Nepal

Nepal is a fantastic country for the wildlife enthusiast, boasting 885 bird species and 210 mammals. Although the country is often associated with the high peaks of the Himalayas, elevations vary from the highest point on earth to near sea level in the Terai region, and much of the best wildlife is at lower altitudes. This carefully planned itinerary is ideal for the visitor who wants a relaxing experience of Nepal's birds, mammals, landscape and lifestyle. We travel at the end of the Nepalese winter and beginning of spring, a good time for both wildlife and weather considerations, with temperatures beginning to rise after the colder winter months. Lowland areas can be warm.

We focus on the best lowland habitats, rich in both mammals and birds. Our key destinations are the country's two finest reserves, Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and we have plenty of time to thoroughly explore both places at a gentle pace. We also spend two very rewarding days birding in the Kathmandu Valley, as we drive to the 2,740-metre summit of Phulchowki, where our list will grow quickly as we find many new species. Above all we take our time, and thorough organisation and planning by our excellent local team ensures a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, filled with wildlife. You have friends in high places when you visit Nepal with Heatherlea! We spend twelve nights in the country, including four nights in high quality accommodation in Kathmandu, and four nights in each of two excellent camps at Chitwan and Koshi Tappu.            

When in Nepal, comfort is an important consideration. Roads can be tiring, and flights can easily be disrupted by poor weather. We travel by road in a medium-sized bus, and by a variety of methods inside the reserves including 4WD jeeps and boats. An important feature is our internal flight after visiting Koshi Tappu. This saves a full day of 'road-time' at the end of the holiday, and we are certain you will appreciate this option to the alternative of a long drive back to Kathmandu! You may also enjoy spectacular scenic views from the aircraft during this transfer, and on a clear day enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan Range. Conditions can change dramatically in Nepal, and our inclusion of birding days close to Kathmandu at both ends of the tour gives added insurance against adverse conditions affecting flights.

We finish with an optional two-day extension, which includes a thrilling Mount Everest panoramic flight, plus a fascinating visit to some of Kathmandu's famous cultural sites, and a day visiting the historical former-capital city - Bhaktapur - as well as the incredible panoramic views of the Himalaya from the hill station of Nagarkot. This final part of the tour is often regarded as a highlight by participants!

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Day 1:London to Kathmandu
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we take an evening flight from London to Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu
On arrival in the afternoon, we begin birding at the Godavari Botanical Garden if we have time. We should enjoy an introduction to some of the commoner species, and maybe some specialities too! Later we transfer to our excellent hotel, and relax with a welcome dinner. Overnight Kathmandu for two nights at the comfortable Hotel Tibet International or similar.

Day 3: Phulchowki 
The next morning, we begin birding as we drive to the 2,740-metre summit of Phulchowki, the highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley, where we will have magnificent views of the Himalayan range on a clear day. We hope to see a large number of species, including Red-flanked Bluetail, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-collared and Grey-winged Blackbird, Long-tailed Minivet, White-tailed Nuthatch and Orange-bellied Leafbird, Cutia, Kalij Pheasant, Red-billed Leiothrix, Black-faced Leaf Warbler and rosefinches just to name a few of the 250+ birds recorded from this hill alone! We take a packed lunch and spend the day here, driving to the highest point we can reach, then walking downhill enjoying the birds, forest and the panorama of nearby hills and distant snow-capped mountains. Although this day is mountain based, walking is slow and leisurely.

Days 4-8: Chitwan National Park
We drive south for a four-night stay at Chitwan National Park. En route we will be actively birding, and we will see many new birds, and may top 100 species today. Chitwan is a World Heritage Site which occupies 932 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest and riverine grasslands. We stay in very comfortable accommodation, and enjoy immediate proximity to the Park itself. We may even see Greater One-horned Rhino crossing the grassland from our vantage point as we arrive! A larger number of birds (over 530) have been recorded here than in any other part of Nepal, and we can expect to see around a third of these. Due to the diversity of habitats in the Park, we should see a range of babblers, warblers, woodpeckers, kingfishers, cuckooshrikes, parakeets, a lot of waterbirds and raptors, and maybe the mighty Great Hornbill as its wings 'whoosh' overhead! The park holds a similar wealth of mammals, and we should find Wild Boar, Sambar, Muntjac, Spotted and Hog Deer, and Rhesus and Common Langur Monkeys. Tiger are certainly present, and we hope to encounter this great cat, whose pug marks are seen in many locations in the Park. Leopards, Sloth Bears and Gaur are occasionally seen, as are Gharial and Mugger Crocodile. We will explore on foot, in dugout canoes and by jeep. Great fun and very enjoyable safari days! Four nights at Tigerland Safari Resort or similar.

