Annapurna Treat & Safari
Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Australia Camp – Chitwan - Kathmandu
If you have ever wanted to experience Nepal but felt you never really had a lot of time to get on a trail and gain some altitude, and are not such a keen trekker, well then this is the trip for you. Expedition Base has developed some Nepal trips of 10 days or less to give you a nice ‘taste’ of Nepal to take back home with you. On this trip, there is mix of city, mountains and a safari experience – all in one neat package.
Alternatively, this is a great add-on trip if you have been trekking or climbing in other parts of Nepal. Add this on for a quick snapshot of the Annapurna region, Pokhara and Chitwan safari experience.
Trip Facts
| Trip Highlights
Inclusions Trekking permit and safari fees (as applicable), 3 nights in Kathmandu hotel equivalent to Hotel Tibet or Radisson (Lazimpat or similar), experienced trekking guides, team transport in Nepal including for safari, internal fixed wing flight, teahouse accommodation on trek, wilderness first aid kit, all meals outside Kathmandu plus breakfast in Kathmandu, porters to carry personal/group equipment on trek, plus receive complimentary trekking duffel. All accommodation is priced on a twin share basis. Exclusions International flights to and from Kathmandu, lunch and dinners in Kathmandu (allow USD $10- 15 per meal), aerated and alcoholic beverages, personal items (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry), tips, travel insurance (incl. early departure, evacuation / rescue) and personal trekking gear. |
Trip Map | Short Itinerary Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m) Day 3: Drive Pokhara to Khare, trek to Australia Camp ~ 2-3 hrs Day 4: Trek Australia Camp to Khade, drive to Pokhara ~ 3 hrs Day 5: Drive Pokhara to Chitwan ~ 5-6 hrs Day 6: In Chitwan Day 7: Drive Chitwan to Kathmandu ~ 5-6 hrs Day 8: In Kathmandu Day 9: Depart Kathmandu |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive KathmanduToday, you arrive in magical Kathmandu. An Expedition Base representative will collect you from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. It’s then a free day to recover from your international flight. Later in the day, there will be a team briefing, gear check and welcome team dinner. For those with an early arrival, there is a good chance you will want to dip your toes into Kathmandu by a short walk to the main tourist area of vibrant Thamel. | |
Day 2 | Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m)Today, we fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. We will then take the short drive from Pokhara’s airport to lakeside. On a clear day, you will see some of the Annapurna mountain range, seemingly close. We will stay for the day and let you experience Pokhara. You may want to take a boat ride in the lake and walk up to the Shanti Stupa, which sits high above Pokhara, go to the Mountaineering museum, ride a bicycle around Pokhara, check out the local shops, or spend time by the lake. | |
Day 3 | Drive Pokhara to Khare, trek to Australia Camp ~ 2-3 hrsIt is time to board a jeep and you will drive for around 1 hour to the village of Khare, before disembarking and getting our trekking legs going with a short trek up to Dhampus – Australia Camp at 1,900m. It is not uncommon to see a lot of birdwatchers in this area, and it is hard not to just sit yourself down and take in all the mountain scenery. Expect to see Machhapuchchhre (6,990m), Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,440m) and many more. | |
Day 4 | Trek Australia Camp to Khade, drive to Pokhara ~ 3 hrsAfter breakfast, it is a short trek down the hill back to Khare and then you drive to Pokhara for a little bit more time here before heading off on your safari in Chitwan. There is a good chance there are a few more activities you would like to do before you leave Pokhara – tandem paragliding perhaps? This is a very popular activity in Pokhara, or a boat ride or paddle on the lake, or anything you did not have time to do when here previously. | |
Day 5 | Drive Pokhara to Chitwan ~ 5-6 hrsWe will make a reasonably early start from Pokhara to drive to Chitwan for your safari experience. Wildlife is generally more visible in the afternoons and early mornings so once we arrive, we will be briefed on the itinerary for your stay based on time of year and animal activity. We will have lunch and then head off on our first safari adventure. Grab your kharkis and your camera! | |
Day 6 | In ChitwanYour safari experience continues – whether it is riding an elephant to go spotting rhino or heading down to the river to help bathe the elephants, expect a great time. You may want to go bird watching, on a jeep safari, paddle in a canoe, or go on a jungle walk. There is the opportunity to see tigers, leopards, rhino, deer, elephants and a wild array of birdlife. | |
Day 7 | Drive Chitwan to Kathmandu ~ 5-6 hrsFrom Chitwan, it is a 5-6hr scenic drive back to Kathmandu: another chance to take in Nepal’s wondrous mountain and forested scenery. | |
Day 8 | In KathmanduYour last day to take in some sightseeing, shopping, or relax and prepare for departure. You may want to check out Bhaktapur or the other durbar squares in Patan/Kathmandu, or some of the local temples such as the stupa at Boudanath or Swayambhu. | |
Day 9 | Depart KathmanduGoodbye Kathmandu and Nepal... until next time. See you again soon! We will be sad to see you go. |
Expedition Base Pvt. Ltd.Bansbari-3, Kathmandu, Nepal, Tel: +977 01 4371291 www.expeditionbase.com |  |