Nepal, Darjeeling & Kaziranga

Days 1 to 3. Kathmandu [B (days 2 & 3 only)]

Depart London for Kathmandu where you spend 2- nights at the luxurious Dwarika's Hotel. This traditionally built hotel has 74 individually decorated rooms and suites. It is within walking distance of the most sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and only a ten minute drive from the heart of Kathmandu.

A full day sightseeing offers the opportunity to explore this cosmopolitan city and the nearby medieval city of Bhaktapur. Alternatively you might prefer to visit the forested slopes of Phulchowki (at 2,720 metres the highest peak in the valley) for some birdwatching, walking and fine photographic opportunities. Here you should get good views of the snow-clad Great Himalaya, including the Annapurna range, Langtang and many of Nepal's other high peaks (provided the weather is clear!).

Days 4 to 6. Chitwan National Park [B, L, D]

From Kathmandu it is about five and a half hour drive through lowland Nepal to Chitwan National Park where you spend the next three nights at Chitwan Jungle Lodge.

The lodge is in the heart of Chitwan National Park on the banks of the Rapti River. Activities at the lodge include wildlife-viewing from Elephant-back, jungle walks, birdwatching, game drives and river safaris. The Elephant-back safaris are generally better for the more elusive mammals in the park, such as Tiger, Sloth Bear and Gaur. The park comprises 976 square kilometres of Sal and riverine jungle, a magnificent environment which contains a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 480 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as many mammals, reptiles and numerous insects. Mammals include the endangered Indian Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Chital, Rhesus, and Hanuman Monkeys, whilst reptiles you may encounter include Marsh Mugger, and Gharial Crocodiles.

Days 7 & 8. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve [B, L, D]

A full days drive takes you east parallel to the Nepal/Indian border to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve where you spend two nights at Koshi Camp.

The Reserve is situated in the Sapta-Koshi River plain in the eastern corner of Nepal, close to the country's southern border with India. The reserve covers 175 square kilometres to the north of the kilometre-long barrage that spans the Koshi River. The vast expanse of open water created by the barrage, and the marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats and arable land that lie around it offer an outstanding wetland habitat, and one of the finest birdwatching sites in Asia.

Days 9 & 10. Darjeeling [B, L, D]

Crossing the border into India at Kaka Bita you head into Darjeeling (approximately seven hours) and the Cedar Inn where you spend two nights.

With a backdrop of the mighty snow clad Himalayan peaks and surrounded by tea plantations on all sides, Darjeeling, at 2,134 metres above sea level, has been a popular hill station since the British established it as a place for relaxation in the mid-1800's. The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valleys are magnificent. Darjeeling is a fascinating place where you can see Buddhist monasteries, visit tea plantations, or go trekking to high altitude spots near the border with Sikkim. There will be plenty of time to explore this fascinating area.

Days 11 to 13 Kaziranga [B, L, D]

Transfer by road (approximately three and a half hours) to Bagdogra for the flight to Guwahati and then head off to Kaziranga (approximately four hours) where you spend the next three nights at Wild Grass Resort.

Kaziranga National Park, set on the banks of the mighty Brahamaputra River, is the finest place to view Indian Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in the whole of the subcontinent. With nearly 80% of the worlds population resident, the park has been recognised as a World Heritage site. In addition to wonderful rhino-viewing, the park is also home to large herds of Elephant and Wild Buffalo. Tigers can also be found, however they are rarely seen in the long grass. Spend four nights at Wild Grass Lodge, which is situated by a stream in the paddy fields and forest just outside the National Park. The lodge provides eighteen double rooms in two jungle lodges, each with en-suite facilities. Activities on offer here include jeep safaris and Elephant rides into the park, offering you the best chance to view rhinos up close. It may also be possible to arrange a trip to the nearby Panbari Forest Reserve to look for the elusive Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape.

Days 14 & 15. Delhi [B]

After a mornings game-viewing you return to Guwahati for the flight to Delhi. Where you have dinner before transferring to the airport for your homeward flight arriving in the early hours of Day 15.