13 Day Nepal Cultural
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
You don’t have to be a trekker to experience the rugged beauty of Nepal! On this 13 day adventure through the heart of the country, we’ll show you the magic of the Rooftop of the World without ever having to lace up your boots. Along with a group of like-minded adventure-ladies, you’ll be immersed in village life among Nepal’s ethnic minorities, make their quiet hillside towns your home, and learn traditional skills from local experts like the ancient art of pottery making and cooking Nepalese staples.
This trip seriously runs the gamut – from witnessing the snows of Everest by flight, cradled among other 8,000 metre peaks, to a safari into the heart of the Chitwan jungle where – if things work out – you may spot a Bengal tiger or two.
The accommodation doesn’t go so bad, either. Join us for homestays in remote mountain villages, where you’ll become a part of the family, intricate traditional architecture in idyllic surroundings, and comfy local inns.
This is just some of the fun that’s in store, all experienced with a tight-knit group of fellow female travellers making the adventure even more perfect. (If that’s possible!) There’s something to be said for ditching the trekking boots and seeing Nepal at a slowly-savoured pace. It all goes to show, you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to experience off-the-beaten-path Nepal and you’ll prove it!
Highlights
Sightsee Mount Everest by Plane
Explore Peaceful Mountain Villages
Immerse Yourself in Nepal’s Different Ethnic Communities
Stay in Delightful and Authentic Boutique Lodgings
Meet with Artisans in the Ancient Town of Bhaktapur
Go Wildlife Spotting on Safari in Chitwan National Park
Trip Details
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Pricing Details
- $1,650 AUD deposit per person.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo – most of our Patchies take this option.
- Private supplement available: (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room (not available on 1 night during Homestay on Day 9).
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
13 days, 12 nights
Meeting point
Hotel Moonlight, Kathmandu
Ending point
Hotel Moonlight, Kathmandu
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 10 dinners
- List transport: Private vehicle transportation, 4WD safari, Canoe Safari, 1 domestic flight
- 1 Scenic Mount Everest Flight
- 11 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- 1 night homestay
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty – Note: as Aussies, we are not used to tipping! However, guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in Nepal.
- Personal expenditure
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Kathmandu
Namaste, and welcome to Nepal!
From the minute you step off the plane, you’ll get a taste of what this radiant country is all about!
We know you might be weary from your long flight so we’ve arranged for one of our lovely team members to pick you up at the Kathmandu airport. Depending on when you arrive, you’ll have time to get acquainted with the capital by strolling the ancient streets of the Thamel neighbourhood.
Kick off the trip with a welcome dinner of authentic Nepalese cuisine alongside your new found sathi – the Nepali word for friend! A small gang of 12 girls will be your companions for the next 13 days as you take on this intoxicating land. Take this opportunity to fuel up because tomorrow is a jam-packed day of exploring this enchanting city with a few surprises thrown in along the way!
Accommodation: Moonlight Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Everest Flight
What better way to spend your first full day in Nepal than by witnessing the tallest mountain in the world in high definition? Despite its great heights, you won’t have to lift a finger for this pinch-me moment as you take a guided sunrise flight for panoramic views of Everest. While you might be wondering why we didn’t save the best for last, this is merely setting the precedent for the rest of your trip. (Note – this activity is weather-dependent.)
After your once-in-a-lifetime experience this morning, it’s time for your first deep dive into Nepali culture starting with two iconic religious sites, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, where Buddhism and Hinduism coexist in harmony. Stand beneath the fluttering prayer flags and breathe in the intoxicating smell of incense.
The highlight of the day, however, may well be a traditional cooking class organised by Seven Women, an NGO that supports local women by giving them the chance to share their culture with the world. Founded by Stephanie Woollard, a Melbournian with a passion for Nepal, we’re proud to partner with them for this trip.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch (cooking class), and Dinner
Day 3: Bhaktapur
Today begins with a morning stroll through some of Kathmandu’s most revered temples and squares, all with your local guide, but the shining star this morning must be the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Look up at the towering Nyatapola Temple from the royal courtyard and wander over to the Pottery Square where artisans have been throwing clay for centuries. You might be tempted to jump in and get your hands dirty …
… and if so, you’re in luck! Soon you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and trying your hand.
