Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (if morning flights); clear immigration and meet the group. Transfer by private van to your guesthouse in Thamel (roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic).
Check-in and freshen up at Hotel Yak & Yeti (or similar Thamel hotel). Drop bags, grab a quick shower and change into comfy clothes — this is a relaxed arrival, so take your time.
Brunch at OR2K (Thamel) or Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory café — enjoy hearty pancakes, local momo variations and strong Nepali tea while the group meets and final trip logistics are discussed.
Short orientation walk around Thamel: buy SIM cards at Ncell/NTC kiosks, pick up any last-minute trekking gear at Mountain Hardwear or local outdoor shops, and acclimatise to the bustle.
Visit Basantapur Durbar Square for a first taste of Kathmandu’s heritage — stroll among temples and palaces, get photos of Hanuman Dhoka and the living goddess Kumari's residence (if accessible).
Late lunch at Bhojan Griha for authentic Newari cuisine (book ahead) or at The Ship Restaurant for relaxed riverside vibes; try dal bhat, bara and local pickles to fuel the week.
Quick stop at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic city views and sunset light. Walk the stupa circuit and spin prayer wheels — a peaceful counterpoint to the afternoon bustle.
Return to hotel to rest or nap — unpack properly and lay out gear you’ll use for the drive to Pokhara later in the trip; leaders confirm timings for tomorrow’s full Kathmandu day.
Freshen up and get dressed for the welcome night out. Meet in the hotel lobby for a quick briefing on safety, local customs, and the plan for the evening.
Welcome dinner at OR2K or Thamel House Restaurant — order a mix of Nepali and international plates, share travel stories, and raise a toast to the adventure ahead.
Bar crawl through Thamel: start at the lively Irish Pub Kathmandu, swing by Roadhouse Café for live music, and hit Purple Haze Rock Bar for a louder vibe. Stick together and keep valuables safe.
Finish the night at Club Tantra or one of Thamel’s late-night hangouts for dancing; alternatively, head back to the hotel for a quieter rooftop drink and group debrief about tomorrow’s sightseeing and party prep.
Return to hotel and overnight rest. Team leaders confirm tomorrow’s meet time and distribute printed maps/timelines for Kathmandu sightseeing and New Year’s plans in Pokhara later in the trip.
Group meet in the hotel lobby for a quick briefing and hand out city maps, SIM top-ups and a pocket cash pool for taxis and entry fees.
Drive to Patan (Lalitpur) and start at Patan Durbar Square; explore the Krishna Mandir, fine wood-carved windows and small artisan shops selling paubha paintings.
Visit the Patan Museum for 45 minutes to see Newar art and learn about the valley’s history, then stop at local sweet shops for sel roti or fresh samosas.
Head to a nearby metalcraft workshop to watch traditional bronze bell and statue making — great for unique souvenirs and a quick hands-on demo if available.
Lunch at Café Soma or The Old House in Patan; order thakali-style plates and Nepali-style momos to fuel up before the afternoon temple circuit.
Drive back toward central Kathmandu and stop at Pashupatinath Temple to observe the riverside ghats, saffron-clad priests and the unique Hindu cremation rituals from a respectful distance.
Walk the Boudhanath Stupa circuit: spin prayer wheels, visit Tibetan monasteries and sip butter tea at one of the rooftop cafes — great for photos and a calm atmosphere.
Coffee break at Karma Café or the stupa’s rooftop cafés; relax, discuss New Year’s plans and let the group decide which Pokhara nightlife vibe they prefer (lakeside party or club scene).
Return to the hotel in Thamel for gear check and a short rest; pack daypacks for the upcoming Pokhara transfer and confirm transport bookings with the driver.
Free time to shop in Thamel’s outdoor gear stores (e.g., Mountain Hardwear or local shops), pick up trekking socks, gaiters or spare batteries, and grab last-minute party outfits.
Group meeting on the hotel rooftop to go over the New Year schedule, safety rules for hiking and nightlife, and to split into buddy pairs for accountability on the trek.
