Day
01 : Join Kathmandu
Day 02 : In Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive to Pokhara
Day 04 : Commence trek
Day 05 : To Bhanjyang
Day 06 : To Lhangpang
Day 07 : To Kukhure Dobhan
Day 08 : To Nuwakot
Day 09 : To Pokhara
Day 10 : Transfer Chitwan
Day 11 : Chitwan
Day 12 : Drive to Kathmandu
Day 13 : In Kathmandu
Day 14 : Fly to Delhi
Day 15 : Train to Jaipur
Day 16 : In Jaipur
Day 17 : Commence cycling
Day 18 : Farm house to
Sariska Park
Day 19 : Cycle towards Nagar
Day 20 : Arrive Agra
Day 21 : Train to Trivandrum
Day 23 : Arrive Trivandrum
Day 24 : Fly to Male,
commence sailing
Day 25 : Sail to Felidu
Day 26 : Sail to Vashugiri
Day 27 : Sail to Felidhoo
Day 28 : Sail to Male
Day 29 : Return Male, trip
concludes
Highlights
Land Cost
Cost
of the tour
per person US$2790
,
from Kathmandu
This cost does not include ANY
airfares at all. It does not include
the flight Kathmandu/Delhi or
Trivandrum / Male
Summit
To Sea
THE
ADVENTURE IN BRIEF
Our Summit to Sea covers the entire Indian subcontinent.
From trekking beneath the Annapurna ranges in Nepal,
to undertaking a wildlife safari in Chitwan National
Park, to cycling through village India to Agra and
the Taj Mahal, to boarding the train south to Trivandrum,
to sailing in the Maldives. The Summit to Sea also
represents remarkable savings while also having
a tremendous and highly varied adventure.
Introductory
level
29-Day trip
06 Day trek / 2 Days wildlife safari
04 Days cycle touring
06 Days sailing
09 nights hotels
TOUR
DATES:
2004
Dates
22 Feb – 21 Mar
03 Oct – 31 Oct
31 Oct – 28 Nov
12 Dec – 09 Jan*
2005
Dates
20 Feb – 20 Mar
02 Oct – 30 Oct
30 Oct – 27 Nov
11 Dec – 08 Jan
ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day
01 : Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m)
You will be met by your group leader and transferred
to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will be
given. Arrangements are made toDay for the distribution
of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. Remainder
of the afternoon at leisure. SunDay evening drinks
are held in the hotel for all Worldwide Adventures/World
Expeditions clients arriving toDay. Drinks and snacks
will be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this
is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your
fellow group members before heading out to dinner.
Day 02 : Half-Day
Sightseeing TourRest
of Day at leisure
This morning a sightseeing tour has been arranged,
taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu.
In the afternoon you have time to explore Kathmandu,
Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that
dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The
area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights,
whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive
markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast
with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual
significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage
sites than any other city in the world.
Day 03 : Kathmandu
to Pokhara 960m. Approx 7-8hrs by
bus
This is one of the most scenic road journeys in
Nepal and offers splendid views of the Ganesh, Manaslu
and Annapurna ranges of mountains. The Daylong journey
takes us up and over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley
and heads southwest along the Trisuli River to cross
it and head west to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest
town and our first night's camp near the shores
of the Phewa Tal (Lake).
Day
04 : To
Bhumdi 1560m. Walk approx 5 hours
After a ten-minute drive we leave the busy pace
of the town and commence a one-hour ascent through
mixed forest to a ridge-top vantage point overlooking
Phewa Tal. From this vantage point beside a Buddhist
peace pagoda we enjoy fantastic views of Machapuchare,
and the Annapurna range. The gradient lessens considerably
over the next hour, and walking through Gurung villages,
we soon reach a pleasant setting for a picnic lunch.
After a good, relaxing break of 1-2 hours, we follow
the trail as it undulates past fields of millet
and rice until we reach our camp at Bhumdi, two
hours later. From this picturesque campsite at the
forest edge the views of the Annapurnas are spectacular.
Day 05 : To
Bhanjyang 2100m. Walk approx 6 hours.
