Splendours of Nepal · rooms has a private verandah and garden from which to soak in these fine views, and nearby lie the hill forests and lakes which you will be able to explore

Splendours of Nepal

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 2/3 Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 4/5 Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, Annapurna foothills

Day 6/8 Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Chitwan National Park

Day 9 Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 10 Fly London

Dates Daily, January to June and September to December

Cost

2019 and 2020 January to June: £4,595 September to 8th December: £4,795 9th – 31st December: £4,995 Extension to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: £1,295 Minimum of two people are required to run this trip. £600 reduction if booked without flights

Single room supplement £995 (Extension: £295)

Grading A selection of wildlife walks, river journeys, and jeep and other wildlife excursions of your choice. Grade A.

Focus Birds, mammals, general natural history, and Nepalese natural history and Nepalese culture and scenery. From top: Indian Rhinoceros, Giant Hornbills and Tiger

Mountain Pokhara Lodge

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The Himalaya as seen on the flight to Koshi

Splendours of Nepal Tour Itinerary

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N.B. Please note that the itinerary below offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse

weather and other local considerations can necessitate some re-ordering 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.

Please also note that on some tours we may operate the itinerary in reverse.

This tour is operated as a private itinerary for couples or small groups of friends and can be booked on any

day to suit you, depending on availability. The cost is based on a minimum of two participants travelling

together. It is possible to operate the tour for just one person, although a supplement would be payable

and we would be pleased to obtain a quote on request. This tour is not a group tour and if you were keen

to join a group, we would suggest one of our other trips to Nepal would be more suitable.

Introduction

A deluxe 10-day wildlife holiday to the mountains, jungles and Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, making the most of the

luxury accommodation that now serves these magnificent but contrasting Himalayan habitats.

Our aim on this tour of Nepal is to introduce you to three very different Himalayan habitats and their wonderfully

varied wildlife, whilst allowing you to enjoy the considerable comfort afforded by one of the country’s best hotels,

lodges and luxury tented camps. Above all, you will be guided, from start to finish, by one of the country’s leading

English-speaking naturalists. It is a deluxe holiday, with no holds barred, and one which offers you the maximum of

flexibility both in terms of departure dates and the opportunity to extend your tour with a visit to one or more of

Nepal’s other fine wildlife reserves, or indeed to trek or extend your sightseeing opportunities in Kathmandu.

The holiday begins with a 2-night stay in one of Nepal’s premier, and best-loved, hotels — the Yak and Yeti. Site of

a former palace, the Yak and Yeti’s pleasant grounds quickly introduce you to some of the commoner birds of the

Kathmandu Valley, amongst them Magpie Robins, Common Mynas, Red-vented Bulbuls and Indian House Crows.

Your time in the capital allows ample opportunity to unwind and enjoy a little sightseeing amongst the old pagoda-

style temples, palaces and Durbar squares of Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The latter is a

Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Tour Itinerary Splendours of Nepal

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particularly undeveloped cultural delight, offering that medieval flavour once experienced in Kathmandu itself

before the capital was bestowed with the trappings of the developing world. Alternatively, you might prefer to head

up into the hills that envelop the valley, in search of the rich and colourful bird and animal-life to be found in the

lush temperate forests of oak and rhododendron. It is from here that the splendours of the snowbound Great

Himalaya begin to reveal themselves.

Better views, however, and the true magnificence of this mighty mountain range really become apparent on reaching

your next destination, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. This highly acclaimed lodge sits atop a high ridge above the

Pokhara Valley, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Machhapuchare (the Fish Tail Mountain) and no fewer

than three of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu! Each of the lodge’s spacious

rooms has a private verandah and garden from which to soak in these fine views, and nearby lie the hill forests and

lakes which you will be able to explore on foot from the lodge, in search of a wealth of hill birds and some

mammals. Exquisite red and yellow minivets are bound to attract your attention, together with a wide selection of

warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers and rosefinches.

From Pokhara you will next descend into the lowlands, to the Chitwan National Park. En route you will pass

through the scenic terraced hills where the bulk of the country’s population live in quaint hillside villages, and drive

along the great Trisuli and Narayani Rivers. You may choose to stop to look for such riverside birds as Plumbeous

and White-capped Water Redstarts, Blue Whistling Thrush and Brown Dipper, or to enjoy some wayside

photography.

The Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site and Nepal’s best-known wildlife reserve. Its finest

accommodation is Tiger Tops, where you will be based for three nights in the deluxe Tharu Lodge, situated outside

the national park. From this magnificent jungle base you will be able to fully explore Chitwan’s varied habitats. You

may choose to enjoy the grasslands on early morning or evening wildlife excursions, which give you perhaps your

best chances of a Tiger sighting. You may take guided forest walks in search of an abundant birdlife (over 480

species having been recorded in the park) and such smaller mammals as Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and

Hog Deer, and Rhesus and Common Langur Monkeys; and you may find a varied selection of wetland birds, and

perhaps even the endangered Gharial Crocodile, on the Rapti River. Indeed there will be plenty of time to enjoy the

dry deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest and riverine grasslands of Chitwan National Park. Amongst the

wildlife highlights that you may expect will undoubtedly be encounters with the Indian Rhinoceros, thriving now

following near extinction at the turn of the century, whilst a sighting of Leopard, Gaur (the magnificent Asian bison)

or Sloth Bear is always possible.

A final night in Kathmandu’s Yak and Yeti Hotel may come all too soon but the opportunity to extend your holiday

should not be missed if you are to delay your inevitable return one day to this magical mountain kingdom!


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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

You arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon and transfer to your 5-star hotel, generally the Yak and Yeti, or similar.

The holiday begins with a 2-night stay here; the rest of today being free for relaxation and a first venture into the old

city in search of its fine restaurants. The Hotel Yak and Yeti is one of Kathmandu’s premier, and best-loved hotels.

Site of a former palace, it is extremely comfortable and its pleasant grounds allow you the chance to enjoy an

introduction to the commoner birds of the Kathmandu Valley. Magpie Robins, Common Mynas, Red-vented

Bulbuls and Indian House Crows are likely to be amongst the first birds you encounter; the cheeky Rhesus Macaque

monkey may perhaps be your first mammal.

Day 3

Kathmandu

Today we offer you a full free day. You might prefer just to relax or sample the local shops and restaurants within

walking distance of your hotel. Alternatively you might choose to spend the day sightseeing, capitalising on the

opportunity to visit some of the pagoda-style temples of Kathmandu we will be pleased to arrange this for you. 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.

You may prefer, however, to head for the hills around the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, in search of the rich and

colourful bird and animal-life to be found in the lush temperate forests of oak and rhododendron. It is from here

that the splendours of the snowbound Great Himalaya begin to reveal themselves.

For the dedicated birdwatcher the ultimate destination for the day is the forest that clads the slopes of Phulchowki

Mountain, 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. Should you choose this option, you would be advised to drive up

Phulchowki in the early morning, ascending as far as the ice will allow. Here you should get good views of the

snow-clad Himalaya, including the Annapurna range, Langtang and many of Nepal's other high peaks (provided the

weather is clear!). You may 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 your hotel,


4 © Naturetrek

Nepali women and Machapuchare (left) and Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (right)

Phulchowki (left), White-tailed Nuthatch (top right) and Kathmandu (bottom right)

a stop at the Godavari Botanical Gardens at the base of Phulchowki can be worthwhile. Within this lightly wooded

park you may 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.

A second night is spent in Kathmandu at the Hotel Yak and Yeti.

N.B. The excursions described above are all optional extras. They can be arranged locally, either directly by you, or

in conjunction with our local representatives, Tiger Mountain. Alternatively, you may choose to pre-book the day-

tour of your choice with our Naturetrek office. Please note that each tour may be arranged for you either with, or

without, a local naturalist, ornithologist or sightseeing guide.

Days 4 – 5

Tiger Mountain Lodge, Pokhara


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You depart Kathmandu today on a short flight to Pokhara. On arrival in the beautiful Pokhara Valley you transfer

by road to the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, set high in the forested hills above the valley. This is a new and

highly acclaimed lodge which sits upon a fine ridge beneath the spectacular Annapurna range of mountains. It

enjoys the most magnificent panoramic views of Machhapuchare (the Fish-tail Mountain) and no fewer than three

of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu! Each of the lodge’s spacious rooms has a

private verandah and garden from which to soak in these fine views, and nearby lie the hill forests and lakes which

you will be able to explore on foot from the lodge, in search of a wealth of hill birds and some mammals. Exquisite

minivets are bound to attract your attention, together with a wide selection of warblers, flycatchers, woodpeckers,

laughing-thrushes, sunbirds, flowerpeckers and rosefinches.

On the thermals that rise above the ridge, a variety of resident birds of prey, particularly eagles and vultures (it is

even possible to see all of Nepal's eight species of vulture from this one ridge) may be seen. In spring and autumn

migrant eagles and falcons may also appear. There are many other special birds of this region, amongst them the

beautiful Green Magpie and White-crested Laughing-thrushes.

