The Shanker Hotel MID A 100- year old palace situated just a few minutes' walk from the heart of Kathmandu. Formerly owned by Nepalese royalty, the property retains its characterful, majestic air and has a lovely large swimming pool, tranquil gardens and 104 good- sized bedrooms and suites, all tastefully decorated and restored. Royal Chitwan National Park Royal Chitwan National Park is located in the lowlands of southern central Nepal. The park comprises 976 square kilometres of sal and riverine jungle, a magnificent environment which contains a greater variety of wildlife than any other area of Nepal. Over 480 species of birds have been recorded here, as well as many mammals, reptiles and numerous insects. boar, sambar, muntjac, chital, rhesus and hanuman monkeys, whilst reptiles include marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles. Wildlife viewing is an exciting mix of elephant safaris, jungle walks, game drives and river trips. Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge HIGH This lodge is ultimate luxury in a fantastic natural setting in the heart of the park. Chitwan is famous for its treehouses and bungalows, which contain 20 guest rooms with fans and en- suite bathrooms. There is a large circular open- roofed dining area and bar, and resident expert naturalist guides lead safaris on highly trained elephants, well- maintained vehicles and boats. Choose Tiger Tops Jungle Camp for a tranquil experience, closer to nature. Here, 12 twin and double safari tents enjoy sweeping views across the tall alluvial grasslands of Chitwan to the snowy Himalayan peaks. Each tent has an en- suite bamboo bathroom and is equipped with lanterns. Machan Paradise View MID A jungle safari resort beside the Rapti River, overlooking Royal Chitwan National Park. Five large bungalows each contain four large, comfortable rooms, which combine modern amenities with a Nepalese feel. The resort is just fi ve minutes from the park headquarters, Gharial Breeding Centre and Elephant Breeding Centre. There is a dining room, swimming pool and bar. Exciting rafting trips can also be organised to and from Machan Paradise View, along the Trisuli River. Machan Wildlife Lodge MID Machan Wildlife Lodge is inside the park and in a great location for birdwatching, for which we'd recommend it. It has lovely, thatched en- suite bungalows and has been designed in accordance with the park's natural environment. It has comfortable accommodation for those who want a tranquil place to stay, with added convenience for wildlife activities. ASIA | NEPAL 107 NEPAL WILDLIFE EXTRAVAGANZA Highlights . Tiger and wild elephant at Bardia National Park . Explore by raft, canoe, jeep, foot and on elephant- back . Enjoy the company of a wildlife expert A wonderful trip exploring Nepal's best- loved wildlife spots. Throughout the tour you'll be accompanied by one of our wildlife experts, who will inspire and inform you with knowledge and detail of Nepal's many mammals, birds and reptiles. Chitwan and Bardia combine perfectly to create chances to see tiger, elephant and one-horned Indian rhinoceros by foot, elephant- back, jeep, canoe and raft! Of course, there's much more to discover in both parks, from your comfortable accommodation, and you'll also explore the rich tapestry of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. GROUP TOUR ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kathmandu Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to The Shanker Hotel Day 3 Full day birdwatching tour on Phulchowki Hill ( BL) Day 4 Drive to Chitwan, spotting birds along the way, arrive at Machan Paradise View ( BLD) Day 5 Search for wildlife by foot, elephant- back, canoe and jeep. We've also arranged a special wildlife presentation for our groups in Chitwan ( BLD) Day 8 Drive to Lumbini, birthplace of the Lord Buddha ( BD) Day 9 Transfer to Bardia, Rhino Lodge ( BLD) Day 10 Explore the reserve by river raft and game trails. Early morning and late afternoon excursions provide a good chance of seeing tiger and wild elephant ( BLD) Day 13 Fly to Kathmandu for overnight ( B) Day 14 Depart Kathmandu for UK ( B) Day 15 Arrive UK Departure dates 21 Nov - 5 Dec 2010 10 Apr - 24 Apr 2011 20 Nov - 4 Dec 2011 Our November 2010 departure will be led by Dr. Hem Sagar Baral, director of Bird Conservation Nepal. Flight inclusive cost per person From £ 2795 Land only cost per