ALL ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES

THE EVEREST EXPERIENCE FLIGHT

We have mountain flights that offer a panoramic encounter with the highest peaks on earth. The aircraft departs from Kathmandu and flies alongside the Himalaya to give you ey-level views of the snow peaks and then brings you back in one hour. Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mid-boggling sight.
As the aircraft takes off and heads towards the east, you don't have wait too long to find out what's in store for you. First to your far left, you see Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangama, standing at the majestic height of 8,013 m. Immediately to the right of Gosaithan, there appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), a mountain that looks like the number 8 lying down and covered with snow. To the right of Dorje Lakpa is Phurbi-Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.
As the aircraft glides along, the mountains come closer and closer. Nest on the vision is Choba-Bhamara, the smallest one of the lot at 5,933 m but singularly stubborn as it has never been climbed. Then appears the mountain that is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality - Gauri-Shankar. Lord Shiva (Shanker) and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134m, and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. Gauri-Shanker is sharp and very conspicuous durig the mountain flight. As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalaya, a succession of glorious mountain follow. Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain, stretches up to 7,023m. Chugimago at 6,297 m is still a virgin, waiting to be climbed. At 6,956 m, Number mountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solukhumbu. Next is Karyolung, and intensely white mountain that at 6,511 m gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8,201 m, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft.
Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, at majestic height of 7,952 m, considered and extremely difficult climb. To the right of Gyachungkang is Pumori (7,161m). As you get closer to Everest, there's Nuptse (7,855m), which means West Peak, signifying its direction from Everest. Finally, there's Everest (8,848m) itself, known as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Much has already been written about Everest, but to actually witness if face to face during a mountain flight is some thing else. Even while it looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this highest spot on earth.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

On Balloon Sunrise, Nepal's one-hour hot air balloon flight, the views become unforgettable. Rise gently over the red-tile roofed houses, temples and stupas and drift weightlessly over green terraced fields in the crisp morning air. Within minutes of the ascent, the majestic Himalayan panorama will greet you, from the rugged Langtang Himal all the way to Mt. Everest. Let moments freeze as you drift beyond the pristine valley on board the world's oldest but safest method of air travel. This one-hour on the balloon will leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime. Flying 3000m above the Kathmandu valley safely perched on a wicker basket opens up vast expanses of enchanting sights accessible only to the initiated. Breathe easily in the fresh, crisp air of the quintessential Kathmandu dawn as you absorb the 360 view of awe-inspiring landscape - lush green hills, terraced fields enriched by nature's colours, terra-cotta structures huddled together like watchful sentinels, gilded temple spires, lonely stupas. Each one bathed by the first golden rays of the rising sun.

ULTRA LIGHT AIRCRAFT

On Balloon Sunrise, Nepal's one-hour hot air balloon flight, the views become unforgettable. Rise gently over the red-tile roofed houses, temples and stupas and drift weightlessly over green terraced fields in the crisp morning air. Within minutes of the ascent, the majestic Himalayan panorama will greet you, from the rugged Langtang Himal all the way to Mt. Everest. Let moments freeze as you drift beyond the pristine valley on board the world's oldest but safest method of air travel. This one-hour on the balloon will leave everyone with memories to last a lifetime. Flying 3000m above the Kathmandu valley safely perched on a wicker basket opens up vast expanses of enchanting sights accessible only to the initiated. Breathe easily in the fresh, crisp air of the quintessential Kathmandu dawn as you absorb the 360 view of awe-inspiring landscape - lush green hills, terraced fields enriched by nature's colours, terra-cotta structures huddled together like watchful sentinels, gilded temple spires, lonely stupas. Each one bathed by the first golden rays of the rising sun.
Ultralight aircraft was introduced in Nepal in 1996 and has been offering tours in and around Pokhara valley from Pokhara airport. Because of the proximity of the mountains and the scenic lake, Pokhara is the appropriate place for this activity as they share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites and float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungle, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas. For those who wish they could fly like birds, this flight is a must. The flights are operated in the morning from sunrise till 11am and from 3pm till sunset in the months from September till June. It flies at the speed of 50-130kms/hr depending on wind direction and speed. It can even take off and land in a field or on a dirt road. The aircraft has two seats; a passenger and a pilot only. Three different routes are taken:

Fly for Fun

The flight duration is 15 minutes. The aircraft flies over the Pokhara city, Fewa Lake, Sarangkot Hill, over the Buddha Monastery and the south side of the city at the speed of 50 km/hour to 90 km/hr. The maximum altitude attained is 5,000 feet. This flight is designed for the fun-lover. This short flight will give you a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Range with a view of another 8000-meter peak - Dhaulagiri, in the distance.

