Hot Spring Trek and Wildlife Safari is a unique itinerary that takes you across the wonders of the central hills and the flat plains of the country. This 11 days trip is a thrilling experience where you will come across various landscapes. Exploring the culture and traditions of the different ethnic groups. Witnessing the lush central hills, high soaring mountain peaks, river networks, and deep wilderness of low lands.
Overview:
The Hot Spring Trek and Wildlife Safari starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. At Pokhara explore the various attractions of the city. Visit ancient temples, cave networks, waterfalls, and lakes. The Following day proceed towards Nayapul, a starting point of the various trek of the Annapurna region. Traversing across lush woodlands of the Mahabharat range head towards the settlement of Thikhedhunga.
From Thikhedhunga, head towards Ghorepani, trekking across pasture lands, agriculture fields, and the magnificent oak and rhododendron woodlands. The next day head to the famous vantage point of Poon Hill. Regarded as one of the best vantage points of the Annapurna region. Nestled at an elevation of 3210 meters, the vantage point boasts great views of the Himalayas and the great wilderness of the region. Witness views of Mountain peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors. After witnessing, the sunrise following the forested trail head towards Tatopani.
Tatopani
Tatopani translates as Hot Water, the region nestles various hot water springs. Here soaks in the healing waters of the Himalayas and relax. The next day explore the villages of the region and again head towards the hot water springs. Next, from Tatopani head towards a short trek to the busy settlement of Beni. Upon reaching Beni, start your long drive towards Chitwan. The drive takes you across the high hills to the flat plains of the country.
At Chitwan explore the Chitwan National Park. The park was established in 1984 AD and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Located at the southern central plains in subtropical Inner Terai Lowlands. The park’s southern boundary is boarded by Churia hill and the northern boundary by Rapti River. 70% of the land here is occupied by Sal forest and 30% is occupied by grassland and river land forest. The region is one of the perfect habitats for tigers, rhinos, wild elephants, different types of beer, and reptiles. Head on various activities at Chitwan: Jungle Safari, Canoeing, Bird Watching, Tharu Village Tour, Elephant Breeding Center visit, and Jungle Walk. Not to be missed are the views of the sunset. After exploring Chitwan the following day head towards Kathmandu valley.
This Hot Spring Trek and Wildlife Safari is an ideal trip to witness the country. Taking you across changing landscapes and microclimates in a brief time. Be a part of this trip with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.
Entry and Permits
The following permits are required for trekking to Hot Spring Trek and Wildlife Safari:
- ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
- ACAP entry permit fee for Indian nationals: 2000 NPR
TIMS Permit:
- NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
- NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)
National Park Entry fee.
Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.
Meals and drinking water:
Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. Local inhabitants run several tea-houses along the trail, offering basic to luxury facilities for trekkers. These tea-houses provide an opportunity to taste various cuisines, a rarity on most Nepali trekking trails, which you will surely miss elsewhere.
Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. Trekkers can refill their water bottles with boiling water or cold filtered water from any of the teahouses along the trail. While natural water supplies are accessible from drinking taps all along the route, it’s important to avoid untreated water. Instead, opt for refilling at teahouses to ensure safe drinking water.
If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.
Accommodation:
Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more.
Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.
Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.
Best Time to Visit?
The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring. The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.
During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best time for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.
The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.
Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it's hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.
In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.
Travel Insurance:
All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. A trustworthy insurance company strongly recommends acquiring a comprehensive insurance plan to cover you in case of personal injury, death, hospital expenses, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue, and any other illnesses. This means they are actively advising you to get the insurance.
Passport and Visa:
Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Overview
Hot Spring Trek and Wildlife Safari is a unique itinerary that takes you across the wonders of the central hills and the flat plains of the country. This 11 days trip is a thrilling experience where you will come across various landscapes. Exploring the culture and traditions of the different ethnic groups. Witnessing the lush central hills, high soaring mountain peaks, river networks, and deep wilderness of low lands.
Trip Highlight
- Explore the city of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
- Trek along the Annapurna Region.
- Witness grand views of the Himalayas.
- Scale the famous vantage point of Poon Hill.
- Soak in the healing hot-water spring at Tatopani.
- Explore the Chitwan National Park.
- Head on various activities at the National Park.
- Visit various settlements of the indigenous Tharu communities.
