Whispers of the Valley – A Backpacking Trip to Nepal

Dates: November 2026

Whispers of the Valley - Nepal
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Overview

  • Duration:7 days 6 nights
  • Maximum Members:7
  • Experience Type:Explore Together
  • Language:English, Hindi
  • Areas of Interest:Nature, architecture, heritage, religious, cultural, spiritual
  • Accommodation:Hostel, homestay
  • Travel Type:Backpacking
Breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality - visiting Nepal is an enchanting experience. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu where ancient temples and vibrant markets coexist, to the serene beauty of the Himalayas, every corner of Nepal has something unique to offer.

Join Poets And Pilgrims on this backpacking trip to Nepal where we explore the Kathmandu Valley. As the festive mood of Diwali - known as Tihar in Nepal - takes over Kathmandu, we will stroll around and visit important sites. There will be village hikes to connect with nature and friendly, family-run places will be our accommodation. We will indulge in diverse cuisine including local staples like daal bhat, momos, curries as well as some Newari dishes.

Wondering why you should consider joining the Diwali edition of this trip? Here an article outlining many of the reasons why visiting the Kathmandu Valley during Tihar is a great idea.

Whispers of the Valley is one of our flagship trips and like all Poets And Pilgrims travel experiences, it's designed to be slow. No rushing between places, no tourist cliches, no bucketlist urgency. Take your time, immerse yourself in what attracts your attention, and enjoy being in the moment.

Whether you are seeking adventure, spirituality, or simply a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of life during – you will get a chance to experience Nepal in a way that will make you want to return soon for more.

Note: Treat the itinerary as a reference. We can make changes as we go to suit the overall mood of the group. The Diwali edition itinerary may slightly differ from the one below to focus on festive celebrations in Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • A small group of explorers where everyone gets their space
  • Take it slow, live in the moment: Flexible plans, no rigid itinerary
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritages Sites in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
  • Visit Nepal's oldest temple in Changu Narayan
  • Embark on day hikes to stay close to nature
  • Opportunities to enjoy sunrise and sunset with stunning views
  • Stay in s family-run accommodation in Nagarkot and experience the local hospitality
  • And a couple of surprises for you here and there!

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival - Kathmandu

  • Arrival - Kathmandu - Altitude approx.  1,400 meters (4,600 feet)
  • Check-in and settle at the accommodation. Standard check-in time 2p.m.
  • Take a stroll around Thamel in the evening - Today we are taking it slow and getting used to our surrounding

Day 2: Bhaktapur, Nagarkot

  • Leave for Bhaktapur after breakfast (around 9a.m.)
  • Leave for Nagarkot (Altitude around 2,100m/6,889.76 ft) where breathtaking Himalayan views and serenity awaits
  • Hike around till sunset/relax and admire the views from the accommodation
  • Enjoy fresh, home-cooked dinner prepared with love by the family

Day 3: Nagarkot

  • Wake up early for sunrise (Sunrise time around 6a.m.), breakfast at 7:30a.m.
  • Today is hike day. Total time: roughly 5 hours with stops. Difficulty: Easy. Max altitude 1918m/6,292.65 ft
  • Start hiking around 8:30a.m. Take it slow, be curious, admire the nature.
  • Start hiking back to homestay, reach around 3p.m.
  • Enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals for dinner
  • After dinner it's time to grab a drink (optional) and gather around a bonfire. Let the conversation flow!

Day 4: Changu Narayan

  • Start early morning after breakfast
  • Visit Changu Narayan - One of the oldest temple in Nepal - Altitude 1508m/4,947.51 ft
  • We have a surprise stop on the way!
  • Reach Kathmandu around 4 p.m.
  • We can go for a stroll later in the evening

Day 5: Kathmandu

  • Today we visit the two important sites in Kathmandu:
    • Boudhanath stupa - The largest stupa in Nepal
    • Pashupatinath temple - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Leave for Kathmandu Durbar Square at 3:30p.m.
  • Asan bazar and Thamel in the evening - It's time for some shopping!

Day 6: Kathmandu

  • Walk up to Swoyambhunath temple after breakfast and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu valley
  • We have another surprise for you after Swoyambhunath temple
  • In the evening we can relax at a bar and recount the memories we made together in Nepal

Day 7: Departure

  • Now this is the hard part but it's time to say goodbye till we meet next
  • Checkout after breakfast (till 11a.m.)

What's Included/Excluded

  • 6x nights accommodation on sharing basis
  • 2x meals per day (only 1x meal on arrival and departure days)
  • All entry fees
  • All domestic transport (Shared taxi. No private vehicle at disposal)
  • Any expense not mentioned before
  • Travel expense to and from Kathmandu, visa costs (if any), airport/bus stop pickup/drop
  • Drinking water, extra meals and drinks
  • Camera fees, if any
  • Insurance and healthcare, emergency expenses
  • Tips, gratuities etc.

FAQs

Why should I travel to Nepal with Poets And Pilgrims?

Poets And Pilgrims focuses on travelling as a life experience. With a small group, we travel slow and do not rush between places. Even with a group, you get to experience things as your pace. We work with people to organically cultivate relations and human bond. If your goal is to simply tick checkboxes, a Poets And Pilgrims trip might not offer a suitable experience for you.

Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?

Indian nationals do not need visa to visit Nepal. Passport holders from other countries require a visa.

Which documents should I carry to enter Nepal from India?

A valid passport is the best option. Another option is your Voter's Identity Card (election card) in original. e-Voter's Identity Card (even if printed) is not accepted.

Can I travel to Nepal with my Aadhaar card?

No. Aadhaar card is not a valid travel document to enter Nepal

How do I reach Kathmandu?

There are flights to Kathmandu from major airports in India. You can also take a train to Gorakhpur or Raxaul Junction to cross the India - Nepal border on foot and take a bus to Kathmandu. Detailed instructions will be shared with registered members to help them plan their trip.

By what time should I reach Kathmandu on day 1?

Reach Kathmandu by 2p.m. ideally. After check-in formalities, we will go for an evening stroll around Kathmandu.

How much money should I carry?

Put aside Rs. 5-8,000 for any additional cost like meals, drinks, shopping etc.

Can I use UPI or credit/debit card in Nepal?

Yes, but don't rely solely on them as not all merchants use them. For UPI, you need to activate UPI international payment in your app before you can make payments. For cards, there may be extra charges applicable. Cash payments are preferred.

What should I carry with me?

A list of recommended things to carry will be shared with registered members before the trip.

How do I pay?

You pay a deposit (booking amount) to reserve your spot. Upon paying the remaining amount, your spot is confirmed. The remaining amount can be paid in two parts, considering the time left before the trip commences (ask for more details). Payments can be made using UPI, credit or debit card, digital wallets or net banking.

Can I pay using EMI?

It may be possible to pay using EMI. Please select the option while making the payment.

Note that EMI facility is not offered by us. You deal directly with your bank/card provider and there might be additional charges to use the facility. These charges are not collected by us.

What is your refund policy?

Please read our refund policy here for more details - https://poetsandpilgrims.com/refund-policy/

I have more questions

Please see our FAQs page here and if that doesn't answer your question, please get in touch - https://poetsandpilgrims.com/faqs/