NEPAL: EVEREST & ELEPHANTS FAMILY HOLIDAY

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Depart London by the scheduled services of Gulf Air for the overnight flight to Kathmandu with a plane change en route.

Day 2

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. Those on Land Only arrangements will join us in the evening at the hotel.

Day 3

This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. The heart of the city is Durbar Square where museums, temples, courtyards and squares reveal the best of traditional art, crafts and architecture. In the afternoon there is free time to explore further, perhaps visiting the Monkey Temple at Swayambunath or the important Hindu temple at Pashupatinath. Alternatively you can relax at the hotel.

Day 4

An early start this morning as we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). If we are lucky and the weather is clear there are incredible views throughout the flight and Everest can be seen on the left hand side of the plane. On arrival at the tiny airstrip in Lukla we make our way down into a forested valley. Crossing several small rivers we make our way to the small settlement of Phakding (2652m) where we spend the night. Even at this early stage there are inspirational mountain views and plenty to look out for as we walk along the trails.

Day 5

Today we follow the river, the Dudh Kosi, northwards crossing several times. We climb above Phakding through forests of rhododendron, giant fur and magnolia trees, and in spring and autumn the ground is bright with flowers. On reaching Jorsale (2805m) we begin our climb to Namche Bazaar. The climb is fairly steep but we take our time with plenty of rest stops and of course photo stops. Namche Bazaar is the administration centre of the Khumbu region and headquarters for the Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Namche is a prosperous Sherpa village and an important trading centre with a weekly marker at which fresh food brought up from lower villages is sold.

Day 6

We spend today exploring Namche Bazaar and the surrounding area. We visit the Everest National Park Museum and Sherpa Culture Centre, which offer stunning views and interesting information on colourful Sherpa life. There is also the chance to walk up through the Thame Valley to Thamo where there is a small nunnery; the walk takes approximately 2 hours each way. Alternatively you can just spend the day relaxing in Namche, talking to the locals and drinking in the incredible views.

Day 7 - 8

We retrace our steps today and descend through the forests to Phakding where we spend the night before continuing on to Lukla the following day

Day 9

We fly back to Kathmandu today. Please be aware that the flight can be subject to delays if the weather is bad, if this is the case the views certainly compensate for any delays. On arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to our hotel and the rest of the say is free for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel.

Day 10

Today we head to Chitwan National Park by road. This should take around 4 - 6 hours on mainly reasonable roads, however there are some bumpy parts. There is the option to try some river rafting along the way, this can be organised locally through your leader. The cost will be approximately $50 and requires a minimum of 4 people. We have the rest of the afternoon to relax in our safari lodge. The wildlife experts will be able to brief you on the following day's activities.

Day 11 - 12

Two whole days enjoying Chitwan. The most popular way of seeing the animals is on elephant back, and we will be very unlucky not to see at least the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and several species of deer. We will later get the chance to watch the elephants enjoying a bath! We also take a trip along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, looking for the elusive gharial, a relative of the crocodile as well as a walk through the jungle to observe the many birds. The safari lodge has knowledgeable and helpful staff that accompany us on all the excursions. We take the time to visit a nearby Tharu Village, the Tharu people are one of the oldest and also largest ethnic group in the Terai.

Day 13

After breakfast we return to Kathmandu. We should arrive mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to relax or for last minute sightseeing and shopping.

Day 14

In the early morning there is the opportunity to do a mountain flight to view Everest (weather permitting). This optional extra can be booked in Kathmandu at the trip briefing. The extra cost is approximately US$131 or £85 payable in cash or travellers cheques only. This is reputedly one of the most beautiful scenic flights in the world and lasts an hour and a half, depending on the type of aircraft used. If the flight is cancelled due to bad weather the fee is refunded. Please ask your leader if you wish to book this. Those not travelling back to London with the group will leave us in the morning. In the afternoon we depart Kathmandu on the overnight flight to London.

Day 15

Arrive London.