Glory of Mt. Fish Tail

Not quite, but still this flight takes you slightly higher and further, as close to the Fish Tail as is possible without compromising the safety. The flight duration is 30 minutes. The speed is 90 km/hr. The maximum altitude attained is 9,000 feet. You will fly over the Tibetan refugee camp and as far as Lamachaur, on the northern part of the valley. The view is simply superb.

Mountain Sky Trek

Flight duration is 1 hour. This flight covers the whole of the Annapurna range at the speed of 90 km/hr to 130 km/hr. The altitude attained is 12, 000 feet, high above the clouds. We take you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddhist monastery on the south side of the city, as well as the Tibetan refugee camp and past Lamachour to the north. The view is simply superb. This flight is intended for those who like to live life on the fast track, and love a little adrenaline rush now and then. Before Flight, you will be briefed about the flight path (route) before take off, so you can prepare for pictures and point of interest ahead of time. All the aircraft can fly close to each other so that you can enjoy your flight with your family friends and take pictures of each other. You can even play hide and seek in the air or go for roller coaster ride if you wish!
The Aircraft, Safety and insurance:
The aircrafts are manufactured in Russia and are powered by Rotax 582 engines.
The operational speed ranges from 50 km/h to 130 km/h. These are two-seater planes, which carries one pilot and one passenger in every flight. These aircraft can fly for four hours and reach the height of 5000 meter flying 300 km at a stretch.
Their high aerodynamic qualities allow this delta wing aircraft to perform long flights with engine turned off. Their unique design includes a ballistic parachute system, which enables the aircraft to land safely during emergencies.

PARAGLIDING

Paragliding is the purest form of flying. By harnessing the elements and rising currents of warm air, one can stay aloft for many hours and travel great distances. This simple engine-free aircraft fits easily into a rucksack and weighs around 12kg. Because it can fly very slowly, we can foot launch and gently land again with minimum effort, making it perfect for pioneering new sport of adventure flying. Paragliding in Nepal amongst the grandest scenery on earth is an inspiring experience. Tandem flying involves a pilot flying with one passenger. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and to the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety, so that the passengers can just sit back, relax and take in the epic scenery. The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepal's second "city", nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here of three of the world’s 8000 m peaks, are unsurpassed. There are several sites around Phewa Tal (the lake) but the most accessible and the popular is Sarangkot (1,500m).

BUNGY JUMPING

Bungy Jumping has finally found a natural home in the highest mountain range in the world. First developed in New Zealand, this adventure sport is an extremely exciting development for adventure travel in Nepal.
Located close to Nepal-Tibet border , 100km northeast and a 3 hours drive from Kathmandu, there is a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the wild Bhoti Kosi River gorge and at an of altitude 3600 feet, the site of bungee jump in Nepal is considered among the best in the world. The place called last resort the bridge has been specially designed for bungy jumping sport with 4X safety factor. The bridge has load capacity of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements. Bungy jump in Nepal may be the most spectacular jump on the planet. As it is up to the height of 160m above river and is fascination natural surroundings so close to Tibet will help to make your jump a magical and mysterious experiences.

ROCK CLIMBING

This tourist hub offers some really terrific places for people who like crawling up vertical cliffs with the help of their fingernails. If you don't have the time to take on some Himalayan peak during this visit, the Valley perimeter offers a number of stone wall guaranteed to keep you on your toes.
Where and how to get there Nagarjun (also known as Jamacho) is the forested hill which lies to the northwest of the Swayambhu stupa. The climbing cliff here is located inside the Royal Forest and is suitable for both beginners and regulars. The limestone face is about 10-12 meters high, and there are several piton equipped routes. To get there, take a taxi to Balaju (3 km from downtown Kathmandu) and then walk to the Park entrance. From the gate, follow the dirt road to a point just before the army checkpost where you will come across a track leading to the right. Follow this trail through trees and shrubs for about five minutes, and there's the cliff. Another interesting rock wall is situated on the slope of Shivapuri hill to the north of Kathmandu. The granite faces here lie scattered about, and the big cliff in the center is equipped with a single route. To get there, to by taxi or bus to Budhanilkanthaq (9km), the shrine of the Sleeping Bishnu, then walk west from the bus stop passing Budhanilkantha School on you right. The trail then climbs along the left bank of the Bishnumati stream through terraced fields and enters the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. The cliffs can be seen from a distance, so you won't have much difficulty finding the place.