From Bhumdi we ascend gradually for three hours
through impressive old growth rhododendron forest
and enjoy the superb views of the Annapurna Range
as we walk. Impressive and diverse birdlife and
plants and the pleasure of walking in this environment
ensure that this is a special Day. Our lunch stop
is at a small shepherd's settlement called a 'kharka',
which means a small clearing with a shelter. The
afternoon is a steady gradual ascent for two hours
to Bhanjyang.
Day
06 : To
Lhangpang 2000m. Walk approx 2 hours,
plus optional peak trek of 3 hours.
This morning we take a side excursion to Panchase
Peak (2540m), the highest point of our trek and
one of the highlights. The one and half hour climb
through forest gives us time to appreciate the abundant
bird life and wilderness of the foothills. The views
from the summit are stunning.
The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges form
a huge mountain barrier on the skyline. Three peaks
with a height of over 8,000 metres and hundreds
of other snow-capped peaks fade into the distance.
Many rolls of film later we descend with cameras
and Daypacks to Bhanjyang for lunch. The afternoon
walk takes through Rhododendron forest for about
an hour to the scenic viewing point called Dobato.
We stop to rest and soak up the view before descending
to our campsite at Langpang.
Day 07 : To Kukhure Dobhan
960m. Walk approx 5 hours
The trail we follow descends through forest and
meanders through Brahmin and Chetri villages that
are isolated from the busy tourist areas. This is
a great opportunity to observe traditional village
life and perhaps get involved with some of the village
activities. After lunch we have a further 2 hour
walk down to the river where there will be an opportunity
to swim and relax.
Day 08 : To Nuwakot1800m. Walk approx 3 hours
This morning we ascend steadily through terraced
fields and along cobbled village streets to gain
height to our campsite. The views from here of Annapurna
South are among the best of the trek. We arrive
at camp around lunchtime, leaving the afternoon
free to visit a local village, sit and chat with
the crew, explore the area or take in the glorious
views. The purpose of this trek is to allow time
to observe and absorb the scenery and culture of
the Annapurna region.
Day
09 : To Pokhara Walk approx 6-7
hours
This is the longest Days walk of the trek. The morning’s
walk of around 4 hours traverses and descends for
about 4 hours to our lunch stop. We gradually ascend
for 3 hours through fields and forest to the ridge
where we descend to the roadhead. We walk downhill
through neat villages and along well-worn trails
busy with people as we get closer to Pokhara. At
the road-head we transfer to Pokhara and our final
nights camp beside Phewa Tal. This evening we will
have a celebratory dinner with our porters and trek
staff.
Day
10 : Drive
to Chitwan National Park
From Pokhara it is about a four to five hour drive
to Chitwan Jungle Lodge in the Chitwan National
Park. We have to make the final leg of the journey
into the lodge by 4-wheel-drive or on elephant-back.
On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities
during our stay and on the park in general. Late
afternoon and early morning are the best times to
sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less
energetic activities. We will have lunch at the
lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation
is in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom. Solar
heated hot water is available in the afternoons.
Day 11 : In Chitwan National Park
A full Day's activities are available including
jungle walks, elephant rides, canoe rides, bird-watching
and four-wheel-drive excursions, as well as lectures
on elephants and other fauna. Our concession area
is the territory of many species of wildlife including
3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar,
bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird
species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants.
Day 12 : Return
to Kathmandu. Drive 5 hours
We complete our last activity, and after breakfast
we make the journey out of the jungle and back to
the Kathmandu by vehicle.
Day 13 : In Kathmandu
While there is no shortage of things to see and
do in Kathmandu, we recommend you spend the Day
wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle
or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square,
Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath
(a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa
at Bodhnath are absolute musts. Our WWA staff can
arrange a guide and/or transport should you wish
or you can head off armed with a map and explore
to your hearts content.
Day 14 : Fly
to Delhi
On arrival at our group hotel our leader from the
Delhi office will brief you. The rest of the Day
is free to adjust to the sights, sounds and smells
of India with time to undertake some local sightseeing
(subject to your flight arrival time).
