Tailor-made Nepal

All of our Nepal itineraries are tailor-made. Having been 'off the map' for a number of years due to political problems we are increasingly asked for Nepal itineraries, sometimes in isolation, and sometimes in combination with India. We generally fly our guests to Nepal on Qatar Airways as their through connections are very good, however for those visiting India as well we would recommend either British Airways or Jet Airways into India with flights up into Kathmandu from Delhi or one of the other major Indian airports.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of the Himalayan Mountain Kingdom of Nepal. Although the wildlife enthusiast will usually only stop here en-route to the national parks and rural areas, the Kathmandu valley has some wonderful and unique sights for those visitors with a little more time on their hands. Kathmandu city centre itself is a wonderful complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th Centuries, and it has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage sight. Just outside the city is the hilltop Buddhist temple complex of Swayambunath, which offers fabulous views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding the city on clear days. Nearby the royal cities of Bhaktapur and Patan also have wonderful historic centres filled with palaces and temples. The forested slopes of Phulchowki also offer some good birdwatching, walking and photographic opportunities of some of Nepal's highest peaks. To do the royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley justice visitors should allow at least a day's sightseeing and for those who like to wander and browse, two days is even better.

Royal Chitwan National Park

Royal Chitwan National Park is located in the lowlands of southern central Nepal on the border with India, 160 kilometres from Kathmandu. 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 include Marsh Mugger, and Gharial Crocodiles. Activities here include wildlife-viewing from Elephant back, jungle walks, birdwatching, game drives and river safaris. Chitwan is roughly five to six hours by road from Kathmandu.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an important wetland area 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 (now recognised by Ramsar).

Koshi Tappu was originally established to protect the last remaining population of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in Nepal, but birds are the big draw here with the many small marshlands, pools and grasslands providing a haven for birds and birdwatchers alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many passerines and the finest birding sites in and outside the reserves are located between Koshi Camp the barrage.

Pokhara

If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara, 200 kilometres to the west, is its centre of nature and adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. Pokhara is an enchanting city of remarkable natural beauty, nestled in a tranquil valley, on the shores of Lake Phewa. Rising behind it are the magnificent Himalayan Peaks, dominated by the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre at 6,977 metres. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel, reflected by the lush green forests and beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper here. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. There are many different treks and walks in the area to suit all abilities. There are daily flights to and from Kathmandu and this thrilling journey gives views of some of the world's highest peaks.

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