Insight Nepal | Nepal - Mystical Land of Himalayas

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ACADEMIC TOUR

This is a tour of learning. These educational tours are suitable for school/college students or professionals and intellectuals of any specific field of interest. Our arrangements go beyond simply travel arrangements and we are equipped to provide all necessary academic components as well.

SERVICES WE OFFER

PROGRAM DESIGN
We will consult you to design an appropriate program that will focus on your subject of interest and objective. We will handle all the logistics necessary to prepare a comprehensive package, which will cover details such as land arrangements, suitable location and itinerary to include scheduled lectures and interaction programs with audio-visual presentations where possible. You will be given sufficient time to visit places of interest in Nepal. Together we will create a tour with a difference.

ACADEMIC COMPONENTS

Lectures and interaction programs
Lectures and interaction programs include the participation of local experts and professionals in the field. Venues for such programs can be at the site during field trips or in a conference hall depending on the subject and the programs.

Field Trips
Field trips will be designed to offer the best of Nepali culture, history and lifestyle. We will visit sites and establishments of interest with opportunity to participate in the activity and to interact with the locals where possible.

GROUND HANDLING
We will cover all travel logistics, including travel arrangements by air or surface, hotel arrangements and meals including management of conference halls and equipment.

All tours will be accompanied by our experienced guide/escort and a local expert in the field as well.

SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR A STUDY TOUR
- Women and children of Nepal
- Traditional methods of healing
- Medical Doctors’ study tours
- Ayurvedic tours
- Art and architectural tours
- Photographers’ and artists' tours.
- Religious tours
- Students’ tours
- Botanical tours
- Bird watching tours
- Teachers’ tours
- Cultural tours
- And much, much more.

Above are suggestions to give you an idea of what type of tours we can work out for you. We are open to new ideas and suggestions.

HELI-TREKKING TOURS
	Helicopter tours have gained tremendous enthusiasm among those who want to experience the Himalayan dream but have limited time. We arrange special charter flights that take you on sightseeing trips close to the Himalaya. A Heli-trekking tour flies you to a scenic vantage point in the mountains where you are given time to look around and explore before heading back to Kathmandu.
SUGGESTED PROGRAM FOR HELITREKKING TOURS THE ULTIMATE EVEREST TOUR: Duration: 4 hours. The most spectacular of all flights that takes you very close to the world’s highest mountain. The flight first lands at Lukla (2,827 m) and then at the Thyangboche Monastery (3,867 m) where you are given an hour to enjoy the views from the ground. It also takes you very close to Mount Everest ( 8,848m). LANGTANG VALLEY TOUR: Duration 2 hours. A two hour package taking you over Kathmandu valley all the way to the valley of Langtang from where the great peaks become visible - Ganesh (7,407m.), Langtang Lirung (7,246 m.), Dorje Lapka (6,975m.) and many others. You will have an hour at Kyanjin Gompa at 3,950 m. to enjoy the views. Langtang is a popular trekking destination on a round trip trek of about 10 days duration. MUKTINATH TOUR: Duration: 4 hours with an hour long stop over. This tour departure starts from Pokhara. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is normally a popular round trip trek of 14 days or more from Pokhara. This area is similar at places to the Tibetan plateau and the mountain views are superb. The trip allows you to visit Muktinath (3,749 m) for an hour before flying back to Pokhara. Charter flights to other destinations are also possible on request.

BIRD WATCHING IN NEPAL

Nepal has more species of birds than most countries in the world with about 861 species found in Nepal alone out of around 9040 species found around the world. The diverse topographical & geographical nature of the country creates a diverse habitat for different species. Bird watching in Nepal can be a weeklong excursion and can even extend to over a month depending on the interest of the clients.
For the birding enthusiasts with limited time, Bird watching can begin right here in Kathmandu valley.

Some of the Birding destinations

1. KATHMANDU VALLEY

Bagmati and Manohara
Birds sighted along these rivers are the Egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Ibisbill, Wood sandpipers, etc.

Taudaha
A unique site for sighting waterfowl is the Taudaha lake situated near the Chobar gorge on the way to Dakshinkali. This tiny lake lies below the main road and is visiting by wintering birds between October and March/April. At one time there are about 400 birds in residence.

Phulchoki
Phulchoki is an ideal birding location. A Red Headed Trogon, a rare bird was sighted at Phulchoki by a local naturalist in 2000. It was last sighted in Nepal 44 years ago. Phulchoki at 2,760 m lies 18 Km southeast of Kathmandu and only a half hour drive from the capital.

The recommended start for the birding trip is a walk down from the top of the Phulchoki hill through the beautiful forest, and then a drive down, ending at the Godavari Botanical Gardens located at the base of the hill. Two days are recommended for birding in this area to check out both the birds on the upper and lower regions. Over ninety different kinds of birds have been recorded here including the endemic Spiny Babbler. Other birds found here are the Cutia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Pied Woodpeckers, Black Throated Parrotbill, etc.

The Shivapuri National Park
Located 12 km North of Kathmandu, Shivapuri watershed is another exciting destination. A full day’s excursion can also start with a hike along the ridge starting from Kakani Hill located about 30 Km from Kathmandu, and hike all the way to Shivapuri. This can be a very beautiful mini trek with superb views of the mountain ranges as you hike along. Some of the birds sighted here are the Laughing Thrust, Crested Serpent Eagle, Little Pied Fly catchers, Ruby Throats, Babblers, etc.

