The Heart of Nepal trek, tailormade

Description of The Heart of Nepal trek, tailormade

Encompassing outdoor activities and a trek through the heart of Nepal, wildlife watching, Nepalese culture and the traditional architecture, temples and arts of the Kathmandu Valley, this tailormade trip combines a little of all the aspects that make Nepal so popular. Our trek takes us through valleys, canyons, forests full of birdlife and to ridges for stunning views of the mountains. At Chitwan we are sure to see rhinos and other wildlife as we take an elephant-back safari. If the gods are with us we may even see that most magical of creatures, the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Kathmandu City took its name from a building known as Kasthamandap (the 'House of Wood') which is still in the centre of the old city. Durbar Square, with its old Royal Palace and many temples, is a main focus of the city. The area around Thamel and Freak Street is a constant bustle of tourists and craft sellers, and used to be known as the place where the 'hippy travellers' hung out. The 'Kumari Bahal' (House of the Living Goddess) is a temple which has the unusual honour of being home to a living goddess. She is rarely seen outside of the temple, but you may get a glimpse of her in her inner courtyard. We have a day's guided sightseeing in the city to take in the major areas of interest, including many of the fantastic temples and architectural masterpieces.

Pokhara is west of Kathmandu, way beyond the Kathmandu Valley, in the foothills of the Annapurna range. Pokhara is Nepal's version of a 'resort' town, picturesquely situated on the edge of Lake Phewa (Phewa Tal). It is in a beautiful setting with views of Machhapuchhre Fishtail' mountain. On arriving here, we drive through the Tibetan refugee camp to near Dhampus Fhedi where our five day trek begins after lunch.

The trek takes us from Dhampas to Khare and is mostly at an altitude of under 2,000m, so problems due to altitude should not occur. The trekking is moderately challenging, but by no means meant for people with ambitions on Mount Everest! You will enjoy some stunning views as the trek passes through Landrung, Ghandrung and Chandrakot. Your sherpas will accompany and guide you, helping you with setting up camp and cooking each night.On your return to Pokhara, we drive to Charaudi on the Trisuli River for a day of exciting and scenic rafting. We raft to Kuringhat, then camp before enjoying another morning's rafting.

After lunch you leave the river and drive to your lodge in Chitwan National Park. Chitwan is the best known and most popular park in Nepal. You will be impressed by the range of wildlife you can see here: tigers, rhinos, sloth bears, wild boars, rare antelopes and langurs. Chitwan has one of the last populations of armoured single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, now numbering some 400 individuals, as well as being home to about 80 Royal Bengal tigers. The park boasts around 50 species of mammals and 500 species of birds. You can take an elephant-back safari to spot the wildlife, or you can go on a hike through the park, take a canoe ride along the river or stick to the more conventional jeep safaris.

Back in the Kathmandu Valley, just east of Kathmandu is the attractive city of Bhaktapur. It has a very mediaeval feeling, and many of the buildings, mainly built of brick and wood, have intricate wooden carvings typical of Newar craftsmanship. The original centre of the city is Tachupal Tol (also known as Dattatreya Square). Here the imposing Dattatreya Temple and Bhimsen Temple are found, and down a narrow lane nearby is the famed 'Peacock Window' (a marvel of Newari carving). Bhaktapur's Durbar Square has a number of interesting architectural features including the impressive Golden Gate, and houses the National Art Gallery in the west wing of the Royal Palace.