TREKKING AND WILDLIFE ADVENTURE OF NEPAL

NEPAL Without a doubt this country is a potpourri of culture and diversity.  It boasts as having the highest mountain in the world Mt Everest mixed with unique wildlife and exotic culture.  Discover yourself amidst this strange world of mystical beliefs and incredible history.  Every aspect of life is tainted with spiritual reasons. From morning prayers to the universal deities, walking Sadhus on village trails, to Buddhists spinning prayer wheels while sitting in front of their stores. You will have many opportunities to witness this aspect of life, and to share with people your own ideas about it.  The art and craft of Nepal are basically based on the religious themes taken from Buddhism and Hinduism. Nepalese art has been influenced and promoted since the earliest recorded times by the Newars. In Nepal, ethnical cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs.  The country’s capital Kathmandu and largest city simultaneously reeks of history and the wear and tear of increasing modernity. The tightly packed historical centre, with its squares and temples, continues to preserve a world light years away from shantytowns, expensive hotels, restaurants and shops on the city’s outskirts. Kathmandu’s core is Durbar Square, with the Vishnumati River to the west and Ratna Park to the east, The Bagmati River forms the southern boundary, whilst Thamel, the popular tourist hangout sprawls to the north. This would have to be one of the most exciting cities in the world today.   Our adventure begins when we arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport and transfer to the domestic airport for a spectacular 30-minute flight to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful town set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu and is the perfect starting point for our trip.  Whilst in Pokhara we will stay at the delightful Hotel Stupa run by Mrs Raj Kumari and her family. Upon arrival we will be free to relax in the hotel after our long journey, or explore this friendly easy-going town and take in the many shops and bazaars. The following morning a tour will be arranged for us to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Devi Falls.   No other area in Nepal has such a splendid variety of natural beauties as the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long arrays of snow-capped peaks, crystal lakes, and turbulent rivers with deep gorges, Tibetan monasteries, and picturesque villages, inhabited by simple and friendly ethnic people.   On this trip we will pass through many villages where we will have ample time to take photographs and chat with the local people. Language is not a big problem as many of the local people speak English. If not, our Guide will be happy to translate for us. There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurung. Together with the Magar and Chetrie people, the Gurung are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known as Gurkhas.  You will experience diverse  terrain from glacial valleys to  sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forest . 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY  

Day 1   Met and transferred to the domestic airport for our 30mn flight to Pokhara. Arrive Pokhara and transfer to our hotel the afternoon will be free to relax and explore. Pokhara sits on banks of Phewa Lake surrounded by the magnificent Annapurna Ranges with the awesome Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) as its backdrop. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. It is also the starting point of all treks in the Annapurna ranges.
 (B)  20/3  

Day 2 Pokhara This morning our guide will take us on a boat trip across the lake, and an easy hike 1 hour to the Buddhist Peace Temple. We will return to our hotel via the Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devis Falls and the Himalayan Climbing Museum.. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at  leisure or prepare for our trek departure the following day (B) 21/3 (Lodge)  

Day 3 Pokhara -  Naya Pul -  Tikedunga - Ulleri  (2050) Today we have a very earlier departure by car to the town of Naya Pul and the start of our trek. From Naya Pul the trail is quite flat as we follow the south bank of the river. After several hours we will pass through sub tropical valley forests, the trail in some places is carved along the side of the cliff. After lunch we cross the Modi Khola river via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikendhunga  -(4hr walk) where we will have lunch. After lunch the trail is frequently used by pony caravans the trail is very difficult because it is quite steep at times -with many steps almost stairs of rock, but as you get used to the trail and learn to climb slowly and regulate your breathing, the hike becomes easier.  Every 20 minutes or so, there is a stone ledge built for porters to rest their loads, and you will be grateful to take advantage and rest often. We should reach the lodge Ulleri by late afternoon  (BLD) 22/3 (Lodge)  
Day 4 Ulleri - Gorepani  (2850 mtrs) (2-/12)  Still we ascent but only for the next  2-3 hrs before reaching the  village of Gorepani which means "Horse Water" by lunchtime. This village is an important campsite for traders before becoming a trekker's stop. There are two parts to this town - one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower.  This is a fascinating place with small shops and stalls selling local craft. Now that we are higher it will begin to get much cooler especially in the evenings.  (BLD)  23/3 (Lodge)  

