This festive journey combines a short Himalayan trek with cultural sightseeing and wildlife exploration, offering a complete adventure beyond a standard trekking itinerary. Following the classic Poon Hill route, the trip includes village walks, mountain scenery, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, and relaxed time in Pokhara, making it ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and festive celebrations in Nepal during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.
ℹ️ Price Information
The displayed price is per person, based on a group of 5–8 travelers. Exact pricing may vary depending on your selected departure date and group size. Please see the Scheduled Departures & Group Discounts section below for available departure dates and the applicable discounted group rates.
Trip Facts
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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Spring & Autumn
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Hotel & Lodge
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Bus, Jeep & Plane
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3,210 Meters
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Meals on Trek
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English, Spanish
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NHT-219
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01-12 People
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All Trek Permits
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Fully Guided Tour
Trip Overview
The festive season takes on new meaning when celebrated beneath the world’s highest peaks. This thoughtfully designed adventure through Nepal brings together cultural discovery, wildlife encounters, mountain landscapes, and gentle trekking in one seamless journey that reveals the country’s extraordinary variety.
Created for travelers who seek more than typical sightseeing yet prefer comfort over extreme expeditions, this 14-day itinerary connects Nepal’s most captivating destinations. From ancient temple-filled cities and sacred pilgrimage sites to jungle lowlands, mirror-like lakes, and the forested slopes of the Himalayas, every day brings a new perspective on this remarkable nation. The experience balances activity with relaxation, making it especially appealing for those wanting a manageable Himalayan trek woven into a broader cultural exploration.
The adventure opens in Kathmandu, where centuries of history unfold in every alley and courtyard. Here, elaborate temples stand beside bustling markets, Hindu shrines share space with Buddhist stupas, and daily life continues much as it has for generations. Among the highlights are the royal squares of Durbar, the hilltop Monkey Temple with its sweeping city views, and the majestic Boudhanath Stupa with its watchful Buddha eyes. These UNESCO-listed landmarks provide a profound introduction to Nepal’s spiritual and artistic heritage, while the city’s lively streets and fragrant food stalls offer an authentic taste of local life. This Kathmandu Valley UNESCO tour offers a deep dive into Nepal’s cultural treasures.
Leaving the valley behind, the route descends toward the subtropical plains of Chitwan, where the landscape transforms dramatically. Dense jungles replace hillside terraces, and the air grows warm and humid. A stay at the edge of Chitwan National Park invites encounters with wildlife rarely seen elsewhere—the armored one-horned rhinoceros, elusive Bengal tiger, and prehistoric-looking Gharial crocodile basking on riverbanks. Canoe trips along the Rapti River and guided walks through tall grasslands reveal a Nepal far removed from the mountain postcards, offering a slower, more reflective pace. A Chitwan National Park safari allows you to spot these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
From Chitwan, the journey climbs toward Pokhara, a city cradled between Phewa Lake and the Annapurna skyline. This is where the festive spirit truly comes alive. As Christmas approaches, the lakeside comes aglow with lights and music, and the arrival of New Year is marked with celebration against a backdrop of snow-dusted giants. Dining on local delicacies, strolling along the water’s edge, or simply watching the sunset paint the peaks in shades of rose and gold, Pokhara provides a serene yet vibrant setting for holiday festivities. This is your opportunity to celebrate New Year in Pokhara in a truly memorable way.
The highlight of the journey lies ahead. From Pokhara, the trekking portion begins, leading into the lower reaches of the Annapurna massif. The route follows ancient footpaths that connect hillside villages, terraced farmlands, and dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Along the way, encounters with Gurung and Magar communities offer glimpses into mountain life—children heading to school, women weaving, elders gathering in village squares. The teahouses that line the trail provide comfortable shelter, hearty meals, and warm hospitality that transforms strangers into friends. This Poon Hill trek in Annapurna region in Nepal Himalayas is one of the most popular routes, offering a perfect introduction to Annapurna region trekking.
The pinnacle of the trek is a pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill, rising to 3,210 meters above sea level. Standing on the summit as the sky shifts from black to deep blue to fiery orange, the great peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna emerge one by one, catching the sun’s first rays. The panorama stretches endlessly—row after row of jagged, snow-covered summits lit with alpenglow. It is a moment that justifies every step of the climb and remains a lasting memory. This Poon Hill sunrise trek offers a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurnas with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Following the descent back through forests and villages, the trail concludes at Ghandruk, where a jeep ride returns travelers to Pokhara. After a final lakeside evening, the road leads back to Kathmandu, where the journey draws to a close. Yet the experience lingers—the views, the tastes, the faces, the quiet thrill of ringing in the New Year in the Himalayas. This Christmas and New Year trek in Nepal combines cultural discovery, scenic landscapes, authentic local experiences, and easy Himalayan trekking into one remarkable holiday.
