“Captain Grant's Children — Nepal”
12 DAYS
20 PEOPLE
1850 EURO
12 DAYS
9.03.2026 — 20.03.2026
Open the world of adventure to your children, walk with them through the highest mountains on the planet between the icy eight-thousanders Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, see the capital of the exotic Himalayan country from the heights of the Monkey Temple, take a family photo with Nepali dervishes — the sadhus — at the Shiva temple, perform a ritual circumambulation of the largest Buddhist stupa, and visit with your children the living goddess Kumari (their peer). And all these things in just a 10-day journey, together with the whole family.
Ride the giant of the jungle — an elephant — with your whole family and cross a tributary of the sacred Ganges on its back; canoe among crocodiles and rhinos; raft down the great river of Shiva — the Trisuli.
With this expedition, the Paganels are launching the project “Children of Captain Grant.” This is highly symbolic — inspired by the wonderful novel by Jules Verne, which gave us our proud name — and long overdue, judging by the requests of our adult Paganels. Many Paganels have long been bringing their kids along on our expeditions. But sometimes we have to refuse children’s participation, since most programs, with their physical and emotional demands, are designed for adults, and having a group of peers is very important for children.
That’s why we have developed the first in a series of programs suitable for family travel. There will be plenty of adventures and experiences both for the seasoned Paganels and for the Children of Captain Grant. At the same time, impressions will change quickly and effortlessly, while the level of difficulty will not exceed what is manageable for young participants.
The expedition leaders have extensive experience working with children in tourism, and the local guides and porters are as caring and friendly as the best of friends. The experience gained in this expedition will help both Paganels and the Children of Captain Grant prepare for other, more challenging journeys together.
Welcome to the magical land of Nepal!
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ROUTE
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accompaniment by Paganels expedition leaders with experience working with children;
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accommodation in hotels according to the program in double or triple rooms (budget, but nice hotels are selected);
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during trekking — accommodation in guesthouses;
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meals according to the program — breakfasts in cities in the comfort program, full board during the safari;
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all excursions with a Russian-speaking guide in programs with our accompaniment, and with an English-speaking guide in the others;
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all entrance tickets according to the program;
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all transfers throughout the trip according to the program;
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services of Nepali guides during the trek;
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safari in Chitwan;
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permits for visiting national parks and tourist fees.
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international flight to Kathmandu and back;
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entry tourist visa to Nepal (USD 25, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport);
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medical insurance;
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meals not included in the program;
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supplement for single accommodation;
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alcoholic and other beverages;
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tips;
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services of personal porters — USD 100 per porter per trek (up to 25 kg load);
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all other expenses not specified in the program.
Additional possible expenses:
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Nepali visa — USD 25
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Meals on the trek — from USD 75
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Tips — about USD 30
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Lunches and dinners in cities — from USD 5 to 20 per meal
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Small expenses and souvenirs
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Services of a personal porter — USD 100 per trek (25 kg)
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Optional: flight around Everest (from USD 165)
For visa processing:
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For visa you need to present 1 photo and your international passport at the border;
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To obtain permits for entering national parks, take 2 extra photos with you in your hand luggage (not in checked baggage!).
Weather:
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In March–April and September–October, Kathmandu has temperatures of +20…+25 °C;
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On the trek above 3000 m: daytime +15…+20 °C, nighttime +5…+10 °C;
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In April and November: Kathmandu +15…+20 °C; on the trek daytime +12…+17 °C, nighttime 0…+5 °C;
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In the Kathmandu Valley it is warm even in winter (November–March): up to +25 °C during the day, at night temperatures can drop to 0 °C. In the mountains in winter above 3000 m, snow is possible. In the jungle it is warm during the day up to +27 °C, and +15…+20 °C at night;
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Summer in Nepal is the monsoon season, with heavy rains (usually from late May to late August).
Required equipment:
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A small daypack (20–40 L) for essentials, water, and camera gear. Do not assume that any city backpack will do — this is a very important part of the equipment, as you and your kids will carry it yourselves. Recommended: Deuter - Spectro or Osprey - Exos in the right size (they come in 20 to 58 L). Remember: not just any Deuter or Osprey, but Spectro or Exos — the champions in their class. Personally, I prefer Spectro — I’ve worn out two of them and bought a third of the same.
