A private version of our popular trekking, rafting, and safari adventure through Nepal explores Nepalese culture in all its richness. Discover a harmony of mountains, rivers, temples, villages, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Of the twenty highest mountains in the world, twelve are in Nepal. It is a place of uncommon beauty and rich culture, where jagged peaks reach the sky yet seem close enough to touch. Your private adventure explores traditional trade routes skirting some of the Himalaya's most stunning vistas. When your trek ends, you'll float on the Seti River to Royal Chitwan National Park, to search for the elusive Bengal tiger by elephant back.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.

Days 1-2: Meet in Kathmandu, Nepal. We explore the Kathmandu valley and discover dramatic palaces and sample Nepalese cuisine at a favorite restaurant. A short flight brings us to Pokhara, the rural capital of western Nepal, where we begin our seven day Nepal trekking adventure.

Days 3-8: Our Annapurna trekking route into the foothills follows an ancient trading route along a panoramic ridge, and passes through timeless mountain villages. Our lodge and porter supported trekking is done in style and comfort otherwise unavailable while trekking in Nepal. Our trekking portion ends with a night of luxury upon our return to Pokhara.

Days 9-11: An easy rafting excursion down the class I-III waters of the Seti River brings us to our deluxe riverside camp. After a hot shower, a day at leisure allows us to explore on foot, or enjoy a relaxing day in camp. An easy float by raft and a short transfer brings us to Royal Chitwan National Park, and our jungle lodge.

Days 12-13: Here in Chitwan, an unusual adventure is in store. After breakfast each morning we meet our transportation for the day, Indian elephants. Elephant back safaris allow easier spotting of wildlife, and possibly even the ability to approach normally reticent animals in an unobtrusive manner. We also spend some time on foot, tracking animals with our naturalist guide, who introduces us to the habits of the unique wildlife of the park. Upon returning to Kathmandu we celebrate our adventure by spending our final night in luxury at our five star hotel.

Day 14: Our final day in Nepal offers the optional opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Our plane departs Kathmandu and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal.

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, our 14-day trekking and safari adventure is one of the most comprehensive tours offered in Nepal.

THE PRIVATE COLLECTION ADVANTAGE

• Independent travel at its best. With your own exclusive party of family or friends, you'll enjoy itineraries developed from our years of experience.
• Your dates, your friends. You chose your dates and traveling companions, and let us do the rest!
• Reconnect in remarkable places. What better way to celebrate important milestones than with family and friends in amazing places, with all of the details handled for you so you can simply relax and enjoy each other’s company?
• Do your own thing. Customize your journey to indulge your most amazing travel fantasies.
• Travel with Trusted Leaders in Adventure Travel. Recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 "World's Best Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter".

Most Convenient Airport:
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (airport code KTM)

Meeting Place and Time:
Kathmandu International Airport, upon your arrival.

Departure Place and Time:
Kathmandu airport on the final morning, after breakfast. An airport transfer is included in the cost of the tour if you depart at this time. If you plan to stay on in Kathmandu you may easily arrange a taxi with the front desk of the hotel. A complimentary transfer to our first hotel will be provided for you upon the arrival of your international flight in Kathmandu.

What to Expect

Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Annapurna Trek & Tiger Safari is rated 4, moderate to strenuous, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). During the trekking portion of the trip (days 2-8), hikes are from 5-7 hours in length with no vehicle support. Elevation gains and losses vary from 500-3000 feet in one day. During the trek we do have one scheduled “rest” day (Day 4) where any hiking will be optional. The remainder of the trip is much easier, with leisurely rafting on the Seti River, and game viewing by elephant back.

Preparing for this Trip
This trip requires an above average level of fitness. It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! We suggest vigorously walking/hiking 3-5 miles, several times a week, for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability.
Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs. We encourage you to speak with one of our staff if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour.

The Trek
Our trekking route is moderately strenuous though we follow a leisurely pace. The route in the foothills of the Annapurnas is carefully planned to take the best advantage of amazing mountain scenery and charming mountain lodges. Each morning after breakfast we set out at about 8:30 a.m., stopping mid-morning for tea, and then continuing on until our midday stop for lunch. The trails are generally in good condition and many are made from inlaid stones, including steep steps at times.

