Hot Spring Trek And Wildlife Safari - 11 Days - 11 Days

Tatopani – “hot water” has long been a favorite stop for weary trekkers. Tatopani village gains its name from the hot springs below the village and near the new road. There are two stone pools on the banks of the river. The carefully designed itinerary of eleven days Hot spring trek and wildlife safari provides the experience of viewing mountain panorama from Poon Hill which is a viewpoint for the spectacular Himalayan panorama extending from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre; along with the relaxation in the hot springs at Tatopani and then drive all the way to get immersed in the jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. Tatopani is accessible both from Beni and Pokhara through jeep drive but we take a route from Pokhara – Tatopani – Beni and we drive to Chitwan on our way back to Kathmandu from Beni. The Chitwan National Park has Sal forests that cover 70% of the area and there are about 600 species of plants and 450 species of birds. Nepal is also home to the only significant number of one-horned rhinos and other endangered species like the Bengal Tiger, the Gangetic dolphins, and the gharial crocodiles. There are altogether over 43 species of large mammals, 526 species of birds, 150 different types of butterflies, 126 species of fish, and 49 species of reptiles in this wonderful Park.

Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: NO

Acclimatize KATHMANDU
After breakfast, we depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.” We visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with old glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterward, we visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. We proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later we visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner

Fly to POKHARA (884m/2900ft)
After morning breakfast in the hotel, we take a 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu Airport to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you have the free day to explore this beautiful city on your own. Meals: Breakfast

Drive to NAYAPUL (1070m/3511ft); Trek to TIKHEDHUNGA (1540m/5053ft)
After breakfast, we drive 41km/25 miles to Nayapul for the start of our trek. A steep trail from Nayapul directs us down to a bridge over a small stream to get to Birethanti, a large and prosperous village. From Birethanti we take the left branch of the trail on the west side of the bridge at the ACAP Checkpost where we need to show the ACAP permit and TIMS Card. Following the trail through the main streets of Birethanti, winding through bamboo forests and past a large waterfall and swimming hole we reach Sudami beyond a pasture used by caravans. We climb steadily up the side of the valley to reach Hille and about 15 minutes above Hille is the Tikhedhunga. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to GHOREPANI (2750m/9023ft)
This is a 4-6 hours trek which starts crossing the Tikhedhunga Khola on a suspension bridge, then drops and crosses the Bhurungdi Khola on a large bridge at 1520m. The trail climbs very steeply on a stone staircase that is said to have more than 3300 steps which continue to the large Magar village of Ulleri (2080m) and climbing gently through the pastures and cultivated fields the trail makes its way to deep forests to reach a hamlet of Banthanti. Crossing the magnificent oak and rhododendron forests the trail passes through two sparkling clear streams, a small ridge, and another stream before making a final climb to another Magar village of Nangathanti (2460m). About an hour past this village we reach Ghorepani where we can see eight different species of Nepal’s national flower rhododendron in the hillsides below Ghorepani.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to TATOPANI (1190m/3904ft)
Early in the morning, we begin the trek for hiking to Poon Hill ( 3210m). From Poon Hill, we see the mountain panorama that stretches from Dhaulagiri I (8167m) and Tukuche (6920m) to Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Tarke Kang (7193m). It takes an hour to climb from here to Poon Hill, offering one of the best Himalayan viewpoints in Nepal from where spectacular Himalayan ranges with an amazing sunrise view can be seen very closely. After observing the wonderful Himalayas we return to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we continue our journey to Tatopani. The trail makes a descend steeply to Chitre at 2420m. As the trail drops down through the large and prosperous Magar village of Sikha, the hills are extensively terraced. From Shikha, the trail descends gently to Ghara at 1780m. A further steep descent of 500m takes us to Ghar Khola where the trail crosses the river on a suspension bridge. We then make another climb up above the Kaligandaki River before crossing the river. As we turn north, it takes us to the Tatopani. Tato means ‘hot’ and pani is ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs by the river. Tatopani is one of the popular shorter trek spots out of Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore TATOPANI
On this day we stroll around the traditional Tatopani village and relax in the natural hot springs. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Beni; Drive to CHITWAN
Early morning after breakfast we start trek to Beni from where we will be picked up by a private car and we drive all the way to Chitwan National Park for immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature. Chitwan National Park, the world heritage-listed site. It is famous as one of the premier wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia and we will have an excellent chance of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, and 450 species of birds. The reserve protects over 932 sq km of Sal forests, water marshes, and rippling elephant grassland, and with the snowcapped Himalaya in the distance, it’s no wonder this place is very popular. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities in CHITWAN
The most famous activities in Chitwan include:
JUNGLE SAFARI
For jungle safari, a four-wheel jeep is easy to go deep into the park, viewing some of the rare species of flora and fauna. We can also go on foot into the park escorted by our experienced guide who will interpret the concealed secrets of the jungle. Elephant safari is popular in Sauraha jungle safari. Elephants are accessible in almost all resort and lodge in Sauraha
CANOEING/BOATING
Another popular activity in the park is the boat/canoe trip down the Rapti and the Narayani Rivers. This is one of the most serene ways to explore the area as float downstream with the river’s flow.
BIRD WATCHING
Chitwan National Park is home to about 500 species of residential and migratory birds. During Jungle safari and canoe trips, we have a great opportunity to see many species of birds including waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese, cormorants, woodpeckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans, red-headed trogons, and many others.
THARU VILLAGE TOUR
The other activities include the observation of the Tharu community, their culture, living style, and many other traditional customs. We can also go for a Tharu village tour.
ELEPHANT BREEDING CENTER is another attraction in Chitwan National park. And if we are lucky enough, we might have the chance to enjoy the elephant polo and Sauraha festival.
JUNGLE WALK
For more adventure and intimacy with nature, we can walk through the jungle which will be accompanied by a well-trained nature guide. This is a very enjoyable program that allows us to have a close watch and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive back KATHMANDU
We drive back from Chitwan to Kathmandu and are dropped at the hotel. In the evening you will be invited to join FAREWELL reviewing great photos and share experiences of the trip. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Fly back HOME or extend your HOLIDAYS
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, Tibet, India or Bhutan tours etc. Meals: Breakfast

Cost Include

All airport/hotel pick up and drop in private car/van
3 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
4 Nights stay in Tea House during the trek. It means, sharing Bathroom
An experienced English speaking Trekking Guide and a Porter during the trek
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging cost for guide and porter ( 2 Trekkers-1 Porter )
During the Trek, we will have Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee each time only
Welcome and Farewell Meals and Breakfasts while in Kathmandu
National Park Permit and TIMS for Annapurna
Airfare from Jomsom to Pokhara and domestic flight departure taxes
Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag that needs to be returned to office after trek completion
ACH Kitbag and T-shirt for you
Two nights three nights Full board ( Include all meals, accommodation, and actives – Elephant Ride, Birds Watching, Canoe Ride, Jungle Walk with Guide and Elephant Bathing views )
1 Night in Pokhara, includes Breakfast

Cost Exclude

Nepal Visa fee
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of personal nature
Travel insurance including evacuation
1 Lunch in Kathmandu
Tips for local staffs, guides, and porters
Entrance Fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Desserts, Mineral Water, Hot Shower, Hot Water, Wi-Fi