The Ultimate Adventure Through Nepal

An action-packed journey through Nepal's iconic beauty, cultural highlights, and some little-visited corners, this trip is an ideal introduction to the country without committing to a long-distance, high-altitude trek. Most days involve 4-6 hours of activity, with a couple of long road transfers and one internal flight maximising time to cover a wide range of places and experiences in just ten days.

While rafting the Trisuli River, you'll cover a total distance of approximately 30km over two days. The activity is led by specialist guides, and all equipment is provided, including 6-9 seater rafts, helmets, life jackets, and safety kayaks/boats. You will encounter approximately 17 grade -3 and 3+ rapids along the route, but none of them are particularly challenging, making it suitable for both total beginners and more experienced rafters.

You'll also join a 3-day trek at the foothills of the Annapurnas, along paths and trails that are relatively comfortable underfoot. There are a few sustained climbs and plenty of steps, but the views are worth it, and all should be attainable for a regular hill walker or those with a reasonable level of fitness. The trek does not reach high altitude, as the highest point is about 2,500m, but you will still get some great views of the mighty Annapurnas in the distance. Overall, a good level of fitness, stamina, and experience walking in the hills will make the going more enjoyable, so consider factoring in some training beforehand – we advise doing at least a couple of weekends of back-to-back days hillwalking.

While on the trek, you'll be joined by a local yoga instructor who will offer some morning and evening yoga classes, either in the comfort of your teahouse or outdoors, with stunning views of the mountains. Practice will include breathing exercises (Pranayama), common yoga flows, and some meditation.

Canyoning will involve sections of hiking, scrambling, abseiling, optional jumps, sliding, and swimming. Full gear and tuition will be provided; all you need is a basic fitness level. However, you should be comfortable in the water and not overly afraid of heights, as there is a 25m rappelling section to tackle (optional).

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline, shared between the group:

• Approximately USD100-120 per person for the trip, depending on the size of your group (USD50-60 for the main tour leader, the remaining to be shared amongst the other activity guides and staff)

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Although most teahouses and hotels have the option to buy bottled water, we advise against it to reduce the use of plastic. There are a wide range of products available these days which are more effective than traditional purification tablets - some trekkers like to use UV handheld devices such as a Steripen but other options are available.

This trip is scheduled to run outside the monsoon season so severe weather disruptions are unlikely to occur. However, should external factors, (such as severe weather conditions) cause alterations to what is possible, then the ordering of the above itinerary and/or the exact number of days spent in each location may have to change. The local host will endeavour to ensure that any replacement activities are of a similar style. One internal flight is included on this trip in order to make most of your time in Kathmandu at the end of your trip and avoid a third long road transfer. Please provide your passport details soon after booking so your seats can be reserved. Should the flight get cancelled, your host will arrange a transfer back to the capital by road (approx. 6-7 hrs drive).

The best time to visit this part of the Himalayas is before or after the monsoon season, which runs through July and August. The months of March to May and late September to November tend to be dry and pleasant for trekking and all the other included activities. In the cities and valleys, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 25-30°C. As you climb into the mountains, this will drop the higher you go. The higher villages on the trek may reach temperatures close to freezing overnight. Of course, mountain weather is notoriously hard to predict, so do come prepared for all conditions.

Please note that you may encounter higher temperatures above 30°C and high humidity in Chitwan, but the wildlife tracking activities there are leisurely, with plenty of time to relax in the comfort of your jungle resort.

Any luggage not needed for the short trek can be left at your hotel in Pokhara.

We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

How much you spend per day will vary according to your choice of meal, but generally people spend between $15-$25 per person per day on meals and hot drinks. Below is an approximate breakdown of some items:

• Dal baht: $4 to $7
• Chow mein: $2 to $4
• Eggs: $2 to $4
• Toast: $1.50 to $3
• Tea/hot chocolate: $1.00 to $3.00
• Chocolate bars: $2 to $4

Teahouses will provide cold water free of charge; however, it will need to be treated to enable you to drink it. Please read the drinking water FAQ for our advice. Other extra costs to be considered are:

• Shower: $2-$4
• WiFi: $2-5
• Electricity: $2-5

No, you'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings, which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of the activity. We recommend bringing an additional small duffel bag or 40L rucksack where you can pack your overnight kit during your 2nd night/3rd day trek, which will be carried for you by a porter (on a 2:1 basis).

This trip includes a one way domestic flight from Bharatpur to Kathmandu, operared by Buddha Air.

Nepal's mountainous terrain and weather make for challenging flying conditions and sadly more incidents (including fatalities) occur here than in other countries. Since 2013 the EU has banned all Nepalese domestic airlines from flying within EU airspace in order to raise awareness of the poor safety record (although no Nepalese airlines were operating routes within the EU prior to the ban). You should be aware that flying in Nepal is an identified risk: please consider this carefully before booking. Additional information can be found on the Aviation Safety Network entry for Nepal as well as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for Nepal

Domestic airlines in Nepal are generally not accredited by any internationally recognised safety audit systems and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of Western nations.

What does MBA do about this?

MBA collaborates with other UK travel companies that arrange for independent air-safety auditors to visit Nepal annually to assess the local airlines. MBA then only uses the carriers that were approved as part of the most recent audit. If any concerns are subsequently raised about an approved airline between audits, we put them on hold until the auditors are satisfied that safety standards are being met. Buddha Air has been deemed safe in the most recent air-safety report obtained by MBA in 2023.

You should aim to keep your luggage as light as possible, not exceeding 15kg which is the weight limit on the internal flight. Extra weight can be purchased locally for a fee if required (Rs 100 per extra kg)

You will be joined by one tour leader from the trip start to end, as well as local specialist guides including rafting, yoga and canyoning instructors. You will also have some helpers when on the trek (on a 2:1 basis), who will help carrying your overnight kit if desired.

We've sourced some great optional activities for you to do in and around Kathmandu should you wish to explore the area further. Please discuss these directly with your host, who will be able to book them for you.

Cook Like a Local: This short cooking workshop (approximately 3 hours) teaches you how to cook popular Nepali dishes like momos and dal bhat. You'll meet your teacher and accompany them shopping, then head to the kitchen and learn to cook alongside them. Price: pay what you think the workshop is worth!

Shop Local: A 2-3 hour guided exploration of the markets of Kathmandu. Learn about the vendors that line the narrow and crowded alleyways and witness everything you could ever imagine being sold, haggled, or bargained for. It’s a great chance to learn about the melting pot of cultures that exist in Kathmandu. Price: $9-$50 per person, depending on group size.

Master of the Arts: Patan Durbar Square is popular for its handicrafts, and this trip will explore the local factories where they are produced. You’ll visit 2-3 factories and learn about the traditional processes they use and see artwork being produced. Price: $14-$59 per person, depending on group size.

Introduction to Shamanism: Shamanism, which is believed to heal many diseases, is not practiced widely these days. However, this trip enables you to meet a practicing Guru and learn all about this age-old tradition. You’ll visit a small house for an introduction, followed by lunch and then a drumming session where you’ll learn the importance of rhythm to healing. Price: $90-$150 per person, depending on group size.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.