11-Day Nepal Adventure with Allison Wolf
A small group, women-only adventure through Kathmandu, Pokhara, the Himalayas & Chitwan National Park
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Dates
November 6-16, 2026
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Group Size
8-14 Travelers
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Duration
11 days, 10 nights
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Cost
$3,195 USD ($400 deposit to reserve your spot)
Prayer Flags, Sacred Temples, a Wildlife Safari, and the Himalayas...
Nepal is a country unlike anywhere else - small and land-locked, yet incredibly diverse.
You have Kathmandu with it's bustling streets, incense drifting through the air, and monkeys jumping between ancient temples. The tranquil lake town of Pokhara, which sits at the base of the Himalayas and acts as a gateway for some of the best trekking in the world. And Chitwan National Park - hot, jungly, and home to an incredible amount wildlife, including over 700, one-horned rhinos.
Designed in collaboration with Intrepid Travel and a team of local Nepali experts, this custom route blends everything I loved most from the 2.5 months I have spent exploring Nepal: cultural sites and traditions, trekking in the Himalayas, sunset boat rides, meditation, delicious food, and a safari to see rhinos and other unique wildlife.
It's adventure mixed with comfort. Curated, intentional, and shared with a small group of like-minded female travelers who love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Trip Highlights
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Kathmandu's Sacred Sites
Kathmandu is vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating. During our time here, we’ll explore four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Expect spinning prayer wheels, drifting incense, sacred rituals, and monkeys leaping between temple rooftops.
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Trekking in the Himalayas
We’ll embark on a 3-day trek to Poon Hill in the breathtaking Annapurna range - the perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. This trail winds past terraced landscapes, rhododendron forests, and remote mountain villages, with views of some of the tallest peaks in the world. We’ll stay in cozy local teahouses and spend our evenings sharing stories over hot milk tea and plates of freshly made momos.
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Wildlife Safari in Chitwan
We’ll spend two nights at a beautiful resort in Chitwan National Park, one of the best places in Asia to see wildlife in its natural habitat. This conservation success story is home to more than 700, one-horned rhinos. During our stay, we’ll venture into the jungle on a Jeep safari, glide down the river in a traditional dugout canoe, enjoy sunset drinks along the riverbank.
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Sunset on Phewa Lake
Pokhara is a tranquil lake town in Nepal with views of the Himalayas. On our first evening here, we’ll watch the sunset from colorfully-painted, wooden row boats in the middle of Phewa Lake. Lights from the shore will twinkle in the distance and the most beautiful, golden glow will settle over us. Afterwards, we'll have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Pokhara - which also has views of the lake!
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Meditation with a Monk
While in Pokhara, we’ll visit the tranquil Pema Tsal Sakya Monastic Institute to learn about the ancient Sakya Buddhist tradition. Here we’ll take part in a guided meditation session with a monk and gain insight into the spiritual practices that shape daily life in Nepal. It’s a rare opportunity to slow down, reflect, and experience a meaningful part of Himalayan culture.
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Tibetan Community Visit + Momo-Making Class
Nepal has a vibrant Tibetan community, and Tibetan culture has deeply influenced life in the Himalayas. In Pokhara, we’ll visit a local Tibetan refugee settlement to learn about the community’s history and resilience. Afterwards, we’ll roll up our sleeves for a hands-on momo-making class before enjoying the dumplings we’ve prepared together for lunch.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Tonight we'll be meeting for a welcome, group dinner at a traditional, Nepali restaurant. This will be our first time all together as a group and the official start of the trip.
If you arrive in Kathmandu early, I highly recommend exploring the surrounding Thamel area near our hotel. Thamel is the main tourist area in Kathmandu and it's full of shops selling souvenirs and cheap trekking gear, cafes, and interesting sights. It's a bit chaotic and crazy, but also buzzing with incredible energy!
Meals: Dinner
Included activities:
- Welcome meeting
- Group dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti (5-Star) or similar
Day 2: Exploring the Best of Kathmandu
Today is all about Kathmandu. We're going to explore four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the banks of the Bagmati River; Boudhanath Stupa, a towering 36-meter-high center of Tibetan Buddhis where pilgrims circle and spin prayer wheels; Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), a revered hilltop shrine believed to have self-manifested from a lotus when the valley was once a lake; and Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic heart of the city, home to over 50 temples, palaces, and courtyards that once served as the seat of the Malla kings.
