A once in a life-time experience to visit Nepal and attend the World Elephant Polo Championships near Chitwan National Park.

Our adventure begins with several days exploring Kathmandu before heading west to the beautiful Mountain Valley of Pokhara and a stay in the award winning Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge from where easy day-hikes are possible. From here we head to the Seti river for a 2 day rafting trip which offers gentle rapids and stunning scenery. The river trip concludes down near to the Chitwan National Park where the Elephant Polo Championships will be taking place. One also has the opportunity to enjoy elephant safaris, walks and boat trips.

NOTE: The price is based on a minimum of 2 persons in the group is US$ 2300 (UKP 1150.00) per person. Optional upgrade to Deluxe Heritage Hotel in Kathmandu (Dwarika’s Hotel): US$ 250.00 per adult. Pre and post nights may be added to the above itinerary at extra cost.

ITINERARY

28th November: Arrival in Kathmandu Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by an Escape 2 Nepal representative and transferred to Shangri-la Hotel which is located 15 minutes from the airport and 5-10 minutes from the tourist district of Thamel. This Hotel provides comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities as well as one of Kathmandu’s best gardens. 29th November: Kathmandu A pre-trek briefing will be conducted today in which maps and other general information will be distributed. This will also offer you the ideal opportunity to ask any last minute questions that you may have. A half day sightseeing tour will also be arranged. Overnight Shangri-la Hotel l. 30th November: Kathmandu - Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge After breakfast transferred to the airport for the 30 minute flight to Pokhara. On arrival you will be met for the half hour drive to the award winning Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is situated on a hilltop ridge, a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley. It has spectacular, panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain), and three of the world’s 8,000m peaks, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna. The nineteen elegant and spacious rooms are arranged around the hilltop in thirteen individual hand cut stone bungalows, blending naturally into their surroundings. Sited to maximize the breathtaking vistas and set in private gardens, each room has a private verandah, adjoining bathroom and is furnished with twin or super-king sized beds. Activities available from the Lodge include a ridge top walk visiting local villages; a full day Gurung Village trek circuit exploring the picturesque communities of Tulaswor, Chiteipani, and Lankachhar; naturalist-guided nature and bird watching walks; or relaxing in Col. Jimmy’s Library reading about some of the more famous mountain expeditions. A beautiful swimming pool is located in a strategic site at the end of the ridge and reflects the high mountains which drop away to the Bijaypur river far below. 1st December: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Relax, or take optional day hikes from the Lodge. 2nd December: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge - Seti River Take the 1 hour drive to the Seti river. Upon reaching the put in point you will be given a full safety briefing, with instructions on rafting techniques for people preferring to raft with a paddle boat. The Seti river offers a fine combination of superb scenery and gentle rapids. Overnight Seti River Fixed Camp: The Camp is a fully staffed facility and is situated on a grassy bank overlooking the beach and river. Accommodation is in large safari style equipped tents. Each tent has twin beds with sheets and blankets and the necessary amenities required for your stay. There are well appointed western style toilets and showers with hot and cold running water concealed in separate buildings near your tents. There is a large central dining room built in traditional style where guests gather for their meals. Food is both Continental and Nepalese. In keeping with the surroundings, kerosene lamps, torches and candles are provided after dusk since there is no electricity in the camp. 3rd December: Seti River – Megauli (Chitwan National Park) After a hearty breakfast and packing we leave camp at about 9.30 am. Today we have time to explore, bird-watch, photograph and learn about the local people. A packed lunch is served enroute.. After going through a good series of grade 2+ rapid, we reach the confluence of the Trisuli river. Notice the difference in temperature of this much colder glacial river. After 15 minutes we end our trip at Gai Ghat and take the 2 hour drive towards the Chitwan National park and the village of Megauli where the World Elephant Polo Championships are held each year. Our accommodation will be in the Rhino Lodge or Tharu Lodge which offers modest-standard accommodation but is perfectly situated to attend the Polo matches. 4th December: Megauli (Chitwan National Park) - World Elephant Polo Championships Attend the Elephant Polo matches at Megauli and in the afternoon there will be an opportunity to venture into the National Park. Note: Today is the final of the World Elephant Polo Championships Overnight Rhino Lodge or Tharu Lodge. 6th December: Megauli (Chitwan National Park) - World Elephant Polo Championships Attend the Elephant Polo matches at Megauli and in the afternoon there will be an opportunity to venture into the National Park. Note: Today is the All-Nepal Challenge of the World Elephant Polo Championships and is normally the most exciting match of the whole event. The Prize-giving also takes place this afternoon. In the afternoon we transfer through the jungle for a night at the famous Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. 7th December: Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge – Kathmandu - Shangri-la Hotel Transferred to the Megauli or Bharatpur airstrip for the 30 minute flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Shangri-la Hotel. Rest of day at leisure. 8th December: Kathmandu – Shivapuri Heights Cottage Transfer to the Shivapuri Heights Cottage located in the hills just north of Kathmandu and offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and a great venue for your final night in Nepal. In the evening we will host a farewell dinner. Overnight at the Shivapuri Heights Cottage. www.shivapuricottage.com 9th December: International flight Transfer to the International airport for your final departure from Kathmandu.

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