CULTURAL SHOW

Several cultural centers in Kathmandu present Nepalese Classical and Folk dances every evening with traditional costumes and jeweler. Some of them also offer the possibility of sampling a typical Nepali dinner, thus making it a whole evening’s affair. The one-hour show includes dances performed by different communities of Nepal like Newars, Sherpas, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Tharus etc; using typical music instruments and dances mimicking animals and birds such as; Yeti, Yak and Peacock.

BRIDAL & HONEYMOON TOUR

We manage wedding ceremonies. We conduct bridal tours. Our services include: arranging a wedding venue, wedding costumes, hair-make up, bride and groom’s bouquets, photography and videography of the wedding ceremony, photo-tours, transfers to/from the wedding venue, assistants/interpreters, etc. We offer pre and post wedding tours. We also organise trips for honeymooners.
Please contact us for your special interest regarding the bridal tour, honeymoon tours and further information.

BIKING

Nepal has the plenty of the routes most suitable for the nice biking.
Bhaktapur-Banepa - Bhaktapur to Banepa, a historical town on the way to Tibet is terrific mountain biking. If you want to avoid trucks, there is an old road from Bhaktapur to Banepa that goes via Tathal and Nala. From Banepa, you can take a side-trip south to Panauti (7 km) or east to Dhulikhel (6 km). An interesting circuit is Banepa to Dhulikhel (6 km) to Namura (7 km) to Panauti (8 km) to Banepa (7 km). Kathmandu-Kodari - The 114-km highway linking Kathmandu with Kodari on the Chinese border follows the ancient trade route to Lhasa. Known as the Arniko Highway, this spectacular road leads east past Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Dolalghat and then turns north following the course of the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Picturesque villages and tranquil terraced fields against a backdrop of green hills are the scenic rewards on the trail. The trip takes four days up and down. Overnight at Dhulikhel of Brahabise (88 km from Kathmandu) and Totopani (3 km before Kodari) where the hot springs are and added attraction.
Kathmandu-Daman Biking. The 75 -km stretch up to Daman on the Tribhuvan Highway has been described as the best bike ride in Nepal. Until the bypass through Mugling opened about two decades ago, this was the only road to India. The good news for bikers is that there is very little traffic on the highway now. The road spirals up and down endless hills and passes through broad valleys and small villages. Exit the Kathmandu Valley at Thankot (10 km from Kathmandu) and on to Naubise (25 km) where the road forks. Turn left to Tistung (59km) and on to Palung (65 km) and finally Daman (altitude 2,400m). There is a view tower here which offers an incredible 400-km panorama of the Himalaya extending from Annapurna to Everest. The bike ride to Daman takes all day.
Balaju-Kakani
Biking. The route to Kakani (altitude 1,982 m) branches off at Balaju Bylpass (3 km to the northwest of Kathmandu central). It is a slow and easy ascent to this hill resort 23 km northwest of Kathmandu. The trip offers a magnificent view of Ganesh Himal along with the fresh and serene atmosphere of the hills. There are a number of restaurants on the way.

CULTURAL STUDY TOUR PACKAGES (VOLUNTEER PROGRAM)

We have introduced a Culture Study Program handled by a group of experienced personnel. This program is designed for people who wish to learn about Nepalese culture, caste system and customs by living with a host family and engaging in volunteer work in various fields. Our goal is to give an overview Nepal's diverse geographical and cultural environment and to help participants develop an awareness and deeper understanding of cultural differences.

ORNITHOLOGICAL TOURS (BIRDING TOURS)

Nepal is a bird watcher's paradise with 873 species (10% of the world total) of birds. And among them, almost 500 are found in the Kathmandu Valley alone. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the Valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds. The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km southeast of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded till date. The birds seen here include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted fork tail. The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, stituated 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, is another exciting location. Nagarjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill is situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju. It delights bird enthusiasts with blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli's eagles, Great Himalayan barbets and other exotic birds. As for the wetlands in the Valley, the banks of the Monohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorgo, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds. There are many other suitable places to visit for bird lovers beside Kathmandu .

RNOT 01 BIRD WATCHING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY (06 Nights / 07 Days)

Kathmandu valley, with over 300 species of birds in the single valley, offers one of the best bird watching opportunities. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the Valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, greeted and transferred to the hotel. O/night at hotel.

Day 02 -05: Full-day Birding Excursions:
The most popular bird watching spot in the valley is the Phulchowki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20km southeast of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded till date. The birds seen here include babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail. The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve, situated 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, is another exciting location. Nagarjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill is situated 5 km from Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju. It delights bird enthusiasts with blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli's eagles, Great Himalayan barbets and other exotic birds.As for the wetlands in the Valley, the banks of the Manohara river on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati river, which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds whereas some of the old palace compounds and bamboo grooves provide best spots for the bats and owls.