A two-night stay here will allow you the chance to walk amongst these hills and forests, through scrub and alder

groves, and to enjoy the impressive sight of terraced fields, reaching thousands of feet up and down the mountain-

sides. The lower terraces are usually for rice, the higher ones for barley, wheat, potatoes, buckwheat and millet. As

well as birds, there are many colourful butterflies to be seen on your walks and, with luck, you may glimpse an

interesting animal or two: Muntjac, Hanuman Monkeys, Orange-bellied Squirrels and Yellow-throated Martens have

all been seen here.

Day 6

Tiger Tops’ Tharu Lodge, Chitwan National Park

It is now time to leave the hills and descend to the lowlands. The drive is a scenic one, following the Narayani River

for part of the way, through a deep and beautiful subtropical valley towards the Chitwan National Park. This is a

chance to look out for such riverside birds as Plumbeous Water Redstarts, White-capped River Chats, Blue

Whistling Thrushes, forktails and kingfishers. Overhead you may see some of the birds of prey that use the valley:

Crested Serpent Eagles, Crested Honey Buzzards, Black Kites, Steppe Eagles and many others.

By lunch-time you should reach Tiger Tops’ Tharu Lodge on the outskirts of the Chitwan National Park where you

will be staying for the next three nights. Tiger Tops offer not only the most comfortable accommodation outside

the park, but also the best situation in the most rewarding region in Chitwan as regards both birds and mammals.

The Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site and Nepal’s best known wildlife reserve. It lies in the lowland

jungles – the "terai" – of Nepal, and comprises 932 square kilometres of sal and riverine forest and grassland. It is a

magnificent and unspoilt "jungle" environment with a greater variety of wildlife than any other area in Nepal. Over

480 species of birds have been recorded in the park and you can expect to see nearly half of these, as well as many

mammals and reptiles which may include Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Chital and Hog Deer,

Rhesus and Hanuman Monkeys, and the Marsh Mugger and fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles. Tiger, Leopard, Sloth

Bear and Gaur also occur, but are seldom seen.

From your base, you may choose to make excursions on foot, by dugout canoe and jeep in search of this wildlife.


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Bar-headed Geese (left) and Gaur (right)

Days 7 – 8

Tiger Tops’ Tharu Lodge, Chitwan National Park

Two full days based at Tiger Tops’ Tharu Lodge, where a variety of excursions are arranged with the help and

enthusiasm of Tiger Tops’ excellent naturalists. You will be able to explore the rivers by dugout canoe, search the

grasslands for Tigers, Indian Rhinos and other mammals, and go birdwatching on foot through the forest.

Day 9

Kathmandu

You will no doubt be reluctant to leave Chitwan this morning in order to fly back to Kathmandu (the journey can be

made by road at your request, though is likely to take 5-7 hours, and may incur extra expense).

You should arrive back in Kathmandu this afternoon, leaving some time for last-minute shopping and a farewell

meal before spending your last night in the Hotel Yak and Yeti.

Day 10

London


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Bengal Tiger

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 the following morning, being an overnight flight back from Kathmandu. Flight

times will be confirmed closer to departure dates.


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Clockwise from top: Koshi Camp, Indian Flying Foxes, Jungle Cats, clients beside the Koshi River and Spotted Owlet

Our recommended extension to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Cost: £1,295

Single room supplement: £295


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Rafting on the Koshi River

Days 9 – 12

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

From Chitwan you will next transfer by car to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, along the East-West Highway.

Although this journey is likely to take much of the day, the abundant birds and village life observed along the

roadside offer plenty of compensation however!

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Sapta-Kosi River plain in the eastern corner of Nepal, close to the

country's 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.

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 120 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. The sharp-eyed may also be lucky enough to see some of the endangered Ganges River Dolphins

that live here.

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 Koshi River. This region is the last refuge of the Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and other mammals

recorded include Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Nilgai (or "blue bull" –

the subcontinent's largest antelope), and the endangered Ganges River Dolphin.

During your 4-night stay here, you will be based at the simple, but comfortable, Koshi Camp. The tented camp is

situated at the remote eastern corner of the reserve, north of the barrage. Not far away is the reserve headquarters

and close by are several waterholes. Run by experienced naturalists, Koshi Camp consists of 11 large, comfortably

furnished, "walk-in" tented rooms, with nearby showers and loos, together with a separate marquee dining room

and bar.


