Nepal was on Marketing Manager Raeann Watt’s travel bucket list for a long-time before she finally took the leap.
In October 2025, she embarked on a 12-day Geluxe tour to Nepal with G Adventures, where she hiked along the base of the Annapurna range, learned about local life, and participated in a momo cooking class.
“What really drew me to this itinerary, and to the Geluxe Collection, was the balance. It was the perfect combination of trekking, plus culture, wildlife, wellness, meaningful local experiences, and ultimately that extra comfort that Geluxe provides,” said Watt.
As soon as Watt arrived at Kathmandu Valley, she felt like she had been completely transported into a different world — in the best way possible.
On the first night, Watt and her tour group met their Chief Experience Officer (CEO) at their welcome dinner, who she says set the trip on a positive tone immediately.
“From the start, you could just tell we were in really good hands and there was an immediate excitement knowing something special was about to start. Kathmandu was truly magical,” she said.
What made their CEO Narayan stand out, was the fact that he made a genuine effort to connect one-on-one with each traveller, Watt says, which added to the special dynamic of the group.
“One of the most memorable moments was being invited to Narayan’s home to celebrate Diwali with his family during one of our last days. It was so special and something I’ll never forget,” she said.
“It quickly felt less like travelling with strangers and more like travelling with friends.”
Trekking across the base of Annapurna
The raw beauty of the Annapurna region and its towering peaks have drawn people from around the world to trek within the mountains.
Over four days, Watt and her group trekked through traditional villages and witnessed stunning terraced fields.
“I was a little nervous about it because I had recently injured myself, so what surprised me most was how achievable it actually felt, despite how challenging it was at times,” said Watt.
“The days are definitely active, and there are moments that really push you, but the pace, the support from the guides, and the structure of the itinerary make it very doable.”
While Watt doesn’t consider herself an extreme hiker, she admits, this was one of the more challenging trails she has done in her lifetime. But, she encourages other like-minded travellers that it’s well-worth the experience.
“The reward of it all is so worth it. The scenery and hiking through the small villages each day was incredible, and just that feeling at the end of each day… It was really special,” she said.
Why travelling with Geluxe was worth the wait
Geluxe trips are all about elevated comfort — something that Watt says made a huge difference, especially after the more active trekking days.
“The mountain lodges during the trek were beautiful and felt like such a reward at the end of each hike. The hotel located right in Chitwan National Park felt like a dream. The wellness elements, like the spa in Pokhara or the yoga class on the OMG Day, helped me reset and keep things balanced,” she recalled.
The meals were also a highlight, she adds, and to share them together as a group made it even more special.
In addition, being able to connect with and visit local Nepali communities gave the group an opportunity to gain a better understanding about daily life in Nepal.
The overall experience and insights learned from staying at the Barauli Community Homestay are ones that have stayed with Watt to this day.
“You’re not just visiting a place, you’re truly experiencing it and connecting with the people and culture,” said Watt.
“It sounds so corny or cliche, but it really did feel like a trip of a lifetime. It challenged me, grounded me, and gave me a new perspective and appreciation for the culture and the importance of connection — both with people and the places you’re visiting.”
This trip, Watt says, is perfect for anyone looking for a mix of adventure and culture — someone who wants to be active, but also values cultural experiences and connection.
“It’s perfect for travellers who want to push themselves a little while still having the support, comfort of an elevated experience, and structure,” she said.
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