Day 06: A half-day sight seeing tour to the ancient towns and fabled cities in Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure.All O/nights at hotel.

Day 07: Transfer to the airport for onward journey.

RNOT 02 KATHMANDU VALLEY, THE KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE AND THE ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (09 Nights / 10 Days)

Day 01-02: Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is a fascinating city that combines medieval and modern in unique fashion. Our three nights here will allow us to enjoy some of the valley's cultural and architectural highlights. Beautiful pagoda-style Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas (shrines), and laborate royal palaces abundant in Kathmandu provide homes for the Barn Owls that may be seen floating over the city at dusk, together with Night Herons and scores of ghostly Indian Flying Foxes. We will see many of the wetland birds that crowd the rivers and paddy fields that surround the city, whilst overhead it is hard to miss the Black Kites, Indian White-Backed Vultures and Steppe Eagles that wheel above the valley.
Phulchowki mountain is the focus of our attention during our time in Kathmandu. Driving to its summit to catch the sunrise over the Himalaya, we will spend a full day descending from its 9,000-foot crown, where frost and snow cling to a temperate forest of spruce, fir, oak and rhododendron, to the sub-tropical forest around the mountain's base at 5000 feet. The bird life on this forested mountain is the richest in the valley, on one visit producing the same long list of bird species. Here we will undoubtedly enjoy our first Himalayan woodpeckers, minivets, warblers, flycatchers, laughing-thrushes, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefenches, and possibly some of the mountain's more unusual species such as Grey-sided Laughing- thrush, Nepal Parrotbill and Cutia.

Day 03- 05: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:
We leave Kathmandu by a flight of about an hour to Biratnagar. A land rover drive of about two hours is enough to reach to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve from the airport. We stay here for three nights in Tented Camps with all basic amenities. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Eastern lowlands of Nepal. This reserve is a perfect habitat for a variety of bird species as it is part of a vast expanse of open water, marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats, and dry woodlands that lie to the north of the great Koshi barrage. This is one of Asia's finest wetlands and a fabulous birdwatching area. Almost all of Nepal's long list of wild foul, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, terns, and gulls occur here, plus a great variety of landbirds, especially warblers and birds of prey. Well in excess of a hundred species of birds may be seen daily in this wonderful area, including such local specialities as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon, and Striated Marsh Wabler. This region is also the last refuge of the Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and other mammals occurring here include Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Spotted Deer, Nilgai (or "Blue Bull" - the subcontinent's largest antelope), and the rare Ganges River Dolphin. This area is best explored in inflatable boats and on foot.

Day 06- 08: Royal Chitwan National Park
With the memorable stay at Koshi Tappu, we continue our search for more birds. The early-morning long drive across Nepal's terai (lowlands) will give us a further taste of the birds of Nepal's extensive tropical evergreen and riverine forests, grass lands, rivers and ox-bow lakes. Many of the beautiful woodpeckers, Owls, Kingfishers, Red Jungle Fowl, Black- headed Oriole, Long-billed Plovers, Ibis bills, Red-headed Trogon, Oriental Pied Hornbill and many other rare species may be added to our long list. We will explore the park on elephant back, on foot, by jeep and in canoes. We stay in comfortable Jungle lodges and Luxurious Tented Camps inside the park. Royal Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932 square kilometers of diverse habitats and tropical lowland situation. More than 500 species of birds have been already recorded in Chitwan itself out of the 900 total numbers of species found in all of Nepal! The wildlife wealth of other species of animals like the endangered Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Monkeys, the rare Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear and Gaur (the Asiatic bison), Crocodiles and even Wild Elephants!!

Day 09 Kathmandu
Today we drive back to Kathmandu from Chitwan via the scenic banks of the Trishuli. This leisurely drive further delights us by adding some exotic species of birds to our list. Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 10 We are transferred to the international airport for our final departure of this Nepal tour. We take all the marvelous memories with us.

RNOT 03 KATHMANDU VALLEY PLUS LOW LANDS (13 Nights / 14 Days)

Day 01: Kathmandu
We arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to our Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02-04: Royal Bardia National Park
Today we fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj airport, in the west of Nepal. From Nepalganj it is a drive of three hours or so to Bardia National Park, where we now spend two nights at Karnali Lodge and one night at Karnali Tented Camp, situated in a quiet and shady position on the edge of the jungle and beside the great Karnali River. Karnali Lodge is situated in Bardia National Park, in the lowlands of western Nepal, at the foot of the Siwalik Hills. Consisting of magnificent Sal and riverine forests, and extensive grasslands, the park's 1,000 square kilometers are home to Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, a few Blackbuck, Chital Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Serow, Goral, as well as the Marsh Mugger and the endangered Gharial Crocodile. Nearly 400 species of birds occur in the park, and we can expect to see nearly half of them! The Karnali River bound Bardia to the west; the largest in Nepal, and this enables us to explore the park by raft, as well as by jeep and on foot.

