Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday

Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday 12 Days

From $2295 USD

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Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday
Himalayan Adventure - Nepal Family Holiday

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 12 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Style: Family Travel
Trip ID: 62428
Start Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal
End Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal

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Primary Activities: Walking Tour, Sightseeing, Trekking
Other Activities: Hiking, Rafting, Local Culture & Cuisine, Swimming, Temples & Shrines, elephant ride, national parks, boating, Camping
Activity Level: Basic, Basic

For experienced adventure travellers with young children, a family holiday to the Nepal Himalaya is now a realistic option. Aiming to provide a rewarding and educational experience for all, our specially devised family adventure holiday incorporates a short and easy trek through the scenically splendid foothills of the Annapurna Mountains. En route, we can expect to meet lots of inquisitive Nepalese children and are assured of an especially warm welcome in their ever-friendly villages. At the high point of our trek, on Panchase Hill (2500m/8,200ft) there are wonderful views of the snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. From the lakeside town of Pokhara, we drive to the Trisuli River and enjoy 2 leisurely days of rafting. A mix of easy but exciting rapids and drifting slowly downriver, we arrive at Chitwan National Park, where elephant rides and jungle walks will keep everyone entertained. Mixing magical landscapes with plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxing in Kathmandu and Pokhara, this is the ultimate Himalayan family holiday!

