ddhading-cultural-hike

Nepal

Dhading Low Land Hike 8 days

  • Price From: $ 1711.00

Tour Overview

trip code

1111

Starting Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Max Altitude

2,500m/8,202ft

Duration

8 days

country

Nepal

Trip grade

Moderate

Activities

Hiking Packages

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

The Dhading Cultural Hike is one of the best hikes, rich in scenery and culture, you will not see elsewhere. This fulfilling experience plunges you into the remote hills of the Dhading district, with panoramic views of emerald green valleys and faraway white-covered tops while introducing you to Nepal's incredible cultural heritage. Five days of hiking and three days of cultural excursion and sightseeing comprise the experience that combines challenging trekking with high-energy, active interactions with village communities. Conducted by Destiny Excursion alone, this 8-day trip with 5 days of trek gives you an opportunity to get to feel an unspoiled side of Nepal where heritage and nature blend harmoniously.

Details

Your journey begins with a thrilling drive from Kathmandu into the heart of Dhading, a peaceful district that is surrounded by wooded ridges, terraced fields, and distant Himalayan mountains. With city traffic and din falling behind, the road twists into an arena of simplicity and charm, where village plainness, crystal rivers, and quiet woodlands occupy the horizon. The trail itself is very removed from tourist areas, so every experience and every trail has a sense of untamed, real, and unspoiled feel to it.

Throughout the trek, you'll pass through a region that is home to a thriving population of ethnic groups, primarily Tamang, Brahmin, and Chettri. They are the embodiment of centuries of shared cultural heritage and co-existence, and what they practice is open-hearted and sincere hospitality. You’ll be welcomed into village spaces where age-old customs are still a part of daily life, and you’ll have the rare chance to participate in local stories, traditional meals, and quiet moments of connection around evening campfires.

Unlike the majority of the high-altitude treks, the Dhading Cultural Hike also remains at a much more manageable altitude, making it more accessible to a greater range of trekkers, from families with children to seniors or newcomers. The trek is ideal to be done in spring, autumn, and winter when the weather is not severe, the sky is blue, and the trails are dry. Although the trek could be practically accomplished throughout the year, the monsoon months of June, July, and August should be avoided with torrential rains and slippery trails.

Tour highlights

  • Explore ancient cultural heritage sites and village heritage
  • Hike on picturesque trails by the Budhi Gandaki River and dense green forests
  • Immerse yourself in rich traditions of local villages
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Manaslu, and other snow-covered big mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Your adventure begins as you touch down in Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will await you warmly, holding a placard identifying you. You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle, passing through the chaotic streets lined with energetic sights, sounds, and the unmistakable aroma of incense and street food.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you shall be offered a welcome drink and provided with a short orientation about your upcoming journey. Relax for the balance of the day or stroll leisurely through the nearby streets to soak up the rich cultural activity of the city.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at a Nepali local restaurant where you can savor traditional local cuisine such as dal bhat, mo: mo, and other local favorites, followed by a live cultural show. It is a good way to begin the process of getting used to the rich culture of Nepal.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and hike briefing

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you around some of Kathmandu's most renowned and historically significant places, a number of which are gazetted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your day starts with a visit to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a complex of temples, palaces, and courtyards which provide an insight into the city's royal past. Walk through the historic Asan bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest of the city's bazaars, full of spices, fabrics, and everyday rituals.

Next, you'll drive to the serene Garden of Dreams in Thamel, a beautifully restored Edwardian-style garden perfect for an instant of peace amidst the city commotion. Next, visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, or Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Before concluding the day, you will head to the SK Pashmina factory to witness how Nepali pashminas of high quality are made. Your guide will then thoroughly brief you at the hotel about your upcoming hike in preparation for your mental and physical well-being. 

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu 
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Drive to Shreeban Nature Camp (Salang)

After an early morning breakfast, we left the hotel and went for a long, scenic drive, which led us away from the urban life of Kathmandu. The drive to Shreeban Nature Camp, Salang is approximately 4 to 5 hours, leading you through hill slopes with terraced villages, tranquil villages, and expanses of lush forest. Along the way, you will be able to view rural life performing daily routines and enjoy the lush views of central Nepal's landscape.