Day 15 : Train
to Jaipur
We transfer to New Delhi station to board the early
morning Express train to Jaipur. The train takes
five hours, reaching Jaipur by lunchtime, leaving
the afternoon to wander the city. The famed "Pink
City" of Jaipur is the capital of the state
of Rajasthan, and was founded in the early 18th
century by Maharaja Jai Singh, who moved from Amber
to this new site on the plains. We visit the City
Palace and the Jantar Mantar - the remarkable observatory
reflecting Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy.
There is also the Old City with its bazaars and
the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds, originally
built as part of the City Palace complex to allow
the ladies of the Royal household to watch the everyDay
life in the city without being observed themselves.
Please note, we may travel by bus to Jaipur, depending
on train schedules.
Day 16 : In Jaipur
We continue our programme of sightseeing in Jaipur.
A highlight is the elephant ride up the hill to
visit the Amber Fort.
Day 17 : Jaipur to farm camp
(50km)
Departing through the outlying settlements of Jaipur
and with the Amber Fort as our backdrop, we commence
the bike section of the trip. Instruction and bike
adjustment will take place at this point of time.
We then progress along the Ramgargh road, one of
the quieter veins leading out of Jaipur. This twists
through small farming settlements, where we provide
endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued
at the notion of westerners riding bikes through
India. By lunch we arrive at Rangarh Lake and enjoy
a lunch respite under a huge Banyan tree.
After lunch we cycle on to our camp spot; in a true
rural setting, with small rudimentary dwellings
and endless fields of various crops. Cycling is
the best way to experience village India. We have
been organizing cycle rides in India for 20 years
(our first cycle ride in 1978 being led by Lewie
Gonsalves, who now runs Worldwide Adventures). This
itinerary has been carefully researched to ensure
we cycle the quieter country roads well away from
the main highways. Please bear in mind that this
is not the Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions'
answer to the Tour de France and no yellow jersey
will be awarded to the winner at the close of each
stage! The cycling section is just a great way to
meet the people and absorb something of the village
life that few appreciate during their time in India.
There will be a forward vehicle, a back-up bus and
an accompanying crew. All your gear, our camping
equipment, food and supplies are carried on the
bus and if you decide to take a break from cycling
you can also ride on the bus or on the jeep that
goes ahead of our group. Our group leader and assistant
leader will cycle with you, while our cook and assistants
will prepare a host of snacks and refreshments that
are served throughout the Day.
At night the camp will be established and tea will
be prepared, with plenty of time for a wash and
a visit to the local village before the evening
meal is served.
Day
18 : Farm
house to Sariska Park - 33km
We continue riding through timeless India, with
lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging
willow trees, before reaching the gates to the Sariska
Tiger Reserve. This was once home to a significant
population of tigers, until a few season ago, when
poaching reduced numbers. However there are many
other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and
natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile.
Day 19 : Cycle towards Nagar
(50km). Drive to Deeg camp
We ride through a number of small villages towards
Nagar then, during the afternoon, board the bus
for a 50 km drive to Deeg. This is the home of the
Summer Palace of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, and
its history is quite interesting. During the evening
we will visit the Summer Palace to hear details
of the 17th-century emperor’s overthrow of
the neighbouring Red Fort.
Day
20 : Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
– 35km
ToDay we cycle to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary where
we will enjoy a packed lunch. Our bikes provide
a wonderful mode of transport to move around and
explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats
for hundreds of bird species. We will then travel
in our vehicle for about 20km to Fatehpur Sikri,
to explore Akbar’s deserted capital, before
continuing on to Agra. (B)
Day
21 : In
Agra, then train to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
In the early morning we have a sunrise visit to
the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s mausoleum for
his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We continue to Agra Fort,
a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls –
Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the
era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul Empire.
From the Red Fort we’ll have more views of
the Taj Mahal.
Later that afternoon we board the train to Trivandrum.
Our sleeping berths are comfortable and we reserve
secure four berth compartments for our groups. However
travelling on Indian trains is by no means luxurious.
Bedding is supplied so a sleeping bag is not essential.
During the journey you will travel the complete
length of India through a wide variety of cultures
and peoples speaking a multitude of dialects. The
journey will be a fascinating experience.