In between sightseeing spots, we'll stop for lunch at one of my favorite cafes in Kathmandu: kar.maCOFFEE.
The afternoon will be free for you to explore Kathmandu at your own pace or rest back at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included activities:
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Durbar Square
Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti (5-Star) or similar
Day 3: Transfer to Pokhara + Sunset Boating on the Lake
This morning, we're leaving the chaos of Kathmandu behind and taking a private transfer to Pokhara - a peaceful, lakeside town at the base of the Himalayas.
After we arrive in Pokhara and check into our hotel, our tour guide will give us a guided, orientation walk of the city. We'll then have dinner at The Juicery Cafe - my favorite restaurant in Pokhara. It has a stunning view of the lake and delicious food.
As the sun starts to set, we'll rent row boats and spend the evening on Phewa Lake, taking in the glittering lights and mountain silhouettes.
The rest of the evening is free for you to rest or explore Pokhara on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Late Lunch or Early Dinner
Included:
- Orientation Walk of Pokhara
- Sunset Boating on Phewa Lake
- Group Meal at The Juicery Cafe
Overnight: Hotel Barahi Pokhara (5-Star) or similar
Day 4: Full Day in Pokhara (Monastery Visit + Momo Making with Tibetan Refugees)
Today we have a full day in Pokhara to immerse ourselves in this beautiful lake town and learn more about the local culture. After breakfast, we'll visit the Pema Tsal Sakya Monastic Institute to learn about the ancient Sakya Buddhist tradition and take part in a peaceful meditation session with a monk.
Then we'll drive to the World Peace Pagoda for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
From there, we'll continue to a Tibetan refugee camp where we'll speak with one of the residents living there in order to gain insight into the daily life and resilience of the community. We'll also learn how to make momos there and enjoy our homemade lunch together afterwards.
The rest of the afternoon is free for everyone rest at the hotel or explore on their own. This is also our time to re-pack into smaller backpacks and prepare for the start of our trek tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included activities:
- Pema Tsal Sakya Monastic Institute Visit + Meditation Session
- World Peace Pagoda Visit
- Tibetan Refugee Camp Visit With Momo-Cooking Class
Overnight: Hotel Barahi Pokhara (5-Star) or similar
Day 5: Poon Hill Trek - Day 1
Today is day 1 of our trek! You can leave your large luggage at the hotel in Pokhara and just bring what you need for the trek in a smaller, backpack suitable for hiking. We will be returning to the same hotel on day 7 of this itinerary (2 days later).
After breakfast, we will transfer by private vehicle to a village called Hile. It's about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Pokhara. Once we arrive, we'll meet up with our guide for the trek and begin hiking to Ulleri. Today's trek will take us through a landscape of welcoming villages, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and rhododendron forests - all set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
This first section of the trek is relatively gentle and easy-going, before ascending a long series of stone steps to Ulleri. In total, today's hike should take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
- Hile to Ulleri Trek (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours’ walk)
Overnight: Local Teahouse in Ulleri (Basic Accommodation)
Day 6: Poon Hill Trek - Day 2
Our second day of trekking will take us from Ulleri to the mountain village of Ghorepani. Along the way, we'll pass traditional homes and teahouses as the path winds over rolling hills, rewarding us with beautiful views of Annapurna South midway through the trek.
As we ascend further, the landscape becomes more enchanting, with dense forests of towering bamboo and blooming trees. Continue beyond Banthanti through a moss-draped woodland to Nangathanti, then press on to Ghorepani, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved rest in the
Today's trek leads steadily uphill and will take around 4-5 hours.
Included Activities:
- Trek to Ghorepani
Overnight: Local Teahouse in Ghorepani (Basic Accommodation)
Day 7: Poon Hill Trek - Day 3
We will rise early this morning for a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill where we’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. After soaking in the views, we'll return to your teahouse for breakfast before setting out on today’s trek to Banthati.
Today's trail follows a scenic ridgeline, offering magnificent mountain vistas on both sides as we walk through peaceful forests. Descend along a gentle, sometimes muddy slope to a small settlement and a beautiful forested gorge, then continue to the mountain village of Banthati, where you will be picked up for our drive back to Pokhara.
