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explore nepal

KATHMANDU   |   CHITWAN   |   BANDIPUR   |   POKHARA   |   PATAN   |   BHAKTAPUR

january 4  - 15, 2026

9 Nights • 10 Days

Nepal, a land of breathtaking diversity and nestled in South Asia between India and China, boasts eight of the world’s ten tallest peaks, including Mount Everest. Its dramatic landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to subtropical plains, supporting rich biodiversity, including Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and vibrant bird species. Renowned also for its rich Hindu and Buddhist cultural heritage, Nepal is a Hindu-majority country and a former Hindu kingdom, with deep-rooted traditions that coexist alongside Buddhist and Muslim communities. Nepal’s Muslim communities, who are primarily of Indian and Tibetan descent, have a history of trade and craftsmanship, and their mosques and festivals add to Nepal's diverse cultural tapestry. 

Join us to experience the vibrant cultural life of Kathmandu and visit the medieval kingdom cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), take in a sunrise view of the Annapurna mountain range in the lakeside city of Pokhara, and embark on a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park just north of the Nepal-India border. We will also have an opportunity to visit Kathmandu’s two largest mosques and shop at Muslim craftsmen’s stalls in the oldest outdoor market in Kathmandu. Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn not only about Nepali culture and society but also its Muslim history and culture from Dr. Adamson Sijapati, gaining insight into the country’s complex religious and cultural dynamics, and experiencing stunning beauty and hospitable people along the way.

faculty guide

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Dr. Megan Adamson Sijapati

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Megan Adamson Sijapati (Ph.D., Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara) is a Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Gettysburg College. She is an award winning teacher and author/editor of the books Islamic Revival in Nepal: Religion and a New Nation; Muslim Communities and Cultures of the Himalayas: Conceptualizing the Global Ummah; and Religion and Modernity in the Himalaya. In the past she has led academic and experiential immersion tours in Morocco, Nepal, and India. 

                      SUNday,  january 4                    depart from us or other origin points                       

                      moNday,  january 5                   in transit

day 1           tuesday, january 6                   arrivAL IN kathmandu / WELCOME GATHERING & DINNER

day 2           wednesday, january 7             kathmandu's Boudha & swyambu (buddHist stupas)

day 3           thursday, january 8                BHAKTAPUR/CHITWAN/KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE / ASONTOL (OlD NEWAR                                                                                          MARKET) /  THAMEL

day 4           friday, january 9                      CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

day 5           saturday, january 10              RAPTI RIVER CANOE RIDE / JEEP SAFARI

day 6           sunday, january 11                  BANDIPUR silk road MOUNTAIN TOWN

day 7           monday, january 12                 POKHARA LAKESIDE CITY

day 8           tuesday, january 13                SARANGKOT / POKHARA

day 9           wednesday, january 14          FLIGHT BACK TO KATHMANDU / PATAN heritage CITY TOUR / farewell dinner

day 10         THURSDAY, JAnuary 15             depart FROM kathmandu

ITINERARY IN nepal

Participants should arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday, January 6, taking into consideration their origin points and travel time involved.

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Since 2017, Bayan has been offering unique faculty-led tours to world heritage destinations such as Uzbekistan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Holy Land, Southern Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Senegal/Gambia, and Malaysia. Each year, we offer high-quality curated excursions to these and other destinations to satisfy the interests of our diverse community of fellow travelers.

 

WHY JOIN A BAYAN TOUR?

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Tours offered by Bayan cater to the varied interests and needs of individuals and families, while offering an exceptional educational and cultural program. Each tour is led by one or more faculty members who provide daily background lectures and insights about the historical and contemporary contexts. Local guides are utilized as needed. The itinerary for each excursion is crafted by experienced personnel to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the scheduled program is robust, ample time is provided to explore on your own, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy some leisure activities. Bayan’s tour group size is generally kept to 30-35 participants.

TOUR information

tour pricing - LAND PACKAGE ONLY 

All pricing is double occupancy and per person.  International airfare is not included.