Day 22 : Train
to Trivandrum
Day
23 : Arrive
Trivandrum
On arrival at Trivandrum, make your way over the
platform to the taxi stand. There you will meet
a representative from Clipper Tours who will normally
be holding a sign saying "Summit to Sea".
You will be transferred to your hotel for overnight
accommodation.
Day
24 : Fly
to Maldives & commence sailing safari.
Transfer to Trivandrum airport for the flight to
the Maldives. On arrival at Male you will met and
taken to your dhow to pick up other members of the
group joining the Maldives section of this adventure.
From Male we then sail to the inhabited island of
Waagali or to a resort island. Lunch aboard. Activities
include swimming / snorkelling. Spend night at anchorage.
Day 25 : Sail
to Felidu
After breakfast we set sail to the nearby atoll
and the fishing village of Felidu. Sailing time
4 to 5 hours. We spend the rest of the Day in the
village, meeting the local people and observing
their life style. Overnight in the lagoon.
Day
26 : Sail
to Vashugiri
Sail to the beautiful uninhabited island of Vashugiri
with time to relax on the beach, skin diving, snorkelling
or swimming. We have a barbecue on the beach. Overnight
at anchorage.
Day
27 : Sail
to Felidhoo
Sail to the inhabited island either Felidhoo or
Keyodu, meet the islanders and have some time for
local entertainment that evening. Night at anchorage.
Day 28 : Sail
to Male
Departure to Male atoll with time to visit Male.
Day 29 : In
Male, trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast. Transfer to the
airport for onward arrangements.
Note
: The
itinerary is a guide to the trek and may be varied.
There is sufficient time for a comfortable pace
throughout the trek..
COST INCLUSIONS
YOUR TOUR COST INCLUDES:
- Accommodation on a bed and breakfast, twin share
basis in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Kathmandu and Trivandrum.
- All meals for cycling, trekking or sailing.
- Provision of cycles on the cycling section between
Jaipur and Agra.
- Provision of porters on trekking section in Nepal.
- All internal transport by train or private vehicle.
- Two-person tents with sewn in floor and flysheet.
- Gear package including kit bag, sleeping bag,
insulated sleeping mat and down jacket in Nepal.
- Group leader, local guides and crew including
cook and assistants.
- Porters to carry all personal and group equipment
during the trek.
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits.
- Emergency medical kit (not in Maldives).
- Half-Day sightseeing in Kathmandu YOUR TOUR COST
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Airport and departure taxes
- All airfares
- Items of a personal nature ie. laundry, bottled
mineral water, soft drinks, phone calls. Soft drinks
and bottled water are available for purchase on
the dhow (Maldives)
- Lunch and Dinners when staying in hotels.
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Visa’s
CLIMATE INDIA :
Our trips run from mid-October until mid-March.
These are the cooler and drier months in North India.
Expect daytime temperatures to rise to around 20C
to 25C in October and March while night-time temperatures
will remain generally around 10C. In November, December,
January and February day time temperatures will
range between 15C and 20C while night time temperatures
may fall to as low as 5C when camping between Jaipur
and Agra. At this time you will appreciate our warm
two man tents and sleeping bags.
NEPAL
: Our
trekking season extends from mid-September to May.
However within this period there are clear seasons
in the weather. From early September, the monsoon
rains decrease. By mid-October through to December
the weather is usually stable with mild to warm
days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures
can reach 25-30°C at low altitude and nights
can drop to below 0°C at higher altitudes.
MALDIVES :
The Maldives is subject to a double monsoon: The
southwest monsoon that affects the islands from
May until August, and a Northeast monsoon that prevails
in October though to January. The Northeast monsoon
does not attract the same degree of cloud cover
or rainfall as the Southwest monsoon, and the occasional
afternoon shower will not deter your enjoyment of
the islands.
Throughout the year day time temperatures can rise
to the mid 20C during the day, while night the temperatures
are still pleasantly warm - although the sea breezes
will ensure you appreciate your sleeping bag/sheet.