Early dinner at Purple Haze Rock Bar or Roadhouse Café — order shareable platters and local beers while finalizing travel time to Pokhara and any optional activity sign-ups (paragliding/rafting).
Optional short cultural show at a nearby venue (e.g., Tamang Heritage Centre) to experience traditional dancing, or stay in Thamel for a relaxed pub vibe and last-minute socializing.
Pack overnight bags for the Pokhara drive and set out items needed for the next morning (warm layers, trekking boots); leaders confirm bus/van pick-up time and distribute printed vouchers.
Wind down with rooftop drinks at the hotel or a chilled session at Sherpa Bar; review wake-up time and ensure everyone has essentials for the 5-7 hour drive to Pokhara the next morning.
Head to rooms for lights-out and good rest — tomorrow’s long drive to Pokhara and New Year’s Eve in lakeside Pokhara will need energy and early wakefulness.
Breakfast at the hotel in Thamel (Yak & Yeti or similar) — fill up on rice, omelettes and strong Nepali tea while drivers and vehicles are confirmed for the Pokhara transfer.
Load bags into the private van/minibus and do a final gear check — make sure trekking boots, warm layers and passports are packed for the coming days.
Depart Kathmandu for Pokhara by private tourist van (approx 6-7 hours) — enjoy valley scenery, short tea stops and a comfort break at Trishuli riverside midway through the drive.
Stretch and lunch stop at a recommended roadside restaurant near Mugling (e.g., Garden of Dreams-style stop or local dhaba) — try Nepali-style momo or dal bhat to refuel.
Resume the drive through the winding Prithvi Highway; keep cameras ready for terraced hills and river views as you descend toward the Pokhara valley.
Arrive in Pokhara and check in to a lakeside hotel (e.g., Temple Tree Resort or Hotel Barahi); freshen up and drop bags in rooms overlooking Phewa Lake.
Stroll Lakeside (Phewa Tal) promenade — rent bicycles or simply wander past cafés, shops and view points, stopping for photos of the Annapurna range reflected in the water.
Boat ride on Phewa Lake to Barahi Temple — hire a traditional wooden boat for a 30-45 minute trip, enjoy golden hour light and the relaxed vibe of Pokhara.
Sunset drinks at Café Concerto or Alive Rooftop Café — grab local craft beer or a mocktail while watching the sun dip behind the mountains and discussing New Year plans.
Dinner at Moondance Restaurant & Bar or OR2K Pokhara — choose between wood-fired pizzas, Nepali thali or hearty steaks to fuel up before a big night out.
Warm-up drinks at Busy Bee Café or the lively HopBar — enjoy lakeside people-watching and decide on the group’s nightlife route (pub crawl, live music or lakeside party).
Hit Pokhara nightlife: start at Hemingway’s or Club Drifters for dancing, then move to Utopia Lounge for cocktails and a louder party atmosphere; keep the group together and watch personal items closely.
Optional late-night lakeside bonfire (arranged through the hotel) — if you prefer a wilder but safer scene, organize a small beach bonfire with music and drinks near the lakefront.
Regroup and head back to the hotel or continue bar-hopping for those with energy — leaders should confirm headcount and sleeping arrangements for the early hike plans starting New Year’s Day.
Return to rooms for overnight rest; set alarms and lay out warm layers and headlamps for the upcoming hikes and sunrise activities in the Annapurna foothills.
Hearty lakeside breakfast at Moondance Restaurant & Bar — fill up on omelettes, Nepalese-style pancakes and strong coffee while the group briefs on the morning hike and safety measures.
Drive to Sarangkot viewpoint (15-20 mins) — short transfer with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges; final gear check and water bottles before the walk.
Short morning hike from Sarangkot to the ridge trails — a 1.5-2 hour moderate walk with sweeping mountain and Pokhara valley vistas, perfect for photos and warming up legs for the fuller trek ahead.
Return to Pokhara Lakeside and lunch at Café Concerto — choose a hearty pasta, Nepali thali or local trout while recounting trail highlights and planning the evening’s New Year’s agenda.
