Chitwan Safari Extension - ex-Pokhara
Trip Length |
Trip Code |
| 3 days | PHCP |
Activities |
|
| Wildlife (Easy) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 2 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Nepal | |
Start City |
End City |
| Pokhara | Kathmandu |
A relaxing wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park is the ideal addition to any trekking adventure. Located in the lowland Terai region of Nepal, Chitwan was the first of Nepal’s national parks. Less than 60 years ago, this area was the scene of huge tiger and rhino shoots by the previously-ruling Rana family and their guests. Their jealous guarding of this prime hunting area however did ensure that the animal population was not completely depleted and it is now one of Asia’s richest wildlife reserves. Staying at a quality wildlife resort we enjoy the thrill of searching out the various species in the forests, on the river and amongst the tall elephant grass of the southern plains. There are opportunities to join guided jungle walks in search of deer, monkeys and birds. We also take canoe trips down the Rapti River to view the fish-eating gharial and flesh-eating marsh mugger crocodile, and ride on elephants in pursuit of the great Indian rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Chitwan National Park
Starting from Pokhara, we drive for approximately five hours to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program at our wildlife resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of year, and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as phanits, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we have free time to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings, or simply enjoy listening to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.
Day 2: Chitwan National Park
Meals included: 1 breakfast
An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. In the afternoon we visit the elephant breeding centre with our guide, who will explain exactly how these amazing creatures are looked after. There will even be an opportunity to help bathe the elephants! The evening is free to relax over a drink in the heart of the jungle.
Day 3: Kathmandu
Meals included: 1 breakfast
There is the option of an early morning bird watching safari for those interested - it is well worthwhile. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, where this trip ends.
Your Trip
What's Included
Return transfers from Kathmandu or from Pokhara to Chitwan, 2 breakfasts, local guides, sightseeing and entrance fee.
Summary of accommodation, transport & meals
Accommodation
- 2 nights Safari lodge
Meals
- 2 breakfasts
Meals
2 breakfasts are included.
Not Included
International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, airport transfers, insurance, meals not listed, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Optional Extras
We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. Speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:
- Kathmandu - Bhaktapur entrance
US$15 - Kathmandu - Half Day tour to Bhaktapur & Patan
US$40 approx - Kathmandu - Mt Everest scenic flight - including transfers
approx US$175 - Kathmandu - Patan entrance
US$5
What to know
VaccinationsVaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.
Visas and PermitsIt is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
Nepal
Australians, Americans, British, Canadians currently require a visa for Nepal. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
You may prefer to apply for your visa prior to arrival in Nepal (there are consulates in many countries), however you can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport for $US40 for a Single Entry, and $US45 for a Double Entry. You must have USD, Euro, GBP, JPY or AUD cash to the exact amount and one passport photo. Expect some delays in processing the visa application at the airport. Passengers then travelling to Tibet or Sikkim (these trips start and finish in Nepal) should obtain a Double Entry Nepal visa.
You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.
Responsible Travel
Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.
Our Pre Departure Information packs (provided upon booking a trip) provide tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.
The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a Pre Departure Information pack which will contain detailed information.
Further Reading
NepalFor good general guides to Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, the Lonely Planet guide-books are very helpful. (They even have phrase-books which are very handy.) There are numerous books written about the Himalaya. Check your local library, new and old book-shops, and also the Internet can provide useful information on books to read. Kathmandu has many excellent bookshops where many of the books below can be found.
Travellers Tales and Guides
Nepal Lonely Planet Guide: - (Hugh Finlay, Richard Everist, Tony Wheeler)
Tiger for Breakfast-Peissel-1966
Schoolhouse in the Sky-Hillary-1968
When Men and Mountains Meet-Keay-1977
Kathmandu-Kelly-1989
Many People Come, Looking, Looking Rowell-1980
Natural History
Birds of Nepal-Fleming-1976
Forests of Nepal-Stainton-1972
Stones of Silence-Schaller-1980
Heart of the Jungle-Gurung
Himalayan Flowers and Trees-Meirow/Shreshta-1978
Mountaineering
Into Thin Air-Krakauer-1997
Everest the Hard Way-Bonnington-1976
White Limbo-Hall-1985
Annapurna-Herzog-1952
Ascent of Everest-Hunt-1953
The Climb-Anatoli Boukreev
Left for Dead-Beck Weathers
Important Information
Tipping and Tipping Kitty
Although the culture of tipping may not be part of your own culture, it is nonetheless part of the culture in this area of the world and it is often the way some people supplement their earnings. Tipping has also become an accepted part of the tourism culture in the region. On our trips your tour leader can advise you on this matter; however, as a guideline we would recommend a tip of 5-10% in restaurants and US$1 to US$2 per person, per day for a local guide. The bellboys at hotels will appreciate a small tip for carrying your bags. Taxi and rickshaw drivers do not expect a tip. If you are unhappy with a service, of course, you are under no obligation to leave a tip. However, if the service has been satisfactory, a tip is always appreciated....with a smile! To protect you from the sometimes seemingly endless soliciting of tips, we suggest you discuss with your tour leader about setting up a tipping kitty whereby everybody contributes an equal amount (this amount can vary from trip to trip, but a good approximate is US$3 per person per day). Your tour leader can then distributes tips along the way (except restaurant tips) to local guides and hotel porters, etc. and keeps a record of all moneys spent. Please note that this kitty is not designed to provide a tip for your tour leader.
Tipping Your Tour Leader
It is also customary to tip your tour leader at the end of the trip, if you are happy with his/her service. A minimum tip of US$3 per day from each member of the group is the standard amount expected.
This trip must be booked in conjunction with another adventure of ours.
About this Information
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
28 November 2011