The Tented Camp, situated on the banks of the Karnali River, is patterned after the famous Tiger Tops Tented Camp in Royal Chitwan National Park and offers the same high quality facilities - spacious safari tents complete with camp-cots and separate hot and cold showers with modern jungle toilets. A fully stocked bar overlooking the scenic jungle and river panorama of the park is open until the last guest goes to bed.
Delicious Nepali curries and western cuisine are served around the campfire. From the Camp a network of game trails allow one to explore the wildlife of the jungle with the Camp's naturalists. Early morning and late afternoon Land rover or elephant rides to remote regions of Bardia offer good chances of glimpsing a Tiger or Sloth Bear, as well as large herd of Chital. A rubber raft float from the Camp down to the southern boundary of the park is a tranquil way of viewing the bird life and water - oriented animals such as Smooth Otters, Gangetic River Dolphins, Marsh Muggers and Gharial Crocodiles. We stop on one of the many islands for a peaceful picnic lunch.

It is also possible to cross the Karnali in a native dug - out and take a hike up the Karnali Gorge along an old trade route. Often we meet traders with their pack trains of sheep and ponies carrying salt from Tibet and returning with rice from the terai. One may come across Tibetans, Chhetris, Brahmins, Gurungs, and Magars. The traffic of "sheep-trains" with wonderful head -dresses is as colourful as the people ploughing the trade route. Depending on time available one can also take walks along the banks of the Girwa River and return via the Sal forest.

Day 05: Royal Chitwan National Park
After a day - long but very scenic drive eastwards, across the terai, we shall arrive at the Royal Chitwan National Park. Although tiring, it is also a fascinating journey. Driving through the 'terai' of lowland Nepal we pass through a variety of villages and towns giving a unique insight into the Nepalese way of life. By starting early in the morning, we shall aim to reach the Gaida Wildlife Lodge by late afternoon.

The park comprises 976 square kilometers of Sal and riverine jungle, a magnificent environment with a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 480 species of birds have been recorded here and we can expect to see nearly one third of these, as well as many mammals and reptiles. These are likely to include the endangered Indian Rhinocers, Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, Rhesus and Hanuman Monkey, and possibly Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial Crocodiles. Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and Gaur (wild bison) are all common and regular seen by the lucky ones! For our first two nights in Chitwan, we shall be staying in Gaida's comfortable jungle lodge experiencing the park.

Day 06: Royal Chitwna National Park
A full day of excursions from Gaida Wildlife Lodge. We shall explore the rivers by dug - out canoe, search the grasslands - for Tigers, Rhinos and other animals on elephant back, and go bird watching in the forest on foot. This should be an outstanding day.

Day 07: Royal Chitwan National Park
We shall now move to the peaceful location of Gaida Tented Camp, situated inside the Park. From the "heart of the jungle" we shall make excursions mainly on foot, and perhaps by jeep or by elephant back, allowing you to appreciate the Park's varied
habitats, and providing a chance to look at the dry Sal forest of the Churia Hills, where a very different range of species include such open forest dwelling families as woodpeckers, drongos, cuckoos, orioles, and perhaps such rarities as Ruddy Kingfisher and Red-headed Trogon.

Day 08-11: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
It is a hard day - long journey on the east-west highway from Chitwan to Koshi Tappu. Due to annual damage by the monsoon.

The highway is under a constant state of repair and tends to be a patchwork of good tarmac and rough dirt roads. By a very early start; we shall aim to reach Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp by late afternoon/early evening. The Camp lies on the edge of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve beside the great Koshi River. We shall be based here for four nights.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Sapta- Koshi River plain in the far eastern corner of Nepal, close to the country's southern border with India. The reserve covers 175 square kilometers to the north of the kilometer-long barrage that spans the Koshi River. This was built between 1958 and 1960 to control and prevent flooding in the plains of northern India to the south. The vast expanse of open water created by the barrage, and the marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats and one of the finest birdwatching sites in Asia. Almost all of Nepal's long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, egrets, terns, and gulls occur here, plus a great variety of landbirds, especially warblers and birds of prey. Well in excess of 100 species should be seen each day in this wonderful area, amongst them such local specialities as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and striated Marsh Wabler. The sharp-eyed may also be lucky enough to see some of the endangered Gangetic River Dolphins that live here.

