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TRAVEL
019
ALL AROUND YOU IS THAT MOST HEART- WARMING AND HUMBLING OF WELCOMES
WILD NEPAL Pettitts Travel (
pettitts.co.uk) offers a
15-day tour taking in Nepal’s nature and wildlife. Using Kathmandu as a base it features two full days at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve before exploring the world-renowned Chitwan National Park with its resident tiger, rhinoceros and elephant populations. The journey ends in remote Bardia National Park, home to numerous endangered animals and more than 400 recorded species of bird. From £4,690 pp including flights.
RURAL
SPLENDOUR A 16-day tailor-made trip from TransIndus (
transindus.co.uk) covers all the major sights, including the Valley of Kathmandu (home to the ancient capitals of Nepal and some stunning temples), the national park of Chitwan with its one-horned rhino, and the tranquil valley of Pokhara with its breathtaking views. In addition, you’ll get to see some lesser visited areas of the country. From £2,630 pp including flights.
T REKKING HEAVEN
for young people.” And, of the country that is now so much a part of her life, Rachel says: “Nepal is a wonderful land and host to such friendly faces, delicious food and of course the Himalayas – there’s nothing quite as spectacular as the highest mountain range in the world. Every glimpse of these vast beauties steals your breath away and stops your heart. They’re amazing, awesome and spectacular, and all around you is that most heart-warming and humbling of welcomes.”
A nation like no other
It’s a view echoed by Karen Bidois, who developed the nine-day tours her company offers in close conjunction with local tour guide Biki. They cater for just 10 passengers per departure to ensure the most authentic experience. “Trekking is probably one of the first things that comes to mind when people think about a visit to Nepal but it is not for everyone,” Karen says, adding that it is the people who invariably provide the most enduring of memories. “There’s a real vibe to Nepal rooted in the depth of
its culture and stunning natural beauty but, above all, in its people. It sounds like a terrible travel cliche, but they really are so friendly and helpful and, despite the hardships of the past few years, you’ll find them only too keen to welcome you into their homes. “There’s a quote that says, ‘You can take my body out of Nepal but you can never take my heart and soul from it’. You’ll get no argument from me there!”
Beginning in Kathmandu, Selective Asia’s (
selectiveasia.com) 10-day Simply Nepal explores the city’s significant sacred sites before moving on to Chitwan National Park, which is home to rare wildlife and indigenous tribespeople. From the lowlands to the highlands, the next stop is picturesque Pokhara, which sits at the foot of the mighty Annapurnas. From £1,550 pp excluding flights.
HIMALYAN
HIGHLIGHTS One of its signature National Geographic tours, G Adventures (
gadventures.co.uk) has a 10-day Himalayan Highlights trip starting from and finishing in Kathmandu. You’ll venture into the lively streets of the capital, spend a night at a Buddhist monastery guesthouse and take in astounding views of the Himalayas in Pokhara before going in search of the famous rhinos and Bengal tigers of Chitwan National Park and on to explore the ancient temples of the Kathmandu Valley. From £1,199 pp excluding flights.
© Andy Allen/Pettitts Travel
Image licensed by Ingram Image © Galyna Andrushko
Prices and tour details correct at time of going to print.
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