Trekking, rafting and elephant back safaris in wonderful Nepal
An introduction of Nepalese delights to you. Exploring Kathmandu for history and culture
(temples, stupas and pagodas of the city and the surrounding valley). Viewing magnificent
mountain from Bandipur before reaching Pokhara which sets in a subtropical valley, where
you have time to explore the lakeside region on foot or by bike. A comfortable jungle
lodge at Chitwan National Park to explore and enjoy Jungle Safari by canoe, elephant
and on foot, with a chance of seeing the Asian rhino. There is a short trek amongst
the Annapurnas to experience rural Nepal.

 

Day 1 - Kathmandu Arrival
              Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Meet Greet &
              Have a full trip briefing

Day 2-  Kathmandu - Bandipur
              Leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards Pokhara along the
              Trisuli River Valley. If you want to experience rafting in Nepal, today
              there is a chance to land on a raft on the Trisuli River. Each raft holds
              8 people. Life jackets and helmets are provided and the guide will run through
              the safety proceedure. The trip will be about three hours with grade 2-4 rapids.
              Stop for lunch on the river side and continue on to Bandipur. Located at 1030
              metres this small town has wonderful panoramic views of the Annapurna Range.
              The town is full of traditional Newari architecture & is is a beautiful place
              to explore and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Those not rafting will drive
              direct to Bandipur and will be there by lunchtime. The afternoon is free to
              explore the town.

Day 3-  Bandipur
              Today, explore the surrounding area of Bandipur. After breakfast, either walk
              to Ramkot which is a typical Magar village with traditional round houses,
              untouched by modern development or an easy hike to the biggest cave yet
              discovered in Nepal, Siddha Cave (4 hours round trip). A packed lunch from
              the hotel will be carried for this trip if required.

Day 4-  Bandipur- Pokhara
              Today in the morning, drive to Pokhara. Located in a beautiful valley near Phewa
              Tal, Pokhara with a magnificent backdrop of the mighty Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare
              will be reached by lunchtime. The afternoon is free to explore lakeside town, with
              its lakes, temples, traditional bazaar and array of handicraft shops.

Day 5 - Trekking starts (Pokhara-Dhampus)
              Begining of our 4-day trek. After breakfast, a short drive to Dhampus Phedi,
              from where we start walking. A stone staircase winds its way up through farmland
              and neatly laid out terraces to Dhampus. This village is located on a ridge with
              magnificent views of the Annapurnas. Machhapuchhare, the 'Fishtail' mountain can
              be seen the whole day as it sits in the middle of the range and has a very
              distinctive shape.

Day 6 - 7   Trekking
              From Landrung we can see Ghandrung across the valley. Ghandrung is the largest
              Gurung village in the area and to get there entails a long descent to the Modi
              Khola, which we cross by bridge followed by a long ascent on a stone staircase
              to the village. This area is mostly populated by subsistence farmers who tend
              the carefully laid out terraces.
              Stretching thousands of feet down steep hillsides they are a work of art and
              the Nepalis are experts at using every piece of land. Wheat, rice and vegetables
              are grown throughout the year on the well-tended terraces. Although there are now
              many new modern lodges in Ghandrung there are still many older traditional houses
              with their neat slate roofs. In the afternoon your leader will take you on a village
              walk and in the evening we can relax in the teahouse and watch the sunset on
              Annapurna South.
Day 8
              This morning we descend on a stone staircase towards the Modi Khola. Passing through
              Shyauli Bazaar we come to the pretty village of Birethanthi, where we have lunch
              overlooking the river. Another short walk brings us to Nay Pul, where we will
              meet the private bus and drive back to Pokhara.
Day 9
              We have a full day to enjoy the delights of Pokhara.The energetic can hike up to
              the Japanese built Peace Pagoda, which overlookings the lake and has great mountain
              views. There is a mountaineering museum in town or the Mahendra Caves to explore, or
              for those who wish to relax there are many lakeside cafes serving delicious cakes and
              pies and plenty of shops to browse in.
Day 10 - 11
              We drive to Chitwan, where we spend the next two nights. The most popular way of
              seeing animals is on elephant back early in the morning. From the top of an elephant
              we will be very unlucky not to see the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and several species
              of deer. We also make trips along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, looking for
              crocodile and observing the abundant bird life. The safari lodge has knowledgeable
              and helpful staff, who accompany us on all the excursions. The lodge has a small
              complex of two-roomed huts with attached bathrooms and a separate communal dining/bar area.
Day 12
              We drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast arriving at our hotel in the afternoon.
Day 13
              Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in
              the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving
              is located.Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is revered
              as a living goddess. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Alternatively you
              may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas
              in the world at Bodnath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at
              Pashupatinath. Sightseeing tours can be booked locally.There is also the chance to
              take the the optional scenic mountain flight for amazing views of the Himalaya including
              Everest in the morning. This can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu.
              For more details of all optional activities please refer to the Optional
              Excursions section.
Day 14
              Departure transfer to international airport.