Brief Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Chouki.
Day 4: Chouki / Chisapani.
Day 5: Chisapani / Shivapuri.
Day 6: Shivapuri / Kathmandu.
Days 7-8: Trisuli River.
Day 9: Chitwan National Park.
Day 10: Chitwan National Park.
Day 11: Chitwan / Kathmandu.
Day 12: Kathmandu.
Day 13: Kathmandu / Onward.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the airport by your Journey's guide and exchange your Western conventions for the customs of ancient Asia. On the way to your local hotel, you'll see golden-roofed temples glisten in the distance and neatly-terraced rice fields atop the hillsides. Arrive at your comfortable, western style hotel for a brief orientation. (D)
Day 2: Kathmandu.
Today your guide will take you to Swayambhunath and other temples in the area. Here Tibetan chants, Hindu religious rituals, and processions of pilgrims establish a rich spiritual setting for your visit. Enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your local guides. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Kathmandu / Nagarkot / Chouki.
Your trek begins at Nagarkot. The potential for great views will occur throughout the trip, but the best possibility of seeing Everest is from the Nagarkot area. Even if the Himalayas are cloaked in clouds the panoramic views of forest, villages and rivers are spectacular. Arrive in Chouki where you will set up camp for the night at an elevation of about 7,500 m. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Chouki / Chisapani.
Chisapani literally means "cold water" in Nepali. This is an easy day of trekking along ridge tops, where it is often pleasantly breezy, and over the dips of high ravines. The trail can be confusing so you will want to stay near your guide, but take all the time you need for photography and village visiting. During the Fall or Spring, you may encounter herds of water buffalo along the way. Temporary bamboo huts along the way shelter herders during the monsoon season when the numbers of buffalo brought to this area are the greatest. Arrive at Chisapani where you will set up camp for the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Chisapani / Shivapuri.
Today's climb is a little higher following along a sharp ridge top, passing only the occasional woodcutters or wandering ascetic, if anyone at all. You will have a great view over the Kathmandu Valley to the south and toward the towering Himals to the north. Note the ancient stone monuments to Hindu and Buddhist deities along the trail. Sometimes Saddhus, who are devotees of Shiva, climb to the highest point of the ridge known as Shivapuri, as part of an important pilgrimage. Numerous small temples, mostly in a state of decay, indicate that this was once a very important site. Overnight camping in the Shivapuri area. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Shivapuri / Kathmandu.
Descend sharply to Buddhanilkantha, site of the spectacular sleeping Vishnu sculpture. Afterwards you'll be driven by motor vehicle back to Kathmandu where you will overnight. (B, L, D)
Days 7-8: Trisuli River.
After breakfast you'll travel to the rafting point on the Trisuli River. The elevation here is about 1,800 m, and is usually quite warm, even in the winter time. Rafting is a soothing complement to the trek you have just finished. Embark on the raft when the sun is warm and the morning mists are dispelled. Each rafting trip begins with a brief instruction on paddling techniques and river safety. This paddling requires participation under the direction of an expert guide who knows the river well. You'll camp on the river bank, allowing plenty of time to explore communities and villages along the Trisuli River gorge. There are moderate rapids about every 20 minutes and bigger ones just before you stop for lunch on a broad sand bar. After a two-hour break, you'll continue down to your campsite on a shady river bank. Along the way you will want to be alert for kingfishers, eagle, osprey and herons. Otter and deer are also sometimes seen along the riverbanks. (2B, 2L, 2D)
Day 9: Chitwan National Park.
After breakfast in your final rafting camp, transfer by jeep a short distance to the Royal Chitwan National Park. Most of this day is spent in the wildlife rich environment of the park. We will shift our preferences in Chitwan according to where the best game viewing is and which lodges have the best elephants and naturalists. All of the lodges we utilize have very comfortable accommodations, good food and relaxing facilities. One of the best areas for wildlife viewing is on an island in the Narayani River with an especially large population of rhino, tiger and prey species. Crocodiles are also very common to this area. The combined forest, river and aquatic habitats attract enormous numbers of bird in the winter months. You may have a chance to walk with the local native people, park officials and scientists who are studying some of the endangered species of the area, including the rare Bengal Tiger. The park has one of the densest populations of tigers and one-horned rhinos in the world, and the region around your lodge is one of the very best places to look for both species. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Chitwan National Park.
Spend the day using the lodge as your starting point for excursions into the park. Search for wildlife from elephant back, dugout canoes, and on foot, accompanied by expert local guides on hikes through the jungle. Nearly everyone sees several rhinos, many deer, boar and other mammals. This is one of the very best places in Nepal for bird watching, particularly during the winter when migrants from northern Asia come this far south to join the resident populations. More then 300 species of bird have been recorded here, so if birding is an interest of yours this is the perfect place for you! Tigers are often heard roaring in the distance, but several other species of cat, including leopards, are also common in the area. The people here are very different from the hill people, and those with a cultural interest will want to visit Tharu Village. This evening, if you're fortunate, you may witness a traditional stick dance performed by the boys of the village. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Chitwan / Kathmandu.
Enjoy one final morning exploring Chitwan before transferring back to Kathmandu. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will have the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight at local hotel. (B)
Day 12: Kathmandu.
Your final day in Kathmandu may be spent on last minute sightseeing, or shopping for souvenirs you didn't get the first time here. Your guide will be on hand to offer suggestions and make any arrangements you should need. We highly recommend taking a flight over Everest today, as it is a once in a lifetime experience (optional at extra cost). (B, L, D)
Day 13: Kathmandu / Onward.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or continue your travels in Nepal with one of our specially designed extensions. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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