3 NATIONAL PARKS IN NEPAL OVERVIEW

23 Days

In terms of geography and climate Nepal has the extreme contrasts as it posses the unique topography that ranges from the lowlands that contains sub-tropical jungles to Himalayan highlands that has arctic conditions. Within the mere 150km the land of Nepal rises from sea level to south over 8000 meters touching North. The monsoon rainfall along with south facing slopes results in compacting the climate zones of Earth and due to this even Nepal embraces great diversity of life zone giving home to different animals, birds and plants.

In terms of Terai lowland we have belt of well-watered floodplains that stretch from Indian border towards North Siwalik Range. It is a rich habitat in the land with tall grasslands mix together with riverine and hardwood Sal forest. At this place one can see wildlife such as the Swamp deer, Musk deer, Black buck, Blue bull, the Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial and Marsh mugger crocodile and the last of a breed of Asiatic wild buffalo. The area is so rich in birdlife that we can see the variety of babbles and orioles, Koels and Drongos, Peacocks and Floricans and a multitude of wintering wildfowl. There are five protected areas in Nepal – Koshi Tappu and Parsa in the east, Sukla Phanta and Dhorpatan for hunting in the west and Shivapuri that lies in the mid-mountain region.

The Churia, also known as the Siwalik is the southernmost range of the Himalaya. No where do they rise above 1,220 meters and at this range is famous for fossil deposits of Pleistocene mammals among them 10 species of elephants, 6 rhinoceros, hippopotamus, saber-toothed cats, various antelopes and primates such as the orang-utan, long extinct in the subcontinent, Situated north of the Churia are broad, low valleys of the inner Terai known as the Doons. These valleys are not unlike the outer plains with tall elephant grass, swamps and ox-bow lakes where the last of the one-horned rhinoceros survive. Royal Chitwan National Park in the Inner Terai of central Nepal is the first and best protected area in the kingdom.

Higher in the north between 2000m and 3500m lies the Mahabharat Range with its oak crowned crests. The hills of this midland are covered by a moist temperate forest of deodar, oak, maple and birch in which are found deer, ghoral serow, leopard and monkey. The gorgeous multi-colored lmpeyan pheasant (Nepal’s national bird) is also found here with other endangered birds like the Koklas and Cheer Pheasants.

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 -

 Arrival in Kathmandu and we assist upon arrival at Kathmandu airport by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. The overnight stay will be at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 -

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. In the morning we proceed for sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city visiting the ancient palace square also known as the Durbar Square where you will witness the ancient palaces and the temples. Kasthmandap temple made out of a single tree during ancient age, temple of the living goddesses the Kumari, etc.
Afterwards, proceed towards Swoyambhunath stupa, one of the Buddhist shrines and also known as the monkey temple situated on the hillock towards the west of Kathmandu and overlooking the Kathmandu valley. Unlike other stupas, this stupa has got a spiral shape which has typical significance.
In the evening we proceed on to another city of the valley called Patan city which is also known as the city of fine arts where one can witness splendid artifacts of the medieval period. Afterwards, drive back to the HOTEL AND rest of the evening will be at leisure. The overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3 -

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. In the morning we proceed for sightseeing tour to Pashupatinath temple, the holiest shrine of the Hindu people where the non Hindu people are not allowed to get inside the temple and they are allowed to witness the temple from the view point, situated on the opposite side of the main temple. Later, proceed to Boudhnath stupa, the Buddhist pilgrimage and biggest of its kind in Asia.
In the evening we proceed for sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city, also known Bhadgaun and the city of devotees. It is the third major city of Kathmandu valley and in many ways the most medieval city. The overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 4 -

Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. And for this we transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj airport transfer to the Hotel. The overnight stay will be at the Hotel Batika in Nepalgunj.

Day 5 -

Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla and trek to Chala Chaur that is at 2,900m. We take a thirty-minute scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. On reaching Jumla, we begin our trekking after lunch. We traverse northwards out of the Jumla Valley. Soon after trekking for an hour, we encounter a small village of Mircha bearing a small walled enclosure and a number of Buddhist stupas. These steps were ERECTED at around the late 15th century, in the memory of important dignitaries of the region. The trail further leads to rock-strewn path and at last ends at Chala Chaur. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 6 -

Cross the Pass. We leave Chala Chaur and follow a trail moving along path of steep stones. While ascending, we cross through birch, pine forests and grassy pass at approximately 3500m. From this point Kanjiroba becomes visible in the east with its twin peaks towering over the adjacent area. Further on, we descend as the trail opens into lush forests. After trekking for a couple of hours, we finally stop at a suitable campsite in the meadows nearby some shepherd’s huts. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 7 -

Trek via Sinja that is 2440m to Botan that is 2600m. We walk along the Jaljala Khola (river) through pine forests of and terraced farmland. The route the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple. The temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The route further bends along the main river. Crossing a thick plank bridge, we finally descend to reach Sinja village.

Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, also called the Sinja Khola. Sinja was once the ancient capital of the Malla kings. There are stones lying along the trail that foretell the history of Malla dynasty. After lunch, we head to Botan. On the way, we pass through a spectacular gorge and finally reach the village of Botan. Overnight stay at tented camp.