This Nepal New Year trek 2026 is scheduled for December 26, 2026 – January 8, 2027, offering the perfect opportunity to combine a winter holiday with an adventure in the Himalayas. The season brings clear skies, excellent visibility, and uncrowded trails – ideal conditions for trekking and photography. Join a small group trekking adventure with a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a personalized, intimate experience with plenty of attention from your professional Polish-speaking guide. Experience Nepal’s rich culture and wildlife through traditional cuisine, cultural performances, and encounters with exotic wildlife.
This holiday is crafted for those who wish to welcome the coming year with purpose, presence, and perspective—far from the noise of ordinary celebrations, close to the stillness of the mountains.
Who Is This Trip For?
First-time visitors to Nepal – This journey serves as the ultimate introduction to Nepal’s culture, wildlife, and mountains, offering a comprehensive experience without overwhelming demands. You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spot exotic wildlife, and trek through the Himalayas—all in one carefully crafted itinerary.
Families with children – With easy trekking and diverse activities suitable for ages 12 and above, this trip keeps everyone engaged and entertained. From jungle safaris to cultural performances, there’s something for every family member to enjoy.
Beginner trekkers – No technical skills or extreme fitness required. Porters carry your luggage, trails are well-maintained, and daily walking hours are manageable. This is your accessible entry point to Himalayan adventure.
Solo travelers – The small group size of 12 people ensures a personal experience and the opportunity to connect with like-minded adventurers from around the world. You’ll never feel alone on this journey.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts – Spot one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, exotic birds, and enjoy stunning Himalayan landscapes that change with every step. Winter offers the best wildlife viewing conditions.
Photography enthusiasts – Find endless inspiration from sunrise views over the Annapurnas to UNESCO-listed temples and jungle wildlife encounters. Every day presents new opportunities for stunning images.
Travelers seeking a meaningful holiday – Escape crowded city celebrations and welcome the New Year in one of the world’s most spectacular settings. This journey offers purpose, presence, and perspective.
Food lovers – Nepal’s diverse culinary scene—from local Nepali and Indian flavors to Chinese, Thai, and international cuisine—promises a delicious adventure at every meal.
Whoever you are, whatever brings you here, this trip is crafted to offer something truly special: a festive season filled with unforgettable moments in the heart of the Himalayas.
Trip Highlights
- Poon Hill Trek in Annapurna Region in Nepal Himalayas – This classic Himalayan journey begins in the village of Hile and winds through the Annapurna region's most beautiful landscapes, ending at Kimche near the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. Depending on your fitness level and walking pace, the trek can be comfortably completed in 3 to 6 days. The route is rated as easy to moderate, making it accessible for beginners and families, with the famous 3,000+ stone steps from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri as one of the few challenging sections.
- Celebrate New Year in Pokhara – Welcome the New Year with a festive party on the shores of Phewa Lake, surrounded by stars and Himalayan glaciers. This is a truly magical way to welcome the year ahead – far from crowded city celebrations, with the Annapurna range reflecting on the tranquil lake waters.
- Poon Hill Sunrise Himalayan Views – Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurnas from Poon Hill (3,210m) – one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas. From the summit, see clearly the eight-thousanders Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, along with dozens of other peaks as they gradually illuminate with the first light of day.
- Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Tour – Explore Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur (Patan). These ancient cities and sacred sites offer a deep dive into Nepal's rich cultural heritage, with centuries-old temples, palaces, and living traditions.
- Chitwan National Park Safari – Spot one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and Gharial crocodiles on jungle safaris and canoe trips. Winter is the best season for wildlife viewing, with drier conditions and cut grasslands making animal sightings much easier.
- Annapurna Region Trekking – Trek through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests, and scenic mountain ridges. Comfortable trekking lodges and welcoming local hospitality add authenticity to this easy Himalayan adventure.
- Authentic Nepali Culture & Cuisine – Enjoy Dal Bhat, traditional dance performances, visits to Tibetan refugee camps with Buddhist monasteries, and local experiences. Nepal's diverse culinary scene offers local Nepali cuisine, Indian flavors, and international dishes.
- Small Group Experience – Travel with a maximum of 12 people for a personalized, intimate adventure. With a professional Polish-speaking guide, you'll enjoy plenty of attention and a friendly, flexible atmosphere throughout the journey.
- Christmas in the Himalayas – Celebrate Christmas Day surrounded by snow-capped peaks and festive mountain atmosphere. Enjoy special meals, warm hospitality, and the unique experience of spending the holiday season in one of the world's most spectacular settings.

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