Nepal Wildlife

Day 01: - Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport.

Nepal

Kathmandu : Locked between India and Tibet the tiny kingdom of Nepal, a country full of diversity and fascination. It is a hidden Kingdom of great beauty embracing eight of the world's ten highest mountains including Everest, Annapurna and Kangchenjunga. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu. It has an artistic and architectural tradition that rivals anything you will find in the great cities of Europe. Beyond the temples and bustle of the towns of the Kathmandu Valley rise the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya - the 'Abode of Snows'.

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our representative who will present you with a welcome pack including all necessary documentation and arrange your transfer to Hyatt Regency hotel for check-in. No activity is scheduled today.

Hyatt Regency : Nestled into the rolling hills and surrounded by magnificent Himalayan mountain peaks, the Hyatt Regency occupies 37 acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the city of Kathmandu. To highlight the country's rich local culture, the low-rise design of the hotel reflects the distinct styles of Newari architectural characteristics. This fusion of styles is seen most clearly in the Lobby which features an indoor courtyard with exquisitely carved wooden ceilings and "chaityas" - art replicas of miniature temples dating back to the 16th century Malla kingdom, as well as an outdoor courtyard set in the hotel's landscaped gardens. On arrival at the hotel, guests are greeted by life-size mythological stone carvings which set the mood of peace and tranquility that many travelers seek when they visit Nepal. Located close to the airport and city centre, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu offers international standards of service and accommodation to the discerning traveler.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full day tour of Kathmandu.

The morning tour includes a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square - a number of interesting pagodas and Indian style temples (Sikhara), the House of Kumari (the living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (or wooden house which is the origin of the word Kathmandu) and many more things to see.

Soyambhunath - The monkey temple, with its commanding views of Kathmandu, its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Hanuman Dhoka - a temple complex in the middle of the old city. Built during the Malla period, the area consists of a number of different monuments & image of Lord Hanumana.

Afternoon tour includes a visit to Patan Durbar Square - this whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues. The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity) with its intricate stone and bronze carvings are two masterpieces in the same vicinity.

Bouddhanath Stupa - It is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. This place is also famous as a "little Tibet of Nepal".

Pashupatinath Temple - A temple dedicated to Shiva and holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal, existed at this site in AD 879. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines, and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Chitwan
This morning you are collected from your hotel for an excursion tour of Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur - Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon is a storehouse of medieval architecture founded in the 9th century. Here you visit the Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 windows; the Nyatapole temple, the tallest in the country and best example of the pagoda style; the Dattatreya temple; and Pujari Math, with its uniquely carved wooden windows.

Your sightseeing tour is followed by a drive to Chitwan National Park (175 kms/4 hrs).

Langur

Royal Chitwan National Park Nepal's first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverine forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros and harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal tiger. Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the world's largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles. In a stretch of the Narayani river is found one of the few remaining populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating gharial, or Genetic crocodile. Here also is found one of the world's four species of freshwater dolphins. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird-watcher the park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species recorded. Some of the resident specialities are several species of woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed trogons. Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahminy duck, pintails and bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold weather visitors are drawn by the sanctuary of the park's rivers. In the summer the forest is alive with nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets.

Upon arrival check-in to Tiger Tops Jungle lodge.

