Highlights of Nepal travel include the temple cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur a trek in the Annapurna ranges and travel to Chitwan National Parks in search of antelope, the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, sloth bears, Nepal birds and with any luck the Royal Bengal tiger.
The majestic peaks of the Himalaya dominate the kingdom of Nepal, a country of deep spirituality and geographical diversity. Many travelers return over and over to this mountain kingdom to trek among the world's highest peaks, marvel at the country's incredible beauty and experience the richness and diversity of culture.
Our 12 day Explore Nepal tour highlights the scenery, culture and wildlife of Nepal in an active program of trekking, white-water rafting and wildlife viewing. Experience the temple cities of the Kathmandu Valley and several of the seldom seen villages of Western Nepal and then begin a fully supported three day Royal Trek in the Annapurna ranges. We also include a 3 day rafting/tented camping excursion and a three day safari in Chitwan National Park where we travel by elephant, jeep and foot.
2012 Departure Dates and Costs
Daily departures based upon a minimum of two persons.
12 Day Land Cost: $1,675 USD
Single Supplement: $345
EARLY BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL DUE TO LOW FLIGHT AVAILABILITY/HIGH DEMAND FOR AIR SPACE
Itinerary
DAY 1 KATHMANDU (B)
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet and transfer to the Marco Polo Business Hotel.
DAY 2 KATHMANDU (B,D)
Begin the morning with a visit to Bhaktapur, the medieval city of devotees and the best preserved of all the old cities of Kathmandu valley. Then we visit two very important religious centers, the first is Pashupatinath Temple for the Hindus which rests along the banks of the River Bagmati and is the cremation area for the dead. Then we see Bodhnath which is possibly the largest stupa in the world and a center for Tibetan School of Buddhism. Continuing on we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Palace of the Malla and the Shah Kings of Nepal. See a medieval rest house, the Kumari Temple, abode of the Virgin Goddess, visit Swoyambhunath stupa on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley and in the evening enjoy a Nepalese Cultural Show and a typical local dinner.
DAY 3 KATHMANDU/POKHARA/GHOREPANI TREK (B,D)
Ghorepani Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. it is a moderate Grade 2 trek, in other worlds a reasonably fit person can do it. The trek starts from Pokhara traverses through foothills of Annapurna Himalayan range and others beautiful views of the Annapurna Massif, Machapuchare(Fishtail) and Dhaulagri Himalaya peaks. We visit the largest Gurung village of Ghandrung with its orderly rows of slate-roofed houses clusters on a canyon wall. The main attraction of this trek is Poon Hill the highest point on the trek, located on a ridge top: the sunrise over the Himalayas is stunning from here, especially in the early morning. The best view of Annapurnas South can be seen from Poon Hill-without any obstruction. The destinations throughout the trek are lcal villages where you will be camping or staying in lodge for the nights. We return to Pokhara through rhododendron forests and terraced vice fields.
In short the trek offers splendid Himalaya views and provides an insight into local foothill culture. Fly to Pokhara. Meet Trekking Guide and transfer to Trekking starting point, Nayapul and walk for 4-5 hours. The trek will be full service. Tents and guides and cooks are provided. Overnight at Tirkheydunga.
DAY 4 TREKKING (B,L,D)
Trek to Ghorepani for 5-6 hours. Overnight at Ghorepani.DAY 5 TREKKING (B,L,D)
Excursion to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani for 5-6 hours. Overnight at Tadapani.
DAY 6 TREKKING (B,L,D)
Trek to Ghandrung for 4-5 hours. Overnight at Ghandrung.
DAY 7 TREKKING/POKHARA (B)
Trek to Nayapul for 3-4 hours and transfer to Pokhara.
Overnight at TREK-O-TEL HOTEL Late afternoon Half day sight-seeing tour of Devins Fall, Tibetan Refugees Camp, Bendibashini Temple and Seti Gorge.
DAY 8 POKHARA/CHITWAN (B,D)
Depart for the Royal Chitwan National Park. Take a jungle safari by elephant to see a variety of exotic birds, rhino, crocodile, deer, leopard, bear, sloth and if we are lucky the royal Bengal Tiger. In the evening enjoy a slide presentation and dinner at your Machan Wildlife Resort.
DAY 9 CHITWAN (B,L,D)
Enjoy another exciting day at the jungle resort with walks, canoe trips, bird-watching and village tours. A special local dance troupe will be joining us for the evening.
DAY 10 CHITWAN/ KATHMANDU (B)
Awake before sunrise to spot birds and other wildlife then travel back to Kathmandu where you overnight at the Marco Polo Business Hotel.
DAY 11 KATHMANDU (B)
Day at your leisure to enjoy the last day of your visit to Nepal.
DAY 12 DEPART KATHMANDU (B)
Transfer to the airport.
Additional Information
Tour includes the following:
- Accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Accommodation with all meals in Machan Wildlife Resort
- All transfers and sight-seeing tour in ac-vehicle
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Entrance fee of city and monuments
- Airfare: KTM/POKHARA
- Nepalese Cultural Show followed by Dinner
Tour does not include the following:
- Personal and baggage insurance
- Tipping & beverages