Included activities:
- Sunrise Hike to Poonhill (approximately 1.5 hours’ walk).
- Trek to Banthati (approximately 4 hours’ walk).
Overnight: Hotel Barahi Pokhara (5-Star) or similar
Day 8: Transfer to Chitwan National Park (Tharu Village Visit + Cultural Dance)
We're heading to Chitwan National Park today! Chitwan is one of Asia’s finest national parks, celebrated for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes of forests and grasslands. It is especially known for protecting the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, offering exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival and check-in at our hotel, we'll take an excursion to a nearby Tharu village to learn about the indigenous Tharu community, their unique culture, traditions, and way of life. In the evening, enjoy a lively Tharu stick dance performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included activities:
- Tharu Village Visit
- Tharu Cultural Dance
Overnight: Kasara Resort Chitwan (5-Star) or similar
Day 9: Full Day in Chitwan National Park (Jeep Safari, Canoeing the Rapti River + Sunset Drinks)
We have a full day in Chitwan National Park today to look for rhinos and other wildlife! After breakfast, we'll embark on an exhilarating 4-hour, jeep safari through the park.
Following our safari, we'll glide along the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe, keeping watch for the great Indian rhinoceros, graceful deer, colorful birds, and the marsh mugger crocodiles that line the riverbanks.
The afternoon is free to relax and soak in the serene surroundings of our lodge. Later, we'll head to a special location on the riverbanks to watch the sunset with some local Nepali snacks and drinks before returning to the resort in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included activities:
- Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park
- Dugout Canoe Ride on the Rapti River
- Sunset Drinks by the River
Overnight: Kasara Resort Chitwan (5-Star) or similar
Day 10: Bird-Watching in Chitwan National Park + Transfer to Kathmandu
This morning, sleep in or join an early-morning bird-watching safari. After breakfast, we'll take a private transfer back to Kathmandu for our final night of the trip.
We'll meet in the evening for a group farewell dinner at The Chimney - a restaurant at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included activities:
- Early Morning Bird-Watching
- Group Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti (5-Star) or similar
Day 11: Time to Say Goodbye
It's time to say goodbye! I hope you've had an amazing time in Nepal and are heading home with incredible memories, new friends, and a suitcase full of souvenirs.
Check out from our hotel is at 12pm. Private transfers to the Kathmandu Airport today are included.
I hope to see you on a future group trip of mine!
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What's Included
- Accommodation: 6 nights in 5-star hotels, 2 nights at a resort, and 2 nights in teahouses (Double occupancy; limited single rooms available for an additional fee )
- Expert local guide throughout the entire trip
- Private transfers throughout the entire trip
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners, including:
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
- Lunch at kar.ma COFFEE in Kathmandu
- Dinner at The Juicery Cafe in Pokhara
- Farewell dinner at The Chimney in Kathmandu
- All included activities listed in the itinerary
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What's Not Included
- International flights
- Food and drinks not listed above
- Porters on the trek (you will have the option to hire someone if needed)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Visas, if applicable
- Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
- Additional activities not listed in the itinerary
My Nepal Story
In 2023, I spent 2.5 months exploring Nepal - first as a solo traveler and later working on a campaign with the Nepal Tourism Board. What unfolded was one of the most memorable and transformative trips of my life. To this day, when people ask me my favorite country I’ve visited, my answer is always Nepal.
My journey began with a 10-day silent meditation retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. I meditated alongside people from around the world, listened to teachings from monks, followed a simple vegan diet, and completely unplugged from technology. It was grounding, humbling, and one of the most meaningful travel experiences I’ve ever had.
After the retreat, I traveled to Pokhara - a peaceful lakeside town and gateway to the Himalayas. With friends I’d met at the retreat, I set off on a multi-day trek to Poon Hill. We stayed in mountain teahouses, shared endless plates of momos (Nepali-style dumplings), and woke up to views of some of the tallest peaks in the world.
Later, while working with the tourism board, I experienced another side of Nepal - including an unforgettable safari in Chitwan National Park, where conservation efforts have helped the one-horned rhino population rebound dramatically.
