Rocks'n Yoga | NYE in Kathmandu + Pokhara, Nepal

Ever felt like you can’t decide whether your next holiday should be filled with adventure or have nothing on the agenda but pure relaxation? This trekkup is your perfect solution, combining the best of both worlds: ACTION (think trekking, canyoning, paragliding) and RELAXATION (think hammock, yoga, massage). All that, plus a glimpse of the stunning natural beauty and fascinating cultural traditions of this high-altitude destination.

Although Nepal is best known for its mountains, monks and deep-rooted spirituality, it’s also an incredible destination for adventure. Beyond the serene monasteries and snow-capped peaks is a world of thrills, from white-water rafting down Himalayan rivers and paragliding over Pokhara’s shimmering lake to canyoning down roaring waterfalls.

After the excitement, opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate are never far away, and wellness programs are all the rage. Greet the day with a relaxing yoga class, try traditional Ayurvedic treatments, or embark on a meditation session to focus on balance, mindfulness and connection with nature.

With grand mountains, impressive stupas and colorful prayer flags as a backdrop, this is a country that soothes, inspires and exhilarates in equal measure. For a New Years Eve getaway that balances adventure and tranquility, few places compare.

Let’s go!

DAY 1 // 30 DEC : ARRIVAL IN NEPAL

Meet at 00:30 at DXB for our flight to Kathmandu. Arrival, immigration formalities. We'll drop the bags to the hotel, grab a coffee and take leisurely stroll in the city.

Kathmandu is home to timeless temples and awe-inspiring heritage sites. Our tour will take us to the Bouddhanath Stupa, regarded as the centre of faith for followers of Buddhism and, at 36 meters tall, the largest stupa in Nepal. Next is a visit to ancient Patan Durbar Square, a center of both Hinduism and Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Lalitpur. Lastly, we’ll explore Pashupatinath Temple, a revered Hindu complex dedicated to Pashupati, a manifestation of Shiva. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest and most significant religious complexes in South Asia.

Free time at leisure in the afternoon. Overnight in hotel.

Meals on this day are not included due to variety of options in Kathmandu.

DAY 2 // 31 DEC : YOGA SESSION & WHITE WATER RAFTING

This morning we rise early and greet the sun, starting the trip off right with a rejuvenating yoga session that will energise our bodies and balance our minds.

After breakfast, we’ll jump into the car and make the 2-hour drive to Charaudi, the starting point of our rafting adventure. After a safety briefing, we’ll set out on the river, admiring the incredible scenery all around us. We’ll make a stop for lunch on the riverbank, then get back on the water, bracing ourselves for the white water section with various classes of rapids. Having (hopefully) made it through without capsizing, hot tea and coffee will be waiting for us at our finish point, and after we’ve warmed up a bit we’ll make the drive to Kurintar, where we spend the night.

It's time to celebrate NYE Nepali style!

DAY 3 // 1 JAN : CANYONING & PHEWA LAKE BOATING

Kick off the new year with an adrenaline-fueled experience as we head dive into a wet and wild canyoning session deep in the countryside.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the village of Jalbire where a towering, 40-metre waterfall is waiting for us – not to admire, but to scale its heights while hanging from a rope! An experienced guide will teach us a variety of techniques, including scrambling, climbing, safe jump and abseiling (rapelling).

You can, however, choose to go for a hike instead of canyoning.

Once we’ve dried off and warmed up, we’ll have some lunch, then hit the road to beautiful Pokhara, known as Nepal’s “City of Lakes”. On the way we’ll have magnificent views of the hills along the river. We’ll check in to the hotel and rest for a bit, before heading out again in the late afternoon to enjoy a boat ride on the iconic Phewa Lake.

Surrounded by colorful fishing boats, with the stunning Fish Tail Peak reflected in the lake’s surface, we’ll glide peacefully through the waters and feel how lucky we are to be such a place. Later, dinner then overnight in Pokhara.

DAY 4 // 2 JAN : PARAGLIDING & HIKE TO DHAMPUS

Get ready for pure exhilaration…this morning, we take to the skies! We’ll make the short drive to a hill just outside the Pokhara, from which we will catch the wind and launch ourselves thousands of feet in the air, seeing the world from a whole new perspective. As you soar like a bird over the city and lakes, you just might find yourself traveling alongside actual birds, with local species including vultures, eagles and kites. For those who prefer to stay closer to the earth, there is the option to do a zipline instead – you’ll still get a thrill, as it’s the world’s steepest and fastest one!

Our feet firmly back on the ground, in the afternoon we’ll embark on a trek to the ethnic Gurung village of Dhampus. The route winds through forests and terraced rice fields, offering amazing views of the Pokhara valley and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. At Dhampus, we’ll get a glimpse of local rural life, watching the farmers at work and seeing the buffalos roam the hillsides. In the evening, we’ll witness a breathtaking sunset with panoramic Himalayan mountain views. Overnight in a local tea house.

DAY 5 // 3 JAN : RETURN TO KATHMANDU

After breakfast we hit the road to make the drive back to the capital, taking in the stunning scenery and stopping for lunch on the way. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our last dinner together in a traditional Nepali restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

DAY 6 // 4 JAN : YOGA SESSION, KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING & DEPARTURE

On our final day, we’ll rise with the sun for one last yoga session, balancing our minds and bodies and enjoying the tranquility of the early hour.

After breakfast its time to wave bye, bye to Nepal and head back to airport for return flight home.

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
Activities: Yoga / trekking / rafting / canyoning / paragliding
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
Accommodation & meals: 3* hotels, one night in a basic tea house. Double sharing rooms. Local meals included, except day 1.
Requirements: Trekking gear, daypack, weatherproof clothes, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.

Cost: 6120 AED including flights until DEC 22. Past this date please inquire about the cost.

Specifically excluded:
- visa on arrival,
- insurance,
- single room supplement,
- meals in Kathmandu.

Visa: Almost all passports are eligible for visa on arrival, approx. 30 USD.

Note: Cost of paragliding may increase due to changes implemented regularly by the Nepali Paragliding Association.

Galleries from our previous trips:
https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26441678/
https://www.meetup.com/trekkup/photos/26991967/

See yah in Nepal x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / [docs@trekkup.com](info@trekkup.com)
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