Relaxation and recovery: optional spa or massage at the Temple Tree Resort spa, or chill at Busy Bee Café with iced drinks; use this time to nap and repack for the night out.
Optional adrenaline pick-me-up: short paragliding briefing at Sarangkot (booked in advance) or book a late-afternoon tandem flight for spectacular aerial views above Phewa Lake and the Annapurnas.
Sunset boat ride on Phewa Lake to Barahi Temple — a relaxed 30-45 minute trip to soak in golden hour and watch the mountains change color while sipping warm tea or local beer.
Early evening snacks and regroup at Utopia Lounge — share small plates, local beers and the New Year’s plan: lakeside bonfire, bar crawl or the organized countdown party at Club Drifters.
Dinner at Moondance or The Ship — choose a big group feast (Nepali dal bhat, grilled trout, or pizza) to fuel the long night; confirm transport and buddy pairs for safety after midnight.
Warm-up at HopBar or Hemingway’s for live music and dancing — start the party lakeside, enjoying local bands and the festive Pokhara atmosphere as midnight approaches.
Move to Club Drifters or Club Utopia for the countdown — join the bigger New Year’s Eve crowd, enjoy DJ sets, themed cocktails, and the organized fireworks/laser shows many venues host on Dec 31.
Regroup at a pre-decided lakeside point (e.g., the main Phewa Lake promenade) for a unified countdown and quick headcount — distribute backup contact numbers and confirm hotel return plan.
New Year’s countdown and fireworks over Phewa Lake — toast with local raksi or bubbly and take in the lively lakeside celebrations and communal bonfires organized by hotels and bars.
Optional lakeside bonfire party (arranged by the hotel) or continue club-hopping — small-group bonfires provide a wilder but contained scene; stay in buddy pairs and watch personal items closely.
Slow wind-down and regroup: head back toward Hotel Barahi or Temple Tree Resort, check in with leaders about morning plans for Jan 1 and ensure everyone has a safe ride home.
Return to rooms and lights-out when ready — rest up for the Full-Day Annapurna Foothill Hike tomorrow (early start), and charge devices and headlamps for the trail.
Early wake-up at the teahouse in Ulleri/Ghorepani area with hot tea and porridge supplied by the guesthouse; group briefing on the day’s route, weather and buddy-pairs for the trail.
Set off on the trail toward Ghorepani if you’re starting lower (or from Tikhedhunga/Deurali) — steady uphill through rhododendron forests, photo stops and short breathing breaks every 30-45 minutes.
Tea break at a mid-trail teahouse (e.g., Rita’s Tea House) for chai, honey lemon and local snacks; swap layers and check crampons/gaiters if the path is icy.
Resume hiking over stone steps and scenic ridgelines toward Ghorepani; guides will point out peak views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare when clouds allow.
Arrive in Ghorepani village and explore the cluster of lodges and viewpoint areas; take a longer snack break at a rooftop teahouse such as Snow View Lodge for panoramic mountain views.
Lunch at a recommended Ghorepani teahouse (e.g., Gurung Lodge) — enjoy steaming dal bhat or noodle soup, plus local apple pie while you recharge for the afternoon section of the trek.
Continue the trek along the ridge toward Nangethanti/Tadapani depending on your planned Day 2; the trail alternates between forested stretches and exposed viewpoints offering wide Annapurna panoramas.
Short rest at a forested teahouse (e.g., Mountain View Tea House) to rehydrate and top up sunscreen; guides will check everyone’s pace and adjust the plan if signs of fatigue or altitude issues appear.
Reach the planned overnight village — Tadapani if doing the Ghorepani→Tadapani route, or a comfortable teahouse near Deurali if following the alternative; check into rooms and warm up with hot water bottles if available.
Short exploratory walk around the village to stretch legs and take late-afternoon photos of Annapurna South and Machapuchare; visit the local lodge to learn about Gurung culture and tea production.
Group debrief and light stretching session on the teahouse terrace — guides review tomorrow’s early Poon Hill sunrise plan, check headlamps and distribute any extra warm layers or hand warmers.