And that’s it for Kathmandu. Tomorrow, the clear air of the countryside awaits.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Nuwakot
Day 4. The high-energy and tumult of Nepal’s capital will fade away in a cloud of dust as you make your way to the idyllic, countryside town of Nuwakot. Take notice of how the landscape begins to change as you head higher into the foothills of the Himalaya, with views of the Trisuli River as it carves its way through the valley below.
Tonight we’ve arranged for an extra special stay that you’ll just have to see to believe! Spend the afternoon exploring the hidden cultural treasure of Nuwakot’s Durbar Square, once a seven story palace fortress. Take some much needed time to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Accommodation: The Famous Farm (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Bandipur
It’s a three hour, winding drive from Nuwakot to Bandipur today but your driver will take it slow, to save you from the topsy turvies. This journey will give you time to absorb the snowy peaks in the distance, including Nepal’s other famous trekking mountain, Annapurna.
Remember the incessant honking of Kathmandu? As a complete contrast, Bandipur is a quaint, traffic-free village and the traditional home of the Newari people, and your home for the next 2 nights. You’ll see their distinctive and intricate architectural features throughout, including in your enchanting accommodations tonight! Take special notice of the ornately carved windows and balconies.
Accommodation: The Old Inn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Walk to Ramkot
Day 6 begins with a three hour hike through the Nepalese countryside – hopping from village to tiny village until you reach your ultimate destination of Ramkot, home to the Magar people, where your physical endeavours will be rewarded with a lunch cooked by your hosts.
But, if the last four days of adventuring have caught up to you, don’t worry about missing out! You can journey to Ramkot in style by car instead.
From there, the afternoon is all yours. We suggest reading a book in the lush courtyard of the Old Inn or venturing back out into town to catch another glimpse of the snow capped Himalaya. Sunset will soon bathe the town in golden light and paint the mountains a flush of pink.
Accommodation: The Old Inn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch (local village), Dinner
Day 7: Pokhara
Travellers mostly come to Pokhara to seek rest after intense Himalayan treks and the hustle and bustle of city life. You, though? This is merely another idyllic stop on your expedition through Nepal.
Drop your bags at your hotel as we settle in for the next couple of days. Your first introduction to the City of Lakes starts with a visit to Yes Helping Hands, a nonprofit organisation that is devoted to teaching differently abled individuals work/life skills to improve their lives.
Tonight, it’s time to enjoy Pokhara’s easy to manage atmosphere on your own. Whether you’re on the hunt for something traditionally Nepali for dinner, or are in dire need of a good old fashioned slice of pizza, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Surprise!
Don’t we all appreciate a bit of spontaneity from time-to-time? That’s why at Patch, we like to keep some activities a surprise!
Today starts early with a hidden spot to watch the world come alive and is book-ended with an afternoon activity centred on Pokhara’s claim to fame, pure serenity. In the middle of it all is a special experience that combines culinary tradition and a cause that is close to our hearts, and yours soon too! Soak up this day of comfortability, tomorrow you’re headed deep into the rugged wilderness of the Madi Valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Snack
Day 9: Madi Valley & the Magar People
We won’t hide it from you – today’s drive is a long one. It’ll take 5 or 6 hours to reach the Madi Valley. But when the road turns south, away from the mountains and towards India’s border, and plunges deeper into Nepal’s remoteness, you’ll be taken over by the adventure of it and you won’t mind a bit!
Tonight’s stay will be special, and one that you’ll hold in your heart, long after you’ve left Nepal. As guests of the Magar people in their homestay, you’ll enjoy the simple pleasures of their isolated community, before tucking into a dinner specially prepared for you. What a day! We’re sure you’ll embrace your simple overnight accommodation for one night, and you’ll sleep well.
Accommodation: Local Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Chitwan
Day 10. It’s only been one night in the Madi Valley, but it will have been a memorable one. Before you leave, it’s time to say goodbyes with your host family over a traditional breakfast.
Today is a change of scenery as the group takes a short drive into the dense jungles and golden grasslands of our next destination…Chitwan National Park.