DAILY ROUTINE
INDIA :
When cycling you will be woken up with a cup of
tea brought to your tent at around 6 am., followed
by a small bowl of water for washing. Your duffle
bag will then be packed on to the accompanying bus
and we aim to be off on our cycles by 7:30 am. En
route, we will stop for morning tea, while lunch
will be provided in a shady camp at mid-day. We
plan to arrive at the night's camp by 4 pm. at the
latest. This allows us plenty of time for a wash
and to undertake local exploration. The evening
meal is normally served by 7 pm. and will consist
of a sensible combination of Indian and European
food. At night there is no shortage of activity,
including visiting the local villages after the
days cycling
NEPAL
: You
will be woken with a cup of tea brought to your
tent between 6 am and 7 am, followed by a small
bowl of warm water for washing. Before breakfast
you pack your gear into your kit bag, which is then
taken by the porters and will not be available to
you until camp that afternoon. We are usually on
the trail between 7.30 am and 8.30 am. Following
a good morning's walk, we stop for lunch at around
11 am. Lunch is usually a 2-hour break to allow
for the trekker's meal followed by the crew meal.
This also enables you to do your washing in the
warmest part of the day, catch up on your diary,
read or rest.
The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter
and camp is usually reached by around 3 pm to 4
pm. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is
set up afternoon tea is served. Until dinner there
is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and
villages or sit and chat with the crew and local
people. Dinner is usually served around 6 pm to
7 pm. Remember to bring your water bottle to the
mess tent so it can be filled with boiling water.
It then makes a great hot water bottle. Trekking
evenings afford some of the best memories of your
trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting
with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing
with the local people, it is always a special time.
All camp chores are done for you, leaving you free
to use your time to the fullest. You carry only
a light daypack as porters carry all your gear.
MALDIVES :
Our sailing routine will vary from day to day. You
may either sleep on the deck or below, depending
on your preference. Our cooks will provide a hearty
breakfast before we start the day’s activities.
Sailing is of a most-relaxed style in the Maldives
with time to fish and snorkel and share time with
the local crew. We normally sail/motor for five
to six hours per day depending on group preferences.
If you want the opportunity to help sail the dhow
then the local crew will pleased to help. Meal times
are equally relaxed. We normally enjoy a light lunch,
while our evening meal will vary depending on the
catch of the day.
MEALS
Our menu is based on fresh food to provide three
nutritious, plentiful and tasty meals daily. Breakfast
is a selection of cereal, muesli, and porridge,
followed by pancakes, chapati, puri and local breads.
An egg dish usually completes the meal. Lunch is
a selection of salads, pasta, traditional breads,
and cheese and potato dishes. Our evening meal commences
with soup and is followed by rice, pasta and a range
of vegetable and meat dishes. Fruit or a local dessert
will complete the meal. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate,
cordial and biscuits are provided at meals and on
request. We can cater for specific dietary needs
if we know in advance. First-time trekkers are pleasantly
surprised at the quality of the meals. Our cook
and his assistants will prepare the meals in the
lodge kitchen on kerosene burners. This means that
we are not exhausting local supplies and resources,
and allows us to provide meals of quality, quantity,
and of course, the highest possible standard of
hygiene. We do not, therefore, follow the more basic
lodge menus offered.
HEALTH
You can expect to remain healthy throughout the
trek. All food is hygienically prepared, cooked
and served. Our kitchen crew is well trained and
conscientiously adheres to strict hygiene guidelines.
All water is boiled to ensure it is safe to use.
You should be conservative when you eat in Kathmandu
prior to the trek. Do not eat any food from alternate
lodges during the trek as the risk of illness is
far too high. All our leaders undertake intensive
first-aid and medical skills courses with Dr Jim
Duff. We carry an extensive medical kit and if necessary
can promptly evacuate.
ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have
to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen
available. To allow our bodies to adjust Worldwide
Adventures/World Expeditions has structured its
treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization
to occur. However, during the acclimatization process,
you may experience some of the following symptoms:
• Headache, • Tiredness, •
Disturbed sleep, • Loss of appetite/nausea,
• Shortness of breath, • Cough,
• Palpitation, • Swelling of the
hands and face. Individuals acclimatize at different
rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and
drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate
the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it
does not necessarily mean that you should not continue.
All Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions group
leaders have extensive first aid training and we
urge you to communicate with the group leader at
all times should you believe you have any symptoms
in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms.
The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to
descend. Please note that your group leader has
ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend
if symptoms persist.
LEADER AND CREW
Our leaders include males and females who are of
Western and Nepali background. All have years of
experience and are professional guides dedicated
to providing the best experience possible. They
have a high level of competence in wilderness and
emergency medicine as they all complete annual courses
with Dr. Jim Duff. We travel as a self-contained
expedition ensuring that we do not deplete limited
local food resources, and provide valuable employment
for the local people. We enjoy the company of the
crewmembers with whom we share our days. Guides
will ensure we take the right trail, kitchen hands
prepare our food and do the washing up, the skilled
cook's meals will enthral you, porters and yak handlers
move your gear from camp to camp and the sirdar
oversees the operation. The times you spend with
these people - walking, talking, playing games -
will often be the fondest memories of your trek.
TIPPING
Tipping is a tradition throughout the Indian sub-continent.
At the end of the trek your leader will collect
what you wish to give and assist the group to distribute
it fairly amongst the crew. The staff will work
very hard and look forward to your tip as an indication
from you of a job well done. As a recommendation,
you should budget on tipping around 160 rupees (approximately
USD$2-3) for each trek day. If you wish to tip the
leader please do this in addition to the crew's
tip. We do not include the tip in the cost of your
trek because if we did the crew would not see it
as an expression of your satisfaction.
CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Royal Chitwan National Park introduces you to an
unexpected aspect of Nepal. The Park covers 1431
square kilometres and is located 175km southwest
of Kathmandu on the Terai at the fringe of the Indian
plains. It comprises forest and grasslands, with
several rivers flowing through the park offering
a variety of habitats for wildlife. It is one of
the best areas in Asia for viewing wildlife, and
days are spent venturing into the park on foot,
by elephant back or dug-out canoe to see the abundant
wildlife bird life and with minimum disturbance.
Alternatively, you may wish to relax around the
lodge or take a swim at the nearby swimming hole.
Accommodation is at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, which
is well located in the park and is of comfortable,
simple design. There are twin-bedded bungalows with
private facilities but no electricity (fuel lamps
are used for lighting).
There is a central lounge area and an attractive
dining area. The food is excellent - a combination
of Western and the traditional Nepali cuisine. It
is well located, deep in the jungle, with the night
noises of the wildlife and waking to the early morning
foraging of birds, monkeys and smaller animals.
Although there are many animals to be seen at Chitwan,
it is not a zoo nor like the plains of Africa. The
jungle cover and grasslands effectively hide many
animals and we must search for them quietly on foot
or elephant-back. On some occasions we may not find
many animals, on other occasions you will be rewarded
for your patience with multiple sightings. Threshing
usually occurs in Chitwan National Park in mid-January
for a period of two weeks.
As this process involves cutting grass, the opportunities
for viewing wildlife, in particular the one horned
black rhino, are significantly diminished. Visits
during this time and for two weeks after should
be taken for the relaxation the park offers and
the jungle atmosphere that is retained. The one-horned
black rhinoceros, once nearly extinct, is the most
conspicuous of the large species, but the park is
populated by at least four types of deer as well
as other mammals such as sloth bear, leopard, fishing
and jungle cats, several species of civet cats,
jackal, wild boar, otter, langur and rhesus macaque
monkeys, and mongoose. In addition, there are over
450 species of exotic birds, including the giant
hornbill, lesser florican and paradise flycatcher.
The most rare animal in the park is the Royal Bengal
tiger and to give ourselves the chance of viewing
this magnificent animal, we use the Chitwan Jungle
Lodge.
Early this century, the Terai was a rarely visited
jungle expanse with few inhabitants, the only visitors
being members of the Nepalese elite on hunting trips.
