| Chitwan Jungle safari Tour |
 Potentially one of Nepal’s most unique trek, developed as recently as November 2005 and off the beaten trek, this easy to moderate trek will take you through the Nepal midhills into the Chitwan National Park. Designed in the new concept of sustainable tourism and being completely untouched by the earlier forms of tourism, this place is pristine, untouched and extremely beautiful. Home stays on both nights of the trek make the contact with the local population real and full of experience. Even the food is local, making the contribution to the local economy maximum. Local guides and porters add to the sustainability of this trip. Magars, Gurungs and one of the disadvantaged ethnic groups in Nepal, the Chepangs live in this area. The home stays are in Magar and Gurung families and we will visit a Chepang family too. We also visit the Upardang fortress, used in earlier times by the government to collect tax in the old trade route. After two nights and three days of trekking, we continue on to one of Nepal’s best attractions, a jungle safari in the jungles of Chitwan. A trip to Nepal is incomplete if you have not been on a jungle safari. While the mountains of the north boast some of the highest and most magnificent peaks in the world, the tropical jungles of the Terai still preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Some of these rich wildlife habitats are now protected and can be toured on elephant back, dugout canoe or on foot accompanied by a licensed guide. Nepal has sixteen national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, occupying 16% of its total geographical area. Jungle safaris on elephant back or Jeep rides are offered at the Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Suklaphanta wildlife reserve. |
| Day to day Chitwan Jungle safari Tour Itinerary: |
Day 1: Early drive to trail head at Hugdi on the Kathmandu – Narayanghat highway. Breakfast along the way. Start trekking uphill to about 1400 meters at Hattibang. This moderate to strenuous trek is picturesque as you pass small villages and behind you is the awesome scenery of the Trishuli river and the mountains in the horizon. Home stay in Magar houses in Hattibang
Day 2: Early rise to walk uphill for about 2 hours to reach Sirauchuli (the highest point in the Chitwan district) at 1945 meters to enjoy the 180 degree view of the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri to Gauri Shankar. Situated in the midhills, this spot also offers majestic views of the vast plains in the south. Locals have it that you can see right upto Mumbai in India (OK that is a bit far away). After breakfast on the ridge, we walk down to visit the Chepang village of Jyanjala. After a short rest here, we start the up-down (so called Nepali flat) trail to Upardangadi which will take about 4 hours. We do this moderate trek through and excellent trail meandering through forests and grazing fields, with views varying between the Himalayas and the plains of the terai. By afternoon, after the last long descent, we arrive in the village for a well deserved rest. In the early evening we walk up to the Upardang fortress for a stunning sunset, before walking back to our home stays in this Gurung village which is highlighted by a cultural performance by the people of the village (if our group size justifies it).
Day 3: After breakfast we bid goodbye to our hosts and start trekking the long walk down to the river and then along the river bed to Shaktikhor. This trek will take about 3 hours maximum. We then transfer to awaiting vehicles to drive to Chitwan. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, the managers and naturalists will brief you on the activities they have planned. After lunch you will start your jungle activities such as elephant safaris for 2 hours deep into the jungle to experience the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park at close quarters or a bird watching tour will be organized. Dinner and overnight at the jungle lodge
Day 4: Wakeup call will be at 5:30 AM. Tea / Coffee will be served and there will be either an elephant safari or a nature walk. After breakfast canoe ride or a bird watching tour. Lunch at the lodge and after lunch an elephant briefing at the Elephant stables where naturalists will give a lecture on the Asian Elephant. Here you will have an opportunity to witness and participate in the bathing of an elephant. Dinner and overnight at the jungle lodge.
Day 5: Wakeup call at 5:30 AM. After Tea/ Coffee there will be an early morning elephant safari or nature walk. Breakfast and transfer to waiting vehicle for drive back To Kathmandu. |
