Essential Nepal for 18–35s: Rafting & Annapurna Trek – 9 Days
Rafting, a trek in the Annapurna foothills and a village homestay for travellers aged 18 to 35.
Tour overview
This 9-day adventure for travellers aged 18 to 35 packs whitewater rafting, a Himalayan trek and a village homestay into a short trip from Kathmandu. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than sixteen. You stay eight nights: four in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, one at a basic riverside camp, two in simple trekking teahouses and one in a community homestay. Two lunches and a dinner are included, along with a breakfast.
After a welcome meeting in Kathmandu, you drive over the rim of the valley with views of the Ganesh and Langtang ranges to the Trisuli River for an afternoon of Grade 3 rafting and a night camping by the river. The next morning brings the Monsoon and Upset rapids before you continue to Pokhara, on the shores of Phewa Lake.
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From Shyauli Bazaar you set off on a three-night trek into the Annapurna foothills, climbing stone staircases through villages and terraced fields to Ghandruk, home of the Gurung people, then on to Tolkha with views over the Modi Khola and the Annapurna range. Rhododendron forests lead to Hemjakot for a night with a local community, before a short descent to Phedi and a free afternoon in Pokhara. A long bus ride returns you to Kathmandu for a last night out.
The physical rating is high, with trekking on steep steps and basic facilities. This trip suits active travellers aged 18 to 35 who want a real adventure in Nepal on a budget.
Trip highlights
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Rafting the Trisuli River (Days 2–3)
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A riverside camp (Day 2)
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Pokhara and Phewa Lake (Day 3)
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Ghandruk's Gurung village (Day 4)
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Annapurna views from Tolkha (Day 5)
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A homestay in Hemjakot (Day 6)
Your route
11 stops from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
- Kathmandu Day 1
- Trisuli River Day 2
- Pokhara Day 3
- Birethanti Day 4
- Ghandruk Day 4
- Landruk Day 5
- Tolkha Day 5
- Dhampus Day 6
- Hyenjakot Day 6
- Pokhara Day 7
- Kathmandu Days 8–9
Why choose this tour
Rafting and an Annapurna trek in nine days. A group your own age, at a great price.
Best suited to
- Travellers aged 18 to 35
- Active travellers and hikers
- Travellers on a budget
- Solo travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
9 days from Kathmandu, Nepal to Kathmandu, Nepal
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Day 1 · Kathmandu Kathmandu
A 2pm welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Trisuli River Trisuli River
Whitewater rafting.
- Hotel
- Riverside camp
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · Kurintar, Pokhara Pokhara
More rapids and the lake.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4 · Shyauli Bazaar, Kimche, Ghandruk Ghandruk
The trek begins.
- Hotel
- Teahouse
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Day 5 · Landruk, Tolkha Tolkha
Annapurna views.
- Hotel
- Teahouse
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Day 6 · Hemjakot Hemjakot
Through the rhododendrons.
- Hotel
- Homestay
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Day 7 · Phedi, Pokhara Pokhara
A free afternoon.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 8 · Kathmandu Kathmandu
Back to the capital.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 9 · Kathmandu Kathmandu
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Kathmandu (1 night) Hotel
- Trisuli River (1 night) Riverside camp
- Pokhara (1 night) Hotel
- Annapurna foothills (2 nights) Teahouse
- Hemjakot (1 night) Homestay
- Pokhara (1 night) Hotel
- Kathmandu (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 8 nights in hotels, a camp, teahouses and a homestay
- Meals 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Overland transport throughout
- Trisuli River whitewater rafting
- Guided three-night Annapurna trek
- Hemjakot community homestay
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Trekking permits where not stated
- Meals not included 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You are over 35
- You want comfortable hotels throughout
- You don't want to camp or use shared facilities
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £374 per person, twin share, tour only. 52 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
What ages is this trip for?
Travellers aged 18 to 35.
What is the riverside camp like?
A basic camp with simple facilities for one night after rafting.
How hard is the trek?
Three days of moderate to challenging walking, with many stone steps.
What are teahouses like?
Simple lodges with twin rooms, filling meals and shared, basic facilities.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, UK citizens need a visa for Nepal, available on arrival or online.
Who leads the trip?
A local leader, with trekking guides on the trail.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary