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Nepal - Chitwan National Park
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary [
Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf’s Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK
T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk
Outline itinerary
Day 1 Depart London
Day 2 Kathmandu
Day 3/7 Chitwan National Park
Day 8/9 Kathmandu
Day 10 Fly London
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Extension
Day 8/11 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Day 12/13 Fly Kathmandu
Day 14 Fly London
Dates and Costs
2016 Monday 26th December 2016 – Wednesday 4th January 2017 £2,995
Koshi Tappu Extension to: Sunday 8th January 2017 £895
2017 Friday 24th February – Sunday 5th March 2017 £2,395
Koshi Tappu Extension to: Thursday 9th March 2017 £895
Tuesday 26th December 2017 – Thursday 4th January 2018 £2,595
Koshi Tappu Extension to: Sunday 8th January 2018 £895
£600 reduction if booked without flights, land only trip.
From top: Indian Rhinoceros, Spotted Deer and Red-breasted Parakeet
From top: Indian Rhinoceros, Spotted Deer and Red-breasted Parakeet
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
Clients on an Elephant ride excursion in Chitwan National Park
Extension 4-night extension to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – Cost: £895
Single room supplement Main tour: £195 (Koshi extension: £95) For December departure: Main tour: £295 (Koshi extension: £95)
Grading Grade B (moderate). We will be doing plenty of walking on this tour, including full-day hikes into Chitwan National Park (perhaps covering 10 – 12 kilometres), so you will need to be reasonably fit and enjoy walking if you are to get the most out of this holiday. At other times we will be exploring from jeeps, canoes and elephant-back.
Focus Birds and mammals
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
© Naturetrek 1
Tika Ram Giri The gardens of Chitwan Gaida Lodge
Introduction
This holiday offers a unique opportunity to join one of our most popular tour leaders, Tika Ram Giri, on a special
10-day tour focusing exclusively on an exploration of his home patch, Chitwan National Park. The tour will be
based at Tika’s own small guesthouse, Chitwan Gaida Lodge, and will explore Chitwan National Park by means of
elephant rides, jeeps, canoes and day-long walks into the best areas of the Park to look for its exceptional variety of
birds and mammals. Chitwan Gaida Lodge is in a convenient location by the Rapti River, adjacent to Chitwan
National Park and more than 50 species of bird have been seen in the lodge grounds alone. You will not get a better
introduction to a national park. Chitwan boasts a list of over 500 bird species and holds many of the subcontinent’s
iconic mammals, including Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Indian Rhino and Sloth Bear. This tour really is an ideal way to
explore Nepal’s native flora and fauna – all from a single base, within minutes of the most famous national park in
Nepal, in the company of Chitwan’s top resident guide!
Day 1
In Flight
We depart from London this evening on board Qatar Airways' scheduled flight to Kathmandu, via Doha. Please
note that airlines flying to Kathmandu are very limited and therefore seats get booked up early. We may not always
be able to accommodate group members on Qatar Airways, in which case alternatives such as Jet Airways or Gulf
Air may be used on some occasions.
Day 2
Kathmandu
We are scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu in mid-afternoon and transfer to the Marshyangdi Hotel, our base for a
night. Those who prefer not to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing may have time for a little sightseeing, or
shopping in the colourful streets of Thamel where our hotel is situated.
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Nepal - Chitwan National Park
2 © Naturetrek
Brown Hawk Owl (top left), Indian Peafowl (top right) and Bengal Tiger (bottom)
Day 3
Chitwan National Park
This morning we will make the 165-kilometre scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, aiming to arrive by midday.
We will stop en route to do some birding, take photographs and make comfort stops, as well as to spend some time
looking for rarities along the famous Trisuli River. On leaving the Kathmandu Valley, the road follows the edge of
the fast-flowing Trisuli River, which is a fairly reliable wintering site for Ibisbills (an enigmatic wader of the
Himalaya) and other riverside and montane species. Birds likely to be found here include the beautiful White-capped
and Plumbeous Water Redstarts, Brown Dipper and, if we are very lucky, perhaps one of the wintering Wallcreepers
that frequent the road and riverside rock faces. Other birds of interest to look out for en route include two or three
different species of forktail, plus Blue Whistling Thrush and Blue Rock Thrush, White-browed Wagtail and Brown-
throated Sand Martin.
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
© Naturetrek 3
Boat excursion on the Narayani River, Chitwan National Park
On arrival at Chitwan National Park we will transfer to a small guesthouse, Chitwan Gaida Lodge, a simple lodge
(basically furnished but offering en suite facilities), which is situated close to the Rapti River.
Chitwan Gaida Lodge is centrally located at the northern edge of Chitwan National Park, and is only a 3- or 4-
minute walk to the Park entrance. It has eight rooms with private facilities offering hot water and showers. It is set
within a shady garden which has beautiful mature trees, including mangoes. Because the lodge is adjacent to the
National Park forest, the gardens provide a natural corridor for Chitwan’s birdlife. One of the pleasures of staying at
Chitwan Gaida Lodge is watching the forest birds feeding inside the grounds from the balcony of your room every
morning and in the late afternoon.
More than 50 bird species have been recorded within the lodge grounds, amongst them hornbills, barbets, bee-
eaters, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Brown Hawk-owl, Jungle Owlet, Chestnut-capped Babbler, Peacock, warblers,
nuthatches, four different species of parakeets, raptors, bulbuls, Jungle Babbler, and many more! During the night
you can sometimes hear Indian Rhino, deer, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar and Elephants from the lodge, while
during the day, you can watch beautiful butterflies and lizards in the garden.
On arrival we will be greeted by the lodge’s naturalist who will brief us on the facilities and activities here. If we have
time, we’ll go out for a short walk in a forested area by a small river, returning to the lodge after sunset.
Day 4
Chitwan National Park
Full day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park.
Today we will set out after breakfast for a ride in a dugout canoe. This will last for about an hour, after which we
will take a walk in the forest and look for birds and mammals before returning to the lodge for a hot lunch. In the
afternoon we’ll have a short siesta before going on an elephant safari in search of mammals, including, the
endangered Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. We’ll aim to be back at the lodge by dusk for tea, coffee or a chilled
beer, then dinner.
Brown Hawk Owl
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Nepal - Chitwan National Park
4 © Naturetrek
Chitwan National Park comprises 932 square kilometres of Sal and riverine jungle, and is a magnificent
environment, with a greater variety of wildlife than any other area in Nepal. Over 500 species of birds have been
recorded here and we can expect to see nearly one third of these, as well as many mammals and reptiles. These are
likely to include the endangered Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog
Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, and possibly Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles.
Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur are occasionally seen! Tigers do occur in the area but are very elusive and difficult
to see.
Day 5
Chitwan National Park
Full day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park.
Today we’ll take a full day exploring Chitwan National Park by jeep, visiting as many habitats as possible and
looking for a variety of wildlife associated with each one. We will take a packed lunch and return to the lodge late in
the evening. Chitwan offers a superb array of avian life and our days will be packed with looking for Green Pigeons,
woodpeckers, kingfishers, bee-eaters, babblers and the many, many, other species found in this wildlife gem.
Day 6
Chitwan National Park
Full day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park.
After an early breakfast we’ll drive to Bis Hazari Tal. This area of forest that lies outside the National Park provides
a ‘corridor’ enabling wildlife to move between the Mahabharat range of hills to the north, and Chitwan National
Park to the south. Here we will explore areas of Sal forest until lunchtime – the favourite habitat of many species of
drongos, orioles, woodpeckers, minivets, flycatchers and so on, and a site for the elusive Grey-headed Fishing Eagle.
After a hot lunch back at our lodge, we will take another birding walk in the nearby riverine forest.
Day 7
Chitwan National Park
Full day wildlife excursion in Chitwan National Park.
Today we’ll go for a full day’s jungle walk and take a packed lunch. This will give us plenty of time in the park to
find interesting wildlife and cover as wide a range of habitats as possible including the grasslands, and both riverine
and Sal forest. We will return to the lodge by late evening.
Day 8
Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Kathmandu, birdwatching en route amongst the wayside hills, where we will stay
two overnights at Marshyangdi Hotel.
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
© Naturetrek 5
Phulchowki (left) and White-tailed Nuthatch (above)
Day 9
Kathmandu
We will spend today birdwatching on the forested slopes of Phulchowki which, at 2,740 metres, is the highest of the
peaks encircling the Kathmandu Valley. Phulchowki has a particularly high density of birdlife and a total of 288
species has been recorded here. The variety of laughing thrushes, babblers, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, flycatchers,
sunbirds, tits and warblers is tremendous. We will drive up Phulchowki in the early morning, ascending as far as the
ice will allow. Here we should get good views of the snow-clad Great Himalaya, including the Annapurna range,
Langtang and many of Nepal’s other high peaks (provided the weather is clear). We will then spend the rest of the
day walking down the mountain through its fine temperate and subtropical forest, with a picnic lunch en route.
Some of the many bird highlights should include Red-flanked Bluetail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-collared and Grey-
winged Blackbirds, Long-tailed Minivet, White-tailed Nuthatch, Orange-barred Leaf Warbler, Orange-bellied
Leafbird and many more. More elusive species include Nepal Cutia, Kalij Pheasant, Red-billed Leiothrix and Black-
faced Leaf Warbler. Before heading back to our hotel we may stop at the Godavari Botanical Gardens or in the
subtropical forest at the base of Phulhowki. Within this lightly wooded area we hope to find some of the lower
altitude species such as the spectacular Red-billed Blue Magpie, Pallas’s Warbler, Orange-gorgetted Flycatcher,
Yellow-bellied Fantail and perhaps the elusive Spotted Forktail.
Day 10
In Flight
Today we must transfer to Kathmandu airport for our return flight to London. It should be noted that some flights
will arrive back into London early on Tuesday morning, being an overnight flight back from Kathmandu. Flight
times will be confirmed closer to departure dates.
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Nepal - Chitwan National Park
6 © Naturetrek
Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Extension
Cost: £895
Single room supplement: £95
(The minimum number of people required to run this extension is five, however we may run it in case of less
numbers at our discretion, with local guides.)
Days 8 – 11
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
It is a long journey on the east-west highway from Chitwan to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Due to annual
damage by the monsoon, the highway is under a constant state of repair and tends to be a patchwork of tarmac and
rough dirt roads. Although tiring, it is also a fascinating journey. Driving through the 'terai' of lowland Nepal we
will pass through a variety of villages and towns giving a unique insight into the Nepalese culture and way of life. By
making an early start we will aim to reach Koshi Camp by late afternoon. The Tented Camp close to the great
Koshi River will be our base for four nights. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Sapta-Koshi River
plain in the eastern corner of Nepal, close to the country's southern border with India. The reserve covers 175
square kilometres to the north of the kilometre-long barrage that spans the Koshi River. This was built between
1958 and 1964 to control and prevent flooding in the plains of northern India to the south. The vast expanse of
open water created by the barrage, and the marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats and arable land that lie around it
offer an outstanding wetland habitat, and one of the finest birdwatching sites in Asia. The heart of the reserve lies
some 14 kilometres north of the barrage, where seasonally inundated grasslands, lagoons and remnant patches of
Khair (Acacia catechu) and Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) forest lie alongside the eastern bank of the broad Koshi River.
Almost all of Nepal's long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, egrets, terns and gulls occur here, plus a great
variety of landbirds, especially warblers and birds of prey. Well in excess of 100 species should be seen each day in
this wonderful area, amongst them such local specialities as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Striated
Marsh Warbler. Other species to look out for include Siberian Rubythroat, Dusky, Smoky, Blyth's Reed, Paddyfield
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
© Naturetrek 7
Rafting on the Koshi River Golden Jackal
and Thick-billed Warblers, White's and Black-throated Thrushes, Richard's Pipit, Painted Snipe, Great Stone Plover,
Pied and Pallid Harriers, Black Bittern, Falcated Duck and Baer's Pochard. The sharp-eyed may also be lucky
enough to see one of the endangered Gangetic River Dolphins. The heart of the reserve lies some 14 kilometres
north of the barrage, where seasonally inundated grasslands, lagoons and remnant patches of Khair (Acacia catechu)
and Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) forest lie alongside the eastern bank of the broad Koshi River. This region is the last
refuge of the Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and other mammals include Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic
Jackal, Spotted Deer and Nilgai (or "Blue Bull") – the subcontinent's largest antelope.
Your most regular and rewarding wildlife outings will be on foot, exploring the grasslands, river, lagoons and
woodlands close to the Camp, and the vicinity of the barrage, a short drive away. We will also take you by raft onto
the wide waters of the Koshi River to enjoy the birdlife of the otherwise inaccessible sandbanks and islands, and to
allow you the chance to get close to such mammals as Wild Water Buffalo. This is also a chance to look for both
Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles that live in the river, and perhaps encounter the rare Ganges
River Dolphin.
Back in Koshi Camp this evening it will be worth gazing skywards at dusk to look out for the regular passage of
Indian Flying Foxes that pass over the Camp most evenings.
Day 12
Kathmandu
Today we must leave Koshi and begin the one and a half hour drive to Biratnagar, a bustling town situated in the
Gangetic floodplains of south-eastern Nepal, where we catch our plane to Kathmandu. Heading west, the flight
gives spectacular views of the Himalaya (weather permitting) including distant views of the world's highest peak,
Mount Everest. Our last couple of nights in Nepal will be spent in Kathmandu, where a walk to the restaurant this
evening may well produce Night Heron, Indian Flying Foxes again, and even Barn Owl, as all regularly fly over the
city at dusk.
