Holiday in Nepal, encompassed

country:	Nepal
location:	Chitwan
trip type:	High altitude, moderate trekking holidays
departures:	2008: 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 9 Nov, 23 Nov, 7 Dec, 21 Dec 2009: 11 Jan, 25 Jan, 8 Feb, 22 Feb, 8 Mar, 22 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 26 Apr
price:	From £435 (20 days) excluding flights. Local payment of US $300. We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed

Nepal holidays here Chitwan safari holidays

Rafting holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Kathmandu, tea house trek in the Helambu region, Bhaktapur, Bandipur, Seti River rafting, Chitwan National Park jungle walk. This trip includes everything that makes Nepal such a classic travel destination.

There's adventure a-plenty as we trek through the Helambu hills and raft the Seti River. In Bhaktapur we see beautifully preserved palaces and temples while in Bandipur we find traditional Nepali life and timeless mountain views. Add the jungle and wildlife of Chitwan National Park and the buzz of Kathmandu and this trip is bound to become a classic.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1-2:	Kathmandu A hive of activity, Kathmandu is rich in cultural and artistic heritage. Climb to Swayambhunath for great views, join pilgrims at Bodnath Stupa and explore the colourful Thamel district.
Day 3-8:	Helambu Trek through a diverse landscape of rice terraces and deep green valleys, past picturesque monasteries and gompas. This is the land of the friendly Tamang and Sherpa people. Staying in their remote village teahouses gives us a special insight into their lives.
Day 9-10:	Bhaktapur Take a step back in time and stroll through the traffic free lanes beneath traditional Newari wooden homes or sit in one of the many squares and become part of the local life.
Day 11-12:	Pokhara Although the hippies have been replaced by trekkers, the incredible scenery and chilled-out atmosphere of Pokhara remain. Hire a boat and take a sunset paddle on the lake, kick back at one of the cafes or throw yourself into Pokhara's oldest tradition, shopping.
Day 13:	Bandipur Tucked away high on a ridge, this little-known trading village is protected by the goddess Durga. Mingle with the locals, dine on traditional food and enjoy awesome views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.
Day 14-15:	Seti River Raft through the jungle on a journey down the mighty Seti. Spend the evening camped out on white sandy beaches.
Day 16-18:	Chitwan National Park Seek out rhino, deer and monkeys on a guided safari through the park and keep an eye out for wild Nepalese chickens! Also enjoy an afternoon safari on elephant-back.
Day 19-20:	Kathmandu Get yourself out and about in Kathmandu's busy streets and explore more of this legendary city.

small group adventure holiday

This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

This trip takes in all the highlights of Nepal, but ensures that our small group treads lightly and leaves only their footprints on this remarkable and spectacular country. All activities take into account the philosophy of 'minimal impact' and this is central to all the people who look after Intrepid clients locally.

First and foremost Intrepid has a strong bond with local operators and the mutual understanding of responsible travel is crucial to the relationship.

* All porters are employed from local villages and paid above average wages to supplement their farming incomes. They are provided with full trekking kits, such as boots, jackets etc.
* Senior staff are employed full time as sirdars and guides etc.
* Local resources are used as much as possible, everything from training staff to use of Nepali manufactured and sustainable raw materials.
* Bury, Burn or carry out! - All biodegradable matter is recycled. All used paper, metal, tins, cans, bottles etc. are recycled or sold. Bottled gas is used on rafting trips and kerosene on treks.
* Staying over night in villages such as Bandipur is the chance to meet local people away from the regular tourist routes of Nepal - they are genuinely pleased and surprised to see foreigners here and your contribution to the small village can be very positive.
* Tea House trekking is a responsible approach to Himalayan trekking and the opportunity for local interaction is great. We support tea houses who avoid wood fires, use kerosene for cooking and have been involved with education programs concerning basic conservation and responsible travel.
* Your leader is a local Nepali who has a wealth of knowledge of the country and its people. Their intimate relationship with Nepal's beliefs and customs will enhance your own understanding of the people and ensure the group's behaviour is sensitive to the local people. Your leader will be able to discuss local aid projects and environmental initiatives that take place in Nepal.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays.

We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism.

This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards.