The itinerary is very well thought out with lots to see and do. Everyday had a highlight and the Nepalese are so friendly and inviting. The views of the Himalayas in Nagarkot and Pokhara were stunning. The hotels were in excellent locations throughout. There are walks for those who want to and options for those who don't. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, regardless of physical ability. Our tour leader, Su, was excellent and worked tirelessly to ensure our safety, enjoyment and general happiness. He is the best leader I have had out of some 27 tours. This is Explore's strong point - they know how to pick and train tour leaders and Su was the best of the best.
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover sacred culture and incredible natural landscapes as you venture deep into Tamang hinterland along the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail (restricted until 2004). On this 15-day trek, you’ll explore the wilds of Langtang National Park, uncover surprisingly verdant midlands and stay in villages that will teach you about the local culture. Connect with locals, share stories and fill your days with exhales (both in exhaustion and in awe). All this, paired with the soaring views of Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. This trek is perfect for the adventurous and active traveller looking for something different well off the tourist trail.
ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
Due to the nature of trekking in Nepal, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in the event of high-risk weather conditions.
AdventureTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This ultra-small group tour will guide you through the most fascinating cities in Northern India with this tour of Rajasthan! Begin your India vacation in Delhi, the famous capital of India home to plenty of marketplaces, bustling bazaars, and royal palaces. Continue your trip to Mandawa to see the massive forts, beautiful Havelis, and ancient temples before you travel to Jaisalmer with its bustling shops, quaint cafes, golden Havelis, and Jain temples. In close proximity to the Thar Desert, this is the perfect place for a camel safari along the breathtaking sand dunes. Next, you will reach Jodhpur, the medieval Blue City, and the second-largest city in Rajasthan, before you arrive in Rohet and travel to Udaipur to discover Rajasthan’s most romantic city with breathtaking views of the Aravalli Mountains and manmade lakes. Visit the City Palace overlooking the waters of Lake Pichola, see the crystal gallery, and discover the Jagdish Temple. Explore Pushkar with its famous lake and Brahma Temple and travel to Jaipur, the Pink City home to excellent shopping opportunities, bustling marketplaces, and aromatic streets. Take a trip to Amber Fort and visit the Jagmandir before you drive to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. End your tour of Rajasthan in Delhi, the capital of India.
Art and architecture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This comprehensive tour of Nepal takes you on a journey across one of the most spectacularly beautiful countries in the world. Amazing mountain scenery mixed with lush, wildlife rich jungles, ancient hilltop villages stand in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.
Our 15-day tour begins with a walking tour of Kathmandu before we drive to Chitwan National Park in the lowland Terai region of Nepal, close to the Indian border. There's an option available today to do an afternoon of exciting white water rafting on the Trisuli river, en-route to the park. We have two nights at a wildlife lodge at Chitwan, and enjoy a range of activities in the park, including a jungle walk, traditional river canoe trip and jeep safari. Outside the park we'll take a rural village walk to see how the local Tharu people live, and an early morning bird watching walk is also available for those keen. Chitwan is famous for its population of Asian rhinos, and there are also numerous other animals and birds to see including several species of deer and monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, elephants, gharial and mugger crocodiles, and if you're very lucky you may catch a glimpse of a tiger too.
Next we head to the hilltop Newari town of Bandipur, the centre of which has been carefully restored and is well worth exploring. After some great mountain views from here we head to the lakeside town of Pokhara at the foot of the Annapurna range before starting a 5-day trek through the Himalayan foothills to the spectacular viewpoint of Poon Hill. We stay in locally owned trekking lodges and experienced guides and porters will accompany you on the trek. This is a moderate trek with a couple of long days and plenty of up and down, but you certainly don't need to be super-fit. You'll walk through a wide variety of landscapes and countryside including riverside trails, rhododendron forests, terraced farmland and grassy ridges, always enjoying different views of the mighty Annapurna range above you.
After a little free time to relax in Pokhara after the trek we return to Kathmandu and spend a night at the village of Nagarkot, perched on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. After a morning sunrise and hopefully stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest in the far distance, we return to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur, where we take time to enjoy the wonderful, intricately carved, wooden architecture of the traditional Hindu temples and surrounding buildings. The tour then ends back in Kathmandu.
