Best Period : April – May and September - November

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Evening tour to Hanuman Dhoka Square. O/N Kathmandu

Day 02: After breakfast sightseeing tour to Dakshinkali temple to see the animal sacrifice festival and Patan. Evening walk around the Kathmandu Durbar Square. O/N Kathmandu

Day 03: Kathmandu

Day 04: In the afternoon drive to Bardia National Park by bus. Arrive Forest Hideaway at approx. 0700 the following morning.

The far west of Nepal is one of the least explored regions of the Himalayas. Within this region is a seldom visited national Park which still offers challenging adventure. Established in the 70s, Royal Bardia National Park was upgraded to National Park status in 1988. However, it was not until 1994 that facilities existed for independent visitors. Therefore Royal Bardia National Park remains very much untouched wilderness which appeals to the nature lover and naturalist.

Day 05: Arrive by bus and jeep at hotel at approx. 0700. Tharu village/culture tour

Day 06: Whole day walking safari to view and swim with Gangetic dolphins.

Day 07: Exploration of tiger territory, elephant back safari, Tharu Cultural programme in the evening.

Day 08: Depart Forest Hideaway approximately 1300 and overnight in Hotel Sneha in Nepalgunj.

Day 09: Nepalgunj - Jumla Fly to Jumla. Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district.

Day 10: Jumla - Danphe Langa From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek through the lower route. The trail follows the Tila river, passing through fields and pine forest. Arrive at Uthugaon, the trail ascends up the Gursini Khola valley. Arrive at Padmara passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and firs. The climb continues in forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to Danfelanga. Overnight stop at the other side of Danfelanga.

Day 11: Danfelanga - Chautha The trail descends passing through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forest. After crossing a bridge we start to climb and arrive at Bhara (classic Tibetan style village) and then descend to Chautha.

Day 12: Chautha - Dhotu The trail climbs to Gurchilanga ass ascending through forest with a few local tea houses and treeless meadows half way to the pass.

Day 13: Dhotu - Rara lake (3040m) It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, take a trail turning west that traverses a steep north facing slope. After crossing a stretch of fields, climb a small spur and descend to the stream. Cross the bridge and climb up to the hamlet of Jhari 2500m. It takes two hours to reach Jhari from Pina. From Jhari, ascend west along a ridge for about 700m to reach a low saddle in another two hours. The Large Rara lake is visible directly north of this saddle. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former village site of Rara (3040m) on the north side is two hours walk along the western bank of the lake. Rara was designated a National Park in 1975. There is much wild life, including aquatic birds and rich forests around this large lake at a height of 2980m. One may spend a day or two in the Rara area. A more interesting return trip may be a different route.

Day 14: Rara Lake Explore around Rara Lake - a relaxing day

Day 15: Rara - Ghorasain (3271m) After a 15 minute walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to Gurchimara at 3710m. Then the trail descends to Ghorasain,

Day 16: Ghorasain - Sinja (2438m) A more interesting trail with better scenic views is o climb Lumsa. Arrive on the top and descend to Sinja, the Thakuri village.

Day 17: Sinja - Jaljala Chaur (3350m) Most of the trek is through forests of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few scattered houses and fields of barle and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur.

Day 18: Jaljala Chaur - Jumla Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m, then a pleasant descent to Jumla.

Day 19: Jumla Nepalgunj and drive to Kathmandu.