it can cool down dramatically, and nighttime temperatures may drop below freezing.
In Nepal, payments are made in Nepalese rupees. The approximate exchange rate is 1 EUR : 160 NPR. It is almost impossible to pay with euros in Nepal. We recommend bringing cash and exchanging it at currency exchange offices. Another option is to withdraw money from an ATM in Kathmandu, or possibly in Pokhara or Lukla. However, outside these places, you will not find an ATM.
Electrical sockets in Nepal are of various types, but in most cases European plugs can also be used. During the trek, electricity is available almost everywhere; however, in some higher-altitude areas where only solar panels are used, a fee may be charged for charging devices. You certainly won’t make a mistake if you bring a 20,000 mAh power bank with you.
Roaming for EU SIM cards is currently available, but it is not cheap at all. In Kathmandu, it is possible to buy a local SIM card (Ncell, NTC), although in the mountains it will work only very limitedly. Internet access during the trek is available in the form of Wi-Fi in most lodges where we will be staying. The guide will carry a satellite device for emergency situations.
All our treks are led by mountain guides with an international UIMLA license. We will also be accompanied by a mandatory local licensed guide.
Insurance covering evacuation and medical treatment is mandatory for all treks. We recommend OEAV Alpenverein: https://www.alpenverein.sk/ or commercial insurance.
The trek will take place with a minimum of 6 participants, and the maximum number of participants is 10.
For Nepal, it is recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid.
We are looking forward!
Michal & Miro