The heart of the Reserve lies some 14km north of the barrage, where seasonally inundated grasslands, lagoons, and remnant patches of Khair (Acacia catechu) and Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) forest lie alongside the eastern bank of the broad Koshi River. This region is the last refuge of the Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and other mammals include Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Spotted Deer , Hog Deer, Nilgai (or"Blue Bull"- the subcontinent's largest antelope), and the rare Gangetic River Dolphin.

Your most regular and rewarding wildlife outings will be on foot, exploring the grasslands, river, lagoons, and woodlands close to the Camp, and the vicinity of the barrage, a short drive away. We shall also take you by raft onto the wide waters of the Koshi River to enjoy the bird life of the otherwise inaccessible sandbanks and islands.

Day 12: Kathmandu
This morning we must drive for a couple of hours to Biratnagar Airport, from where we catch our return flight to Kathmandu, past Mounts Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Our final two nights in Nepal will be spent in Kathmandu, where a walk to the restaurant this evening may well produce Night Heron, Indian Flying Foxes, and even Barn Owl, as all regularly fly over the city at dusk.

Day 13: Kathmandu
We shall spend a full day birdwatching on the forested slopes of Phulchowki, at 9000 feet the highest peak in the valley. Marble quarrying is sadly affecting the area, but it remains a wonderful birding spot. The variety of laughing, thrushers, babblers, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, flycatchers, sunbirds, tits, and warblers is tremendous. By driving to the top of Phulchowki Mountain in the early morning, we should get a good view of the snow-clad Great Himalaya, including many of the world's highest peaks (provide the weather is clear!). We shall then spend the rest of the day walking down the mountain through its fine temperate and subtropical forest, with a picnic lunch en route.

If you would prefer to spend the day doing a sightseeing tour of the city and temples of Kathmandu - or even an Everest flight! -We will be pleased to arrange this for you. A sightseeing tour will include Nepal's largest Hindu temple at Pashupatinath, the Buddhist "stupa" (shrine) and Tibetan settlement at Bouddhanath, the Buddhist "monkey temple" at Swoyambhunath with its fine view over the city, and the temples and old royal palace in Kathmandu's Durbar Square.

Day 14: Kathmandu
This morning we will be leaving Kathmandu for our flight to onward destination.

Music and Dance

Nepali classical music owes its origin to Rig Veda. Later the metrical chanting of its hymns found its expression in the songs of Sama Veda. Since then classical music has associated itself with every sphere of Nepalese classical life. For nearly 3,000 years, this tradition has been handed down from generation to generation.
The classical structure of a melody is known as Raga, and there are hundreds of Ragas either played on musical instruments or sung according to seasons and time. The 24 hour period is divided into 8 segments of 3 hours each and each Raga has to stick to a particular time frame in order to produce a desired effect. At times, some branches of these ragas composed of songs are intertwined with dances. Small group of itinerant minstrels namely Damais and Gaines have become an integral part of the Nepali folk culture. Through the ages the Gaines have been visiting door to door singing accompanied by the Sarangee, a local violin, their only means of survival. The Damais do the same thing with Sahanai (a recorder), (although they have another source of income from tailoring). The Damais also play Panchai Baja (Sahanai, Narsinga (horn), Damaha (drum), Dholaki (a recorder) and Tyamko (a small drum)) which they play in a group during weddings which is a feature of village life. Folk music in Nepal trives throughout the country embracing a wide range of ethnic diversities. Every community dances to the beat of the drum and melody of the flute on important occasions.
Both spatial and temporal in nature dance derives its liveliness from music which is merely temporal. In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is the Natraj, the supreme king of dancing, and when he danced his "Tandab Nritya", the whole planet earth was violently shaken. Since then classical dance has been based mainly on religion and myth. Nepal has had a tradition in which even epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana have been subjected to interpretation in dance.
Elaborate classical grammer which was laid down in "Natya Shastra" written in the 2nd century B.C. in India, gives much emphasis to the movement of the eyes and the gestures of the hadns to which Nepali dance also adheres.
The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley are the main exponents of classical dancing, with masked dances with a Tantric background, and in particular the Lakhe dance, and in Bhaktapur the colorful Mahakali masked dances are performed during the Indra Jatra festival each year.
As well, among the monasteries of Bouddhanath Tibetan masked dancing by monks can be seen at certain times of the year during celebrations and anniversaries and in western Nepal Magars perform Sorathi, and in the Terai the stick dance is usually seen.