This trip brings together the best parts of my time in Nepal: exploring the temples and vibrant streets of Kathmandu, relaxing in Pokhara, trekking in the Himalayas, and spotting wildlife in Chitwan. Along the way we’ll share incredible meals, learn to make momos with Tibetan refugees, meditate with monks, and stay in beautiful accommodations - from luxury hotels to cozy teahouses in the mountains.
It’s an adventure designed for women who want a truly unique travel experience in one of the most stunning and culturally rich places in the world.
Hi, I'm Allison!
I'm a 29-year-old American with 11 years of solo travel experience across 44 countries and I'll be your host on this group trip. I've learned how to search out unique and authentic adventures around the world - something I'm passionate about sharing with others. If you want to meet new people and immerse yourself in another culture, I'd love to travel together!
I also recently led a women-only group trip to China and I have a group of 13 ladies traveling to Greece with me this summer. Follow me on Instagram (@wolvesandwaterfalls) to see videos afrom past group trips and my current travel adventures.
Ready to Experience Nepal?
Secure your spot on my women-only group trip to Nepal with a $400 deposit (limited-spots available).
Testimonials
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Diana
China with Allison was an amazing experience! During the trip she was so open and available for questions or if any issue arose - I knew I could count on her to help me! I felt very comfortable in her hands and would highly recommend a group trip with her!! I also really appreciated her willingness to take photos of us - she obviously has an eye for photography so she inspired really great photo shoots and was always down to take your picture or take a video to capture your memories. Her positive aura is so special - she is a genuine beautiful soul and I’m so happy to have gotten to know her.
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Kali
Amazing trip to China! Once in a life time experiences that I feel like I wouldn’t have gotten traveling on my own. Allison was also a great host! She did a great job of spending time and checking in with each person as well as getting to know those she didn’t know prior to the trip. She was also the easiest person to talk to and get along with, I felt like I had known her for years even though this was our first meeting. I would definitely go on another trip hosted by her and can’t wait to hear the deets on her next one!!
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Kalina
I had an excellent experience with Allison in China! Allison was organized, thoughtful, and genuinely great to travel with. She gave clear, practical guidance before we left such as visa timing, apps we needed, and packing tips. On the ground, she was a natural conversation starter and kept the dynamic easy and fun. Her past experience in Chengdu made our free days exciting with spot-on recommendations, and it was equally enjoyable exploring new cities together for the first time. I’d happily join another trip she leads and highly recommend to anyone considering a new adventure!
FAQ
Who is this trip for?
This trip is for women who want to experience Nepal with a group of like-minded female travelers. Ideally, someone who loves having a well-rounded mix of experiences when they travel. In this case, exploring ancient sites in Kathmandu, slowing down in the lakeside town of Pokhara, doing a 3-day trek in the Himalayas, and searching for wildlife in Chitwan National Park.
It's also perfect if you love to travel but don't like to deal with the stress of booking things, planning out your itinerary, or navigating a a new country on your own. With this trip, all of the logistics are taken care of and we'll have a local guide who speaks English and Nepali.
Here's to having an incredible, bucket list travel adventure, learning about another culture, and making new friends!
What is the age range of travelers?
Ages range from 18 - 65+. On my China group trip our youngest traveler was 27 and our oldest traveler was 68. On my Greece group trip, the youngest traveler is 21 and the oldest traveler is 68 (a return traveler from my China trip).
Typically, the median age is around 25-35, but all ages 18 and over are welcome!
What types of accommodations will we be staying in?
We will spend 6 nights in centrally-located, 5-star hotels, 2 nights at a 5-star resort at Chitwan, and 2 nights in local tea houses on our Poon Hill Trek.
My goal for this trip is for you to be as comfortable as possible, while also still having a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and see what life is like for Nepalis who live in remote mountain villages.
How physically active is the trip?
The 3-day trek to Poon Hill in the middle of our itinerary will be highly active. While Poon Hill is a beginner-friendly trek and one of the easiest treks you can do in the Himalayas, it still requires a decent level of physical fitness and a desire to be out in nature.
The rest of our itinerary will be on the lighter side in terms of physical activity and will mostly involve walking and exploring different sites, observing wildlife, etc.
Can you tell me more about the trek?
