HomeTripsCulture, Nature & Wildlife

NEPAL - 12 DAYS

CULTURE, NATURE AND WILDLIFE

This trip is the best way to explore Nepal’s hidden beauty and culture as it covers the most famous cities and tourist destinations in Nepal. The capital is home to world heritage sites, including the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia, Bouddhanath stupa, Pashupatinath Holy Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Syambhunath Buddhist Shrine.

After visiting UNESCO sites in Kathmandu, your tour goes to Pokhara. Pokhara is also known as the “City of Lakes” and offers you the majestic view of the Himalayan Mountains accompanied by the city’s natural beauty.

Then towards Chitwan National Park. Many animals, birds, and plant species live here, including a rhino, several species of deer, sloths, leopards, tigers, crocodiles, and monkeys, as well as many different species of butterflies, insects, and more than 450 species of colorful and endangered extinction birds and an incredible variety of other fauna and flora.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

  • Arrival and Departure transfers by private vehicle.
  • 3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu  sharing twin / double room on bed and breakfast basis.
  • 2 Night accommodation in Pokhara sharing twin / double room on bed and breakfast basis.
  • 2 Night accommodation in Chitwan  sharing twin / double room on Jungle plan basis with all taxes, national park fees & jungle activities offered by the lodge as per their 2 nights /3 days program.
  • 4 Nights’ accommodation in Ker & Downey lodges during the trek featuring
  • 1 Night accommodation in Seti River Camp (including rafting) sharing twin / double room on full board basis.
  • All sightseeing transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Services of an English speaking local Nepali guide throughout.
  • Surface transfers from Pokhara to Chitwan on Private vehicle.
  • Domestic Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara & Bharatpur – Kathmandu including airport tax
  • Monument fees during sightseeing.
  • Bottled water in Vehicle (2 bottles per day).


WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

  • International airfares
  • Nepal visa fees & Immigration assistance (visa fee subject to change, if revised)
  • Any beverages, including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc during meals.
  • Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary.
  • Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc.
  • The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees.
  • Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
  • Rescue, Evacuation & Insurance
  • Tips for the staffs
  • Any other items not mentioned in the cost inclusion.

 

Welcome to Nepal!


It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your designated hotel. The representative will help you check into hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

  • Meals: None
  • Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Duration:

After your leisurely breakfast at the hotel, start your day sightseeing with UNESCO Heritage sites Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath stupa: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization.

Patan Durbar Square: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Lichhavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Duration:

Our representative will assist you till the departure terminal at domestic airport just in time before you will board a short-sweet 25 minutes flight to the beautiful Pokhara.

We will be met by our trek guide and transferred to our walk start point. This drive will take one hour. We will stop along the way to photograph the breathtaking panoramas of the Annapurnas. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey’s Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A lunch is provided in a late afternoon arrival at the Lodge.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti
  • Duration: Approx 3 - 4 hours

After breakfast at the lodge, start your trek towards Ghandruk. After hours of walk you reach Ghandruk through steep hill trail. From Ghandruk you can see beautiful Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Himchuli & Annapurna south.

 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight at Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk
  • Duration: Approx 5 hours

After breakfast, head towards Landruk. The trail passes through the Rhododendron forest and banks of the Modi River. You’ll then cross a strong suspension bridge to the opposite banks of the Modi. Landruk affords more glorious views of the Annapurna range. Arrive in time for lunch. Your guide will take you on an exploration hike of this mountain village after lunch.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in La Bee lodge, Landruk
  • Duration: Approx 3 Hours

Early morning, we enjoy the view of Sunrise, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapurchre & the countryside. After breakfast we leave Landruk almost flat trails about an hour then Little steep for 20 minutes to reach Tolka. after Tolka trail follows through forest then starts again steep ascends about one & half hour to get Deurali, from where you can see valley of Pokhara. There tea shops are available between Tolka and Deurali. After Deurali trails leads you gradually descend to Dhampus via Pothana.

  • Meals:
  • Accommodation: Overnight at Basanta Lodge, Dhampus
  • Duration: Approx 5 - 6 hours

This morning will be one of the great morning with views of Annapurnas Himalayas & scenic settlement villages, walk down to Dhampus Phedi (approximately one and half hrs.) and then drive to Pokhara (about 30 minutes}.

  • Meals:
  • Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
  • Duration: Approx 1.5 - 2 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Damauli Approx 1.5 hrs and start your halfday rafting. After Rafting, arrive at Seti River Camp where everyone settles into the luxury safari tent. After the shower and lunch. Then you can relax by the river bank of Seti River enjoying the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight at Seti River Camp
  • Duration:

After your leisurely breakfast at the camp raft until riverbank to Gaighat; then drive further to visit Chitwan National Park.

