Nepal School Group Holiday

Driving north-west out of Kathmandu todays destinatin is Nuwakot, located 75 kilometres from the capital. The journey takes about four hours along winding mountain roads through a spectacular landscape dominated by rice terraces and forested hills. You ascend to about 2000 metres above sea level before descending into the valley. Leaving the main road, a steep hill brings you to Nuwakot. Sitting on the traditional trading route with Tibet the area has historically held great importance and now is home to numerous abandoned impressive buildings and forts - indeed the name is supposed to be derived from 'Nawakotta' meaning nine forts. This historic town was once the capital of the valley in the days before the unification of Nepal and was once of strategic importance. Today the village has a sleepy feel about it, and gives the impression that it has received few visitors in recent years. You'll explore the village and surrounding area on foot. Overnight: Converted farmhouse guesthouse - 1 night (BLD)

Trekking in Nepal is one of the most rewarding parts of a visit to this mountainous kingdom. However some visitors are put off by the thought that all trekking requires the skills of a mountaineer, and specialist equipment to match. This is not true for the majority of routes, including the one you walk. One should, however, remember that all trekking is more difficult than just a ramble - there is little if any flat ground in Nepal's hills but you don't reach very high altitudes. You'll be walking on well-graded paths that link small farming communities. Steep stone staircases and occasional suspension bridges dot your route. Most people - even students - will find the pace, distance and duration of each day's walk within their capability as long as they are realistic about their fitness and abilities. (approximate distances and duration of walks are indicated below). Few nationalities provide a camping experience as well as the Nepalese; their hospitality and organizational skills are legendary, as will become clear on your trek! Tents and mattresses are provided, camp staff cook your meals, providing tasty and nutritious food, whilst porters carry your main bags, leaving you with only your daypacks to carry! A short boat ride across Begnas Lake signals the start of the trek. The first day's walk will take you to the village of Chisapani, ('cold water' in Nepali). Walking at a leisurely pace you first pass through rice fields indicating that you are still at a relatively low altitude. From here the trail now climbs through villages offering superb panoramic views along the way of Annapurna 2, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and Himalchuli. You'll head into the renowned Annapurna Region and after approximately six hours' trekking you arrive at the small village of Chisapani, your night stop and camp, at an altitude of around 1260m. Life jackets will be provided for the boat trip across the lake. Camp - 1 night (BLD)

This morning your journey brings you into the low lying terai jungle region, and the world-famous Chitwan Reserve, which covers 932 square kilometres of floodplain. The park is home to varied wildlife and birdlife, including the famed symbol of Chitwan, the one-horned rhino, and the elusive royal Bengal tiger, of which there are believed to be around 80 roaming in the park. An experienced jungle guide will accompany you on your excursions, perhaps the most exciting of which is your safari on elephant-back, penetrating deep into the jungle. Rhino, bison, wild boar, monkeys, and a wide array of birds (over 400 species on record) are a common sight, and with luck on your side even the royal Bengal tiger, bear and leopard are a possibility, albeit a slim one. Another highlight of the trip is the canoe ride on Rapti River, (life jackets will be provided) which drapes the national park, the banks of which are home to sun-bathing 'mugger' crocodiles and the unique long-nosed 'gharial' crocodiles. Afterwards you walk to the elephant breeding centre. Elephants at the breeding centre are well attended to and are taken out by their mahouts (elephant drivers, whose commands they're used to and follow) on a daily basis between the hours of 10:30am and 3pm, where they go into jungle for collecting fodder, safaris and bathing. However, please remember that elephants are naturally wild animals and their behaviour can at times be erratic and highly unpredictable, especially in the absence of their trainer and controller. Therefore in the interests of visitor safety, please be advised that elephants are chained during the centre's opening hours. Please also keep your distance from elephants while embarking and disembarking on safari. A fun evening is in store for you with dancing to the tunes and moves of the 'Tharu' artistes and an informative slide show on the rich flora and fauna of the jungles of Chitwan. Overnight-Royal Park Hotel 2 nights (BLD)