Time spent on the trail will average 5-7 hours per day, with plenty of time to stop along the way. The trekking portion of the tour includes three days of long ascents (approximately 3-5 hours each day) and a couple of days of 1-3 hour descents (sometimes steep). The highest elevation we gain in one day is approximately 3,000 feet. Porters will carry our luggage, and all you need to carry is a daypack with extra layers, your camera, water, and lunch.

The Altitude
In spite of being among the highest peaks in the world, we will not be trekking at a high elevation, and the elevations you will experience on this trip are not extreme. Kathmandu is at 4,500 feet, Pokhara about 3,080 feet, and during the trek we will range from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. Keeping well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.

The Rafting
We spend two half-days rafting on the Seti River – a wide but relatively shallow river with mild Class I & II rapids. Your guides will provide a safety briefing and paddling instruction before starting. The paddling is not strenuous, and the time spent on the river is about 2-3 hours per day. Accommodations are roomy safari-style tents with attached bathrooms.

Game Viewing by Elephant Back
While in Chitwan National Park, we will have the opportunity to game view in the most unique way imaginable ― from the back of a steady Indian elephant. Smaller and more docile than their African cousins, Indian elephants provide a comfortable and mobile excursion into the bush, allowing us to maneuver quietly and safely into the wild areas, where we will be looking for rhinos, tigers, and many other fascinating species. The elephants carry a sort of platform, called a howdah, on which up to four adults can comfortably sit for a bird’s-eye view of the forest.

Accommodations
This tour includes a variety of accommodations. They range from 5-star hotels to deluxe tents erected on permanent sites. In Kathmandu and Pokhara we stay in deluxe hotels with TVs, phones, hair dryers, and pleasant public areas. During the trekking portion of our trip we are staying in mountain lodges. These are the very best accommodations on an Annapurna trek. The lodges are simple and rustic but fit well with the environment. They have private bathrooms, two twin beds in each room, and electricity. While camping for two nights on the Seti River we stay at a permanent tented camp. While in Chitwan National Park we stay in comfortable bungalowesque tents in the middle of a serene jungle. If you have any questions or concerns about the accommodations on this tour we encourage you to give us a call.

Weather
Temperatures tend to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, but heat-up at midday due to the strong direct sunlight at high altitudes. The Terai Plain, where Chitwan National Park is located, is about 3,000 feet lower in altitude than Kathmandu, and is consistently warmer than the rest of Nepal.

Climatically, the country ranges from subtropical to temperate and alpine. There are four main seasons:

Mid-October/November: Clear skies, hot during the day, cool evenings. Temperatures steadily decrease during these months.

December/January/February: Clear skies, warm days, and cold at night. In the Terai, the mornings are misty, with the sun only breaking through the dew for a couple of hours per day.

March/April/May: Clear mornings, afternoon hazy skies, hot during the day and cool evenings. The Terai is hot at this time of year.

June/July/August: This is Nepal’s rainy season, although fascinating for those interested in the flora and fauna of the country.
 

The following are average temperatures in Kathmandu:

                      high   low

March:             70°F   50°F
November:        68°F   49°F

The following are average temperatures in Chitwan National Park:

                     high   low

March:           74°F  63°F
November:      79°F  64°F

When to Go
Nepal is generally delightful for hiking in the spring and fall. The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in October and November. In the months of March and April, beautiful flowers are in bloom and you will encounter fewer travelers.

Traveler’s Responsibility
Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.

Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.

Overview:  Accommodations include deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, privately run lodges on the Annapurna trek, a classic tented camp along the Seti River, and a permanent tented camp in Chitwan National Park. All with private baths.

Night 1:  Hyatt Regency
Kathmandu, Nepal

The Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a conveniently located luxury 5 star city resort hotel with many amenities.
 
 

Night 2:  Sanctuary Lodge
Birethanti, Annapurna Trekking Route, Nepal

Its remote location next to a mountain river provides quiet and tranquility. While the rooms are simple, there are touches of cultural style and each room has private baths.

 Nights 3 & 4:  Himalaya Lodge
Ghandruk, Annapurna Trekking Route, Nepal

Located at the highest point of the tour (6,400 ft), this former mountain home is perched over the ancient village of Ghandruk. The Annapurna Range is in full view from each of the rooms, which are simply decorated and have private baths.
 