Hearty communal dinner at the teahouse (typical menu: dal bhat/tarkari, vegetable curry, pickles and dessert) while swapping stories from the trail and enjoying a cup of local raksi or ginger tea.
Optional card games, sing-along or quiet stargazing from the lodge terrace; hikers should prepare packs for the sunrise push to Poon Hill (headlamp, warm jacket, camera, water).
Lights out and early bed recommended to rest for the Poon Hill sunrise — guides will wake the group around 4:00 AM for Day 2’s pre-dawn trek.
Wake-up call at the teahouse in Ghorepani/Ulleri area with hot tea and light biscuits; guides do a quick gear check (headlamps, warm layers, camera) and confirm pairings for the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill.
Set off on the steep stone steps toward Poon Hill (short but sharp 45-60 minute climb from Ghorepani); move at a steady pace and stop for breathers to acclimatize and catch starry-sky views.
Arrive at Poon Hill viewpoint and stake out prime photo spots on the terrace of one of the lodges; sip hot sweet tea while waiting for first light and listen to guides point out Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare.
Sunrise spectacle over the Annapurna range — watch golden light creep across peaks, capture sunrise timelapse shots and celebrate with the group; take plenty of photos and short video clips for memories.
Leisurely descent back to Ghorepani for a warm breakfast at Snow View Lodge or Gurung Lodge — enjoy porridge, eggs and Nepali tea while stretching tired legs and refueling for the day’s trek to Tadapani.
Pack up rooms and settle any teahouse bills; check out and reorganize daypacks with water, snacks and an extra warm layer for higher, breezier sections of the trail toward Tadapani.
Begin the trek from Ghorepani toward Nangethanti and then down through rhododendron forests and terraced fields; expect a mix of downhill stone steps and rolling trails with frequent photo-worthy viewpoints.
Mid-morning tea break at a mid-trail teahouse (e.g., Rita’s or Mountain View Tea House) for chai, momos or local pastries; swap snacks and check everyone’s pace to ensure no one is left behind.
Continue through shaded forest sections where you may see local birdlife and small hamlets; guides will share short cultural notes about Gurung villages and mountain folklore as you hike.
Arrive at Nangethanti for a longer rest and photo stop — take in the mid-valley panoramas and enjoy a light snack of dal bhat or noodle soup at a friendly teahouse while rehydrating.
Resume trekking toward Tadapani, climbing gently through rhododendron groves; on clear days you’ll have recurring glimpses of Machapuchare’s elegant peak and the rolling Annapurna ridges.
Arrive in Tadapani and check into a recommended lodge such as Tadapani Lodge or Mountain Breeze; drop packs, change into dry clothes and relax on the terrace with panoramic mountain views.
Light lunch at the lodge — choose dal bhat, vegetable curry or local chicken stew to replenish calories after the morning’s trek; sample locally brewed lemon tea or fresh apple juice if available.
Short exploratory walk around Tadapani village to stretch legs and photograph the surrounding rhododendron forests; guides explain the local ecology and point out seasonal flora and fauna.
Group debrief and safety check at the lodge terrace — review the descent plan for tomorrow, confirm transport options back to Pokhara, and ensure everyone’s boots and gear are in good condition.
Sunset tea on the terrace at Mountain Breeze or a similar teahouse while the peaks shift color; pass around hot ginger tea, chats and light snacks as the temperature drops.
Hearty communal dinner at the lodge — enjoy a traditional dal bhat set with curries, pickles and dessert, plus optional local raksi for a celebratory toast to the successful two-day trek.
Relaxing evening: card games, story-swapping and stargazing from the lodge roof; guides remind the group about early transport arrangements and check headcounts for the return to Pokhara.
Prepare gear for tomorrow’s descent or transfer: dry socks, charge cameras and phones from the lodge’s charging station, and lay out layers for an early start if the group plans to move before first light.
Lights out and overnight rest at Tadapani — sleep well after the sunrise adrenaline and full day on the trail, with plans to return to Pokhara tomorrow for adventure sports and relaxation.
