Potentially, one of Nepal's most unique trekking journeys, this off the beaten path trek will take you through the Nepal's middle-hills into the Chitwan National Park. Designed with sustainability at its heart, the journey takes you through a region untouched by tourism. Homestays on both nights of the trek make 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 tour and making it one of the many responsible tours we offer. 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. We visit a Chepang family too. We 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, continue on to one of Nepal's best attractions, a jungle safari in the jungles of Chitwan National Park.
Chitwan National Park is the most popular destination for tourists wanting to have a good experience of the region's wildlife. In 1984, UNESCO designated Royal Chitwan National Park a Natural World Heritage Site. The Park offers protection to 56 species of mammals including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, hyena, Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There are estimated to be 470 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, 126 species of fish, 150 species of butterflies and 47 species of reptiles in the park! A recent study also points out that over a third of Nepal's tigers are in Chitwan.
Duration: 8 days
Route: Kathmandu - Hattingbang - Gurung Village - Chitwan - Kathmandu
Activities: Heritage tour, trekking, village tour, cultural performances, jungle safari, wildlife watching
Day 1
Kathmandu: Land at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the welcome dinner.
Day 2
Kathmandu: After breakfast we go to explore the city of Kathmandu, the lively and buzzing capital of Nepal. Emphasis is on checking out the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Day 3
Hugdi – Hattibang: We set off early to drive to the trail head at Hugdi on the Kathmandu - Narayanghat highway. After breakfast along the way, we 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. We stay in homestays in Magar houses in Hattibang.
Day 4
Sirauchuli: We rise early 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. Locals claim you can see right up to Mumbai in India! 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 go for a moderate trek through an excellent trail meandering through forests and grazing fields. By afternoon, after the last long descent, 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 5
Chitwan National Park: After breakfast, we bid goodbye to our hosts and start trekking the long way down to the river and then along the river bed to Shaktikhor. This trek will take about 3 hours maximum. We then transfer you to awaiting vehicles to drive to Chitwan. Chitwan National Park, formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park, covers an area of 932 km² and is the oldest national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is located at subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal in Chitwan district. Chitwan National Park is rich in flora and fauna, including one of the last populations of single-horned Indian rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger. 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 6
Ghorepani – Tirkhedhunga: Wake up call will be at 5:30 am. Tea 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.
Day 7
Kathmandu: Wake up call at 5:30 am. After tea there will be an early morning elephant safari or nature walk. After breakfast, we transfer to a waiting vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 8
Kathmandu: Day free till departure to airport.
How your travel makes a difference to the local community & environment:
- The Blue Yonder along with the local partners in Nepal strive to exceed our clients' expectations, whilst minimising the impact on our environment and maximising the contribution to the local economy. Keeping our passion for people and nature close to our heart we endeavour to tailor make extraordinary trips to suit extraordinary people.
- On the Trek: We only run small group/private treks, staying in homestays and family-owned teahouses to ensure maximum contribution to the local economy. Clients are guided by a core group of guides who are trained in responsible tourism practices and principles. Throughout the trek the guides encourage our clients to make decisions that will minimise their impact on the environment and maximise their contribution to the local economy.
- Our Guides & Porters: Guides and porters are hired from the local community. We encourage all our clients to hire porters. Giving local people employment is a great way of directing money straight back into the local economy. Our porters are not allowed to carry more that 20 kg, which is well below the national recommendation of 30 kg. Each guide is paid up front and is required to take a signed receipt for each porter ensuring that correct wage is being paid.
- Philanthropy: We take our impact on the local community very seriously. Almost all personnel are involved in some form of social/charitable work.
Classic Nepal
This journey through the mountain country of Nepal will traverse its breadth and give you a wholesome flavour of the country and its people
Nepal Abound
This tour combines the best that Nepal has to offer - a deep cultural immersion and soft adventure.