CABLE CAR

The Cable car is situated in Kurintar which is near about 105 KM west of Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara will take you to the temple of wish fulfilling goddess Manakamana. At the cable car station Kurintar we can find some good resorts and restaurants, dedicated to serving the tourists. The Manakamana Temple lies 12 km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302m) overlooking the river valleys of Trisuli (south) and Marshyandi (west). The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as island above the sea of morning mist. People believe the Goddess here, fulfils the wishes of her devotees, thus she is regarded as Manakmana, the wish fulfilling deity.
Before the cable car was established in Kurnitar, millions of pilgrims used to do the long arduous trek up to the hilltop and most of them still do. From the cable car station in Kurintar, you will reach to Manankamana within 10 minutes or less. The ride covers a distance of 2.8 km. With 31 passenger and 3 cargo cars, each with a seating capacity of 6, the system has the overall capacity of handling 600 persons per hour. The adventure is to getting your wishes fulfilled.

• Drive Kathmandu to Kurintar (104 Kms) by car / tourist bus.
• Kurintar to Manakamana Temple (2.8 Km) by cable car (10 minutes duration)
• Visit Manakamana temple & return back to Kurintar by cable-car (10 minutes)
• Drive back to Kathmandu by Car/ tourist bus. More about Nepal

FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Filming in Nepal is something you never want to miss. The scenic beauty, the colorful customs and the historical sites will compel even the most amateur video maker and photographer to film his experiences.

HONEY HUNTING TOUR

It is the real and frequent activity of indigenous Gurung and Magar Community. This ancestral job of honey hunting still continues in many remote villages of Nepal while offering high tourism potential. A large section of travelers are increasingly showing their interest in honey hunting thereby ensuring staple sources of local revenue generation, besides Ghalegoan Bhujung and the hole of Annapurna region, Dhading and Jharlang across Ganesh Himal Arun valley in Makalu and other trekking areas have become Popular for honey hunting. Nerveless few lucky tourist get chance to observe honey hunting on spot while traveling along the trekking routes. There are myriad be nests found in the inner and outer rings of different trekking areas which if professionally scientifically and technically managed, provides an immense potentiality of promoting honey hunting as an add- on product.
Much of the climbing over steep and rugged cliffs that go up to 2,500m is done with the help of locally prepared hemp rope. Carrying large wickerwork basket for putting honey, steps are taken with utmost caution as there is no support system in the event of fall. Specially designed tool called Bahana is used to fetch honey. The hole process of climbing up and down fearful height by precariously balancing on craggy edges is quite heart – rending. Tourists entertain and prize these spectacular displays of skills and stamina in ‘natural’ and geographical setting. Honey hunting in the high hill (up to the attitude of 3500m), cliffs and dangerous places is a perfect activity for those adventure lovers who dare to choose adventure in any from, soft or hard ones. The scenery, technique, and symbolic language used to foster understanding between helpers are really found to be magical and witch crafting. In spite of the fact that Nepal has such a unique and rich cultural activity it is hardly been given due notice to owing to awareness and lack of professionalism. “Although honey hunting is feasible, it is yet to be Packaged and sold Professionalism. “Although honey hunting is feasible, it is yet to be packaged and sold professionally”. Sudarshan Pradhan, GM of Ghalegaon says. The resort is probably the first in Nepal To bring the preliminary concept of honey hunting package for tourists. He further says, “Many tourist from different countries are frequently requesting me to manage special package for honey hunting”.
Despite all these facts, we should be very careful about the natural and environmental effect, disappearance of wild bees and so many possible problems due to unskilled, unnatural and unbalanced honey hunting. About a decade ago 40-45 bee nets could be seen in Ghan Pokhara, but now that number is reduced to only five or six. Honey hunting should be promoted on the strength of skilled manpower and professionalism. Rough and wild, this trek takes you through less traveled country south of the Annapurnas and Lamjung Himal massif. This is a spectacular short trek, which traverses a variety of terrain from low land villages and rice terraces up to Nepal's largest Gurung (Gurkha) village (3000m). Throughout the trek you will enjoy great mountain views of Manaslu, Annapurna II, and the Lamjung Himal. The local people here are unaccustomed to trekkers and always provide a friendly welcome, as well as enjoying the odd party! Highlights: forests of bamboo and rhododendron, spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurnas and Lamjung Himal, traditional tribal villages.
Spring & Autumn is the best season to go this honey hunting!

