From Mountain Villages to the Wildlife Jungles
This trip is an incredible round-up of Nepal’s absolute best in mountain trekking and cultural touring in only 12 days. Through the former medieval city-state of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley, we enter the foothills of the mighty Himalaya for six days of trekking among giants like Annapurna and “Fishtail Mountain.” Though we don’t trek above 9,000 feet, the world’s highest peaks appear to hover within reach. Encounter culturally rich villages and gracious locals, before heading into the heart of Chitwan National Park’s lush jungle in search of Asian rhino and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.
Activities
6 days moderate hiking (max. elev. 9,023'), 1 day river rafting, wildlife viewing
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek among the giants of the Himalayas—without hiking above 10,000 feet
- Go back in time to explore a former medieval city-state
- Soak up the diverse culture of Nepal’s many peoples and religious traditions
- Sleep in a safari-style tent, just steps away from exotic wildlife
- Search the jungles of Chitwan National Park for the elusive Bengal tiger on elephant back
2010 PRICES
$3,695 (8-12 members)
$3,995 (4-7 members)
$220 internal airfare
$850 single supplement
Duration: 12 days Start Location: Kathmandu End Location: Kathmandu Best time to go: October
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.
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Day 2 : Sightseeing in Bhaktapur; flight to Pokhara (3,148')
Tour Bhaktapur, a former medieval city-state, and fly to the Annapurna foothills for overnight in Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge.
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Day 3 : Kharapani (3,700')
Trek from Chautari past the Seti River, through the unique Lahachowk village, to campsite near the hot springs at Kharapani (4, 428').
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Day 4 : Ghalekharka (5,500')
Walk through traditional villages, and break for lunch by the scenic Sardikhola River. Camp near the peaceful hamlet of Ghalekharka (7,380').
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Day 5 : Nyaulikharka (7,200')
Travel through a lovely rhododendron and oak forest with a soundtrack of warblers, woodpeckers, orioles, babblers, and more en route to Nyaulikharka (9,020').
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Day 6 : Parje (5,900')
Hike to panoramic view of the Manaslu range and visit Siklis (6,133'), a Gurung village known for traditional weaving and knitting.
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Day 7 : Chautara (1,200')
Follow stone steps through charming terraced hillsides to the Madi Khola River (2,500') and across a suspension bridge to our campsite.
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Day 8 : Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (4,000')
End our trek with a return to the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge.
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Day 9 : Kuringhat-Meghauly
Begin the next stage of our adventure with an exhilarating rafting trip to the heart of Chitwan National Park.
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Day 10 : Chitwan National Park
Travel by foot, jeep, elephant, or dugout canoe in search of Bengal tiger, rhinos, leopards, cobras, exotic birds, and more!
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Day 11 : Kathmandu
Look for wildlife in the morning, then transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu, where we will enjoy a farewell dinner and cultural program.
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Day 12 : Kathmandu
Depart Kathmandu.
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Yak & Yeti Hotel
Kathmandu, NepalA 5-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, the Yak & Yeti is the perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored Nepali tradition. Guests will find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens, while enjoying a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spa, shopping arcade, atrium, tennis courts and swimming pools.
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Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
PokharaResting on a spectacular hilltop ridge a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley, Tiger Mountain offers breathtaking mountain views. Comfortable rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows, blending into their surroundings for total privacy. This lodge has won several prestigious awards for its eco-tourism and conservation ethos.
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Tiger Tops Tented Camp
ChitwanSet above a broad, grassy plain in the Surung Valley, this camp features 12 comfortable, safari-style tents with twin or double bed options and attached private bathrooms with hot-water showers. Meals are served in a thatched central dining area with a nearby raised viewing platform—a great place to enjoy a cold drink while watching the wildlife roam below.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
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Pranoy Rai Pranoy Rai was born in Nepal, studied in Darjeeling, India, and is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. Working as a trekking leader since 1999, he has an enormous experience in the field, having led numerous treks and tours to Nepal, Tibet and India. Pranoy successfully completed his basic mountaineering course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling with grade 'A' certificate. He has been trained in wilderness medicine by Dr. Jim Duff, an expert in wilderness first aid and co-author of “First Aid and Survival in Mountain and Remote Areas.” In addition to being fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi, he speaks basic Tibetan and Chinese. Pranoy is very keen on birds, plants, and flowers, and has acquired a very good knowledge in them that he looks forward to sharing with you on trek.
photo credits:
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