Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

HIMALYAN MAJESTY:
NEPAL DISCOVERY

October - May

The Kingdom of Nepal, an ancient land of great beauty and diversity, lies between Tibet to the north and India to the south. It is a country of roadless wilderness, snow-covered mountains, lush jungles and densely populated valleys, where the majority of people live in small villages accessible only by foot. This mystical and magical land was opened to westerners in 1951. It offers a kaleidoscope of natural and cultural wonders, from the highest mountains on Earth to a veritable living museum of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, with shrines and temples dating back to the 12th century.

On your trip, you'll explore the enchanting medieval cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. You'll learn about the fascinating Buddhist and Hindu religions, observe distinctive Newar architecture, and soak in the flavors and rhythms of Nepal's traditional culture. You’ll enjoy an unbelievably scenic flight to Mount Everest, gazing at the majestic, snow-capped Himalayas and looking down on the villages and temples below. Near Nagarkot, you’ll embark on an easy day-trek that will take you through lovely Nepalese villages on your way to a mountainside Hindu shrine. You’ll then travel to the jungles of Nepal, Royal Chitwan National Park, where you’ll search for the Indian rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger from the back of an elephant! In Pokhara, you’ll embark on another phenomenal day-trek (easy) along the foothills of the Annapurna range. Your Nepalese adventure also includes an easy whitewater rafting trip down the beautiful Trisuli River.

The Nepal Discovery adventure will introduce you to Nepal’s rich cultures, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife, while also offering you several exciting soft adventures (elective). And throughout your stay, you will retire to first class hotels!

All included adventures are elective and low-intensity.

This trip includes your choice of 1-2 lectures from the topics listed below. Delivered by a regional specialist, these lectures will supplement the information conveyed by your top-notch guides. Some lectures may not be available on certain departures.

-- History of Nepal
-- Nepali sculpture
-- Nepali peoples and cultures
-- Buddhism
-- Hinduism
-- Vipasana Meditation
-- Yoga seminar
-- Nepali woodcarving and crafts

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly from the U.S. to Kathmandu, arriving around midday on day 3. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your international flights, or explore the durbars (palaces), squares, and crowded bazaars of the fascinating Thamel area. You’ll see a wide variety of Nepalese art and handicrafts. Hotel Yak & Yeti (D)

This morning, weather-permitting, you’ll take an amazing hot air balloon flight over Kathmandu valley, enjoying panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas, picturesque Bhaktapur, and several Buddhist and Hindu temples below. You’ll then visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site, as well as Bodhnath, a huge Buddhist stupa revered by both Tibetan and Newar Buddhists. In the afternoon, you’ll take a fascinating walking tour of Bhaktapur, a delightful traditional village far removed from the twentieth century. Hotel Yak & Yeti (B,D)

Depart on a wonderfully scenic mountain drive to Nagarkot, the best ground-based viewing point for observing the Himalayan range. After enjoying a leisurely lunch at the Club Himalaya Resort, you’ll embark on an easy alpine trek (mostly level or downhill) from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan, a mountainside Hindu temple, stopping at a couple of Nepalese villages where you can observe their traditional cultures. Return to Kathmandu. Hotel Yak & Yeti (B,L)

Morning scenic flight to Mount Everest. Then explore Patan, the artistic and architectural center of the valley. Patan’s Durbar Square alone has 55 major temples and 136 monasteries. Strolling through town, you’ll soon discover why Patan is also called Lalitpur or beautiful town. Afterwards, you’ll visit Swayambunath, a truly spectacular Buddhist stupa situated atop a 540-foot-high hill. Hotel Yak & Yeti (B)

Morning drive to Trisuli River entry point. Here you’ll embark on an easy, exciting, and very scenic whitewater rafting trip down the Trisuli, a class 3+ river which winds its way through verdant mountainside valleys. Your rafting excursion will last four to five hours, after which you will be transferred to Royal Chitwan National Park, where you will spend two nights. Evening lecture on wildlife.Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. (B,L,D)

Chitwan National Park was established in 1962 by the late King Mahendra as a rhinoceros reserve. Covering an area of 932 square kilometers, the park’s swamp, elephant grass and jungle provide a natural habitat for the the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, gaur, sloth, wild bear, barking deer, sambar, mongoose, civet, and otter. Approximately 40 tigers live in Chitwan. You will have a variety of activities to choose from while you are at Tiger Tops, including elephant-back excursions in search of the rhino and tiger, excorted nature walks, jeep drives and boat rides. In the evening, you’ll have wildlife lecture/cultural show. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. (B,L,D)

This morning is your last opportunity to take an elephant back excursion or nature walk through the jungle. In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic drive to Pokhara, passing terraced fields, rural villages, swift rivers and lofty mountains. Pokhara’s beautiful subtropical valley lies at 2,000 feet, affording you wonderful views of 25,000-foot-high, glacier covered peaks. The valley is also dotted with lovely lakes. Pokhara Lodge. (B,D)

Today, take a full or half day hike (escorted) to Sarangkot, a charming mountain-top village with stunning views of the Annapurna range and Lake Phewa. Hiking along ancient footpaths, you’ll meet the colorful Chetri, Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung peoples of central Nepal. You’ll also be treated to views of the majestic summits of Dhaulagiri (26,810 feet) and Manaslu (26,265 feet). This is a wonderful mini-trek.

Alternatively, spend time milling around Pokhara’s bazaar district or the Lakeside area of Phewa Tal. You may also visit the Hindu Temple of Bidhyavasini. Pokhara Lodge. (B,L,D)

Morning airport transfer for your flight to Kathmandu. Free time in Kathmandu. Hotel Yak & Yeti (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the U.S. (B; meals en route)

Call 1-800-869-0639 Request Information

Trip Cost Includes:
o All elective soft adventures
o Accommodations for 9 nights in first class hotels and lodges based on double occupancy
o 19 meals as indicated
o 1-2 supplemental lectures
o All transfers and land transportation
o Entrance/park fees
o All instruction and leadership

2008 Land Cost:	$ 2,935 (check) or $3,025 (credit card)
Trip Length:	13 days
Deposit:	$ 500
Single Supplement from:	$ 580
Trip Grade:	Easy
Accommodations:	mainly Deluxe
Airfare (est.):	$ 1,600 (New York)
Internal Airfare (est.):	$ 150

Trip Grade: Easy/Moderate. Emphasis on “off the beaten track” experience. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Physical activities include hiking on mountain trails, rafting, elephant back riding, and jungle nature walks. Accommodations are in first class hotels and lodges. In general, this trip is suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys exploring out of doors.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class hotels and lodges based on double occupancy; 19 meals as indicated in the itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated in the itinerary; tips to camp staff; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from Nepal.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy of a room mainly in deluxe hotels and lodges.

Climate: Nepal has a monsoon season with heavy rains from June to September. Consequently the favored trekking months are October to May. Temperatures vary according to altitude, requiring a variety of clothing layers. Generally, shortsleeve weather is common during midday in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Evening temperatures drop to the 40's between November to March, and to the high 50's in April, May, and October.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip provided the maximum has not already been reached. Guaranteed departure with minimum of two travelers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties .

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised to protect you in the case of cancellation due to illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an trip except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of any changes. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.