Day: 5  Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani (3200mtrs)  (8 Hrs) Up before the sun to climb the steep trail to Poon Hill (3200mtrs). Here you will be rewarded for your efforts with  spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. After taking many photos and having that much needed steaming hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate,  we return to Gorepani for breakfast.  After breakfast we head east from Ghorepani and climb a nearby ridge with views to match Poon Hill's. Descend through beautiful rhododendron forest, passing spectacular waterfalls along the way.  As we descend to Tadapani meaning "away water" the trail at times can be quite slippery so watch your step. Keep an our for monkeys or lamur on the trail Tadapani has lovely views of Machhapuchhre and Annanpurna South  (BLD) O/N 24/3 (Lodge)  

Day 6: Tadapani - Ghandruk – Landruk  (2012 mtrs) Today we have an easy day descending to the village of Ghandruk. This village is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal, with more than 700 households. Almost every family has one of its members in the Gurkha army, and much of the village's prosperity comes from the money they send home. With its superb views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hinchulu. After lunch in Ghandruk we will descent about 2-/1-2 hours to the Modi Khola where we cross another suspension bridge, and join the trail that leads to Annapurna Base Camp. It is a steep 2-hour climb to the village of Landruk, another large Gurkha settlement and our lodge for the night.  (BLD)  25/3 (Lodge)  

Day 7  Landruk – Potana  We leave Landruk and contour south through several tributary valleys to reach Tolka. Here we will stop for a rest before continuing on and crossing the tributary to the left bank to climb out of the valley to Bhichok and our lunch spot.  After lunch it is only another 1 hour walk to our night’s accommodation at Potana here we will be rewarded with fabulous views of Machhapuchhre. (BLD) 26/3 (Lodge)  

Day 8 Potana – Dhampus - Pokhara  This morning we follow the ridge on a relatively flat trail, there are more magnificent view of the great giants.  As you get closer to Dhampus and see Pokhara in the for ground you will be impressed with the uncut forests so close to Pokhara. The people of Dhampus have traditionally protected this forest, and government programs are only now realizing that this traditional, social forestry should be encouraged.  Leaving Dhampus we descend steeply through the forest for approximately 1-1/2 hours.to Phedi and sadly the end of our trek.  From Phedi it is approximately 1 hour by bus to Pokhara and our hotel for the night (BL) 27/3  

Day 9-11 Pokhara –  Chitwan After breakfast we will depart by private vehicle for a  4 drive to Chitwan.. On arrival we will be transferred to our wildlife resort.  The next 3 days will be full of adventure, either riding on the back of an elephant, jeep safari, canoeing and jungle walking.  We will see rhino, many species of birds, deer, crocodile and if you are lucky maybe the odd sloth bear and tiger. (BLD) 28-30/3  