Breakfast at Hotel Barahi’s lakeside restaurant with omelettes, local chiya and fresh fruit while the team briefs on the day’s adventure-sports options and confirms bookings for paragliding and rafting.
Short transfer to the Sarangkot paragliding operators (e.g., Sunrise Paragliding) for a safety briefing and gear fitting; instructors run through flight profiles and GoPro/photo options.
Tandem paragliding flight from Sarangkot — enjoy 20-40 minutes of soaring above Phewa Lake with stunning aerial views of the Annapurna range and a pilot-operated selfie or video capture option.
Return to Lakeside and regroup at Busy Bee Café to watch footage, grab iced drinks and discuss the afternoon rafting plan while reapplying sunscreen and swapping photos from the flight.
Light lakeside lunch at Moondance Restaurant & Bar—order grilled trout, Nepali thali or hearty sandwiches to refuel before the river adventure; ensure waterproof bags are prepared for valuables.
Drive roughly 45-60 minutes to the river rafting launch point on the Trishuli (or Seti for shorter runs) with your rafting operator (e.g., Rapid River or Eco Adventures) and receive a safety briefing and life-jacket fitting.
Put-in for a thrilling Class II-III rafting stretch with fun rapids, scenic canyon sections and opportunities to swim in calm pools — guides lead paddle instructions and ensure everyone’s safety throughout the run.
Take-out, debrief and tea at the riverside camp where you can change out of wet gear, celebrate with local snacks and collect photos/videos provided by the rafting crew.
Drive back to Pokhara and return to your hotel; quick showers and a chance to nap or relax on the Phewa Lake promenade before evening plans.
Sunset paddleboat/boat ride on Phewa Lake to unwind after the day’s adrenaline — hire a wooden boat near Lakeside and drift past Barahi Temple while watching the mountains turn pink.
Dinner at The Ship Restaurant for lakeside ambiance—order Nepali-style grilled trout, dal bhat or sharing platters and toast to the day’s highlights with local beer or mocktails.
Optional evening activity: hit Utopia Lounge for cocktails and live music, or head to Hemingway’s for a louder bar vibe and dancing — alternate quieter option is a lakeside bonfire arranged through Temple Tree Resort.
Regroup at the hotel rooftop (e.g., Temple Tree Resort or Hotel Barahi) for a relaxed recap of the day, share photos and videos, and finalize plans for tomorrow’s leisurely morning and departure to Kathmandu the next day.
Return to rooms for sleep and gear prep; leaders remind everyone to dry wet items, charge cameras and pack any rafting footage before lights-out.
Early lakeside breakfast at Hotel Barahi with omelettes, Nepali chiya and fresh fruit while the group finalizes van/driver pickup times for the drive back to Kathmandu.
Load bags and do a final gear check at reception; confirm everyone has passports, bus vouchers and any souvenirs packed safely for the journey.
Depart Pokhara for Kathmandu by private tourist van (approx 6-7 hours) along the Prithvi Highway, enjoying valley scenery and a planned comfort stop en route.
Short stretch and tea stop at a roadside café near Mugling; stretch legs, grab chai or bottled water, and swap photos from the paragliding and rafting highlights.
Lunch stop at a recommended highway restaurant such as Riverside Park or Green Valley Restaurant — order dal bhat, momo platters or grilled chicken to refuel for the remainder of the drive.
Resume the drive toward Kathmandu; drivers will pass through terraced hills and the Trishuli River gorge—use this downtime to nap, backup photos and review tomorrow’s departure logistics.
Arrive in Kathmandu and check back into your Thamel hotel (e.g., Hotel Yak & Yeti or Kathmandu Guest House); freshen up, unpack, and have a short group meeting to present evening options.
Quick cultural stop at Boudhanath Stupa for a relaxed circumambulation and rooftop tea at one of the stupa cafés, giving a quieter cultural contrast after the lively Pokhara nights.
Return to Thamel for downtime; shower, change into evening clothes and decide between a curated cultural dinner or a high-energy pub crawl with the group.
