Day notes
Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to The Valley Guesthouse in Boudhanath (20 minutes drive). The guest house is located in the Buddhist Tibetan district. Afternoon at leisure, depending on your arrival time.
Boudhanath, is a significant cultural and religious district in the northeastern part of Kathmandu known for its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
The most famous sight is Boudhanath Stupa, a 20-minute walk from the guest house. Dominating the skyline, the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and most important stupas in Nepal, and among the largest in the world. Built in the 14th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A symbol of enlightenment, the stupa features a massive white dome topped with a golden spire and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, which symbolize his omniscience.
Boudhanath is home to over 50 monasteries, with several surrounding the stupa. Many of these monasteries are open to the public, allowing visitors to witness religious ceremonies, chanting, and prayers. Some of the most famous monasteries in the area are Shechen Monastery, Khawalung Monastery, and Thrangu Monastery.
The area surrounding the Boudhanath Stupa is known for its bustling market, offering a wide array of traditional Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, singing bowls, thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings), and other religious artefacts.
A lovely way to relax after your flight is to choose from one of the many cafes with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Stupa. Order a coffee and some traditional Mo:Mo and look out on the Stupa. Join the ritual of a Kora - a clockwise circumambulation of the Stupa, or watch devotees and pilgrims performing their Kora from the comfort of your cafe.
Transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM] to The Valley Guesthouse
Transfer
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
The Valley Guesthouse
Check-in to The Valley Guesthouse
Expert tips:
If you land at the same time as many other flights, queues can be long to get through immigration (over one hour) so you may prefer to obtain a visa in advance.
If you decide to get a visa on arrival the process is as follows:
- Register online using one of the many terminals on your right as you enter the arrivals building (there are people there to help you)
- Take a photo of your completed application
- Take this photo and queue at the payment desks with your passport and USD as payment. You will be provided with a receipt for your payment
- Join the queue for "visa on arrival" (there is a separate queue if you travelled Business Class)
It may seem a little chaotic at first but there are many airport team members around to help and guide you to the right queues.
Once you have had your passport stamped, follow the signs to the luggage belts.
Pick up your luggage and walk through to the exit. As you walk outside the terminal building, you will see people waiting to meet passengers. Look out for your name on a sign.
Included:
At the Valley Guest House, an allocation of 600 NPR per person is included and you can choose to use this for either lunch or dinner
Day notes
Today we have a full-day guided city tour of Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): This ancient religious complex perched atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley offers panoramic views of the city. It's famously known as the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys that reside there. You can admire the stupa's gleaming white dome and the iconic golden spire adorned with the watchful eyes of Buddha. The site is a beautiful mix of stupas, shrines, temples, and an art museum, surrounded by forests and paths.
Kathmandu Durbar Square and Surroundings: The heart of old town Kathmandu, this square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards, and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, the magnificent Taleju Temple, and the Kumari Bahal, home to the living goddess Kumari. The area is lively, filled with vendors, tourists, and locals, offering a bustling glimpse into the daily life and historical culture of Nepal.
Our last stop will be Pashupatinath (Hindu Religious Site): This sacred Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Pashupatinath is a sprawling temple complex with a collection of temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions spread along the river’s bank. It is particularly known for its ghats (cremation sites) and the rich ceremonies performed there. You may even witness an open-air cremation along the banks, or the sadhus meditating and performing rituals.
Included:
The city tour includes a guide, transport and entrance permits.
At the Valley Guest House, an allocation of 600 NPR per person is included and you can choose to use this for either lunch or dinner
Excluded:
Lunch
Day notes
This morning we fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (50 minutes).We will be welcomed at the airport by our guide and drive for 2 hours to Bardia Homestay, arriving in time for lunch.
Our guest house is located close to the entrance of Bardia National Park in the village of Shivapur. The house is surrounded by Tharu houses and flat fields where rice, wheat, corn, lentils and mustard grow. You can relax on the veranda outside your room, in the courtyard or climb to a pretty lookout where you can relax on comfy sofas in the shade of the mango and litchee trees from where you have a view of the countryside and the Shivalik hills that form the northern boundary of Bardia National Park.
The house has five comfortable and spacious en-suite bedrooms with mosquito nets. Showers work on solar power and provide 24-hour hot water. The solar also means there is electricity so a ceiling fan will keep you cool. There is a small and cosy dining room but we can also take meals outside under the mango tree. Food is plentiful and prepared using local fresh produce from the homestay gardens and surrounding fields.
This afternoon we will go by jeep to the local community for a short walk in the local forest with a ranger and then we will meet the people who share their lives with that wildlife that is so close by to understand how humans and wildlife can co-exist here. We will meet some people who have had encounters, and even been attacked by leopards and tigers, as well as understand the local conservation efforts.