For those looking for a less active tour of Nepal, you may consider our Nepal Exposed tour, which follows a similar itinerary, but without the 5-day trek.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
Rafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
8-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Tikhedhunga, Pokhara
Kathmandu, Tikhedhunga, Pokhara, Chitwan, Chitwan National Park, Bandipur, Ghandruk, Tadapani, Ghorepani
Immerse yourself in a transformative journey to Jaipur with this enriching voluntour in India. Participate in meaningful volunteer projects, explore Jaipur’s vibrant culture, and visit iconic landmarks such as the majestic Amber Fort and the bustling bazaars of the Pink City. This experience offers a unique blend of community service, cultural immersion, and unforgettable sightseeing, allowing you to make a positive impact while discovering the rich heritage and stunning architecture of Rajasthan.
Volunteering
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If getting close to the world’s highest mountain is on your travel wish list, then this Mount Everest tour in Nepal is perfect for you.
We run various treks in Nepal, but getting up close to Mount Everest is no easy feat. Plenty of preparation is required if you intend to take on the Everest base camp trek.
Even though we’re not heading to the Everest summit, the feeling of achievement is incredibly rewarding and worth it at the end though, not to mention the fantastic scenery and wondrous sights you will experience along the way.
Trekking in Nepal is on the list of many people's life goals and doing it with an organised group is the safest way to go about it.
This Mount Everest tour in Nepal starts in the capital of Kathmandu, where you will be met and taken to the first night's hotel with time to explore the historic and intriguing city before catching a flight to Lukla the next morning to begin the two week Everest base camp trek.
The trek to Base Camp is sensibly paced with a couple of acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to break it up and ensure everyone in the group is comfortable.
Each day involves climbing higher and taking in the wondrous views of the imposing Everest and snow-topped Himalayas, with evenings spent residing in friendly trekking lodges found along the way. We find that this makes trekking in Nepal a much more enjoyable and social experience than sleeping out in the cold under a tent.
After seven or eight days, depending on weather and other circumstances, a final push up the Khumbu Valley and we'll reach base camp, with the chance for an extra hike up to Kala Pattar for the best view of Mount Everest.
Then we descend back down through the mountains before flying back to Kathmandu.
As flights between Lukla and Kathmandu can at times be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions, we recommend adding at least 1 extra night post-tour in Kathmandu.
All those joining our Everest Base Camp Trek will receive free trekking pack hire (normally costs $45), containing a down jacket and sleeping bag; suitable for the season in which you are travelling.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The 'Annapurna Sanctuary trek' takes you into a hidden bowl in the heart of the Annapurna range, where you are surrounded by a spectacular panorama of towering peaks, ten of which are over 6,000m. One of the more popular Annapurna treks, this trek takes you as far as Annapurna Base Camp at 4,095m. We reach the sanctuary after a beautiful and varied trek through the Himalayan foothills, passing through small villages, mixed forests and terraced farmland. En-route we enjoy great mountain views at sunrise from Poon Hill. An excellent introduction to Nepal and trekking in Annapurnas.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free day to explore the sights and sounds of the capital at your leisure. From Kathmandu you have a scenic road journey to Pokhara where your trek begins from nearby Naya Pul. Staying in lodges throughout, you will get to meet and talk with other trekkers and guides each evening, and discuss the places you've visited, and the route ahead, as well as making a contribution to the local economy.
Starting in the foothills, immediately north of Pokhara you start the trek by climbing to Ghorepani, where you can enjoy beautiful sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. From Ghorepani you cross several valleys and then ascend along the beautiful Modi Khola valley. Deep Rhododendron forests, with sprinklings of a whole range of orchids, and bamboo forests replete with chattering monkeys, are a dominant feature of this trek.
As you walk further up into the centre of the Annapurna Himal, you will visit Machhapuchhare Base Camp followed by Annapurna Base Camp itself. As you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary (a mountain ringed amphitheatre of immense proportions), you will be rewarded with spectacular views of 10 snow-capped peaks above 6,000m. The peaks include: Fang, Glacier Dome, Homunculi, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. All of these, combined with the impressive backdrop of the south face of Annapurna 1 (8,090m) make this trek a truly unique and unforgettable experience. After some time exploring the Sanctuary, you retrace your steps for a couple of days to leave, before trekking back towards Pokhara, stopping along the way at the hot springs near Jhinnadunda.
