Himalayan Highlights (Family)

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m)

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, located after passing out of the customs area. Look out for the note on the hotel signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. A briefing given by our group leader is scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss our trekking program and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. The evening is free, but usually our tour leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants. Alternatively you can enjoy a dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Kathmandu (1360m)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. You may wish to take the option of the spectacular flight over Mount Everest, wander into the centre of town and explore the Durbar Square area or just relax in the spacious hotel gardens. Alternatively you may wish to arrange for a taxi to take you out to Bhaktapur, probably the most fascinating of the medieval towns in the Kathmandu Valley. A visit to Thamel gives you a chance to do some last-minute shopping. Later, we are supplied with our Trek Pack and departure information for tomorrow.

Day 3: Syauli (1230m)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Fly to Pokhara. Driving time: approx 1½ hours; trekking: approx 2 hours) An early departure from the hotel this morning as we are transferred to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. From here we fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes and often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. After arriving in Pokhara we are transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Naya Phul, which we should reach in the early afternoon. Our first day’s walk is particularly easy, following the sub-tropical Modi Khola River Valley to Birethanti, a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route. After formalities at a check-point we continue on through terraced paddy fields to Chhomrong and then to the very pretty village of Syauli, which is our overnight halt. Here we enjoy superb views of the great peaks of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare, seen to the north standing guard over the entrance of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 4: Upper Ghandruk (1950m)

(Trekking: approx 5 hours) Today’s walk commences with a steady ascent up a stone staircase high above the river valley where, to the north, there are again superb views of the Annapurna mountains. A short but steep section leads to Kimche (1630m), where we can enjoy a drink and a well-deserved rest. We then continue on to Chane on a wide, well-defined, path of stone flags that contours its way through fields of wheat and millet to the largest village of the region, Ghandruk. This Gurung village is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. Our lodge is located above the main village in a quiet location, where we enjoy fine mountain views, in particular Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Gangapurna (7455m).

Day 5: Kot Danda (2200m)

(Trekking: approx 4 hours) It is an easier walk today. Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, we traverse the hillside and head towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. Weather permitting there are great mountain views all day. After a short climb to the saddle that leads to Kymrong, we ascend for a short distance through rhododendron forest to reach our lodge that stands alone on an isolated hilltop. The location is magnificent - to the north, Annapurna South (7237m) and Machhapuchhare (6993m) seem as if they are almost within touching distance. To the south there are spectacular views of the terraced hillsides and pretty villages extending towards the Indian border. We arrive in time for lunch and in the afternoon visit the nearby village before enjoying the sunset.

Day 6: Kyumi (1350m)

(Trekking: approx 4 hours) We rise in the morning and take breakfast in full view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare before making a leisurely walk down to the Modi Khola River. There is a fair bit of downhill to reach the bottom of the valley, so the pace today is decidedly relaxed. We explore the villages, meet with the local people and make sure we have plenty of photo stops to capture the beautiful scenery of this exciting day's walk.

Day 7: Pokhara (850m)

(Trekking: approx 5 hours; driving time: approx 1½ hours) Today we make an early start to make the most of the day. From our lodge at Kyumi we follow the Modi Khola River downstream back to Shyauli and on to the village of Birethanti. Here we take lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, where we again follow the river back to the road head at Naya Phul. After saying farewell to our porters we are transferred by coach back to Pokhara, where we stay at the Hotel Barahi, which is located close to the lakeside. This hotel has a swimming pool, so you may wish to bring your swimming costume. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. In the evening there is the option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants (cost not included).

Day 8: Pokhara (850m)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

We have allocated a further day in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities or you may just wish to relax and laze around the hotel swimming pool. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafés. It is well certainly worthwhile hiring a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. There are various small museums scattered around town including the International Mountain Museum, which is well worth a visit.

Day 9: Chitwan National Park

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) We leave Pokhara In the morning and drive 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 Royal Park Wildlife Resort. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the 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 are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night. The Jungle Bar or terrace bar with a deck over the riverbank enables us to look out for animals coming down to drink at the water holes.

Day 10: 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. 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. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further walks with a naturalist guide, excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 11: Kathmandu (1360m)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

(Driving time: approx 5 hours) There is an early morning safari and a final chance to catch a glimpse of more of the exotic wildlife of the area. This is also our last chance to spot some of the animals that we may not have previously seen. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our group leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 12: Kathmandu (1360m)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is not included and Kathmandu has so much to offer and occasionally flights from Lukla can be delayed, so we recommend that you consider booking pre-tour or post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer before you commence your travels.

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Your Trip

What's Included

Local tour leader, local guides, porterage on trek, airport arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, wildlife safaris and all activities at the Royal Park Wildlife Resort.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• Canoe
• Elephant
• On foot
• Plane
• Private vehicle

Accommodation

• 5 nights Comfortable hotel
• 4 nights Trekking lodge
• 2 nights Safari lodge

Meals

• 7 breakfasts

Equipment Included

• personal trek equipment (sleeping bag, duvet jacket, sleeping sheet, kit bag)

Not Included

International flights, airport departure taxes, airport departure transfer, visas, 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.

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Important Information

Walking times: This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather and track conditions.

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$4 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.

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

24 April 2012

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