Upon arrival at the eco-friendly Shreeban Nature Camp, secluded on a ridge with breathtaking Himalayan views, we settle in and indulge in a lunch prepared and served hot from local ingredients. The remainder of the day is free to unwind or take a leisurely stroll around the nearby village, catching sight of traditional lifestyles and robust community hospitality. As the sun sets behind the hills, the camp is just the right setting to unwind and bask in the tranquility of nature under a night sky full of stars.

  • Overnight: Shreeban Nature Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Trek to Maidi

If you're willing to wake up early, we strongly suggest waking up before sunrise to see the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayan peaks covered in snow, an unforgettable moment. After a hearty breakfast, we start hiking north towards Maidi.

The hike takes you along serene hills and serene countryside, with the ridge tops in the distance offering ever-changing vistas of the mountains. We have lunch in Jharlangdi, a Nepalese village where you get to enjoy dal bhat tarkari, authentic Nepalese cuisine prepared with organic vegetables.

Day trek is approximately 6 to 7 hours, with continuous climbs and serene flat terrain. We stay overnight at Maidi Camp and relaxed after reaching there. A wholesome dinner is prepared and eaten in the camp dining area before retiring under the open Himalayan sky.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 5: Trek to Khari

After enjoying your first complete day in camp, we begin our day with a hearty breakfast and break camp for tomorrow's trek. Today's trek north sees us through to the isolated village of Khari.

The route winds its way through thick forests, rolling streams, and along sharp ridges with great views over the valleys below. Keep an eye out for a variety of local birds and wildflowers along the route. You will drive through remote villages where traditional farming is still practiced.

The day trek includes about 5 to 6 hours walking with some easy ascents and forest tracks. We stop midway for lunch, sitting in the shade in a sheltered clearing before ascending to Khari. Upon arrival, our support team sets up camp and prepares a hot meal.

  • Overnight: Tea house

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 6: Hike to Jyamrung

Today is one of the longer day treks with a walk east along the trail to the last campsite destination village of Jyamrung. We begin today's hike after a hearty breakfast at camp, walking up and down the hills.

 Our first major stop is Sunkhani, where we take a well-deserved break and lunch. The path continues higher up through deserted sections of forest and dispersed old villages. The total trek is roughly 9 to 10 hours today, which is demanding but well worth it.

As you continue to Jyamrung, the rays of the setting sun casting over the ridges complete an awe-inspiring day's trek. Upon our arrival, we camp and rest overnight for our final night in the stars.

  • Overnight: Camping at Jyamrung
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Drive Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast at camp, we begin the return journey to the capital. We walk down to Maidi village, and our jeep will be there awaiting us. Before we leave, enjoy some time on a brief guided walking tour around the historical and cultural points of interest of Maidi, which are replete with local heritage and significance.

From here, we begin driving back to Kathmandu. Along the way, we make a stop for lunch in Malekhu, a touristy highway town highly regarded for its freshly grilled river fish and snacks.

After arriving in Kathmandu, we recheck in at the hotel and take some well-deserved rest. You may relax or take an optional walk in Thamel to do some souvenir shopping or simply relive your just-finished trip over a cup of tea.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, you must depart. Depending on your flight timing, you might have some spare time to relax, do some last-minute shopping, or have a cup of coffee from a local café. Our staff will arrange your airport pickup and get you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your flight schedule.

As you leave Nepal, take away with you the warmth of its people, the tranquility of its villages, and memories of your journey to the Himalayas which will last a lifetime. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back to us one day. 

  • Meals: Breakfast

Trek Route

Dhading low land hike route

What's included

  • All ground transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Accommodation hotels in Kathmandu on BB basis
  • Comfortable accommodation in tea houses or lodges trekking
  • Breakfast daily in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • All food served during the trekking trip
  • English-speaking, licensed trekking guide or leader
  • All local and government taxes included
  • Trekking permits required as per itinerary
  • Entrance costs for all included places
  • All official expenses noted on the itinerary covered
  • One group basic first-aid kit

What's excluded

  • Tips to your trekking guide
  • International flights into and out of Nepal
  • Excess baggage charges at airline weight limits
  • Arrival visa and any departure taxes at international airport
  • Services, activities, or excursions not outlined in the detailed itinerary
  • Cost of extra hotel night
  • Personal expenses?—e.g., soft drinks, laundry, bar bill, extra snacks, donations, camera fees, etc.