Nepal: Sky-High Himalayan Trek, Glittering Ancient Temples, and Mountainside Villages

In the Himalayan Mountains, the peak of Annapurna I soars high above a sea of clouds, its ice-crowned granite face silhouetted against an endless blue sky. Like Mount Everest to the east, Annapurna I forms one of the globe's 14 eight-thousanders—mountains soaring more than 8,000 meters above sea level. In the shadow of its namesake mountain, Nepal's Annapurna region shelters bustling urban centers and ancient Buddhist temples. With a 12-day tour from Bohemian Tours, an experienced team of guides leads visitors as they explore cultural traditions, take yoga and meditation classes, and trek for six days through the rugged Himalayas. Though the order of activities may change, the tentative itinerary includes the following and is available on select dates:

Days 1–2: After arriving in Nepal's capital of Kathmandu, visitors take shuttles to a three-star hotel for an orientation meeting. Nearby mountaineering shops stock cheap, last-minute gear such as daypacks and walking poles. The next morning, a five- to six-hour drive leads to Pokhara, the base camp for the upcoming alpine trek.

Days 3–8: The trek weaves through rhododendron forests, subtropical valleys, and waterfall-strewn stony passes toward the Annapurna Conservation Area, a Himalayan stretch studded with towering peaks. With 5–6 hours of hiking per day, treks meander past rustic Gurung villages and Jhinu's steaming hot springs. English-speaking guides fluent in Nepalese and other native tongues negotiate accommodations in family-run lodges, which provide vegetarian dishes such as organic curry, dal soup, and hot tea. The quest culminates at Poonhill, a 3,200-meter vantage point known for its 360-degree views of snow-capped spires.

Day 9: After returning to Pokhara, a boat cruise on Lake Phewa makes for a relaxing post-trek respite. Later, a massage soothes muscles sore from clambering up stone stairs or arm-wrestling boulders.

Days 10–11: The tour returns to Kathmandu to explore its ornamented shrines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Boudhanath's 14th-century stupa shimmers with multicolored flags and encircling prayer wheels, and monkeys often perch atop painted Buddhas at the 5th-century Swayambunath stupa and are welcomed by priests, who consider them sacred. In the mountainside town of Nagarkot, early risers watch spectacular sunrise vistas and can spot Mount Everest on clear days. Finally, a day in Bhaktapur, an ancient pedestrian town, reveals monumental squares and multilayered pagodas with carvings of lions, peacocks, and divinities.

View the available tour dates and FAQ page for more information. Check the itinerary for more information and to see exactly what’s included. Extra excursions are also available for an additional fee.