Cardamom Circuit: Trek & Homestay in Nepal

Altitude above sea level: 1,302m

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes depends on traffic

Accommodation: Hotel Timila or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302m

Accommodation: Hotel Timila or similar

Meal: Breakfast 

9:00 AM: After breakfast, you start a guided cultural tour around Patan city also known as the City of Artisans. It is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu Valley.  The city is rich in Newari arts and sculpture with many masterpiece decorations carved in stones, metals and wood sculpture. Stroll through the palace square and discover a treasure trove of art in stone, wood, and metal. Learn about the centuries of history on display throughout Patan.

PM:

Boudhanath: Experience Boudhanath, a monumental stupa built in the 5th century. Feel the spiritual energy among colorful prayer flags, observe rituals, and hear Buddhist mantras.

Pashupatinath: Explore Pashupatinath temple by the Bagmati River, a blend of religion, art, and culture. Witness rituals, cremations, holy men, and devotees. Your journey ends safely back at your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 1,504m (Panauti)

Accommodation: Homestay

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you take a drive to Panauti, a traditional Newari town with its ancient temples and cobbled streets. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from your host, including a garland and vermilion, followed by a briefing. You will then be escorted to the home of a local host family for an authentic cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious lunch with your host, followed by a guided tour of Panauti’s medieval town to admire its captivating Newari architecture. In the evening, participate in a delightful cooking session with your host and learn about the secrets of local cuisine.

Altitude above sea level: 1,000 m (Ngadi)

Driving duration: 7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Teahouse Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we drive along the Prithivi Highway till Dumre and take a rough road through the Marshyangdi River as we pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields until we reach Besi Sahar.

Then we head to Ngadi passing hydropower, surrounding green hills and villages. We pass through tunnel along the way. Ngadi is a village on the lap of a cliff. This village, however, has the distinction of being the hometown of an well-known geographer and planner of Nepal Dr. Harka Gurung. His Samadhi (final resting place) is just a few minutes’ walk from the main market area.

Altitude above sea level: 1,590m

Hiking duration: 4-5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Homestay

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you set out on a picturesque trek to Chhinkhola village, renowned for its summer frog hunting tradition. The trek starts with a gradual ascent up a series of stairs, leading you along a trail that alternates between climbing and descending paths.

Surrounded by fragrant cardamom fields and four big stones that the locals worship, the village offers a charming a spiritual atmosphere. From village, you can enjoy a panoramic views of over half of Lamjung district and breathtaking mountain views to the north.

The village takes great pride in its Satuwa (Paris polyphylla) orchards, home to a vulnerable medicinal plant renowned for its healing properties. Its roots and rhizomes are utilized to treat snake bites, insect stings, and boils, among other ailments.

Upon arrival, receive a warm greeting from the host with garlands and rice vermilion, along with local snacks and cardamom tea. Explore the village leisurely, then join the hosts for an evening cultural dance performance followed by a local dinner.

Altitude above sea level: 1,340m

Hiking duration: 2.5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Homestay

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty local breakfast, the hosts bid farewell with vermilion and garland, then begin the descent towards Tarachowk village. Along the trail, you can see beautiful cardamom fields. Pass through Ludi village, a hidden gem adorned with picturesque beauty and inhabited by the Tamang community. Here, witness the unique indigenous potato fields. If weather permits, catch a glimpse of Ngadi Chuli Mountain from this village.

During spring, keep an eye out for wild berries like box berries and Himalayan raspberries along the way. Upon arrival in Tarachowk, receive a warm welcome from local women’s groups.

In your leisure explore village including cardamom fields, cereal crop fields, and surrounding landscapes. Witness the unique blend of Tamanag, Gurung Brahmin-Chhetri, and occupational caste cultures coexisting in this one village. While exploring, witness the daily activities of locals, such as weaving Himalayan bamboo to make fences and more. Visit the Kalika Devi Temple located within the village.

Spend the night in Tarachowk where you can experience local food flavored with cardamom with a cultural Lok Dohori song performance.

Altitude above sea level: 1,344m

Hiking duration: 2 hrs. approx.

Driving duration: 5 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Homestay

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we hike down to Shera Village (1,160m) and further to Ngadi. From Ngadi, you take a drive to Kalabang homestay

The village mainly consists of Gurung people, who have inhabited the traditional stone houses for centuries. Furthermore, a few Brahmins and Dalits have settled in the village over time, creating a diverse community. In this region, you can observe traces of a vibrant ancient culture, longstanding traditions, and traditional costumes. You can try their local coffee and enjoy a meal made from their garden. They will also share with you their daily life and traditions.

In the evenings, the villagers of Kalabang organize cultural programs, offering guests an opportunity to deepen their understanding and appreciation of local customs and traditions.

Altitude above sea level: 825m (Pokhara)

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar

Meal: Breakfast

Start your day with a refreshing morning hike and a delicious local breakfast. Upon your return to the homestay, set out on a hike towards the Peace Stupa, allowing you to appreciate the awe-inspiring vistas of the World Peace Pagoda, the nearby mountains, and the panoramic view of Phewa Lake from the hill vantage point. After descending from the stupa, make your way to Phewa Lake, where you will enjoy a scenic boat ride along the lakeside.

Upon completing your adventures around Phewa Lake, head to Pokhara and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Altitude above sea level: 825m (Pokhara)

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar

Meal: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, you have a leisure time to explore Pokhara on your own.

Driving duration: 6-7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Nepali Ghar or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, you take a drive back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel Nepali Ghar or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, spend your leisure time relaxing or shopping souvenir for loved ones.

Meals: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. Make sure you reach TIA airport on time, as you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. If you wish to stay a few more days, there are still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.