You have a free day in Pokhara which we leave to give you time to relax in this peaceful lakeside town, and to allow for any delays on the trek itself. From Pokhara you travel by road back to Kathmandu and have a little free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.
Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
12-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Annapurna Base Camp
Kathmandu, Annapurna Base Camp, Bambo, Jhinnudanda, Pothana, Pokhara, Hille, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Chhomrong, Himalayan Hotel, Machhapuchhre Base Camp
This trek combines the quiet and little visited paths of the Tamang Heritage Trail, formerly a restricted area for trekkers, with the spectacular high mountain scenery of the Langang National Park.
Often overlooked, Langtang treks mountainous region to the north of Kathmandu provide some of Nepal's most spectacular scenery, and trekking in this area is as good as anywhere in the country. The soaring, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, and the rich cultural heartlands of the Tamang people in the lower foothills combine to make this a perfect trekking alternative to the better known Everest and Annapurnas treks.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free evening to explore this bustling city. There's also time for any last minute purchases to take on your trek.
Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we drive you to Syabrubesi, a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park where your trek begins and you spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges allows you to spend more time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy.
From Syabrubesi, you spend the first leg of the trek following the quiet Tamang Heritage Trail through an area heavily influenced by Tibet which was a restricted area for trekkers until 2014. You'll see lush terraced farmland, tiny homesteads and villages and learn a lot about typical rural Nepali mountain life. The tour then heads up the Langtang valley, crossing the river several times as you travel up along the gorge-like, lower section of the valley. You pass through oak and rhododendron forests and trek across glacial moraine on your way to the village of Langtang which was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake.
A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time to explore the local area. You can do several day-walks from here such as ascending Cherko Ri (4984m) for some amazing views, or continuing up the Langtang Khola to Langshisha Karka.
After backtracking down the valey, you then travel through Sing Gompa for some more spectacular views before finishing the trek and driving back to Kathmandu. Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
12-75 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Kyanjin Gompa, Lama H
Kathmandu, Kyanjin Gompa, Lama Hotel, Thulo Syabru, Sing Gompa, Syabrubesi, Gatlang, Tatopani, Rasuwa, Thuman, Briddim, Sherpa Gaon, Ghoda Tabela
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the majestic Himalayas with our Everest 3 Passes Trek. Experience the ultimate trekking challenge, crossing Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes. Marvel at panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Immerse yourself in Sherpa culture and visit iconic landmarks like Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. This thrilling journey offers unparalleled landscapes, high-altitude excitement, and a deep connection to nature—ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking an extraordinary Himalayan experience.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kathmandu, Phakding, Gokyo Lake
Kathmandu, Phakding, Gokyo Lake, Gokyo, Lumde, Namche Bazar, Lukla, Tengboche, Dingboche, Chhukung Ri, Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, Dzonglha
My first high-altitude hike - the Nubra Valley trek - and all I can say is WOW! With Valerie Parkinson as our tour leader, we were set up for an unforgettable adventure from day one. The incredible cook, knowledgeable guides, and fantastic camp crew made every moment a joy. If you’re thinking of exploring the Nubra Valley, you simply can’t go wrong with this trip. The only challenge now? Deciding on my next adventure!
ClimbingWalking toursAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Leh Ladakh, Khardung
New Delhi, Leh Ladakh, Khardung La, Wachan , Snia Sumdo
We cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The variety of experiences was enormous -from the craziness of Kathmandu, to the laid-back nature of Pokhara, to the jaw-dropping majesty and vastness of the mountains-we loved it all. Our guide, Jangbu Sherpa, was brilliant throughout the whole holiday. His calm and knowledgeable presence was appreciated by the whole group. He looked after us, motivated us and inspired us when the going was tough.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes on this immersive journey. From ancient cities and sacred temples to misty hill towns, tea plantations and colonial forts, we trace the island’s history and traditions. Along the way, spot leopards in Yala, search for Blue whales off the south coast, and soak up the charm of rural villages and tropical coastlines.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Yala National Park, Mir
Colombo, Yala National Park, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya
Explore a little travelled part of Pakistan with a tour that journeys from Karachi to Lahore.
