Description

Day 1
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Thamel by private transport. Meet up with you tour leader and have a trip briefing.  Free time to relax before a welcome dinner

Day 2
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city life behind you, drive via the countryside to the National Botanical Garden at Godavari, (1.5hr approx.) south east of the city.  From here make a gradual ascent along the rugged motor-able road through sub-tropical thick forest. In about four hours, you will arrive at Phulchowki which is situated on top of the hill. Phulchowki is bestowed with some of the most unique and rich flora and birdlife – 256 species, of which 17 are categorized as at risk of extinction. The most notable ones being – Spinny Babbler, Cutia, Silver-Eared Measia, Mrs. Gould sunbird, Rufus-bellied Woodpecker and the Grey-sided Laughing-thrush.  A view of the Himalayas far ahead and the Kathmandu valley beneath adds to the allure of the place. The return journey to the Royal Botanical Garden takes about 2.5 hrs

Day 3
A morning flight from the domestic airport to the second largest town of Nepal, Biratnagar, takes approx. 35mins. The scenic flight enables you to enjoy the spectacular mountain views and to have a bird’s eye view of the lowland belt (weather permitting).  Upon arrival, transfer (2hrs approx.) to the Koshi tented camp resort where you stay for 3 nights.  In the afternoon enjoy a walking safari into the riverine to see the diversity of the birds of Nepal and possibly the wildlife populating the reserve too

Day 4
Raft down the Sapta Koshi river for 4-5hrs approx., the banks of which allows you the maximum sighting opportunity for bird and wildlife. Return to the camp for lunch before a nature walk around the marshland and river lagoons later in the afternoon

Day 5
Drive along the Koshi Barrage to spot the migratory trans-Himalayan birds and to hopefully catch the rare glimpse of timid Gangetic dolphins (5hrs approx.) Exploration by jeep covering the further reaches of the reserve

Day 6
A long driving day across the lowland belt to the largest protected jungle mass in Nepal, to Chitwan National Park (9hrs approx.)  Check in to the Machan Country Villa Lodge for a 3-night stay

Day 7
Exploration of Chitwan National Park by jeep safari in search of wildlife and birdlife including Rhino.  The Chitwan National Park is a world heritage site and has a history of over 3 decades in park management.  It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species reptiles and amphibians and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile

Day 8
Further exploration of Chitwan National Park by jeep, canoe, and on foot

Day 9
Drive on the highway for the journey eastward to the holy lands of Lumbini, close to the Indian border, 3.5 hours approx.  In the late afternoon take a tour of the Lumbini park, which is spread over 5 square km, visiting Maya Devi Temple (the exact birth place of Buddha), Pushkarni Pond (where Buddha’s mother Maya Devi took her final bath before going into labour), Ashoka Pillar and the oldest archaeological ruins to be discovered in Nepal till date.
Occasionally the rare Sarus Crane, deer and jackal can be spotted.  Overnight stay at Hotel Buddha Maya Garden

Day 10
Another long driving day, this time towards the tropical jungles of west Nepal (6hrs approx.)  Check in to the Forest Hideaway Lodge for a 3-night stay near Bardia

Day 11
Early morning nature walk. Return to lodge for breakfast and to relax.  In the afternoon venture into the National Park in a jeep looking for wildlife.  In the evening familiarise yourself with the flora and fauna of the region with a slide presentation by a naturalist

Day 12
An adventurous day which begins with a drive through the dense woodlands and emerging out on the highway for the last section (2-3kms) to Chisapani (1.5hrs approx.) Raft down the jungle corridor (3-4hrs approx.) looking for wildlife along the longest river in Nepal, the Karnali.  Keep an eye out for the rare endangered Gangetic dolphin. Walk back through the deep woods back to the lodge looking for wildlife on the way

Day 13
Drive to Nepalgunj airport (1.5hrs approx.) for the flight back to Kathmandu (50mins approx.)

Day 14
Free day in Kathmandu for relaxing or shopping in the local markets. Optional sightseeing can be arranged (at an additional cost) to Bodhnath Stupa, Monkey Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Ghats at Pashupatinath with a local guide and transport

Day 15
Tour ends – transfer to airport – return home or onward travel