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Day 1: Kathmandu 22/12/’11
Up
on arrival in Kathmandu met by our representative in the Kathmandu International
Airport and then transfer to hotel. Evening is pre departure meeting followed by
Nepali cultural.
Day 2: In Kathmandu 23/12/’11
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing
architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and
tradition. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and
occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. Afterwards we visit Bodhnath
Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe
Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You may wish
to wander back into the centre of town, scour the shops in Thamel or just relax
in the hotel.
Day 3: Pokhara Mountain View From Phewa Lake 24/12/’11
This
morning we fly out kathmandu to pokhara, views of the Ganesh,
Manaslu and Annapurna ranges can be seen as we head west to the town of Pokhara.
After 25 minutes we arrive in the morning and check
into our hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to wander around the shops or
relax in one of the cafes by the lakeside. Alternatively there is the option of
a boat ride out on to the lake.
Day 4: Trek to Australian Camp 25/12/’11
– CHRISTMAS IN
THE HIMALAYAS (Walking time: approx 2 hours)
Nepal
Trekking, Trekking Nepal, Ghandruk Trek, Annapurna Area in Nepal, Trekking to
Ghandruk, Trekking Ghandrung, Treks to Ghandruk, Ghandruk Trek.
We drive from Pokhara to Naudanda for 45 minutes. In clear conditions, there are
fine views of Annapurna peaks and the famous fishtail peak Machhapuchhare along
the way. A short but steep section leads to Australian Camp (2130m) where we
lunch and overnight stay. There are great views of the Annapurnas from here.
Evening Camp fire Christmas party
Day 5: Trek to Lower Dhampus 26/12/’11
After
breakfast we continue the climb uphill to the pass at Bhichok Deorali. Here,
after a welcome break, we descend through forest of oak and rhododendron to
Pothana for lunch. In the afternoon we descend gradually following the crest of
the ridge, through pretty forest of oak and rhododendron to the village of
Dhampus and our overnight halt. From here there are superb panoramic views
including the 8000-metre peak of Manaslu to the east and we will have the
opportunity of enjoying both sunset and sunrise from our lodge.
Day 6: Pokhara 27/12/’11
- (Walking time: approx 1 hours)
After
breakfast and enjoying the views of the Annapurna range we pass through the
village and descend steeply into the Dhampus Phedi. Here we catch our transport
to our hotel in Pokhara. We arrive in time for lunch and the rest of the
afternoon is free to unwind. We have time to explore the lake and to enjoy the
many excellent restaurants and cafes in this beautiful lakeside town.
Day
7: In Pokhara 28/12/’11
Free day to explore in Pokhara.
Day 08 & 09: Seti River Rafting 29/12/’11
- 30/12/’11
We
leave Pokhara with a quick breakfast with a short drive to the start of our
rafting. After introductions to our rafting crew we then put on jackets and
helmets, have a short safety briefing before starting river journey.This river
is an ideal and gentle introduction to whitewater rafting. Over the next two
days we raft for approximately 70 kilometres through beautiful countryside, with
plenty of small fun rapids. Lunch is taken on one of the many pristine white
beaches and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the warm waters. In the
afternoon we continue our gentle pace down the river to reach our camp by
mid-afternoon and enjoy free time before our cook serves a hearty evening meal.
After dinner we relax and enjoy reliving the thrills of the day’s rafting. On
day second we raft until lunch time and then drive to Chitawan National park
Days 09-11: Chitwan National Park 30/12/’11 - 1/01/’12 -
Happy New Year 2011
Nepal wildlife Tours, Chitwan National Park, canoeing, wildlife resorts,
birdwatching, Elephant back Safari, Rhinoceros watching.
In
the morning, whilst we enjoy breakfast, the guides break camp and load the
rafts. Then it’s off on the water for a pleasant combination of bouncing rapids
and magnificent scenery before we reach the confluence of the Trisuli River at
Gai Ghat, where we transfer by bus to Royal Chitwan National Park. During our
lodge stay we ride elephants into the jungle and, accompanied by a wildlife
guide, go in search of Indian rhinoceros, sloth bear, deer and a multitude of
different birds. Tiger sightings are very rare these days; however, luck may be
on our side! We also have time at for some optional activities such as jeep,
canoe and walking safaris.
Day 11: Kathmandu (1360m) 2/01/’12
There
is an early bird watching and then take a breakfast. By 11 am we drive to
Bharatpur airport to fly back to Kathmandu. Rest of the afternoon is free to
explore in Kathmandu.
Day 12: Final Departure 3/01/’12 .
Transfer
to International Airport for Final Departure. Or if you are staying longer
optional mountain flight to view Mt. Everest and many more mountains ranges.
DRIVING/WALKING TIMES: This itinerary is intended as a tea house only. Local
conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect
the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times
stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather
and track conditions. |