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A liner (150 g) or, at most, a very light sleeping bag rated to +15 °C (no more than 500 g). You’ll be sleeping in lodges, where blankets are available; below +10 °C outside is possible only in the morning at the pass. If unsure, consult us.
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A light rain poncho;
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Trekking shoes or mid-cut boots. It doesn’t get very cold in the mornings at the pass. New trekking shoes MUST BE 1–2 SIZES LARGER than your usual. Otherwise, say goodbye to your toenails on the descent, and swollen feet at altitude won’t fit. Larger shoes also allow for an extra pair of socks. Pay attention!
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Telescopic trekking poles — very important, I think, they reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system by redistributing weight, saving your legs and precious oxygen at altitude. Inexpensive ones can be bought in Kathmandu.
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A waterproof duffel bag for porters (60–80 L). You can arrive even with a suitcase and buy a “disposable” duffel in Kathmandu for about $20. A suitcase or bag with non-essential things can be left at your Kathmandu hotel until your return.
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A lightweight windproof membrane jacket (max 400 g for adults) and a small down vest or light down jacket (max 300 g, proportionally less for children). Can also be bought in Nepal.
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A light fleece, Polartec jacket, or any compact lightweight sweatshirt (200–300 g).
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A warm thermal underwear set (top and bottoms).
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Trekking pants (preferably synthetic/nylon).
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Lightweight nylon shorts, and 2 long-sleeve shirts or T-shirts.
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Underwear and light socks — 2 pairs (one to wear, one spare).
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Trekking socks — 1 pair. Excellent inexpensive trekking socks can be bought in Nepal (~$2 instead of $20).
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Trekking sandals, plastic flip-flops, or Crocs for showers and as spare footwear.
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Sun hat or cap with visor and neck cover, or a panama hat, plus a bandana or buff. Very important — the mountain sun at high altitude is merciless! A buff is indispensable and multifunctional.
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Light hat (wool or Polartec) for the trek.
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Sneakers or any lightweight shoes (not high heels! :)).
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Fleece or wool gloves, plus windproof mittens to wear over them.
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ACCORDING TO PERSONAL NEED - sunglasses with a proper UV factor (good beach sunglasses are enough).
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LIGHTWEIGHT headlamp (Petzl recommended). Useful for finding things at night and walking to the toilet in the dark.
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A PERSONAL thermos (0.5 L), or a wide thermomug for porridge/tea, plus a knife.
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Sunscreen — UV radiation is very strong in the mountains.
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Lip balm with UV protection.
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Microfiber towel (available at any sports shop).
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Soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste (travel-sized).
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Wet wipes — even though showers are usually available, sometimes they are the only hygiene option.
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Personal medication.
Tip: Try to pack all items as compactly as possible. This will save you from hauling huge bags through airports, hotels, and lodges, and leave more space in your luggage for the countless souvenirs Nepal is famous for.
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
09.03.2026
Arrival in Kathmandu, the vibrant and colorful capital of the exotic Himalayan country and, essentially, the world’s mountaineering hub. Transfer and hotel check-in. In the evening, a welcome dinner with traditional cuisine and a cultural program. Overnight at the hotel.
(Included: dinner).
Day 2
10.03.2026
Excursions in the Kathmandu Valley. The Monkey Temple Swayambhu, the largest Buddhist stupa Boudhanath, and the ancient city of Patan, where children will have the chance to visit the living goddess Kumari.
(Included: breakfast).
Day 3
11.03.2026
Transfer to Pokhara (6–8 hours) by private bus. We will leave the Kathmandu Valley through a mountain pass and drive along the two sacred rivers Trisuli and Marsyangdi, passing small villages and authentic rural landscapes, until we reach the wonderful city — the hippie capital of the 1970s, located on the shores of Lake
Phewa. Overnight at the hotel.
(Included: breakfast).