Check-out from The Valley Guesthouse
Transfer from The Valley Guesthouse to Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer
The Valley Guesthouse
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Scheduled Flight from Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM] to Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Scheduled Flight
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Transfer from Nepalgunj Airport [KEP] to Bardia Homestay
Transfer
Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Bardia Homestay
Check-in to Bardia Homestay
Expert tips:
Ask for a seat on the right-hand side of the plane for a view of the Himalayas
Bardia Homestay
- Towels and toilet paper are provided but please bring your own toiletries. Rooms are not serviced but you can ask for clean towels or clean sheets for your bed whenever you like.
- You will need a refillable water bottle that can be topped up with filtered water. We will walk for a full or half day in the park. so we recommend carrying 2 litres of water (2 bottles)
- As waste disposal is not easy in such a remote location, please do not leave behind any plastic
Day notes
Full-day jungle walk Bardia National Park (7:00 am – 5.30 pm.) We will walk along small tracks, cross rivers and sit at watchtowers and riverbanks to wait for the animals to move to the river to drink. The total walking distance is between 15 – 20 km.
Bardia National Park is one of Nepal’s best kept secrets. Located in the Terai region, it is Nepal’s largest national park and wilderness area, protecting 968 km² of sal forest, grassland, savannah and riverine forest. It has few visitors in comparison to the more famous Chitwan, but still with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife (It has the same number of Bengal Tigers)
Bardia is also the habitat for the wild Asian Elephant and the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. Among the other 50 species of mammal living in Bardia Leopard, Swamp Deer and Grey Langur Monkey. With more than 400 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal Florican and Sarus crane, Bardia is a paradise for bird lovers.
Expert tips:
During the days at Bardia, we will be looking out for the following mammals:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Asian Elephant
- Leopard
- Spotted Deer
- Swamp Deer
- Barking Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Hog Deer
- Langur Monkey
- Macaque Monkey
- Smooth-coated Otter
- Wild Boar
For walking days you will need:
- Daysack
- Refillable water bottle (2 bottles are ideal)
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Spare pair of socks
- Small trek towel as we may have to cross a stream
- Sun hat or cap
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirt to cover up from the sun
- Sun-tan lotion (at least factor 30)
- Camera
- Binoculars
We will walk for periods of time and then take a break for observation I.e. we are not walking continuously for the day, however a reasonable level of walking fitness is required.
Day notes
Jeep and Camping Safari in Bardia National Park
Today we will take a full-day jeep safari into the mid-west and northwest parts of the park, stopping at viewpoints and making short jungle walks on the way.
Around 3:00 PM we arrive at our camping site in the northwest part of the park. The site is on the riverbank with a view of the Karnali River and, in the distance, the Churia hills north of Bardia National Park.
There is time for a walk in the area before we settle down to dinner in camp.
Expert tips:
The camp will have our guide, a ranger and two staff members (for cooking and managing the campsite)
Facilities are basic. There are no bathrooms - a small tent with a hole in the ground is provided or you can use the forest area. You can wash in the river or the camp staff will provide a bucket of water and a scoop.
Tents are small pop-ups, with an inflatable mattress, and sleeping bag provided.
A simple dinner and breakfast will be freshly made at the campsite.
Note there may be another group from another lodge at the same time as this is a community site.
Pack light for the night, you will need very little with you
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush/comb
- Warm fleece for the evening and early morning (the staff will light a fire)
- Small trek towel for hands and face
- Sandals for walking round camp
Day notes
Full-Day Jeep Safari
After breakfast, we leave the campsite and have a full day using the jeep for safari. As in the previous day, we will stop at viewpoints and take short walks for wildlife sightings.
Around 17:00, we will return to our homestay.
Day notes
Full day jeep safari in the National Park
Day notes
Before breakfast, a birdwatching walk along the river in the village. We will return to the homestay for breakfast and you have time to shower and pack before we leave around 10:30 - 11:00. For those that wish, we can visit a local lady in the village who makes wonderful baskets.
En route to the airport, we weill drive to the Blackbuck Conservation Area where we will spend a couple of hours in the reserve and have lunch,
The Blackbuck Conservation Area is a protected area in Nepal named after the Blackbuck, a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. The conservation area, managed by the local community, was established in 2009 to protect the small Blackbuck population and their grassland habitat.
Fly back to Kathmandu around 16:30 and on arrival, we will drive for around 45 minutes to Bhaktapur, where we will stay for 2 nights at the Shiva Guest House.
Located about 20 km east of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan.
We will arrive this evening at the Shiva Guest House, pleasantly located in the heart of the Durbar Square and standing next to the Yaksheshwor Temple, the city’s oldest edifice dating back to 1472 AD.