person From £ 1895 Single room supplement From £ 390 What's included Flights ( fl ight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, twelve nights hotel/ lodge accommodation Max. group size 12 Tour code WNCB Ask for our full tour dossier KATHMANDU LUMBINI ROYAL BARDIA NATIONAL PARK ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK NEPAL INDIA Ganges River CHINA Ghagara River Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an important wetland area situated in the Sapta- Koshi River fl oodplain in the eastern corner of Nepal, close to the country's southern border with India. The reserve covers 175 square kilometres and is a vast expanse of open water created by the barrage, marshes, lagoons, sandbanks, mudfl ats and arable land that lie around it - creating an outstanding wetland habitat and one of the fi nest birdwatching sites in Asia, now recognised by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands. This is a premier birding destination. Koshi Camp MID Koshi camp is a centrally located tented camp on the reserve's eastern edge in an area well- known for its diversity of wildlife and birds. Nearby there are several waterholes and accommodation is in 11 spacious traditional safari tents with a large dining tent and bar. Pokhara Pokhara is a centre of nature and adventure activities, an enchanting city of remarkable natural beauty, nestled in a tranquil valley on the shores of Lake Phewa. Rising behind it are the magnificent Himalayan Peaks, dominated by the fi sh- tailed summit of Machhapuchhre at 6,977 metres. Because of its lower elevation, it also has a much more tropical feel, refl ected by the lush green forests and beautiful diversity of fl owers which prosper here. There are many different treks and walks in the area to suit all abilities, with thrilling views of some of the world's highest peaks. Tiger Tops HIGH Tiger Tops is a boutique hilltop hotel with panoramic views of the Pokhara valley and the snow- capped Himalayas. Accommodation is in 19 comfortable en- suite rooms in stone bungalows scattered around the hilltop - each with a spacious verandah. The pool terrace also has spectacular views. Activities include walking, hiking, birdwatching, micro- light fl ights, golf, tennis, spa therapy and Ayurvedic massage - a truly fantastic mix of pampering and activity! Fishtail Lodge HIGH Fishtail Lodge is a tranquil property, offering centrally located accommodation and a lovely atmosphere. It has 60 comfortable rooms surrounded by tranquil gardens, gently sloping down to Pokhara's blue- green lake. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool, and activities include boating on the lake, birdwatching, trekking, fi shing and relaxing. Hotel Barahi MID Hotel Barahi is a great choice for those who want comfortable accommodation, at a reasonable price. It sits on the shores of Lake Fewa in the heart of the Pokhara Valley. Comfortable, well- appointed rooms have a private balcony, and a swimming pool is surrounded by lush green gardens, full of exotic fl owers. A really nice environment for a post- trek drink! 108 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kathmandu Day 2 Kathmandu, 2- nights, The Shanker Hotel. Tour of Kathmandu's highlights ( B) Day 4 Pokhara, 3- nights, Hotel Barahi. Explore lakes and mountains ( B) Day 7 Chitwan, 4- nights, Machan Wildlife Camp. Wildlife activities ( BLD) Day 11 Kathmandu, 1- night, The Shanker Hotel ( B) Day 12 Depart for the UK ( arrive same day) HIGHLIGHTS OF NEPAL A holiday to the magical Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, exploring the country's highlights: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park. This is a fantastic introduction to friendly Nepal, including the colourful temples of Kathmandu, snow- capped mountain peaks of Pokhara and wildlife of Chitwan National Park. TAILOR- MADE Fact! In 1971, the Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran, to conserve wetlands and their resources. It's an intergovernmental treaty which determines national action and international cooperation. Koshi is now part of this great project Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Departure dates Daily, September to May Cost per person From £ 1599 ( Sept - Nov, Jan - May), £ 1799 ( Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights hotel accommodation and four nights tented camp, guided activities