Day 4
12.03.2026
Today we have a challenging transfer by jeeps along mountain roads to the starting point of the Rhododendron Poon Hill trek (1.5 hrs). The altitudes on the trek will be moderate, so only minimal clothing and gear are required: no sleeping bag, tent, or mat is needed. All meals are prepared in teahouses. The backpack weight should not exceed 5–10 kg. According to the travel experience of the Paganels, “the children of Captain Grant” handle such a task with ease.
By jeeps we will reach the village of Kimche, and then it will take another one and a half to two hours on foot to get to our first overnight stop in the authentic village of Ghandruk, inhabited by the Gurung ethnic community of Nepal. Overnight in a guesthouse (a guesthouse is not a tent camp or a mountain hut, but also not yet a full-fledged hotel — simple, clean, built in the style of local homes, with shared facilities outside the room; you will sleep either in thermal underwear or in your own sleeping bag).
The trek passes through small, picturesque villages, past teahouses, and along rhododendron forests, with waterfalls appearing here and there. And, of course, the magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks are truly awe-inspiring and will leave no one indifferent.
(Included: breakfast).
Day 5
13.03.2026
Trek to Tadapani (about 5–6 hours), with steep ascents. In the evening and the following morning, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the snow giants — South Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. On this day, we will see the first blooming rhododendrons, which in our latitudes are just low shrubs.
In Nepal, rhododendron trees form entire forests, and in spring their huge clusters of blossoms in every shade of crimson fill the air with a delicate fragrance. In the Nepali language they are called laligurans, symbolizing love and serving as the national flower of the country. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 6
14.03.2026
Trek to Ghorepani (5–6 hours). One of the highest points of the route is the Deurali Pass (3,250 m). We will spend the whole day walking while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, which will seem close enough to touch. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7
15.03.2026
In the morning (around 4–5 a.m.), ascent to Poon Hill (3,211 m) to witness the sunrise over the mountain peaks (40 minutes – 1.5 hours).
This is one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas — offering views of two eight-thousanders, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, along with many other peaks.
Such breathtaking panoramas are kept on the “top list” even by the well-traveled Paganels. After breakfast, trek to Tikhedhunga (4–5 hours), with the option to continue further depending on the group’s condition. A steep staircase leads down. Here jeeps will meet us and take us to Pokhara (2.5 hours). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8
16.03.2026
Free day in Pokhara. Relaxation, shopping, and strolling through the charming city — once the hippie capital. Optional boating on Lake Phewa. Overnight at the hotel.
(Included: breakfast).
Day 9
17.03.2026
Transfer to Chitwan National Park, to Jungle Island Resort (4–5 hours). This is a little hidden paradise in the jungle on a vast river island inhabited by rhinos, tigers (though sightings are very unlikely), deer, monkeys, and other wildlife. Life here flows peacefully in simple yet cozy Nepali bungalows with thatched roofs, lit by old-fashioned kerosene lamps in the evenings, with an elephant station on the outskirts and delicious Nepali food.
The elephants live just 100 meters behind our huts. The resort is designed as a stylized Tharu village — the community of Nepal’s “Terai” people — adapted for the comfort of tourists.
We will enjoy an elephant ride, a jungle walk, participation in the elephant bathing ritual, rhino watching, and a river trip in a local canoe in search of crocodiles. The program is planned for 3 days, with the exact schedule announced upon arrival at the national park. Overnight in a bungalow.
(Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 10
18.03.2026
Continuation of the program in Chitwan National Park. Overnight in a bungalow.
(Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 11
19.03.2026
Completion of the program in Chitwan National Park. After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu.
On the way, an easy but fun three-hour rafting trip on Shiva’s sacred river — the Trisuli. Overnight at the hotel. In the evening, farewell dinner.
(Included: breakfast, lunch). Evening departure is possible.
Day 12
20.03.2026
Free day in the Nepali capital with delicious food and colorful shopping.
You can fill your bags, purchased right here, with countless charming little trinkets that will delight your family and friends.
Evening flight home.
(Included: breakfast).
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
Please note that this itinerary is tentative. The weather always has the last word. The itinerary is designed to allow sufficient time at the end of the Expedition in case of any weather-related delays. If necessary, the captain can change the expedition route depending on external conditions!
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