Beyond the Mountains: A Week of Culture and Wildlife

What to expect

If you have the time, I warmly encourage you to stay a little longer in Nepal to experience its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. I put together an optional one-week itinerary based on some of my favorite past adventures — including a few unforgettable days in Chitwan National Park. We also visit Surya’s home village, where he holds a National Park guiding license and will lead us on an authentic wildlife safari.

Note that this trip can only be booked in combination with the preceding trek: Trekking in the Everest Region

Service included

• 2 full days in Chitwan National Park guided by two registered National Park Guides
• 2 full days of sightseeing in Bhaktapur ncl. 1 pottery workshop
• A group of max. 12 guests, no minimum number of guests
• 7 hotel nights including breakfast in double or twin rooms
• All group transport incl. airport drop-off on the last day

Extra costs on tour

• Lunches and dinners
• Tips for the local guides

Programme

Day 16 – Departure to Chitwan
Early in the morning we take a bus to Meghauli, which is the lesser touristic destination at the outskirts of Chitwan National Park and our base for the next few days at Bishnu's family lodge. In the afternoon, we will be exploring this small town on the banks of the Rapti and Narayani River. From Golaghat, we have a beautiful view of the sunset. On my last jungle walk, we saw uncountable deer, many rhinos, monkeys, and a sloth bear! And there were lots of hints of a tiger and leopard. 

Day 17 – Jungle Walk
After breakfast we take a boat ride down the Rapti river to experience the beautiful morning scenery by the river and continue on a jungle walk through the National Park in the valley of Madi with local villages scattered throughout and beautiful nature.

Day 18 – Bird-watching safari
In the morning we embark on a bird watching excursion along the river where we can see Kingfisher, Snake-Eagle, Kormoran and many other beautiful birds. The athmosphere in the early hours has something magical to it. After lunch we visit a local school that Surya supports and voluntarily works for and in the evening we join a Tharu cultural dance performance.

Day 19 – Travel back 
Early in the morning we take a bus back to Bhaktapur, which is next to Kathmandu, where we stay for the remaining days. The afternoon is free to relax, for example in one of the cosy cafes overlooking the main Durbar Square.

Day 20 – Ancient city of Bhaktapur
After breakfast we embark on a sightseeing-tour around Bhaktapur, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me Bhaktapur is Nepal's most atmospheric and picturesque city. It is less busy than Kathmandu and its cultural sights are well-preserved. The city is a labyrinth of ancient monuments, many constructed from the familiar deep-red brick, and home to some of the best examples of Nepali wood and stone carvings. Some of the finest buildings include the Palace of 55 Windows, the five-tiered Nyatapola Pagoda and the gilt copper carved Golden Gate, which we will all explore.

Day 21 – Pottery Square of Bhaktapur
The Pottery Square in Bhaktapur is a vibrant hub of culture, craft, and creativity. It’s a place where the traditional art of pottery is still alive and thriving, with local artisans shaping clay into various forms, from pots and vases to intricate sculptures. We head there in the morning to watch skilled potters transform shapeless lumps of clay into works of art and we get our own hands dirty by attending a pottery workshop to experience the therapeutic nature of clay molding as you create your pottery masterpiece, guided by seasoned artisans who are eager to share their knowledge. The afternoon is free to enjoy the tranquill city and do some souvenir shopping.

Day 22 – Departure
We say goodbye over breakfast, and you can start your travel home or onwards at any time.