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Your most regular and rewarding wildlife outings will be on foot, exploring the grasslands, river, lagoons and

woodland close to the camp, and in 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.

Day 13

Kathmandu

Today you will travel to Biratnagar, situated in the Gangetic floodplains of south-eastern Nepal, to catch your plane

to Kathmandu. Heading west, the flight gives spectacular views of the Himalayas (weather permitting) including

distant views of the world's highest peak, Everest. Your final night in Nepal will be spent in Kathmandu, where a

walk to the restaurant this evening may well produce Night Heron, Indian Flying Foxes, and even Barn Owl, as all

regularly fly over the city at dusk.

Day 14

London

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 the following morning, being an overnight flight back from Kathmandu. Flight

times will be confirmed closer to departure dates.

Other optional extensions

As you will appreciate, this holiday to Nepal is short and action-packed! Inevitably there are many other interesting

places to visit in Nepal should you have time. As the majority of your holiday cost is spent on air fares, we would

strongly recommend an extension to your 10-day holiday.

If you are taking out your insurance with us, please also note that your insurance cost will rise to cover any extra

extension days. Please contact the office for details on additional insurance costs.

If you would like to spend a day doing a sightseeing tour of the city and temples of Kathmandu we would be happy

to arrange this at a cost of £195 per person per day to include the use of a car and English speaking guide.

As well as Koshi Tappu, we can also offer extensions in Chitwan National Park and would be happy to tailor an

extension to suit your needs. Please do call if we can offer you further advice, or if you have a different extension in

mind!

Grading

This is a conventional wildlife tour with a focus on mammals, birds and general natural history. No trekking or

great hardship is involved, and the holiday is suitable for those of all ages and degrees of fitness!


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Weather

This holiday is available between September and June, though October to May represents the best season for the

visiting naturalist. It is, after all, the dry season; the monsoon season lasting from the end of June to the beginning

of October.

For those for whom good weather is as important as their wildlife sightings, the post-monsoon period of October

and November, offers the very best weather that Nepal has to offer. Clear days and blue skies are expected for

much of the time. Rain is infrequent. In the hills days will generally be warm (60-75ºF or 15-23ºC), and nights will

be cool. In the lowlands days will be warm to hot (up to 80ºF or 26ºC), and nights mild to cool. Visibility is

exceptional at this time of year, and it is the best time for mountain views.

December to February marks the Nepalese winter. However, as our programme avoids the high regions, and

concentrates on the hill and lowland attractions, you can expect excellent weather, with daytime temperatures

between 70-80ºF (21-26ºC). Nights will be much cooler, and frosts are always possible in Kathmandu and at

Pokhara Lodge. Rain at this time of year is unusual, though there is likely to be some afternoon cloud and more

haze and morning mists may be encountered.

From March to June the weather begins to get hot, especially in the lowlands. The nights will be warmer but

afternoon cloud and haze must be expected, as well as pre-monsoon showers. As winter birds depart, and summer

visitors arrive, this is the best time for birdwatching. The hills and forests are filled with birdsong, and the mountain

slopes turn red with blooming rhododendrons. Despite imperfect weather, this is perhaps the best season for the

naturalist.

Clothing

Please inspect the separate clothing list, sent to you on booking, thoroughly.

Warm clothing will be useful for mornings and evenings in the hills, and a duvet/quilted jacket and gloves may be

useful during winter visits. Shorts and T-shirts will be equally essential in the heat of the lowlands, throughout the

year.

Food & accommodation included in the price

All accommodation and meals are included, except for lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, where you will be able to

explore a fabulous range of excellent restaurants. You should allow approximately £35 for these meals in the

capital.

All accommodation on this tour is comfortable, with private facilities included.

Mammal & bird lists

Where available these are automatically provided on booking, and will gladly be sent to you before, if you wish for a

more detailed preview.


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Extra expenses

Please note that we do not include the following in the cost of this holiday: all items of a more personal nature such

as drinks, laundry, souvenirs, and tips for your guide and driver (allow £40). It should be noted that local taxes are

subject to frequent changes at short notice and although we try to quote up-to-date costs, sometimes we are not

notified of all increases. Please double check the amount needed with your ground agent/tour leader.

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 or telephone 0870 6060290 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. Please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Please provide us with your passport details

(passport number, date of issue, date of expiry and your date of birth) at the time of booking.

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Splendours of Nepal · rooms has a private verandah and garden from which to soak in these fine views, and nearby lie the hill forests and lakes which you will be able to explore