Check-out from Bardia Homestay
Transfer from Bardia Homestay to Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Transfer
Bardia Homestay
Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Scheduled Flight from Nepalgunj Airport [KEP] to Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Scheduled Flight
Nepalgunj Airport [KEP]
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM] to Shiva Guest House
Transfer
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Shiva Guest House
Check-in to Shiva Guest House
Expert tips:
Apart from the Blackbuck, which is the flagship species of the conservation area, the grasslands and scrub forests of the area provide habitat for several other species of wildlife, including Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Indian Crested Porcupine, Bengal Fox and Indian Grey Mongoose. It is hard to spot any other mammals here other than than Blackbuck.
It is also home to a wide variety of bird species such as Peafowl, Indian Roller and Drongo.
It is important to note that the Blackbuck population in the reserve is small, and sightings are not guaranteed. However, the conservation area offers the best, and a unique, chance of observing this rare and beautiful species in its natural habitat.
Day notes
A day to explore Bhaktapur on a guided walk through the city.
Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most are terracotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines.
Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Bhaktapur has its gem in its Durbar Square, a world heritage site listed by UNESCO. Once the seat of Royalty during the Malla period (1200-1769 AD). The bricked paves palatial enclave encompasses, among others, a host of palaces, courtyards, temples and monasteries
Included:
Tour of Bhaktapur
Excluded:
Lunch is not included today.
Optional Activity: Sunrise at Nagarkot - price TBC but approx $30-$60 USD depending on the number of people wishing to do this activity
An early start to watch the rising sun on the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. We will drive to Nagarkot and a viewing point (2,195m) for a breaht-taking sunrise and the panoramic views of eight Himalayan mountain ranges (Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Jugal, Rolwaling, Langtang, Mahalangur and Numbur)
This activity is weather-dependent. If it is cloudy we will not see the Himalayas.
Day notes
After breakfast, it's time to return to the jungle! Transfer to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu to check-in for a flight to Bharatpur (25 minutes)
Drive to Sapana Village Lodge, a haven of sustainable hospitality nestled in the heart of Sauraha, Chitwan. The cottage-style accommodation is charming and well-located located close to Chitwan National Park and surrounded by the vibrant Tharu community.
Infused with the essence of local Tharu art and culture, all 30 rooms at Sapana Village Lodge are meticulously designed in an authentic Tharu style, adorned with decorations that symbolise the ancient heritage and environment. Each room features large and comfortable beds, air conditioning, ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms with 24-hour hot water, generous windows, and a private balcony or veranda for you to take in the breathtaking views.
After lunch, we will have the afternoon for a jeep safari in the National Park. Chitwan is one of the most famous wildlife parks in Asia. With an area of 932 square km, it offers a great diversity of flora and fauna. There is a good chance of spotting one of the 690 rhinos, and if we are lucky a Sloth Bear (there are 200-250 individuals) or a tiger (around 125 individuals)
Check-out from Shiva Guest House
Transfer from Shiva Guest House to Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer
Shiva Guest House
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM] to Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Transfer
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Transfer from Bharatpur Airport [BHR] to Sapana Village Lodge
Transfer
Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Sapana Village Lodge
Check-in to Sapana Village Lodge
Day notes
Today we will have a full-day jungle walk in the National Park.
Day notes
Full day jeep safari in the National Park
Day notes
Sunrise walk with retired elephants
Sapana Village Lodge collaborates with Direct Aid Nepal and has established a chain-free shelter for rescued elephants. The lodge is dedicated to practicing ethical elephant activities aimed at caring for these majestic giants. The guiding principle is “No Chain, No Pain, and No Ride.” The lodge encompasses a vast grassland area with a flowing river, providing a picturesque setting to observe elephants enjoying baths, grazing, or playing in the mud.
06:30 - 08:30 Sunrise Elephant Bush Walk (Guided Trip). Listen to the stories about our amazing herd. There will be many photo opportunities. After your walk you have breakfast outside across the river.
Transfer to the airport for our short flight back to Kathmandu and then on to the Valley Guest House for our last night in Nepal.
Check-out from Sapana Village Lodge
Transfer from Sapana Village Lodge to Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Transfer
Sapana Village Lodge
Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Scheduled Flight from Bharatpur Airport [BHR] to Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Scheduled Flight
Bharatpur Airport [BHR]
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM] to The Valley Guesthouse
Transfer
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
The Valley Guesthouse
Check-in to The Valley Guesthouse
Included:
At the Valley Guest House, an allocation of 600 NPR per person is included and you can choose to use this for either lunch or dinner
Day notes
Depart to the airport to check in for your international flight home.
Check-out from The Valley Guesthouse
Transfer from The Valley Guesthouse to Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
Transfer
The Valley Guesthouse
Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]