 

A partial deposit of $1,000 per traveler is required upon booking.  The deposit is partially refundable until August 1,  2025, minus a $250 fee per traveler. 

 

                                                             Early Bird (Reserve by 8/1/25)                         After 8/15/25

 

Adult                                      $3,295                                                                           $3,495​

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Minors (8-17)                      $2,995                                                                            $3,195​​

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Single Supplement      $   750                                                                        $  750

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land PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu on January 6 and January 15

  • 9 nights hotel (4* - 5*)

  • Ground transportation by private A/C coach

  • All entrance fees for scheduled sites

  • Daily breakfast plus 2 lunches and 4 dinners

  • Safari day trip and excursions; optional visit to Bhaktapur

  • Daily commentary/discussions with faculty guide(s)

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EXCLUSIONS

  • ​​International airfare to Kathmandu (budget about $1,400 round-trip per person from US gateways), and  applicable baggage fees

  • Airport transfers when arriving and departing outside of dates/times specified

  • Tourist entry visa (available on arrival, approx. $30 USD)

  • Meals not specified in the package

  • Local bus, taxi, metro fares during optional excursions

  • Gratuities for driver(s) and local guide(s)

  • Personal items, hotel incidentals, hotel porters, and other individualized services

  • Covid-19 testing costs (if required for entry or return to country of origin)

  • Urgent care, medical treatment, and testing, related expenses

  • Travel insurance (recommended)​

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take advantage of early bird pricing!

international travel arrangements

arriving to Kathmandu

Numerous airlines provide service to Kathmandu, Nepal. Participants should book flights arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, January 6, and departing at any time on Thursday, January 15 (must check out of hotel by Noon). Participants from the US may need to begin travel on January 4th to reach Kathmandu on time. Hotel check-in for the tour begins on the afternoon of January 6. If you arrive before midday on January 6, you will need to book your own hotel room for any preceding nights. 

 

departing from Kathmandu

The tour concludes on Thursday, January 15. Depending on your departure time on that day, you can continue sightseeing or plan to head to the airport. Your outgoing flight can be to any destination or transit point of your choice. You may also consider spending more time in Nepal after the conclusion of the tour, and plan your flights, local transportation, and additional hotel accommodations accordingly.

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booking your flights

Once you’ve paid your deposit to Bayan Tours, you should book your flights as soon as possible to try and obtain well-priced airfare with suitable flight timings and layovers (if you don’t have a direct flight to Kathmandu, we recommend that you choose a route with layovers of not less than 90 minutes). You can use your own travel agent, check airline websites, or use other booking sites to select the flight legs that are best for you.

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hotels

  • Hotel Yak and Yeti 5* (3 nights)

  • Bahari Jungle Lodge 5* (2 nights)

  • Hotel Durbar Himalaya or similar 4* (1 night)

  • Hotel Barahi 4* (2 nights)

  • Hotel Himalaya 4* (1 night)

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tour highlights

Kathmandu​

  • Bouddhanatha (iconic Buddhist stupa and center for the Tibetan community)

  • Swayambhunath (Buddhist Stupa atop a hill, called the Monkey Temple)

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square (King's Square from the medieval period, today a bustling commercial and artistic hub)

  • Ason Tole (old Newar market)

  • Thamel (center for trekking tourism, and also Kashmiri Muslim shops)

  • Bhaktapur

Chitwan​

  • Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO heritage site

  • Malekhu (town along the Trishuli river)

  • Tharu cultural dance presentation

  • Rapti River Canoe Ride

  • Jeep Safari

Bandipur​

  • Explore charming mountain town on the old silk road trading route

Pokhara​

  • Canoe on Fewa Lake

  • Hike to the World Peace Pagoda

  • Sarangkot Annapurna Moutains

  • Gandaki Trout Farm OR Day Hike

  • Leisure time for shopping

Patan​

  • Patan Durbar Square

  • Patan Museum

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