Chitwan National Park (Private Vehicle) Tour Itinerary

Chitwan National Park (Private Vehicle) Tour Itinerary
REF: ASN15
VERSION: 2

Duration:	3 days - Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Countries Visited:	Nepal
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	12
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Jeep, Canoe, Elephant, On Foot
Accommodation:	Lodge (2 Nights)
What's Included:	Meals, Accommodation and Activities in the Park - Elephant Safari
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Nepal - Chitwan National Park - Elephant Safari - Canoe Ride - Bird Watching - Cultural Programme - Jungle Walk - Village Tour
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Grade:	Easy - Suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility.
Meeting Point:	Hotel Yak & Yeti Durbar Marg Kathmandu Nepal Tel: +977 1 426 8999
Introduction:	A 3-day Chitwan tour is the perfect addition to a trek, giving you the full Nepal experience. For a country that is renowned for stunning mountain scenery, Chitwan provides a very different perspective of Nepal. The national park is home to an array of wildlife, the most famous of which are the single-horned Asian rhino, the Bengal tiger and crocodiles in its lush jungle wilderness.
Day 1:	Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park. We depart the hotel in Kathmandu after an early breakfast to transfer to Chitwan by private vehicle. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. The time of departure will be confirmed at the pre departure meeting which is held at 6pm the previous evening. On arrival we transfer to our lodge in Sauraha Village. Chitwan National Park is situated in south western Nepal and covers an area of 932 square kilometres. It is the most well known of the wildlife National Parks of Nepal. You can see wild elephant, white footed gaur (the world’s largest wild cattle), leopards, wild boar, sloth bear, several species of deer including the spotted, barking, samber and hog deer. Chitwan National Park is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, and also harbours one of the largest populations of Bengal tigers. The swampy areas and numerous ox-bow lakes are perfect for marsh crocodiles. And for bird-lovers, the park hosts 450 species of birds. We will arrive in Chitwan around lunchtime. We check into our accommodation, take lunch and then begin the afternoon activities. After lunch we visit Tharu Village, where we can get an insight into local life, and the Tharu people who have unique cultural traditions. We then visit the National Park Visitor Centre before returning to our hotel. You may like to watch the sunset from the banks of the Rapti River. After dinner there is a Tharu dance programme or slide show on the wildlife.
Day 2:	Chitwan National Park. Following breakfast we take a trip in a dug-out canoe along the Rapti or Budi Rapti river, followed by a nature walk. There is also the opportunity to visit the elephant breeding farm. We return to the lodge by jeep or ox cart. After lunch we take an elephant safari in the park, in the hope of spotting rhino and maybe even a tiger. The elephant safari generally covers an area of about 8 to 10 square kms in either Bagmara or Gaida Forest, and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Please note that additional elephant safaris can be organised at your own expense. We then return to our accommodation to relax and for dinner.
Day 3:	Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu. Our third day begins very early with some bird watching. The early morning is often the best time to see the local wildlife. We return to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, pack your belongings and prepare for the return journey by road to Kathmandu. The trip ends upon arrival in Kathmandu. Accommodation in Kathmandu is not included, but post tour accommodation can be booked on your behalf. Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to book additional nights.
Finishing Point Please Note:	Hotel Yak & Yeti Durbar Marg Kathmandu Nepal Tel: +977 1 426 8999
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
Please Note:	Clients wishing to deviate from the tour itinerary at any time do so at their own expense and are not entitled to any refund of their tour cost no matter what tour portion / inclusion they miss out on. All elements of our tours are pre-booked and non-refundable.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your fellow passengers, hand over flight tickets, and confirm the departure time on Day 1. If you are not staying at the Kumuka joining hotel, please advise Kumuka of the hotel you will be based at, so that we can arrange for our Local Representative to meet you. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. There is a local contact number on your tour voucher, should you need to contact our Local Representative prior to the meeting. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. IF YOU ARE NOT STAYING AT THE JOINING HOTEL, PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT, OR CONTACT THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE ON ARRIVAL, TO ARRANGE A MEETING In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. NEPAL - All nationalities require visas. You can apply to the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) prior to travelling. Alternatively, visas can also be obtained on arrival from the Immigration authorities at all entry points (with fees payable in US Dollars) provided travellers are in possession of valid travel documents, two passport photos and the relevant fee. Please re-confirm all fees through your local consulate as these can change without notice. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Departure Taxes:	Nepal - Please note that as of March 2009, the Departure Tax applicable for Kathmandu International Airport has been included in airline tickets. Departure tax charges are subject to change.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-20 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks, hot and cold drinks and showers whilst trekking etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling, although in Kathmandu most major currencies can be changed into Nepal Rupees. US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable. It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns. Some Hotels will also change money. Whilst treking, Nepal Rupees are essential - small denomiantions are preferable. You will not be able to use or exchange foreign currency whilst trekking. Pleae note that if you prefer not to purify water using water purification methods, but instead buy bottled water, then this will add to your expenses. particularly whilst trekking.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Luggage:	What to Bring with you? 1. Binoculars 2. Sun hat and sun cream 3. Swim wear 4. Light Clothes 5. Light sweater or jacket for mornings and evenings during winter season (Dec to Feb) 6. Torch 7. Pocket Knife 8. Books for reading
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that if you are visiting the Western desert, Sinai desert or during the winter months, evenings can get a very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	The main language in Nepal is Nepali, however Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups speak between 24 and 100 different languages and dialects depending on how fine the distinctions made are between dialects. English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation
Food:	The Nepalese are vegetarian and meals usually consist of a dish called ‘dal bhaat tarakari’ which means lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables. Restaurants in tourist areas and on major trekking trails cater to the westerners with varied menus. In Chitwan, your meals will be prepared in the hotel restaurant. Here they serve a variety of meals with Continental, Chinese & Nepalese food. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different areas. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable, and of a very high standard.
Arriving in Nepal:	Please provide us with your flight arrival details so that we can arrange a free transfer to the meeting point hotel. Please be aware of hawkers at the airport who will try to carry your bags for you and direct you to specific guesthouses. Please carry your own luggage, and do not give money to anyone at the airport. Our Local Representative will be outside the terminal hall, and will be holding a Kumuka sign.
Pre-Departure Meeting:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable.
Tipping and Bargaining:	Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal but is expected by the guides and porters. Gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. As a guideline we suggest that you tip as follows: Trek Guide - US$10 per day per group Assistant Guide - US$5 per day per group Porters - US$1-2 per day per porter (one porter is generally shared between 2 people) Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles, and sometimes even when taking a room.
Optionals:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party. Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.
Travel Money:	Kumuka Travel Money The easiest way to buy currency and travellers cheques, without having to leave home. Easy to arrange either online or over the phone Great value - no commission, only a straightforward £5 fee Fast delivery direct to your home - next day if you order before 2pm Mon to Fri Choose from over 60 currencies or American Express Travellers Cheques www.kumuka.com/TravelMoney.aspx (UK customers only)
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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