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Nepal - Chitwan National Park
8 © Naturetrek
Kathmandu
Day 13
Kathmandu
Today we will spend birdwatching on the forested slopes of Phulchowki, at 2,740 metres the highest peak in the
valley. Marble quarrying is sadly affecting the area but it still remains a wonderful birding spot. The variety of
laughing thrushes, babblers, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, flycatchers, sunbirds, tits and warblers is tremendous. We will
drive up Phulchowki in the early morning, ascending as far as the ice will allow. Here we should get good views of
the snow-clad Great Himalaya, including the Annapurna range, Langtang and many of Nepal's other high peaks
(provided the weather is clear!). We will then spend the rest of the day walking down the mountain through its fine
temperate and subtropical forest, with a picnic lunch en route. Some of the many highlights should include Red-
flanked Bluetail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbirds, Long-tailed Minivet, White-tailed
Nuthatch, Orange-barred Leaf Warbler, Orange-bellied Leafbird and many more. More elusive species include
Nepal Cutia, Kalij Pheasant, Red-billed Leiothrix and Black-faced Leaf Warbler. Before heading back to our hotel
we will stop at the Godavari Botanical Gardens at the base of Phulchowki. Within this lightly wooded park we hope
to find some of the lower altitude species such as the spectacular Red-billed Blue Magpie, Pallas’s Warbler, Orange-
gorgetted Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Fantail and perhaps the elusive Spotted Forktail.
If you would prefer to spend this day doing a sightseeing
tour of the city and temples of Kathmandu we will be
pleased to arrange this for you (but this must be booked
with us prior to your departure from London and will cost
£195 for any single traveller and £150 per person for 2 or
more). The tour may include Nepal's largest Hindu temple
at Pashupatinath, the Buddhist "stupa" (shrine) and Tibetan
settlement at Boudhinath, and the fine temples and palaces
of Patan’s Durbar Square. It also includes lunch in one of
the traditional restaurants.
Day 14
In Flight
Today we must transfer to Kathmandu airport for our return flight to London. It should be noted that some flights
will arrive back into London early on Thursday morning, being an overnight flight back from Kathmandu. Flight
times will be confirmed closer to departure dates.
N.B. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse
weather and other local considerations can necessitate some reordering of the programme during the
course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather
conditions available.
Nepal - Chitwan National Park Naturetrek Tour Itinerary
© Naturetrek 9
Weather
December to February marks the Nepalese winter. However, as our programme avoids the high regions, and
concentrates on the lowland attractions, you can expect excellent weather, with daytime temperatures between (25 -
35ºC). Nights will be much cooler (as will be the day spent on Phulchowki), and frosts are always possible in
Kathmandu. Rain at this time of year is unusual.
Clothing
Please inspect the separate clothing list, sent to you on booking, thoroughly. Warm clothing will be useful for
mornings and evenings, and a warm jacket and gloves may be useful on the tour up Phulchowki. Shorts and T-shirts
will be essential in the heat of the lowlands.
Food & accommodation
All accommodation and meals are included, except for main meals in Kathmandu. All accommodation on this tour
is simple but comfortable, with private facilities.
Bird lists & previous tour reports
Where available these are automatically provided on booking, and will gladly be sent to you before, if you wish for a
more detailed preview.
Extra expenses
Please note that we do not include the following in the cost of this holiday: visa, national park fees, currently US$20
per day (paid locally in US dollars or UK Pounds, depending on activities on arrival and departure days); similar
amount for the Koshi extension and all items of a more personal nature such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs, and tips
for your guide and driver.
Your safety & security
You have chosen to travel to Nepal. Risks to your safety and security are an unavoidable aspect of all travel and the
best current advice on such risks is provided for you by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In order to assess
and protect against any risks in your chosen destination, it is essential that you refer to the Foreign Office website –
www.fco.gov.uk/travel regularly prior to travel.
How to book your place
In order to book your place on this holiday, please give us a call on 01962 733051 with a credit or debit card, book
online at www.naturetrek.co.uk, or alternatively complete and post the booking form at the back of our main
Naturetrek brochure, together with a deposit of 20% of the holiday cost plus any room supplements if required. If
you do not have a copy of the brochure, please call us on 01962 733051 or request one via our website. Please
stipulate any special requirements, for example extension requests or connecting/regional flights, at the time of
booking.
Naturetrek Tour Itinerary Nepal - Chitwan National Park
10 © Naturetrek
N.B. Please note that, as all our Bargain Selection tours are carefully costed on groups of 16 persons to maximize
value for money, it may be necessary to impose a small group surcharge of 10% on groups falling short of 5.
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