Here you will be able to take in the sights, sounds and importantly tastes of Karachi and its bazaars, find yourself immersed in the 5000-year-old history of the Indus Valley, taking in the sights of the striking Derewar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, before having the opportunity to watch the flag lowering ceremony carried out on the Indian border.
Our journey begins in Karachi where we'll have time to take in the sights, sounds and most importantly, the tastes of the city and its bazaars. As we head towards Hyderabad, we'll make time to visit Thatta and Makli Hills, which is perhaps the worlds largest necropolis. Once we reach Hyderabad, we'll have the opportunity to learn about some of the industries which the city is famous for, we'll see coloured pottery being made, woodwork, weaving and Ajrak production, a block printed cloth which this region is famous for.
Moving on, we visit the sufi shrine of saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and witness a sufi ceremony in Sehwan and join the Mohanas tribe for a boating experience on Lake Manchar.
After stopping in Larkana, our next visit is to Mohenjo-Daro, located on the banks of the Indus River. The 5000 year old city was the centre of the Indus Civilisation and one of the largest in the world at its peak and we'll have time to explore the incredible ruins. As our journey takes us in the direction of Bahawalpur, we'll stop in Sukkur and the Cholistan Desert to visit Derawar Fort.
As we pass through the former independant state of Bahawalpur, we'll visit the Nur Mahal and Bahawalpur mosques, along with the city museum and bazaar, before heading to Multan where we'll stay for 2 nights. Multan is known as the city of saints and our tour here will include the shrines of the great mystics, with their shimmering blue glazed tiles. We'll also visit the old walled city and the bustling bazaar, where we may spot local artisans at work.
For our final stop we head to Pakistans 2nd largest city, Lahore, stopping along the way in Harappa, which dates back to 3000 BC. Our time in Lahore will include a city tour, taking in some of the highlights of the city, such as the worlds largest mosque (the Badshahi Mosque), the Wagah Border with India and of course, 'food street' in the old town where you can try many different flavours and dishes.
Travelling in small air-conditioned vehicles with local guides, this journey gives you a unique experience of Pakistan which will last a lifetime.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An unsurpassed journey: a unique trek combined with the vibrant Phyang Masked Dance Festival. Whether this is your first trek in Ladakh or a follow-up adventure, the Nubra Valley to Indus Valley trek offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and high-altitude adventure. This itinerary reflects our decades of experience operating in India and takes you through some of Ladakh’s most breathtaking landscapes and historic sites.
Your journey begins in Leh at 3,500m (11,483ft), where we explore the ancient monasteries of Shey, Tikse, and Matho, gaining insight into Ladakh’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. From here, we drive over the Khardung La at 5,602m (18,379ft), the highest motorable road in the world, into the stunning Nubra Valley, where we visit Diskit Monastery before beginning our trek.
Over six days, we follow ancient trails through summer settlements and remote side valleys, encountering traditional ways of life while gradually ascending to the base of the Lasermo La. The highlight of the trek is the exhilarating crossing of Lasermo La Pass at 5,440m (17,847ft), offering spectacular views of the East Karakoram and the Stok Range. Descending into the Indus Valley, we reach Phyang, where we experience the vibrant two-day masked festival at Phyang Monastery, a true celebration of Ladakh’s living Buddhist culture.
Beyond the trek, we explore Ladakh’s most historic and remote monasteries, including Alchi, Lamayuru, and Likir, where ancient murals and monastic traditions provide a deeper understanding of this fascinating region. Returning to Leh, there is time to soak in the atmosphere of this unique mountain city, where Tibetan and Indian influences blend seamlessly.
With carefully planned acclimatisation, expert guides, and seamless logistics, this trek offers a rewarding mix of adventure and cultural discovery. The gradual approach to higher altitudes ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. As part of our commitment to responsible travel, we support local communities, employ experienced Ladakhi staff, and ensure fair wages for porters and crew.
For those looking for a well-rounded Himalayan experience, the Nubra to Indus Valley trek combines the thrill of a spectacular pass crossing with the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Phyang, Alchi, Lamayu
New Delhi, Phyang, Alchi, Lamayuru, Leh Ladakh, Nubra Valley, Wachan , Gongmaru La , Lasermo La
