Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the most visited protected area in Nepal. A World Natural Site declared by UNESCO. The park has more than 500 Asian one-horned rhinoceros roaming the sprawling grass and wetland in the park and its surrounding ares. Some 100 nocturnal Royal Bengal Tigers hunt their preys in the dense jungle. The two protected species - tigers and rhinoceros - speak volumes about the rich ecosystem of the park with an area of 932 square kilometers. The diverse ecology is home to around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, 526 birds and 49 amphibians and reptiles. Some of these flora and fauna are endangered.
Far from the madding crowd, the seclusion in the park is evident thanks primarily to the two bog bordering rivers - Narayani and Rapti, that mark the entry points to the park. Local and migratory birds around the rivers and the aquatic animals are the first attractions for visitors. The chirping and preening winter birds including water fowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese, cormorants are what can be seen as visitors cross the river to reach the park land. This is also the place where migratory birds arrive from as far as Siberia during winter. Sharing the arboreal home with these birds are other animals like rhesus monkey, grey langur, python, different kinds of snakes, among others. On the ground there are four species of deer, including the hog deer, sloth deer, barking deer and chittals.
Preying on these herbivorous animals are the tigers and leopards. These predators also have other choices like white stockinged gaur, wild boar, among others. Small animals like wild dogs and wild cats also inhabit the jungle.
Its not just the flora and fauna that makes the Chitwan National Park a unique tourism product. Local culture, tradition and the way of life adds color and liveliness to tourists' experiences here. Perhaps no one knows the Chitwan Park as closely as Tharu community does. These were the local tribals that lived the park jungles even before it was declared a National Park in 1972.
Around the Chitwan National Park, there are many historic and religious sites. Topping the list is the Devghat Dham - a popular pilgrimage spot situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli Rivers just north of the Chitwan Park.
Sitting on an elephant back and exploring the jungle is a memorable experience and while doing that one comes across different wild animals including rhinos, different kinds of deers, wild boars and in rare cases, tigers. Another way of watching the flora and fauna in the park is jeep drive - with open hoods that allows the visitors to have a 360 degree look around as the vehicle passes the jungle way.
Another activity in the park is the boat/canoe riding on, mainly, the Rapti and the Narayani Rivers. Visitors in the east park get to ride the boat on the Rapti River while those in the western part of the park can enjoy the flow of the Narayani River downstream.
Ilam
Ilam, a hilly district situated in the far eastern Nepal, is divided into 48 Village Development Committees (VDCs) and one municipality. This district is fully covered by hills except some parts of inner Terai. The district covered by pleasant natural geo-structure, temperate climate, low green hills and fertile lands, has been made prosperous by the hard work of the farmers.
The district is famous for tea and six 'As' - aalu (potato), alaichi (cardamom), aduwaa (ginger), akabare khursani (red round chilly), olan (milk) and amliso (a grass from which brooms are made, Thysanalaena). This district is proceeding towards modern agricultural business from the traditional cereal farming. Among the six 'As', potato, ginger, cardamom, red round chilly and amliso are exported to Siliguri and Darjeeling in India whereas milk is taken to Kathmandu via Biratnagar and Tea is exported to foreign countries. Ilam is inhabited by the people from various sects and ethnic group and is an interface of different cultures and religions. Ilam has exciting natural green hills covered with tea plantation and forest, diverse climate, simple living style and houses depicting its own arts and unique style. The following touristic places with panoramic view are eager to welcome guests:
- Shriantu: Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai, Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens can be seen from this place.
- Sandakpur: Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of birds like pheasant can also be seen here.
- Siddhithumka: This place is also famous for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.
- Mangmalung: This is situated in the middle of the forest at the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a great pomp and show.
- Chhintapu: Mt. Kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare birds, butterflies important for research study, important herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.
- Maipokhari: This pond is situated at the top of Maipokhari and Sulubung. It is 188 sq. hec. in area with a radius of 750m and it has nine corners. This pond, situated in the middle of forest with rhododendron and magnolia campbelli (chhap) is important from the point of view of natural scenery, religious importance and pilgrimage to goddess.