Jungle Lodge

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge : Established in the early 60s in the lush sub-tropical jungles of the Terai of Nepal for wildlife enthusiasts, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is the pioneer wildlife safari lodge of Nepal .Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge's famous tree houses and bungalows are built with sustainable natural materials. The lodge has twenty guest rooms . Each room has solar powered reading lamps, ceiling fans, attached modern bathrooms equipped with solar-heated showers. A feature of the lodge is the circular Dining Hall and Bar called a Gol Ghar with its huge domed roof and central open hearth; a special place to relax with friends and discuss the day's adventures and wildlife seen. The lodge has a reputed kitchen that serves a range of western and Nepali cuisine utilizing fresh organic food supplies .As the focus of the Lodge is wildlife safaris, The Tiger Tops Lodge has some of the finest naturalists and guides available in Nepal.With highly trained elephants, environmentally cared-for vehicles and safe river boats, safaris can cover the surrounding jungles in search of Chitwan's wildlife - the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian One-horned Rhinoceros, Indian bison - known as Gaur in Nepal - Sloth Bear, Leopard, Golden backed Jackal, four deer species and a wealth of bird life. One of the highlights of a visit to Tiger Tops is a jungle walk with an expert naturalist to spot rare birds and learn the diverse uses of local plants for medical and culinary purposes.

Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 04 : In Chitwan
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Chitwan National Park. Safaris in Chitwan are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 05: In Chitwan
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Chitwan National Park. Safaris in Chitwan are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 06: Chitwan - Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Bardia
This morning drive to Kathmandu airport (175 kms/04 hrs) intime to board flight (1650/1750 hrs.) to Nepalgunj.

Met on arrival at Nepalganj airport and drive to Bardia National Park (86 kms/1½ hrs).

One - Horned Rhino

Royal Bardia National Park : The Royal Bardiya National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali river, about 400 kms. West of Kathmandu. The park is 968 sq kms. in area and extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the "Bhabhar'. The higher grounds of the Churia have dry deciduous forest of mostly hardwood sal. The porous slopes of the Bhabhar support large open grasslands known locally as 'Phantas'. These are some of the last remaining grasslands that once covered much of the Genetic plains.

The western end of the Bardiya is bounded by numerous water-ways of the Karnali which have created many large and small gravel islands. These islands and much of the lower ground area covered by a mosaic of grassland and riverine forest of acacia, sisam and the large buttressed silk cotton trees. In spring, the silk cotton blooms and the forest comes alive with scarlet flowers.

Bardiya is the home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the Phantas. These open grasslands such as Baghora and Lamkoili are the best places to view animals. The most conspicuous of which is the spotted deer. Other ungulates include black buck, hog deer, samber deer, wild boar and barasingha or swamp deer. Two species of monkeys, the langur and the rhesus macaque are also present. The park is famous for its small herds of wild elephants which are rarely seen. The park also boasts a small population of the rare gharial, the marsh mugger crocodile and the Genetic dolphin. The island of the Karnali river harbours the sub-continent's largest antelope species, the nilgai or blue bull. The Karnali and Babai rivers attract a large number of wintering waterfowl along with resident species such as herons, kingfishers and wall creepers. More than 350 bird species have been recorded in Bardiya, truly a bird watcher's paradise.

Upon arrival check-in to the Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge.

Karnali Lodge

Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge : Set on the edge of Royal Bardia National Park, the Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge offers each visitor the chance to explore the most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands.The Park has a rich and varied wildlife and is home to endangered species including the One Horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Gangetic Dolphin, a very rare species with a limited population found only in the Ganges River of Nepal and India. From the lodge one can explore the surrounding areas on elephant back, foot, jeep and boat.The villages of the indigenous Tharu people surround the park and the jungle lodge embraces much of the Tharu architecture offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, adventure and luxury. The lodge's double rooms are complete with en suite bathrooms. There is a central dining area and Western and Nepali cuisine is served. The fully-stocked bar remains open until the last person goes to bed.

Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 07: In Bardia
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bardia National Park. Safaris in Bardia are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 08: In Bardia
Early morning & evening game safaris into the Bardia National Park. Safaris in Bardia are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience. Overnight at the Lodge.

Day 09: Bardia - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
Early morning game safari into the Bardia National Park. Safaris in Bardia are organized in jeeps and short elephant rides are also available. Local guides and naturalists are at hand to enhance the experience.

Later drive to Nepalgunj airport (85 kms/1½ hrs) in time to board flight to Kathmandu followed by the connecting flight to home.