Additional Information

The child price age for this holiday is: 6-11 years

The group size for this holiday is: 4-16

Note: Prices and itineraries shown for holidays departing in 2013 may be subject to change, although we will endeavour to keep any price increases to a minimum. 2013 prices will be confirmed in October 2012.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu: Arriving in Kathmandu you will be met by your KE guide, or a representative and transfer to the group’s hotel which is close to the central Thamel district. Our hotel is a very comfortable establishment with all amenities, including a swimming pool and extensive gardens where the kids can play. The hotel’s air-conditioned rooms include suites which are ideal for families. Obviously, where children are involved, we need to have a full briefing on the dos and don’ts before letting you loose in Kathmandu! This is as much for the adults as for the children. Your safety and state of health are of paramount importance and we aim to give you some guidelines on what you can and cannot do. A part of this will be concerned with eating and drinking and the avoidance of problems associated with this. Whilst you will be surprised how resilient children are, they do have to be told, for example, not to drink the tap water, not to brush their teeth in tap water and to avoid fruit that has not been properly cleaned. You will also be briefed on the cultures of Nepal and on the reaction that you and your children can expect from the local people. Children feature prominently in the Nepalese culture and you will find that you are welcome wherever you travel, to a greater extent than would be the case without the children! On this first evening, we will take it easy and choose one of the hotel’s restaurants for our evening meal. The likelihood is that we will arrange for a buffet dinner, which will include a wide choice of Nepalese and European food options. Included meals: Dinner. (D)
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara: After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 45 minute flight to Pokhara. It is a most interesting flight, with the peaks of the Greater Himalaya clearly visible through the right-hand window as we travel westwards. Particularly prominent are Manaslu and the Annapurna group as we approach the landing field at Pokhara. Getting off the plane into the heat of Pokhara is impressive, as is the sight of the snow peaks of the Annapurna Himal which form the skyline to the north. A short drive from the airport, our children-friendly hotel is situated close to the centre of Lakeside, and offers a peaceful place to stay. From the hotel you can see the Annapurna range, including the holy Machhapuchhre (Fish-Tail Mountain) which dominates the skyline. The hotel grounds offer superb opportunities for fun and relaxation around the pool. Lunch is in the hotel restaurant, where both Western and Nepali food are available. The afternoon is free and we suggest that you take a walk to the main town, to look around the many shops or to sit in the garden of one of the excellent lakeside restaurants and admire the view of the Annapurnas. (B,L,D)
Day 3: A free day in Pokhara: Today is a rest day, our first real chance to sit back and take a rest, before setting of on our trek. Pokhara is a great place to relax and most people will be content to take a stroll down to the lakeside area. Here, there are colourful shops, selling a range of handicrafts, books, maps and postcards. For those looking for a bit more entertainment, there is a range of activities on offer, including boating on Phewa Tal or fishing from the shores of the lake, or hiring mountain bikes for the day. Your trek leader will be on hand to help you with any arrangements you would like to make. A packed lunch is available for those who wish to go off for the day, or lunch can be taken at the hotel. In the evening, after dinner, our hotel puts on a cultural show. (B,L,D)
Day 4: First trekking day, to Bhumdi: In the morning, we take a short transfer by mini-bus to the starting point of our trek, which is close to the dam at the end of Phewa Tal. Here, we meet up with our trek crew and porters and set off on a trail which heads uphill through shading forest and alongside picturesque terraced rice fields. We ascend a low ridge, which allows us excellent views in all directions, We take a long lunch break allowing plenty of opportunity for interaction with the inquisitive local people, who will have seen few if any Western children in their village. After lunch, we continue to follow a broad ridge, with splendid panoramas of the peaks of the Annapurna Massif to the north. We make camp for the night at Bhumdi Village, at an altitude of 1500 metres (4920 feet). A gentle game of football or cricket with the village children will go down a treat. At dinner, we may find that we are entertained by a group of local dancers. Total walking 2 - 4½ hours. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang: We have a leisurely breakfast, during which we are sure to be joined, once again, by curious youngsters from Bhumdi. Afterwards, we set off gradually uphill, leaving the farm villages behind and passing through the cool shade of a temperate forest of oaks and rhododendron. Between the trees, we have occasional views of the Annapurna ranges. In the morning, we trek easily for 4 hours to a lunch stop on open grassy meadows. After lunch, we have a further 2 to 3 hours of undulating walking through woodland to the small settlement of Panchase Bhanjyang. This settlement is situated at the base of Panchase Hill and commands magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain ranges to the north and of the surrounding more gentle landscapes. There is a tiny lodge and shop close to our camp and it is possible to buy bottles of coca cola and Mars bars. Altitude at camp – 2200m. / 7218ft.. Today’s walk is not a long one, and we go at a very steady pace. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Trek via Panchase Hill to Bhadaure: This morning, after breakfast, we set off for the easy 2 hour hike to the summit of Panchase Hill (2500m. / 8200ft.) where we are treated to a superb panorama which includes Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna peaks to the north and Manaslu away to the east. At the summit, there is the remains of a temple and we may find that an ancient saddhu (holy man) is in residence. It is an hour back to Panchase Bhanjyang for lunch and then we continue our trek easily downhill for 2 – 3 hours to Bhadaure Village, through pristine forest. We camp above the village and have plenty of time to visit the attractive village of Bhadaure which is inhabited by people of the Gurung tribe. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Finish trek and return to Pokhara: An easy and largely downhill walk of around 4 hours takes us through fertile lowland valleys, passing through several farm villages and paddy fields, to the Pokhara to Baglung motor road at Naudanda. From here, we board our transport for the scenic hour-long ride to Pokhara, where we check back in to our hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Drive to the Trisuli River - rafting: The Trisuli River flows from the snowy foothills of the Ganesh and Langtang Himals, through Nepal’s middle hills, all the way to the plains of India and its eventual confluence with the Ganges. En route, it passes close to the Chitwan National Park in the south of Nepal. The Trisuli is a popular and very accessible river for rafting, as it flows for a part of its course alongside the road which links Kathmandu to Pokhara. Ideal for beginners and for family groups, the Trisuli offers safe and yet exciting sections of rafting, interspersed with long gentle stretches, where you can sit back and admire the views of the countryside. Distant mountain views to the north, together with unusual perspectives of riverside villages, makes river rafting one of the most interesting ways of seeing Nepal. After an early breakfast at the Hotel, we make the scenic drive eastwards from Pokhara on the main road towards Kathmandu. After a 3 hour drive, we stop at Fishlingtar, a small settlement on banks of the Trisuli. After a pleasant lunch beside the river, we are briefed by our rafting crew and everyone is fitted with a lifejacket, spray jacket and helmet. Then the raft guides will give a comprehensive lesson in river safety, paddling technique and what to do if you suddenly find yourself in the river. Most of the group will be newcomers to white-water rafting and the guides bear this in mind when they are giving their lesson. A raft trip isn’t just an adventure, its also an education. Our river guides spend the whole trip explaining the finer points of how to paddle through the water and how to stay in the raft as it bounces through the rapids. The rafting begins just after the "Surprise Rapid" and there follows a series of straightforward rapids in the vicinity of Kuringghat Village, the two parts of which are joined by a long suspension bridge. On the river banks, we will be able to see local fishermen and also people panning for gold. A level stretch then leads to "S Bend Rapid" which will get the adrenaline going again, before a long calm section of river and then the final "Pin Ball or Mugling Rapid." We pull in to the shore at a convenient beach which makes a great overnight camping place. Our river staff will be ready with a warm cup of tea/coffee and there will be lots of time to rest, play beach volleyball, skim stones, fish, and to explore the area. Dinner will be served in the mess tent at around 6.30 p.m. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Rafting, then transfer to Chitwan: Our second day of rafting adventure begins with an easy morning. Soon after breakfast, we make our preparations and get back into the rafts. Today's river journey will take us further towards the south, encountering numerous small rapids and then the more significant "C Bend Rapid," near to Simaltar Village. We then pull to the shore and enjoy a leisurely lunch, before making the short walk to the road to meet up with our transport. From here, it is an easy drive to the next stage of the adventure, at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge. The final part of the approach to the resort is by four-wheel drive vehicle and involves crossing a number of rivers. Chitwan Jungle Lodge is situated 120 miles south west of Kathmandu, at an elevation of just 120 metres (400 feet) above sea level. It is in the heart of the Royal Chitwan National Park, a 500 square mile area of tall grassland, magnificent forest and wetlands. Accommodation at the lodge is in private bungalows. The double rooms are attractively furnished with solar shower, fan and lighting. The Gol Ghar (Round House) forms the centre of the lodge and contains the dining hall and lounge area. With its huge domed roof and central open hearth it will be your special place for relaxation. Nepalese and Western cuisine is served and a fully stocked bar is open till the last guest retires to bed. After checking in, we will have a briefing on the activities available at the lodge before getting out into the Park. After dinner in the Round House, we will be entertained by a dance troupe of local Tharu people. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Jungle activities at Chitwan: A full day’s programme of activities. These include safaris on elephant and by river boat, jungle walks and bird watching excursions. The opportunity to bath an elephant should not be missed. The naturalist staff will introduce you to the fantastic array of flora and fauna in the park. Animal species include, the endangered Greater One Horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, sloth bear, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, over 450 species of birds, leopards and the elusive, Royal Bengal tiger. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Jungle walk, then fly to Kathmandu: We will have an early wake up call and meet up with our naturalist guide for the jungle walk (or elephant safari – if we have not done this the previous day). A network of trails leads away from the lodge and we will set off into the green, enclosed world of the forest. Our guide will point out the birds and animals that we encounter on our 2-hour circuit. Returning to the lodge, we have a late breakfast and then transfer to the local airport for the short flight back to Kathmandu where we check into our hotel. After lunch, we board a mini bus and take a sightseeing trip to some of the city’s main attractions, including the historic Buddhist temples at Pathan and at Swayambhunath, the so called Monkey Temple. During this trip, we will also pay a quick visit to Balodaya Primary School, one of the four schools in Nepal sponsored by KE and the Juniper Trust. In the evening we go out to one of Kathmandu’s top restaurants for our final dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu: Depending on flight schedules, the morning is free for more sightseeing or last minute shopping. KE group package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers from the group hotel are provided for all flights. (B)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

An Experienced English-speaking local KE leader
Internal flights
Airport transfers and all transfers within the itinerary
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
2 nights at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge including jungle activities
All meals
A guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
2 days of rafting on the Trisuli River
A full service when trekking and rafting including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

Trip Excludes

Travel insurance
Nepalese Visa
Tips for porters and other trek staff
Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Trip ID#: 62428

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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