Days 8-11: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is part of a vast expanse of open water, marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudflats and dry woodlands that lie to the north of a huge barrage. Situated just northeast of the Sapta Koshi and Trijuga Khola confluence, this enormous floodplain is one of Asia’s finest wetlands and a fabulous birdwatching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, terns and gulls occur here, plus a great variety of land birds that include such specialities as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Striated Grassbird, Imperial Eagle, Pied Harrier, vultures, and many more - expect a long and varied bird list at Koshi Tappu! This reserve is also the last refuge of wild Water Buffalo in Nepal, and home to rare Gangetic River Dolphin amongst other mammals. We explore the reserve and adjoining areas on foot and by jeep. There is some excellent birding available here, returning at night to the comfortable camp owned by our hosts. Birding within the camp grounds is very good, with a variety of waterbirds and passerines to keep any birder absorbed. With facilities now upgraded to include ensuite showers to all rooms, we are sure you will enjoy the charming and secluded Koshi Camp (4 nights).

Days 12 & 13: Kathmandu and Phulchowki
We return to Kathmandu, flying from the eastern town of Biratnagar back to the capital for our last two nights in Nepal. If we are lucky during this flight, we may have a good view of Everest, Kangchenjunga, and several other peaks all above 8000 metres. The following day we make our second visit to Phulchowki, where the constant movement of birds at this time of year means we will enjoy different species from our earlier visit, boosting our lists during a relaxing birding day. It is important to have an extra day in Kathmandu at the end of the holiday, as flights can be disrupted by weather, and this reduces chances of delays affecting our international flight. We stay again at the excellent Hotel Tibet International for two more nights.

Day 14: Farewell
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we depart for the airport and our flight home, arriving into London in the evening.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION     Kathmandu and Mount Everest 
Price: £795pp Single supplement: £245

Day 14: Kathmandu & Mount Everest
After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating panoramic flight towards the summit of Mount Everest. This really is one of those 'bucket-list' experiences which will live in your memory forever. In the afternoon another memorable experience, as we take a guided tour of some of the special sites of Kathmandu, including taking a clockwise walk around the iconic Boudhanath Stupa and spending time at the lively Hindu Pashupatinath Temple. We also allow time for shopping in the good-value bazaar of Thamel district, or just a final chance to relax in the hotel!

Day 15: Nagarkot & Bhaktapur
A new part of this holiday is the opportunity to visit some of the most important historical and cultural sites in Nepal, just a short drive out of Kathmandu. We begin in the hilltop resort of Nagarkot to witness the morning sun rising over the Himalaya. Eight of the thirteen Himalayan ranges are visible from this pine-clad area, offering the best panorama of the snow-topped peaks in the entire country, and a wonderful way to start the day! Birding is also good here, with a range of forest birds possible, so bring binoculars! From there, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur - the former capital of the country - which despite being badly affected by the 2015 earthquake is back to looking resplendent, with its rich history and range of wooden buildings, temples, and intricate stone and metal work. It is like stepping back in time! There is also the chance to try some Juju Dhau - the local delicacy - a delicious sweet, creamy curd! In the afternoon, we return to Kathmandu for our final night.

Day 16: Departure
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we depart for the airport and our flight home, arriving into London in the evening.

Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

What's included:

• return scheduled flight from London - Kathmandu, one internal flight from Biratnagar - Kathmandu, airport taxes, all land transfers between destinations including airports
• full-board accommodation at hotels and lodges, picnic lunches
• ground transportation inside Park and Reserve by 4WD and Boats, National Park entry fees, all major tips including mealtimes (though see below).
• checklist, and the services of your leaders.
• Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. 

Free Field Guide! - ‘Birds of Nepal’ by Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp and Hem Sagar Baral, published by Helm is included in your holiday price.

What's not included:

• holiday insurance
• visa
• Tips to local guides/drivers (this is customary, allow around £30pp)
• drinks, and other personal expenses.

Your Guides

Suchit Basnet
Our local Leader for many years in Nepal, Suchit is popular and very experienced and a favourite with Heatherlea customers. We are delighted to welcome him once again!
 

More holiday information:

Accommodation is in comfortable hotels and lodges with en-suite bathroom including hot shower, at both Chitwan and Koshi Camp. Please note that standards of electricity provision, wifi and sometimes hot water can be variable, and not to the standards found in the UK.
Food Hotels and lodges serve variety of food ranging from authentic Nepali to continental and Chinese. You can find a variety of beverages, both local and imported. Coffee and tea is provided at breakfast. We will keep bottled water with us in the field, but recommend you also obtain a personal supply. Most hotels provide a flask of purified drinking water in each room: when in doubt, stick with bottled drinks, and avoid ice. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Nepal. Vegetarian and other diets are welcome.
Walking is generally light/moderate. The holiday is not strenuous. Please bring all personal medications with you, as it may not be possible to obtain everything you need locally.
Weather In early spring skies are clear and days are warm, but evenings can be cold. Temperatures tend to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, but hot at midday. We may experience rain on some days.
Health & Vaccinations No compulsory inoculations are required, though please ensure that any relevant vaccinations you may require are up to date. We stay in low-risk malaria areas and anti- malarial medication is not usually advised although it is essential to take adequate precautions against mosquito bites. If in any doubt please consult your local travel nurse. 
Group size is restricted to 12 clients.
Flights are by scheduled airline, from London. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Visa All travellers to Nepal must hold a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected date of departure from Nepal. An entry visa is also required. This can be obtained either in advance  prior to travel.