This coming March I’ll be leading a small group tour through Nepal. The ‘Wild & Natural Nepal‘ tour has been carefully crafted, with help from friends at Original Trails and it is unlike any other organized tour out there! I’m really excited about this unique itinerary and the mix of experiences we’ve packed into a 15-day trip.

Wild & Natural Nepal details:

When: 15 Days from March 11 – 25, 2012.

Where: Starts and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Cost: $2090USD per person.

How to Book & Full Itinerary: Head to the Original Trails website at:

http://www.originaltrails.com/trips/wild-and-natural-nepal/

Now for the ‘why’ part. In short, this is a guided tour that offers a different experience, to hidden parts of Nepal that you’d be unable to experience with a larger tour company. What makes it so special? How about:

1. Bardia National Park. This is the wild side of Nepal. A remote national park in western Nepal, often dubbed an untouched wilderness. Unlike the ubiquitous Chitwan, few travellers visit this park as it requires a lengthy travel journey. The reward is an abundance of flora and fauna. More species have been spotted here than in Chitwan, including elephant, tiger, crocodile, barking deer, sloth bear, clouded leopard, hyena, rhino and, of course plenty of monkeys and birds.

 

2. Private Transport. This tour will be run with such a small group that we’ll take full advantage of our own, private and comfortable transportation. This means we’re not at the mercy of changing bus schedules and we have the freedom to stop at selected points of interest that are missed by many.

 

3. Connecting with Culture. A big part of this trip is taking time to enjoy the towns and cities we visit, in particular when we stay in Panauti. Here, we’ll become part of the town as we will live with and learn from the locals. Eat, drink and sleep the Nepalese lifestyle – undoubtedly the cultural highlight of the entire tour.

 

4. Paradise for Photographers. This is an adventure tour, with an abundance of photographic hotspots packed into two weeks. From the majestic Annapurnas to living with a local family and trekking around Bardia, photo opportunities are endless. We’ve slowed the pace of the tour down to allow for a more immersive experience at each place we stop, ideal for planning – and getting – those perfect shots. I’ll be there to help with some tips and advice along the way too.

 

5. Trekking in the Annapurna Foothills. Get your trekking poles ready, as we’ll be venturing into the foothills for a 5-day circuit trek. From farmlands and forests to mountain villages and towering peaks, the fresh air will invigorate and get us in touch with the natural side of Nepal.

 

6. Ample time in Kathmandu. With two full days at the start of the tour, you’ll have an easier time acclimitizng to the altitude in Kathmandu. Once you’re rested and full of energy, the Nepalese cuisine and shops will be ready for you to explore. From Durbar Square to the Garden of Dreams and Swayambhunath Temple, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy in Nepal’s capital.

 

7. Ample time in Pokhara. Unlike many tours that hustle you out of the larger cities to save on costs, we’ve included plenty of free time in both Pokhara and Kathmandu. The eating, shopping and adventure options (white-water rafting anyone?) in Pokhara are impressive, as is Fewa Lake.

 

8. Sleep well, travel well. In line with the private transportation, this tour includes stays at some unique hotels, lodges and guesthouses. From a special lodge at Bardia to well-appointed hotels in the cities, you can expect a good night’s sleep, so we’re all rested and ready to explore the wonders of Nepal each and every day.

There you have it, a 15-day tour of Nepal, with plenty of time to experience the cities, parks and culture of this mystical country. Wild and Natural indeed. With all of the free time built into the itinerary, suggestions on best places to photograph and options for daily activities in Bardia or in the cities will be presented each day. Plus, we’ll enjoy the local expertise of Nepal guides during our excursions.

For a day-by-day breakdown and listing of all inclusions and highlights, visit the official Wild & Natural Nepal tour page on the Original Trails website.

If you have any questions about the tour, let me know…hope to see you there!