Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Pssssst! Want to go on a nature hike to see waterfalls, bird life, village bazaars and a hidden monastery? Join this Kathmandu tour to spend a day hiking in friendly terrain that is full of spiritual surprises.
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Highlights
- Experience a ride on local transport
- Visit the site of sleeping Buddha
- Hike through the last remaining woodloods near Kathmandu
- Take in breathe-taking views of the Kathmandu valley and the surrounding hills
- On a clear day see snow capped Himalaya
- Discover the path to the hidden monastery.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Meeting point:
Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 7.00 AM
- Ending point:
Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu
Language: English
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Entry fees to Shivapuri National Park, Local transport.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Packed Lunch, Beverages, Tips or gratuities for guide.
Rendezvous at the courtyard of Kathmandu Guest House at 7 a.m. Walk to the nearest bus-stand (approximately 15 mins). Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals to Buddanilkantha (30 mins approx) on our journey to the site of the sleeping Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation). Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which seems to float the sleeping Vishnu - get your cameras out and lend your ears to an interesting story about the sleeping Vishnu.
Start the hike through the surrounding farmlands into Kathmandu’s nearest forest reserve - Shivapuri National Park (15 mins approx). After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant walk through the woods, to a hidden Buddhist monastery - Nangi Gompa (2.5 hrs approx). Set on a pedestal atop the hill offering wide angle view of the Kathmandu valley. Avid bird-watchers will have a field day!
Descend down the hill and continue to hike through the woodlands emerging out of the forest reserve at Sundarijal. Enjoy the sights of waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the hike at the bazaar (1 hr approx). Again, jump on local transport for the journey back to Kathmandu (1 hr approx).
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Additional information
Inclusions: English speaking guide, Entry fees to Shivapuri National Park, Local transport.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Packed Lunch, Beverages, Tips or gratuities for guide.
Dress standard: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Travellers must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusively.
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Local contact
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