EXCURSIONS

A number of short local trips and excursions will be available. The highlight will be the 4-day post-conference field trip to Chitwan. Local excursions range in price from less than $50 USD, the Mountain Flight is about $140 USD, the day River Rafting is $75 USD. The Chitwan trip will be $160 USD.

Post-Conference Excursion to Chitwan (Total Number of Days: 4 - $160 USD)

Day 1: Morning: Leave Kathmandu by Bus Noon: Lunch at Kutintaar (100 km drive from Kathmandu) Afternoon:Arrive Saurah (Chitwan) and stay at Royal Park Hotel Evening: Welcome reception and slide show by the Bird Education Society, dinner.

Day 2: Morning - Afternoon: Early morning bird watch, breakfast Drive to Bis Hazari Taal (Ramsar site - wetland), drive to Park HQ, briefing and museum visit, Gharial Breeding Center, lunch A short walk to Lami Taal and drive back to hotel.

Day 3: Morning: Breakfast, dug-out canoe ride in Budi Rapti River, bird watching, visit Elephant Breeding Center Noon: Lunch Afternoon: Visit Bagmara Community Forest, elephant safari in the Park Evening: Tharu Stick Dance and farewell dinner.

Day 4: Morning: Breakfast and depart for Kathmandu Noon: Lunch at Kutintaar Afternoon:Arrive Kathmandu
To sign up for this once in a lifetime trip, add it to your online registration. Spaces are limited and first-come first-served!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CHITWAN TRIP!

Short Trips and Excursions

To sign up for any of the following trips and excursions contact: SITA WORLD TRAVEL tours using the following email address: sanjaym@sitanepal.com or visit their web site www.sitanepal.com

Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city+Swayambhunath (03 Hours):

Kathmandu City: known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap-the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with it's array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty.

Swayambhunath: located approx. 5 km, Buddhist stupa this is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temple.

Half day sightseeing tour of Patan city (03 hours):

5 KM away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur , is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krinsha Temple built by King Siddhi Narshingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar.

Half day sightseeing tour of Bhadgaon (03 hours):

Also known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km east of Kathmandu city, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Squre with it's array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands of five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses.

Half day sightseeing tour of Bhadgaon+Pashupatinath+Boudhanath (03 hours):

Bhadgaon (see above)

Pashupatinath: situated 4 Km east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is pne of the holiest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated, amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of River Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath: this stupa, 8 km eas of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stand with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavious and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddesses Mani JHogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.

Half day Excursion tour to Dakshinkali (03 hours):

Literally meaning the Kali of the south, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a hindu goddesses of power. A sacrifice ceremony of goats, chickens, ducks etc is held every Tuesdays and Saturdays. The temple itself is located in a forested canyon and lies 19 km from Kathmandu city.

Half day Excursion tour to Nagarkot (04 hours):

Is situated about 35 km east of Kathmandu and from here one can see beautiful views of Himalayan peaks. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating views in all directions. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229 meter above sea level.

Half day Excursion tour to Dhulikhel (04 hours):

Situated at an altitude of approx. 1600 meter above sea level and 32 km east of Kathmandu city. It is famous for it's vantage location in viewing the Himalayan ranges from Cho oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset.

Mountain Flight

This 45 minutes to 01 hour daily flight is operated by airlines to view the mighty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the peaks without having to trek. Please note that the flights do not land any where all you will be offered is an aerial view.

Day Rafting on Trishuli River: Day rafting (03 hours approx.)

On Trishuli River with picnic lunch (as per rafting standard). Surface transfer Kathmandu/Rafting starting point and pick-up from rafting ending point and transfer back to Kathmandu.

Overnight Trip to Pokhara

The rare combinations of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (210 km from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the kingdom. A must for all visitors to Pokhara valley is the Phewa Lake. A half day excursion of the Pokhara consists Davin's fall, Seti Gorge, Tibetan Handicraft centre. For people with more time in hand can visit the Begnas and Rupa Tal or take hike to Sarangkot. 1 night accommodation at Fish Tail Lodge or Hotel Blue Bird, Pokhara in sharing twin on Bed & Breakfast basis. Surface transfer Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu by a Non Air-Conditioned vehicle. Half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara with local English speaking guide. Boat ride on Phewa Lake (01 hour).