During the 1950's, malaria was eradicated and the
population increased rapidly, resulting in the jungle
slowly cleared for logging and farming. Conservationists
soon realized that if action was not taken, it wouldn't
be long before all the animals of the Terai would
be extinct. Thus in 1962, King Mahendra designated
Chitwan a rhinoceros preserve and in 1973, it was
finally gazetted in parliament as the first National
Park in Nepal. Today, there are only about 1000
one-horned rhinos left in the world and over 300
of these are in the Chitwan National Park; of the
less than 2000 tigers remaining in the sub-continent,
over 40 live in Chitwan. There are many other animals
as previously mentioned and for a more in-depth
study, we recommend reading "The Heart of the
Jungle" by K.K. Gurung.
ITINERARY
NEPAL
Our itineraries are designed to allow you to acclimatize
to the altitude gains comfortably and without risk.
Although it would be possible to do this trek in
fewer days, we believe that extra time in addition
to the minimum days must be included to allow for
contingencies such as bad weather, or the opportunity
to attend a festival. The walking hours mentioned
are only a guide and could vary considerably according
to each individual, depending on your particular
pace and how often you stop for photographs or breaks.
The route and overnight stops are at the discretion
of the group leader and the itinerary should be
seen only as an indication.
ACCOMMODATION
Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions clients will
generally stay at the Park Hotel in Delhi and the
Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu, which are both first
class hotels within walking distance of the town
centre, where a full breakfast is provided. However
at peak times it may be necessary to use other hotels
of equal standard. You will leave all those items
not required on the trek at the hotel. In Jaipur
and Agra we stay at good quality tourist class hotels,
with a swimming pool, twin rooms with private facilities
and a restaurant.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The environment you will be travelling through is
extremely fragile. The rapidly increasing population
puts immeasurable pressure on the areas environment
and resources and it is our responsibility as visitors
to minimize the impact of our presence. Deforestation
is Nepal's greatest environmental problem and Worldwide
Adventures/World Expeditions pioneered the use of
kerosene as an alternative fuel to wood on all expeditions.
We do not have campfires and we strongly discourage
trekkers from buying wood-fuelled hot showers that
they may encounter.
We do not use wood for cooking or heating water
whilst in lodges but use kerosene stoves that we
carry with us. We carry our own food supplies in
order to maintain high hygiene standards and meal
quality, and do not deplete local resources. In
September 2001, we were the proud recipients of
the Australian National Travel Industry's Environmental
Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook.
This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable
travel is provided to all Worldwide Adventures/World
Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask
your consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award-winning book. Alternatively, you may
like to download a copy from our website.
GEAR
Most of the specialist gear required for the trip
is provided by Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions.
In Kathmandu you will be given a kitbag containing
a quality sleeping bag and inner liner, insulating
rubber mat, and a down or fibre-filled jacket. We
provide good quality tents with a sewn-in floor
and a flysheet to keep you warm and dry, and a large
mess-tent with table and chairs are provided. We
erect a toilet tent at camp and at lunch stops.
You will need walking boots, a day-pack and a water
bottle in addition to your clothing and personal
gear. Please refer to the Nepal Pre-departure booklet
for full requirements.
PORTER INITIATIVES
Worldwide Adventures/World Expeditions was the first
trekking company to support the International Porter
Protection Group (IPPG). IPPG sets guidelines for
trekking companies and trekkers, aimed at fostering
the well-being of mountain porters, including providing
them with adequate clothing, medical care and sufficient
funds to cover the cost of rescue and treatment.
Our close association with the IPPG is part of our
ongoing commitment to improving conditions for our
porters and lessening the impact of trekking on
the fragile environment of Nepal.
PROTECTING NEPAL’S FORESTS
Deforestation in Nepal is a major problem. By joining
a trek with Worldwide Adventures you are supporting
a sustainable trekking service where we use only
kerosene, rather than depleting natural resources.
Camping, rather than staying in teahouses, ensures
we can fulfill this. We are also the only company
in Nepal with a policy of providing mess tents,
cooking equipment, food and kerosene for our porters.
Naturally these initiatives come at a cost that
you could avoid by travelling with another trekking
company. We hope you will share our vision of protecting
Nepal’s fragile environment for future generations.
Important
Note: These trip notes represent
the most current information available for this
itinerary, and supersede any information detailed
in the current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. In remote and developing
countries do not expect standards you are used to
at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable
and itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that you are
flexible, positive and eager to take on all the
challenges that arise.
Highlights 
