explore nepal

KATHMANDU | CHITWAN | BANDIPUR | POKHARA | PATAN

january 4 - 15, 2026

9 Nights • 10 Days

With $1,000 Deposit

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

Anchor 1

Dr. Megan Adamson Sijapati

Dr. Sijapati is Professor and Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Gettysburg College. She is the author of Islamic Revival in Nepal: Religion and a New Nation (Routledge, 2013) and co-editor/author of Muslim Communities and Cultures of the Himalayas: Conceptualizing the Global Ummah (Routledge, 2020) and Religion and Modernity in the Himalaya (Routledge 2016). Her work focuses on the intersections of embodiment, religion and social justice, religious revivalism, epistemology, spiritual ecology, and modernity, particularly in contemporary Islamic traditions and Sufism. She earned her Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has lived, traveled, and conducted research in Nepal and South Asia off and on since 1994, including as a Fulbright Scholar and a visiting professor. Dr. Adamson Sijapati has also led experiential immersion trips in India, Morocco, and Nepal for college faculty and students. On this tour, she will guide participants through an exploration of the country’s diverse cultural and geographic landscape, as well as provide a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the history and cultures of its Muslim communities.

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 (buddist stupas)

day 3 thursday, january 8 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

With $1,000 Deposit

ITINERARY IN nepal

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

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?

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 6/1/25) After 6/1/25

Adult $3,250 $3,500

Minors (8-17) $2,995 $3,250

Single Supplement $ 750 $ 750

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 3 dinners
Safari day trip
Daily commentary/discussions with faculty guide(s)

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)

take advantage of early bird pricing!

With $1,000 Deposit

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.

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.

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)

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)

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

With $1,000 Deposit

Who is leading the tour?

Bayan’s vice president and professor Munir Shaikh will be the faculty escort for the tour. He holds an M.A. in Islamic Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a specialization in the history of Islamic Iberia (Al-Andalus), and certificates from academic programs in Morocco, Egypt and Spain. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on Middle Eastern history, Islam, and world history, and led world heritage tours in various countries, including eight previous programs in Southern Spain.
What is the expected group size?

Bayan’s tours are focused on providing a well-rounded experience featuring academic knowledge, historical site visits, cultural exposure, recreational activities, and free time. The itinerary includes visits to mosques and other sites of prayer. By participating in a tour, you are helping sustain and advance Bayan’s mission as a non-profit educational institution. Our group size tends to be in the range of 20-30 participants. This enables participants to get to know one another and develop bonds of friendship and camaraderie that can last a lifetime.
When is the registration deadline?

We are accepting registrations for the tour until February 28, in order to book desired hotel rooms, obtain entrance tickets to monuments, and finalize other details. You must pay a refundable deposit of $750 per traveler. Deposits are partially refundable through January 31, 2025, however, a cancellation charge of $ 100 per traveler will apply for any cancellation requested 24 hours after time of booking. For other important terms and conditions, please click here. Deposits after this date are non-refundable but can be applied to a different tour within a one-year time frame. After payment of your deposit, you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance for your party, reflecting any applicable discounts. The balance payment is due no later than January 31, 2025.
Is a visa required for U.S. citizens to enter Spain?

Bayan’s tours are open to participants who wish to join from anywhere in the world. However, the majority of participants tend to be from the United States. US passport holders do not need to obtain a visa to enter Spain for tourism. This is true for nationals of many other countries as well. However, non-US passport holders are encouraged to check requirements for their nationality and obtain a visa if required. We are unable to assist in obtaining visas.
How physically demanding is the tour?

Our group will be transported from city to city in a luxury air-conditioned tourist bus. However, in each city, since we will be in the historical centers where buses can't go, we will mainly be walking from site to site. In Madrid we will use the metro (subway) at times, as well as taxis. In any case, there will be a significant amount of walking on most days, on slight inclines and steps. The streets at times will have cobblestones. participants should expect to walk roughly 12,000 steps each day (about 6 miles in aggregate) during the first few days of the program, and perhaps 8,000 steps per day during the latter portion of the itinerary. At any given time, we will cover 1/4 to 1/2 mile between rest points. We will take into account the differing abilities and health conditions of group members and regulate the pace and intensity of the tour accordingly. Even so, this tour may not be suitable for those with knee, hip or foot pain that could be aggravated by the amount of walking involved, and a private tour might be preferable. Ideally, all participants should prepare for the tour by walking at least 5,000 steps per day in the weeks leading up to the tour.
What type of food will we have on the tour?

Spain’s food is a mix of Mediterranean and local traditions. Some dishes, such as paella, reveal their roots in Arab/Muslim cuisines. While the types of vegetarian options have grown in recent years in Spain, most local meat dishes feature pork. During the tour, we will dine at restaurants that serve zabiha halal foods, or at places that offer seafood and vegetarian options. We will be sure to avoid any foods prepared with pork or alcohol. You can expect meals to include Middle Eastern, Turkish and Moroccan dishes at restaurants run by local Muslims, and Italian and other types of dishes more generally. You’ll have the option of sampling various suitable tapas, small dishes with beverages.
Will you provide more information about the daily schedule and other details?

Yes, all participants who have completed their full payment will receive a detailed information packet that includes descriptions of the cities and sites to be visited, the daily schedule, currency exchange, local prayer times, electrical adapters, weather, what to pack, and more.
What precautions are you taking with regard to COVID-19?

We encourage participants to be fully vaccinated with at least one booster shot for all who are eligible to receive these shots. U.S. citizens can travel to Spain if they show that they are vaccinated against COVID-19, or have a recovery certificate, or show a negative diagnostic test result performed either within 72 hours prior to departure to Spain for a PCR test or within 24 hours prior to departure for a rapid antigen test. We do not expect to mandate masking during the tour, but we encourage masking whenever possible and according to each individual’s comfort level. For example, when shopping in crowded areas, it would be best to wear a mask. General sanitary practices should be maintained at all times, such as washing hands with soap, using sanitizing gels and wipes, and maintaining a reasonable distance between individuals.