For the cultural option: dinner and live folk show at Bhojan Griha (reserve ahead) to enjoy Newari cuisine, traditional music and dance in a historic setting; perfect for a memorable final-group meal.
For the pub-crawl option: start with shared plates and craft beer at Roadhouse Café or Purple Haze Rock Bar to warm up for a lively Thamel bar circuit.
If cultural night chosen: after dinner stroll through Patan or Thamel lanes for dessert and night photos; if pub crawl chosen: move on to Irish Pub Kathmandu for live music and then to Club Tantra for dancing.
Group regroup at a pre-decided Thamel meeting point (e.g., Kathmandu Guest House rooftop) to take a headcount, share highlights from the trip so far, and confirm any late-night transport arrangements.
Optional late-night rooftop drinks at the hotel or a final stop at Purple Haze Rock Bar for a louder send-off; leaders should ensure buddy pairs stay together and valuables are secure.
Winding down: head back to rooms for overnight rest or continue small-group celebrations—remind everyone of tomorrow’s market time and departure-prep schedule.
Lights out for most; team leaders confirm wake-up times for final shopping on Jan 5, distribute any remaining cash or receipts, and note who needs airport transfer assistance.
Group meet on the hotel rooftop for coffee and a quick packing checklist; leaders confirm airport transfer times and collect any leftover group funds for taxi fares and tips.
Walk to Thamel’s main shopping lane for last-minute souvenirs — browse Tibet Art Gallery and Mountain Hardwear outlet for practical gifts, and snap photos in the bustling streets.
Visit the Handicraft Association shop and Kathmandu Gallery to pick up paubha paintings, pashmina scarves and Thangka prints; vendors often accept haggled cash prices, so bring small notes.
Stop at OR2K or Roadhouse Café for a late-morning snack and chai; use this time to consolidate purchases, redistribute heavy items among luggage and re-seal fragile souvenirs.
Short tuk-tuk ride to Asan Bazaar for an authentic local market experience — sample sel roti, buy spices or tea leaves and soak up the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere with its narrow lanes and colorful stalls.
Lunch at Bhojan Griha (reserve ahead) for a memorable Nepali farewell meal, or choose The Ship Restaurant if you prefer a relaxed riverside setting; order dal bhat, gundruk and a round of local beers to toast the trip.
Head to Thamel’s custom leather and souvenir shops to finalize any remaining shopping — pick up prayer flags, yak butter sculpture miniatures or handcrafted jewelry as gifts.
Return to the hotel for check-out preparations: weigh luggage, finish packing, charge devices and gather trekking certificates, photos and receipts; leaders assist anyone needing to ship excess baggage.
Visit Patan Durbar Square (short 20-30 minute drive) if flight times allow — stroll the palace courtyards, visit a shop for bronze crafts and take final heritage photos to round out the cultural part of the trip.
Back to hotel to freshen up and change into comfortable travel clothes; confirm final headcount and distribute printed airport transfer vouchers and emergency contact numbers.
Group debrief and farewell on the hotel rooftop with light snacks and tea — share highlights, award silly ‘trip champion’ titles and exchange contact details for future reunions.
Load luggage into the private van(s) for airport transfer; leaders double-check passports, boarding passes and any medication or chargers packed in carry-ons.
Depart for Tribhuvan International Airport (allow 45-90 minutes depending on traffic); use the drive to recap favorite memories and to make plans for post-trip photo-sharing.
Arrive at the airport; assist with bag drop, guide the group through immigration lines and help any members needing extra support through security checks or last-minute currency exchange at the airport kiosks.
Pre-flight relaxation at the departure lounge: grab a final Nepali snack, pick up souvenirs at the airport duty-free and ensure everyone has snacks and water for their flights.
Final group photo at the gate area and last-minute goodbyes; leaders confirm who needs help with boarding and remind everyone to tag the group’s shared album when uploading photos.
Boarding begins for staggered flights; leaders stay available until the group has dispersed and the hotel transfer company confirms all vehicles have returned to base.
Departures: wish each other safe travels and remind everyone to rest on the flight home; note any local contacts for future trips and finalize shared expenses in the group chat.