Night 5:  Sanctuary Lodge
Birethanti, Annapurna Trekking Route, Nepal

(see Night 2)

Night 6:  Gurung Lodge
Chandrakot, Annapurna Trekking Route, Nepal

Offers spectacular views of Annapurna South, the sacred Fishtail Mountain, Machhapuchhare, and the surrounding Modi Valley. All rooms with private baths.
 

Night 7:  Basanta Lodge
Dhampus, Annapurna Trekking Route, Nepal

This simple lodge is perched on a ridge overlooking a beautiful valley, providing comfortable respite after trekking; each room has a private bath.

Night 8:  Shangri-La Village Resort
Pokhara, Nepal

A deluxe hotel located minutes from Pokhara’s bustling lakeside. The hotel has a pool, beautiful gardens, and rooms tastefully decorated with Nepali and Tibetan art.
 

Nights 9 & 10:  Seti River Camp
Seti River, Nepal

This beautifully landscaped camp features roomy safari-style tents with beds and attached bathrooms. The attached bathrooms have hot showers and flush toilets, and towels and bathrobes are provided.
 

Nights 11 & 12:  Tiger Tops Tented Camp
Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Set in perfect wilderness, Tiger Tops Tented Camp provides the finest jungle experience in Nepal. Its twelve comfortable safari tents with twin or double beds are carefully situated to maximize the sweeping views of grassy plains, the Reu River below, and the snows of the Himalaya beyond. Each safari tent has an attached bathroom, and there is a central dining hall with a fireplace and fully stocked bar.

Night 13:  Hyatt Regency
Kathmandu, Nepal
(see Night 1)

SAMPLE ITINERARY: Other private customized options are available.

DAY 1
Arrival in Kathmandu

Easy city walking, 1-2 hours.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu (4,265 feet), you are met by your Boundless Journeys driver and transferred to the well-located five-star Hotel Yak & Yeti. Here we meet the group and our guides. Following an orientation meeting, we venture into the city and to the Durbar Square market.

Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at a favorite restaurant in Thamel, where perhaps you will try your first taste of dahl, the ubiquitous spiced lentil dish of the Himalayas.
Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu

DAY 2
Pokhara to Birethanti

Hike – moderate, about 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate overall elevation gain of 400 feet. Optional additional hiking.

This morning, we fly to Pokhara (3,080 feet), the rural capital of western Nepal. We meet our trekking guide and drive to our local office for a briefing. Afterwards, we depart with our guide and porters for the starting point of our trek (about one hour driving). Today’s hike follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. Early this afternoon, we descend into the Modi River valley, and our home for the night (3,470 feet). The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and still unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. We enjoy lunch at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village of Birethanti. Those who prefer can independantly explore the river valley surrounding the lodge.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 3
Modi River Valley to Ghandruk

Hike – moderately strenuous, about 5-7 hours on hiking trails; approximate overall elevation gain of 3,130 feet.

After breakfast we leave the lodge, walking through outlying farms following the Modi River valley. Soon we begin to ascend out of the valley and up towards the mountains. We take a relaxing pace, stopping for refreshments en route with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Our trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and sub-tropical forests, giving us glimpses of life in the mountains. We arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (6,600 feet) in time for a late lunch, and have time this afternoon to enjoy the magnificent close-up views of the surrounding mountains.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 4
Ghandruk

Optional hike – moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails. Approximate overall elevation gain of 1,600 feet.

We wake up this morning to tea and coffee served in the garden while watching the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail. After a relaxing breakfast, our guide brings us on an exploration of Ghandruk village and the surrounding countryside, ultimately reaching an altitude of about 8,000 feet. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers, and the women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional rugs. We return to our lodge where the afternoon is free for further exploration or relaxation.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 5
Ghandruk to Birethanti

Hike – moderate, about 5-7 hours. Approximate overall elevation loss of 3,130 feet; additional optional hiking.

After breakfast, we leave our lodge, walking through the village of Ghandruk and threading our way once again towards the Modi River. Our halfway point today is the village of Kimche, and we reach Sanctuary Lodge in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing by the river or in the garden, or once again taking an optional trek to the village of Birethanti and its nearby waterfall.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 6
Birethanti to Majgaun and Patleket

Hike – moderate, about 3-4 hours; optional additional village exploration.