Soon, you’ll be trading your homestay’s rustic accommodation for another memorable stay. We don’t blame you if you want to melt away the day in the resort’s refreshing pool but you won’t want to miss out on the next cultural excursion with your local guide.
Accommodation: Green Mansions Jungle Resort (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Chitwan
Today you’ll discover why Chitwan National Park is known as the “heart of the jungle”! It’s a true safari adventure deep into the park by both track and river – jeep and canoe are your modes of transportation today! Keep your eyes wide for the chance to see Chitwan’s crown jewel, the elusive Bengal tiger, hiding within the dense vegetation.
Even if you don’t spot these rare big cats, the park is teeming with wildlife such as crocodiles, elephants, and the scale covered pangolin. Cap off the day with an inhouse dinner, soaking up your isolated surroundings at the centre of the forest.
Accommodation: Green Mansions Jungle Resort (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12: Kathmandu
It’s your last full day in Nepal. Those who are willing to brave an early morning will be well rewarded with glimmers of indigo kingfishers and rare Bengal Floricans, flitting through the bush.
Instead of making the long drive back to Kathmandu, the group will hop aboard a quick 30 minute flight, whisking you back to the capital in the blink of an eye.
You’ll finish off the day with one final group dinner. Take this time to reminisce on your incredible experiences, exchange photos, and possibly shed a few tears at the thought of breaking up the gang. What an unforgettable trip it’s been!
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 13: Farewell Friends
And that’s it – the cultural adventure of Nepal has come to an end.
The time has come to bid a fond farewell. A member of our team will transport you to the airport in time to meet your flight. Be sure to swap contact info with your fellow Patchies. An experience of this magnitude has no doubt bonded you for life!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
Fitness
Level 1 or Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you will be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include city walks and getting on and off various forms of transport. There’s a 3-hour walk included on day 6 of this itinerary, but you can choose to travel by vehicle and meet the group at the end of the walk for a village lunch if you prefer.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, it means this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… Just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on these trips is based on the following exchange rates:
14 March 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.66 USD
6 April 2024 departure: 1 AUD:0.66 USD
A deposit of $1,350 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
There are several 1-stop flights departing Australia for Nepal, flying mostly via either Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong. 1-stop flights from New Zealand are less likely, but 2-stop routes via Singapore and Malaysia are the most direct choices.
To accommodate the domestic flight luggage limits, we request that you travel with 1 case / bag weighing no more than 20kg, and 1 carry-on bag/case weighing no greater than 5kg.
Visa On Arrival for Australian and New Zealand passport holders: There’s a form to fill out on arrival in Kathmandu. The cost for the Tourist Visa is USD 30 for a 15-day multi-entry. Or USD 50 for a 30-day multi-entry. Carrying cash (USD) is recommended for paying the visa fee as digital payments are frequently unavailable. We’ll provide more information closer to the trip start.
We ask that you travel with 4 passport-sized photographs of yourself. They all may not be required during your trip, but there are several occasions when they are necessary, including Visa on Arrival, entering some travel zones, and buying a local SIM card.
Travellers who are double vaccinated for COVID no longer need a pre-departure COVID-19 (PCR) test to enter Nepal. However, you may be required to present your vaccination certificate on arrival.
The homestay is a collaborative project between a local Chitwan village community, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF Nepal) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This community-based tourism project empowers locals, particularly women, financially, socially, and personally.
The rooms are simple twin-bed rooms with mosquito nets and fans and attached bathrooms with western toilets and solar-heated warm showers.
ATMs and credit card facilities are limited to popular tourist locations and some larger hotels. So we recommend bringing USD (for visa on arrival) and AUD cash. These notes can be changed to local currency in the banks and local money changers at popular tourist destinations, and some hotels. The guide will assist with this.
If you are carrying USD 100 dollar notes, they should be no older than 2009 and in good condition. That is not worn, folded, marked, crumpled or torn.
Mid-March is one of the best seasons for travelling to Nepal. It’s springtime and the daytime temperature averages 25°C to 30°C.
Airfares are not included.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Please contact us for more information.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