- Gajurmukhi: Gajurmukhidham situated on the bank of Deumai River, one of the four rivers of Ilam is an important religious place.
- Pathibhara: Pathibhara situated at teh top of Kutidanda and Haaspokhari in Mechi Highway is called as small Pathibhara regarded as the younger sister of Pathibhara in taplejung district. From this hill covered with green forest one can have a view of Terain plains, Mahabharat Range and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Ilam Bazaar: It is the district headquarter of Ilam and is situated at the altitude of 1208m. This is the city of houses and temples that reflects its own originality and geo-structure and old tea gardens. The oldest tea factory and tea gardens in Nepal exist here. Small cozy and economic wooden houses which reflect their originality and rich sculptural tradition are the center of attraction.
- Pashupatinagar: Pasupatinagar is adjoined with Darjeeling of India situated in the far east of district. This place is one of the entry points to India. The cheese factories here are very famous.
- Fikkal: Fikkal is situated in the east of Ilam Bazaar and lies along the Mechi Highway. It is one of the oldest market places of Ilam and is being developed as a main business center for agricultural products.
- Mangalbare: This is one of the main markets situated at the south of Ilam. This place is also the collection and distribution center of all the agricultural products of Ilam.
- Todke Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Ilam district is Todke Waterfall located in Maimajhuwa VDC in the north of the district headquarter. This waterfall is 285 ft. high and is very fascinating.
 Ilam Tea Garden |
 Sunrise view from Antu Danda |
SIRUBARI
Sirubari is a small village nestled on the southern slopes of a ridge at 1700m above sea level. The height and aspect ensure a comfortable climate regardless of any season of the year. Pokhara, about 20km to the northeast is the nearest major center. The travel time for the average group to reach the village from Pokhara is about 5 hours, an experience in itself. The village which is inhabited entirely by the Gurung people, is small and compact with neat and clean trails connecting the mainly stone and slate built houses. Sirubari offers attractive valley views stretching away towards the terai. A short walk above the village gives visitors a spectacular Himalayan panorama that is hard to rival from any viewpoint in the region. The living culture and tradition of the Gurungs blended with their rich hospitality make for an unforgettable experience for any one who visits Sirubari. Sirubari is the winner of the PATA Gold Award 2001 in Heritage and Culture Heritage Category.
Our Cultural Tours are listed below. We organize these Tours (except the Culture and Trekking Tours) during the whole year.
The best time for one of our Culture and Trekking Tours will be from February to May and from September to December.
CU 01 Cultural Tour (Kathmandu, Patan, Baktapur, Changunarayan)
(8 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CU 02 Cultural Tour (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini (Buddhas birthplace), Chitwan National park)
(13 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CU 03 Cultural Tour (Kathmandu, Lumbini (Buddhas birthplace), Chitwan National park, Pokhara)
(14 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CU 04 Cultural Tour Ilam (Kathmandu, Ilam)
(9 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CU 05 Cultural Tour Chitwan National park
(3 days, minimum group size: 2 people)
CU 06 Cultural Tour Chitwan National park
(4 days, minimum group size: 2 people)
SI 01 Sightseeing Tour Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan, Baktapur, Changunarayan, Pharping, Dhulikhel)
(10 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTA 01 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Annapurna region, Patan, Baktapur, Changunarayan)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTA 02 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Annapurna region, Dhulikel, Baktapur, Patan)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTA 03 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Annapurna region, Nagarkot, Baktapur, Patan)
(18 days, minimum group size; 4 people)
CTA 04 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Annapurna region, Pokhara, Chitwan Nationalpark)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTE 01 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Everest region, Patan, Baktapur, Changunarayan)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTE 02 Culture and Treking Tour (Kathmandu, Everest region, Dhulikel, Baktapur, Patan)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)
CTE 03 Culture and Trekking Tour (Kathmandu, Everest region, Nagarkot, Baktapur, Patan)
(18 days, minimum group size: 4 people)