Definitely! The Poon Hill trek is a trek I did when I spent 2.5 months exploring Nepal in 2023. It is a beginner-friendly trekking route and reaches an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,531 feet).
What I loved about this trek is that it takes you past tranquil mountain villages and rhododendron forests, and has incredible views of the Himalayas along the way.
While we will spent the rest of our trip staying at 5-star hotels and a resort (in Chitwan), this trek gives us an opportunity to stay in local teahouses. These accommodations are simple, yet they offer a rare glimpse into life in the mountains of Nepal.
At teahouses, you can also always find hot cups of milk tea and steaming plates full of momos, or Nepali dumplings - two things which taste amazing after a full day of hiking.
Will there be porters for the trek?
Porters are not included as part of the price for this trip, but you will have the option to hire one if needed.
For all travelers who join this trip, I recommend bringing a smaller, hiking pack along with your regular luggage that you can pack any clothes and gear you'll need for our 3-day trek to Poon Hill.
We will be staying at the same hotel in Pokhara before and after the trek so you can leave your larger luggage behind and just pack what you need for the hike.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are also plenty of places where you can buy or rent affordable hiking gear. As one of the best hiking destinations in the world, they are well set up for these kind of adventures.
Should I be concerned about the altitude?
That is a great question! The highest point we'll reach is at the top of Poon Hill during our trek (3,200 meters or 10,531 feet). Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) typically begins at 3,500 meters - making Poon Hill a trek that's generally considered safe and beginner-friendly, although mild headaches and altitude sickness can still occur.
We've also positioned this hike in the middle of the itinerary to help give you time to rest and acclimate before beginning the trek. That being said, mild symptoms such as headaches or shortness of breath can still occur.
It is also your responsibility to make the decision whether you are physical able to do this trek safely. If you have any heart or lung conditions it is not recommended that you do this trek.
If you have any doubts, I recommend seeing a licensed physician in your home country before signing up.
Do I need a visa?
If you're a U.S. citizen, you will need a visa for Nepal. However, they are easily obtained through visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Costs are typically $30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please look up the visa requirements for your nationality.
How do room shares work?
Room shares are randomly assigned unless you specify otherwise in your booking (for example, if you're booking the trip with a friend or family member, you can specify that you would like to room with them).
Can I book a private room?
Yes! A private room upgrade for the duration of the trip is $405 USD. There are limited single-rooms available so please make sure to specify in your booking that you would like one. Single-rooms are given out on a first come first served basis.
What airport do I fly into/out of?
The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. The airport there is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
How does payment work?
A $400 deposit is required in order to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due at least 56 days before the trip
Cancellation:
- Cancellation prior to 56 days: Intrepid will hold the deposit amount as a credit.
- Cancellation between 55 - 31 days prior to departure will incur a loss of deposit.
- Cancellation 30 days or inside prior to travel will incur 100% cancellation fees
- No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur 100% cancellation fees.
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Trip Activities (Complete List)
- Welcome Dinner in Kathmandu
- Guided Visit of 4 UNSECO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (the monkey temple), and Durbar Square
- Lunch at kar.maCOFFEE (one of my favorite cafes in Kathmandu)
- Guided Orientation Walk of Pokhara
- World Peace Pagoda Visit
- Sunset Boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara
- Group Dinner at The Juicery Cafe (my favorite restaurant in Pokhara)
- Monastic Institute Visit + Meditation Session with a Monk
- Tibetan Community Visit + Momo-Making Class
- 3-Day Poon Hill Trek
- Sunrise at Poon Hill
- Tharu Village Visit + Cultural Dance
- Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park to Look for Rhinos and Other Wildlife
- Dugout Canoe Ride on the Rapti River
- Sunset Drinks by the River in Chitwan National Park
- Farewell Dinner at The Chimney in Kathmandu
Ready to Experience Nepal?
Secure your spot on my women-only group trip to Nepal with a $400 deposit (limited-spots available).
More About Intrepid + Official Trip PDF
Intrepid has been taking travelers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989. That's over 35 years of adventures, changing the way people see the world, and countless, unforgettable moments.
The team at Intrepid created a PDF for our trip with more information - including examples of the hotels we'll be staying at. I've linked it below in case you want to take a look!