The Happy Himalaya tour offers a little bit of everything Nepal has to offer neatly packaged into a two week expedition. We will trek for six days in the foothills of the Annapurna range up to Poon Hill (3,190m). Here you will have fantastic views of the Annapurna range and the stunning Fishtail Mountain Machhapuchhure. After trekking back to the small village of Nayapul we will raft Nepal's best rafting river the Kali Gandaki. During this four day rafting trip we will be camping on beautiful riverside beaches. There is of course a bit of culture in this trip with visits to Durbar Square and Pashupatinath the famous sites of the kathmadu valley at the start of this trip.

Pride Expeditions has organized an expedition to see the most thrilling locations Nepal has to offer. The trekking is achievable for fit and active people and no prior rafting experience is required. We have space for just twelve people on this trip which includes all activities and accommodation whilst in Nepal.  This price doesn’t include international flights or visas, insurance and alcoholic drinks. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (elevation 1.350 m)

Today you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your accommodation in Kathmandu which will
require approximately half an hour’s drive. 

Day 2 Half Day sightseeing in Kathmandu & free time

Today after breakfast our guide will take you on a half day guided tour around
Kathmandu. 

Day 3 Transfer to Pokhara (elevation 805 m)

After an early breakfast you will go on a long drive (approx 7 hours) to Pokhara,
another beautiful city of Nepal. 

Day 4 Trek to Potana (elevation 1970 m)

After breakfast we drive about 30 mins to Phedi. This is where we will start our 5 day
trekking tour. Phedi lies at 1.130 m and we will mainly trek uphill until Dhampus where
we will have lunch. 

Day 5 Trek to Ghandruk (approx. elevation 1.940 m)

Today we will trek about 7 hours up and downhill until we finally reach the beautiful
Gurung village Ghandruk. 

Day 6 Trek to Tadapani (approx. elevation 2.700 m)

Today’s trek will take us 5 hours uphill partly through rhododendron forest with
magnificent views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and the Annapurnas's

Day 7 Trek to Ghorepani (approx. elevation 2.750 m)

Be prepared for lots of up and downhill today. Today's walk takes approximately 6hrs. 

Day 8 POONHILL sunrise experience (elevation 3.190 m) and trek to Birethanti (elevation 1020 m)

Today we need to wake up very early in order to climb up to Poonhill (3.190 m) for a
stunning sunrise view behind the Annapurna Mountains. Without doubt one of the
highlights of this trip. Afterwards trek down to Birethani. 

Day 9: Trek to Nayapul (elevation 1.070 m) 

After breakfast we will go on a short trek to Nayapul where you will meet
your Rafting Guide and team. It is another 2 hours drive before we will reach the river
at a place called Beni (elevation 830 m). The rafting guide will give you a detailed
instruction about rafting and safety before we board the rafting boats and travel down the river to Balung Bridge. 

Day 10 Rafting to Phalebass (elevation 655 m)

After breakfast we go on a thrilling whitewater rafting on grade 3 and 4 rapids. After 2
hours we will stop for lunch by the river before we continue on to our tonight’s camp at
Phalebass.

Day 11 Rafting to Setibeni (elevation 600 m)

We will raft about 5 hours in total today with a lunch stop inbetween. Expect grade 2
and 3 rapids. This will be our last night in a tented campsite. 

Day 12 Rafting to Mirmi (elevation 530 m) and drive back to Pokhara

After breakfast we head for our last rapids at grade 1 and 2. After about 2 hours we
will reach Mirmi where you will finish and make the three hour drive back to Pokhahra. 

Day 13 Driving back to Kathmandu

Today we drive back to Kathmandu. You will have time for some last souvenir
shopping and afterwards we will have a farewell dinner. 

Day 14 Departure / End of the tour

You’ll be transferred back to the airport according to your flight schedule.

The Situation: Nepal

Nepal is one of the most progressive countries in Asia regarding recognising LGBTI relationships and giving people the rights they deserve. The laws are hard to discern but LGBT rights are being fought for by the Blue Diamond Society who are working throughout the Kathmandu valley and beyond. Nepal is a socially conservative country. Nepalis are the most welcoming and friendly people but discrimination based on sexual orientation is frequent for local people in the mountainous regions.