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Sanctuary Lodge following along the river until arriving at a cable bridge about 20 minutes upriver. After crossing the bridge, we ascend partly on well-paved steps and partly on switchbacks, until reaching the welcome sign for our lodge. After settling in, we spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque nearby villages of Majgaun and Patleket.
Gurung Lodge, Majgaun

DAY 7
Majgaun and Patleket to Dhampus

Hike – moderate, about three hours; optional additional hiking and village exploration.

This morning we pass through the unspoiled village of Tanchok before entering a sub-tropical forest full of magnificent flora, including tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Upon reaching the ridgeline, we pass through the village of Pothana, where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. We arrive at Basanta Lodge, our home for tonight, in time for lunch. This afternoon, we have the option to hike to the old village of Dhampus (5,000 feet). From our lodge, sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range are ours to enjoy.
Basanta Lodge, Dhampus

DAY 8
Dhampus to Pokhara

Hike – moderate, 2 hours.

The trekking portion of our journey ends this morning as we depart along the ridge, descending through wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Upon reaching the valley floor, we meet our vehicle for the drive to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches evoking the deep cultural heritage of the area. Surrounding the resort are spacious, landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains. We arrive in time for lunch, and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.
Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara

DAY 9
The Seti River

Rafting – easy, 2-3 hours, primarily Class I with two short Class II sections.

This morning we transfer to Damauli, a journey of about one and one-half hours through the countryside. Here we meet our experienced river crew, and after a full briefing, we launch! There is no road access to the Seti River and so the water and surrounding valley remain absolutely pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as an abundant variety of birds. We stop for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach midday. Today, there are two small Class II rapids no longer than 165 feet in length. The remainder of the trip is very much a leisurely, relaxing float experience ― perfect after several days of trekking.

Upon arrival at our deluxe riverside camp, we settle into our safari-style tents, boasting true beds, a changing room, veranda, and attached bathroom. Our evening is spent around an open fire of driftwood.
Seti River Camp

DAY 10
The Seti River

Day at leisure, with optional hiking.

Today we enjoy the surroundings of our camp on the Seti River, allowing us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where almost no foreigners are ever seen. After our hike, we can cool off with a dip in the river. Following lunch at the camp, the afternoon is free to explore the gardens and riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house.
Seti River Camp

DAY 11
The Seti River to Royal Chitwan National Park

Rafting – easy, 2-3 hours, primarily Class I with short Class II sections.

This morning we enjoy a final breakfast at our deluxe river camp before setting out again in our rafts. The river is gentle, allowing us to take in the views along the way. After a few hours we disembark and drive to Royal Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey of about two hours). Our final approach to our home for the next two nights is an adventure in itself ― by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle. When we arrive at our camp, we have time to relax and settle in before a briefing on our upcoming safari explorations and dinner.
Tiger Tops Tented Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park

DAY 12
Royal Chitwan National Park

Game viewing by elephant; optional boat excursion.

Today an unusual adventure is in store ― after breakfast we meet our transportation for the day, Indian elephants. Elephant-back safaris allow us the advantage of spotting wildlife from a height, and possibly even the ability to approach normally reticent animals in an unobtrusive manner. We also spend some time on foot, tracking animals with our naturalist guide, who introduces us to the habits of the unique wildlife of the park.
Tiger Tops Tented Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park

DAY 13
Return to Kathmandu

Morning game viewing.

This morning we have the chance to explore again by elephant back, searching for signs of tigers and perhaps even spotting one of these big cats. It is estimated that 150-250 wild tigers remain in Nepal, and sightings are a rare and special experience. We then depart for a half-hour flight back to Kathmandu. Back in the cultural center of Kathmandu, we explore the neighborhood surrounding Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a great place for last-minute shopping. Tonight we celebrate our epic journey in the Himalayas with a farewell dinner at our favorite restaurant in the Thamel district.
Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu

DAY 14
Departure from Kathmandu

Mt. Everest Flight (optional).

After an early morning breakfast, we will have the optional opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Our plane departs Kathmandu and flies east along the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. After the flight, we return to the hotel where we say goodbye before continuing to the airport for our homeward journey.
 

2-3 Guests: $4,895 per person; 4+ Guests: $4,595 per person

2-3 Guests: $4,895 per person; 4+ Guests: $4,595 per person (2012 Single Supplement of $895)

• All accommodations
• All meals and two internal flights
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Expert leadership and services of camp and lodge staff