Day To Day Itinerary:
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : Kathmandu – Besishahar (5hr Drive). Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Besishahar – Ghalegaun (6-7hr trek). Overnight at local lodge.
Day 04 : Ghalegaun – Bhujung (3hrs trek). Overnight at local lodge.
Day 05 : Bhujung – Thaku Bhir (hunting place). Overnight at camping.
Day 06 : ThakuBhir (Free day to watching hunting). Overnight at camping.
Day 07 : ThakuBhir – Bhujung (3hrs trek). Overnightlocal at lodge.
Day 08 : Bhujung – Besishahar (6hrs trek back). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09 : Besishahar – Kathmandu. (5hrs Drive Back). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10 : Kathmandu (free day your own). Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11 : Departure.

MEDITATION TOUR

Meditation is a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Meditation was practiced as a religious symbol from antiquity. But in today’s world it has been taken in broader sense as spiritual and psychophysical practices for creativity and awareness, mental stimulation and nirvana. It is for peaceful mind. It has been scientifically shown that meditation works. Meditation is one of the proven alternative therapies. Meditation is a cure of various diseases like high blood pressure by lowering the blood pressure, helping people with asthma to breath easier, release insomnia by giving relaxation to the body and mind, increases the stamina of the person etc.
Meditation has been popular among the tourist in Nepal. That is why many institution and meditation center has been established in various parts of country. Mostly such places are located inside the jungle, very calm places and far from the city / crowd. To name a few; Bipasana at Shivapuri National Park, Osho at Tapoban, Kapan etc. Apart from those areas, many monasteries that are scattered throughout the Kathmandu Valley have a provision of meditation.
Here is some information about the meditation centers:
1. Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center, at Kamaladi Ganesthan, Kathmandu, Nepal, There are courses in Healing Meditation, weekly introductory meditation classes, guided meditation classes twice a week and Mandala workshops. On Saturdays Dharma teachings, video showings and residential Buddhist courses 2-3 times a month. 2. Kopan Monastery, north of Bouddha, Offers courses for 7 or 10 days, also month long courses. You can also visit for the day and pay for lunch.
3. Nepal Vipassana Center, Courses are held for 10 days, twice a month. Which involves the Noble Silence for the full ten days. There are no charges for the teachings but a donation for food and lodging is welcome if the student is satisfied.
4. The Panditarama Meditation Center in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.
5. Osho Tapoban International Communeo, located in a forest to the west of the Kathmandu Valley. There are monthly meditation camps for 3 to 7 days
Canyoning in Nepal
Nepal is considered as one of the lively and naturally place to perform Canyoning as this is one of the richest country to have many water resources. Canyoning in Nepal is the tremendous adventurous sport with nostalgic experience. All the activities like jumping, scrambling, swimming, sliding, spelunking, climbing down from waterfalls through steep canyon walls to deep pools are categorized as Canyoning. There are four different popular sites for canyoning in Nepal, where we can find many adventurous waterfalls. From sheer cliffs and slides to pounding waterfalls, you will experience all the fun of canyoning. To have the fun, this adventure requires the guidance of an expert guide. And we are here to assist you with our experienced guide who is the professional and hads the abundant knowledge of all necessities from proper gear to the knowledge of the aquatic environment. Canyoning in Nepal can be merged with any other activities you desire to add more thrill and adventurous stay in Nepal.The Best season for Canyoning is February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

VILLAGE TOURISM

This is a program to exploit unspoiled scenic and cultural attractions being in the local village communities. Village tourism is similar to the "home-stay" or "farm-stay" packages where guests stay in a family environment, usually on working farms. Rather than build special accommodation in the form of lodges or hotels, the existing village dwellings have been used, with suitable upgrading, to serve houseguests in small numbers. The guests get a real cultural experience as they integrate with individual families, receive genuine warm welcomes and lean the traditional way of life.

CANYONING

Canyoning is the tremendous adventurous sport which takes you down through a canyon. All the activities like abseiling, sliding, hiking, wading, boulder hopping, rappelling, climbing down from waterfalls through steep canyon walls to deep pools and cliffs using special rope system and safe techniques and ultimately swimming through crystal clear pools are categorized as canyoning. These combinations of skills give the canyoneer the opportunity to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world. It is an amazing sport which needs full body and mind experience with technical skills of stream navigation, rope and canyoning gears to minimize the risk. So, ultimately this sport requires the guidance from an expert guide. We have the experienced guide who has the practice of safe canyoning necessities like proper gear, expert on aquatic environment and above all continual attention for you.
The favorable season for canyoning is February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

The most popular and nearest canyoning areas are Bhotekoshi which is about three hours drive from heart of Kathmandu. And next is Sundarijal, located 15 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the lap of the Shivapuri National Park. Either a day or two, depending on your choice can be arranged.