Day 8 -

Trek to Rara National Park border. Leaving Sinja Khola we then follow the trail along Ghatta Khola amid the unparalleled beauty of nature. The sinuous route winds up into terraced farmland and beautiful valley. Soon we find ourselves within the territory of the Rara Lake National Park. We come across primitive flour mills and police post on the way. The Rara Lake National Park houses unique and rich ecosystem. We can spend half an hour exploring the beauty of the park or simply doing whatever we feel like. We spend the night in Gorosingha. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 9 -

Trek to Rara Lake that is 3062m. We walk away from Gorosingha and ascend to the Ghurchi Mara ridge [3710m] for one and half hour. The trail is not as strenuous as it looks. On reaching the crest of the bridge, we get to experience an excellent panorama to the north, flaunting irresistible beauty and charm. As the trail descends, Rara Lake becomes visible on the northeast.
The trail further passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola. We then follow the river upstream to Rara Lake, where we savor the most fascinating trekking experience amid the beauty of nature. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 10 -

Rest days at Rara. We now have 2 days set aside to explore the area, including the old village of Rara. We can also climb up to the wooden observation tower behind the post office for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. We can even visit the National Park Headquarters. Swimming is allowed in the lake and it is piercingly refreshing. This can be a perfect way for acclimatization. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 11 -

Rest days at Rara. We now have 2 days set aside to explore the area, including the old village of Rara. We can also climb up to the wooden observation tower behind the post office for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. We can even visit the National Park Headquarters. Swimming is allowed in the lake and it is piercingly refreshing. This can be a perfect way for acclimatization. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 12 -

Trek via Jhyari 2630m to River Camp. We depart from Rara Lake and continue skirting along the target destination. On crossing a ridge, we enter the village of Jhyari. Strolling by the Jhyari Khola, the trail further follows terraced farmlands. As we approach the Dhauligar Khola valley, we find a suitable camp site near the river bank. We also get to witness an exotic charisma of nature and outstanding panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 13 -

Across Ghurchi Lagna pass 3450m to Chautha that is 2770m. As Dhauligar Khola blurs out of our trekking route, we pass through farmland and then enter the village of Pina. Pina has a police post and some hotels. We continue climbing to the Ghurchi Lagna Pass and come across several small chortens, alpine-like pastures, walnut groves and a narrow valley. Finally, the steep slope guides us into the village of Chautha where we conclude the trek of the day. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 14 -

Trek to Tharamara that is 3280m. From Chautha, the trail follows the northern bank of the Sinja Khola past the HOTEL AND health clinic under the massive overhanging rock at Kabra. Silajit found in this area is the source of the important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything. The route then passes through the villages of Bumra and Nyawre, before climbing to the pasture at Tharamara. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 15 -

Trek to Jumla. Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jumla. We meet tall birch trees on our way to the Khali Lagna and Danphe Lekh. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain ridges to the south and Jumla below. Further on, we descend steeply to the first night’s campsite. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. We then follow the same route back to Jumla. After reaching Jumla, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town. The overnight stay will be at tented camp.

Day 16 -

Jumla – Nepalgunj – Bardiya National Park. Fly to Nepalgunj and then upon arrival at the Nepalgunj airport transfer to The Bardiya National Park. The overnight stay will be at the Karnali Resort.

Day 17 -

 Bardiya National Park. Participate in the jungle activities such as Elephant Safari, Jeep Drive inside the jungle, Bird Watching, Nature Walk, boat ride at the Bardiya National Park. The overnight stay will be at the Resort.

Day 18 -

 Bardiya National Park. In Bardiya National Park we will be participating in jungle activities. The overnight stay will be at the Resort.

Day 19 -

Bardia – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu. Transfer to the Nepalgunj airport to connect the flight to Kathmandu. Receive upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu. The overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 20 -

Kathmandu – Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge. Transfer to the domestic airport to connect the flight to Bharatpur. Receive by the representative from and transfer to the Lodge. The overnight stay will be at the Temple Tiger jungle Lodge.

Day 21 -

At Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge. Participate in the jungle games offered by the lodge. The overnight stay will be at the Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge.

Day 22 -

Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge – Kathmandu. Transfer to the Bharatpur airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Receive upon arrival at Kathmandu airport and escort to the Hotel. The rest of the day will remain at leisure. The overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 23 -

Departure. Free till departure and later transfer to the International airport to connect the flight to onward destination.

Price Includes

• Five nights twin sharing accommodation at the Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
• One night twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Batika in Nepalgunj on full board basis.
• Twelve days tented camping trek to Rara Lake as specified in the above itinerary on full board (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner) with full camping gears such as two men tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents dinning tents, tables and stools etc.
• Sherpa trekking crew such as Sherpa, Sirdar, guide, cook, porters etc.
• Three nights twin sharing accommodation at Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge in Bardiya National Park on full board basis with the jungle games offered by the lodge.
• Two nights Twin sharing accommodation at Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge www.templetigernepal.com in Chitwan on full board basis along with the jungle activities as mentioned in the above itinerary.
• All the surface transfers and the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu as specified in the above itinerary with private vehicle.
• Entrance fees to the monuments during the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley.
• English speaking local guide will accompany the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu valley.
• Prevailing government tax and the national park fees for RARA NATIONAL PARK,
• Bardiya National Park and Chitwan National Park.

Price Excludes

• Any international airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
• Expenses on alcoholic /non-alcoholic beverage. Camera fees, telephone & laundry bills.
• Two way airfares from Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Kathmandu with domestic airport tax.
• Two way airfares for Nepalgunj / Jumla / Nepalgunj with domestic airport tax.
• Two way airfares from Kathmandu / Bharatpur / Kathmandu with domestic airport tax.
• Any kind of insurances and any extra cost arise during the trip due to the natural calamities, political disorder or due to any reason which is beyond the control of Venture Travel.
• Any other services which are not specified in the COST INCLUDES section above.

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