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the gigantic flat lands of Terai that stretches throughout the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.

The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.

Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January). Chitwan is pleasantly warmer compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn’t constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

After late lunch indulge in some wildlife activities for the day (from amongst listed below) as guided by the naturalist.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Chitwan.
  • Duration:

The day will keep busy with varieties of wildlife activities spread over the day.

ELEPHANT SAFARI
Seated high on the back of an elephant, you will gain a unique viewpoint of the Chitwan jungle as an experienced mahout tracks animals through the dense jungle. As you sit back on a howdah, you can imagine yourself being a Rajah or Rani going on a shooting trip (with cameras of course!) in the days of yore. An elephant safari allows you to go places that would be impossible to get to by foot or Jeep and get up close to the wild animals of the jungle that are normally wary, but at home with a fellow creature of the jungle. Nowadays elephant safari is conducted only in the community forests.

JEEP SAFARI
A jeep safari is the fastest way to explore wide area of the national park. Around 03-hours’ drive inside the park will pass through the grasslands, riverine forests and Sal forests making it a wholesome adventure trip.

DUG-OUT CANOE RIDE
Let your mind wander and relax as you float on a serene trip down the Rapti River in a traditional dugout canoe. You will be able to spot crocodiles and other reptiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, or admire the graceful lines of Ibises and other waterfowl as you travel silently and peacefully down the river. This activity is available October to mid-March only, when the water level in the Rapti is neither too low nor too high.

NATURE WALK
Take an exciting and invigorating walk through the lush sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan. Our trained naturalists take you to prime spots to view deer, rhinos, sloth bears and other wildlife. They will also give you interesting information about the various plants and animals of the jungle throughout your walk.

GHARIAL BREEDING CENTER VISIT
Gharial Hatchery Farm where you will learn about how they collect crocodile’s eggs and hatch them and send them to river. So there are chances to see many animals. We also can organize whole day jeep drive with packed lunch as per your interest, which you can explore most part of the park.

THARU DANCE
Later in the evening, there will be an entertainment through Tharu Stick Dance. You are more than welcome to join the village girls and boys as they move their hips in a local rhythm.

SLIDESHOW presentation on flora and fauna

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Chitwan
  • Duration:

After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to airport in Bharatpur for a flight back to Kathmandu.

Embark on the afternoon visit to Bhaktapur.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Located 12 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally meaning ‘the City of Devotees’ is the smallest city in the Kathmandu valley. Its Main Square or ‘Layaku’ is famous for the 15th century Palace of 55 Carved Windows with the Golden Gate as a royal entrance. In front of the palace building are innumerable temples and architectural showpieces including the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla mounted on a giant stone pillar and the stone temple of Vatsala Devi; another beautiful example of Shikhara-style architecture. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This was erected in 1737 by King Ranjit Malla; its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew.

 

 

 

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Overnight in Kathmandu
  • Duration:

We ensure that you will leave Paro with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation:
  • Duration:

Essential Info


Visa

Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.

Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).


Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.


Eating & Drinking

Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).

Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.

Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser.

If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.


Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.

All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.

If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.

While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.


Weather

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.


Equipment Checklist
Body Wear

2.Selection of T- shirts and long sleeved shirt preferably not cotton.
1 Warm shirt possibly fleece for colder areas
1 Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper
1 Windproof and waterproof outer shell garment
1 Down jacket also can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)
Hands/Head wear
1.Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
1. Pair of Sunglasses or goggles
1. Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
1 pair of Warm gloves
Foot Wear
1 Walking boots with suitable ankle support and waterproof
1.Trainer or casual shoes for trekking and for traveling
3 / 4 pairs of Warm socks for colder areas
Leg wear
1 Loose, casual trousers for trekking
1 Waterproof trousers and can also buy in Kathmandu cheaply)
Back pack
Personal back pack for trekking 25 litre for personal items
Duffle bag 25/30 litre for personal clothings which is provided in Kathmandu office

Other Equipment

Sleeping bag (comfort rated – 15ºC)
30 Litre Rucksack with cover
Large size Duffel Bag with padlock
Headlamp with spare batteries
Water bottles 1 Litre X 2
Thermos

Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.


Miscellaneous items

1 Pair of trekking pole
1 Toiletry bag with ZIP LOCK
2 Pairs of Towels
Water Purifying Pills
1 Sun lotion
1 Lip balm
1 Dairy book for personal memoranda
2 Pen or pencil
1 Water bottle 1 ltr.
1 Pocket knife (DO NOT carry in your carry-on luggage)