INFORMATION ON ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK   Royal Chitwan National Park where you will see yet another side of Nepal. The 3 days here are spent on trips into the jungle on an elephant's back, swimming, jungle walks, and bird watching and if the river is up, even a canoe trip on the Rapti River to look at crocodiles. Or, if you prefer, you can stay at the lodge and just relax. Please inform the Lodge Manager if you wish to do any different or independent activities. Also, if you want to walk out of the lodge and down to the swimming hole, ensure that a guide accompanies you. Never wander about the jungle yourself. Your jungle lodge is very comfortable and in a great location within the park. Facilities are not luxurious there is no electricity in the Park, so all lighting is by hurricane lantern and candle. Hot water for showers comes from wood-fueled burners and is available only in the evening. However, after trekking, it will seem luxurious, and we are sure you will appreciate the rustic style. The food is excellent - a combination of western and traditional Nepali. The friendliness and knowledge of the staff will be a highlight of your stay here.   Situated in the Rapti Valley, Chitwan National Park is approximately 80 miles southwest of Kathmandu by road. The region in which the park is situated is known as the Terai, a flat and highly cultivated plain that constitutes the entire southern quarter of the country. Extremely hot in the Summer while mild and cool in winter, this region produces most of the country’s food. Early this century, the Terai was a rarely visited jungle expanse with very few inhabitants, the only visitors being members of the Nepalese upper class on hunting trips.   During the 1950’s malaria was eradicated and the population began to expand rapidly. Loggers and farmers in search of new fields slowly cleared the jungle. Conservationists soon realised that if action were not taken it wouldn’t be long before all the animals of the Terai would be extinct. In 1962 King Mahendra designated Chitwan as a rhinoceros preserve. In 1973 it was finally gazetted in parliament as the first national park in Nepal.   Today there are only about a thousand one horned rhinos left in the world, and over 300 of these are in the Chitwan National Park. Fewer than 2000 tigers remain in the sub continent, more than 40 live in Chitwan. There are many other animals as: the fish eating gharial crocodiles, buffaloes, sloth bear, hog deer and wild peacocks. For amore in-depth study of all the animals in the park you should read The Heart of the Jungle by KK Gurung. Remember that although there are many animals to be seen in Chitwan, it is not a zoo. Nor is it like the vast open plains of southern Africa. It is a small compact jungle park where you must go out and find the animals; it is possible that you may not see anything at all. If you rise early in the morning and go on a jungle walk or elephant ride with the park guides, you are very likely to spot some wildlife. It should also be noted that there are over 400 species of birds living in the park, and if you are interested in bird watching there will be plenty of opportunities. Just ask the Lodge guides all transport, meals and activities are included in your stay.    

Day 12 Chitwan - Kathmandu  - BhaktapurThis morning we will transfer to the airport for our 30 minute flight to Kathmandu. On arrival we will transfer to our hotel in  Baktapur situated approximately 1 hours drive from the airport.. BHAKTAPUR: Bhaktapur meaning the City of Devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 5,600ft above sea level. In Bhaktapur you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla, The Nyatapola Temple. This temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures, two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. (B) 31/3

Day 13 Bhaktapur - Thamel After breakfast we will be met by our experienced city guide for a 2 hour tour of Bhaktapur before driving to Thamel on the way we will visit Pasapatinath - the holiest place for the Hindu people. On the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva Pashupatinath is famous for its architecture with its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. We will then arrive in Thamel and our hotel which is situated in the heart of the tourist district. Overnight Hotel in Thamel (B) 1/4  

Day 14  Kathmandu – Free day to sightsee or enjoy that much required retail therapy. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at a local Nepalese Restaurant (B) 2/4  

Day 15 End  Kathmandu - After breakfast you have a few free hours before departing to the airport for your onward journey  (B) 3/4  

Cost:  US$$2400  

Trip Inclusions *2 internal flights *6 day fully escorted lodge trek incl. all meals *private transport Pokhara/Chitwan *3 Nights Pokhara 3-1/2 star including b’fast *1 Night Bhaktapur including b’fast *2 nights Thamel including b’fast *Sightseeing Bhaktapurh and Pasapatinath including all entries *Private transport to Airport/Bhaktapur/Thamel *3 Nights Chitwan including all meals, transfers and activities  * Experienced English Speaking Nepalese Guide and Australian Group Leader *Arrival and departure transfers *Trekking permit and National Park Fees *Sightseeing in Pokhara including entry into the Himalayan Mountain Museum *Most meals stated  

Not Included *International Airfare *Optional Flight Over Everest US$160 *Meals not stated *Gratitudes for hotel staff and Chitwan and your Nepalese guide who will be with you for the full trip *Airport taxes

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