Nagarjun
Nagarjun forest (2,105 m) lies northwest of Kathmandu and only a half-hour drive from Kathmandu. Pheasants, Magpies, Sunbirds, Ruby-Throats are some of the birds found here between May and October. Spring from March to May is the best birding season.

2. POKHARA

The forest around the southern shore of Phewa lake and behind Fishtail Lodge is ideal birding location here. Look out in the fields and pools especially in the winter for Egrets, Herons, Pipits, Buntings, etc. Other birds occurring are Gulls, Terns, Ducks, Falcons, etc.

Begnas Tal (Lake)
Located 15 Km away from Pokhara, Begnas Tal is also recommended for birding. Birds sighted here are Ducks, Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Gray Bellied Tesias, Common Snipe, Bulbul, etc. Bird watching is best in April and October. A visit to Pokhara can also be a cultural experience and a great natural tour with superb close up views of the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) and other peaks in the Annapurna range. Short hikes and long treks are most rewarding around Pokhara.

3. CHITWAN

Chitwan is probably the best place for birding as well as for wildlife sighting. Minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended at the Royal Chitwan National Park. Sal forest, riverine forest and grassland cover much of the park while the three rivers; Narayani, Rapti and Reu form the boundary making the area an ideal habitat for birds.

Chitwan alone has recorded over 500 species of birds. Some of the birds seen here are Cormorants, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Blue Indian Roller, Hornbills, Stork Billed Kingfishers, Grey-headed Eagles, Ruby Checked Sunbird, Bengal Florican, Large tailed Nightjar, Asian Paradise Flycatcher; Bee eaters and Lesser Florican, etc.

Best season is April though it can be quite warm in Chitwan at this time of the year. Other recommended seasons are February to April and September to November.

4. KOSHI BARRAGE & KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESORT

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 175 sq.km. It is a major residing, staging and wintering site for waterfowls and waders in the sub-continent.

The water body supports more than 100 species of fish including the human size catfish known as Gonch, the famous sporting fish, Mahasheer and the delicious species, Jalkapoor. The large reptiles inhabiting this reserve includes the longest snake species of the sub continent, the rare Indian Rock Python, globally threatened fish eating Gharial Crocodile and a number of lizards and turtle species. The reserve and the adjacent area support more than 450 bird species. During October to April, one can spot more than 100 species in a single day. Massive flocks of ducks numbering more than 50,000, comprising chiefly of Northern Pintails, Mallard and Northern Shoveler is a common sight during the fall and winter. Globally threatened species occurring in this area includes Black-necked Stork, Greater Adju0tant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Peregrine Falcon, Bengal Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler, etc. Koshi Tappu supports large ungulates such as Wild Buffalo, Blue Bull (Antelope), Hog Deer, etc. It is the last refuge for the globally threatened Wild Buffalo (Arna in Nepali) in Nepal. These bovine possess the longest horn (about two meters in length) among any surviving mammals in the world and are aggressive in nature. The small wetland carnivore includes the rare Fishing Cat and Smooth-coated Otters. Of much interest are the endangered species, the rare Gangetic Dolphins still found in the Koshi River.

5. BARDIA

Much of Bardia National Park is covered with sal forests and the rest is riverine forests and grasslands. The Karnali river flows by the park and provides great bird sightings. One can fly to Nepalgunj and then drive for about 2 hours to the park. The drive from Kathmandu can be long (about 10 hours) and exhausting.

The Karnali River Bank is a great place to start. The most consistently seen are the Ruddy Shelduck. Other birds seen here are Darters, Kites, Brown-Headed Gulls, Cormorants, Oriental Pied Hornbills, white Heron and Purple Herons, Common Bitterns, Little Prantincole, etc.

The forest is good for sighting woodpeckers, Red Jungle fowl, Nightjars, Bee-Eaters, the rare Great Sloty Woodpeckers, Orioles, Prinias, etc. The Majestic peacocks can be seen in flocks both inland as well as along the beaches.
The wildlife found here are the Gangetic Dolphins and Gharials and others in the river. Best time to visit is December to March & also during April, October and November.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Birds of Nepal: (R.L. Jr & Sr. Fleming / L.S. Bongdel 1976)
A Bird Watcher’s Guide to Nepal (Carol Inskipp, 1988)
A guide to Birds of Nepal (Carol & Tim Inskipp, 1988)
Birds of the central Himalaya (Carol & Tim Inskipp & Richard)

INCENTIVE AND CONFERENCE TOURS

Most incentive travel winners are now on the lookout for new destinations themed on adventure and activity rather than the normal packages based on the usual resorts and relaxation. Nepal, which has an abundance of natural beauty, cultural wealth and a variety of choice adventure activities, is gaining popularity as a new and unique MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Convention & Exhibition) destination.

Insight Nepal will be happy to organize and host any of your MICE tourism in Nepal. Please contact us for more information

SERVICES WE OFFER:

PROGRAM DESIGN:
We will collaborate with you to design an appropriate theme based programs that will focus on fun-filled activities. A comprehensive package will be prepared which will include special receptions, interesting sightseeing activities and a memorable farewell theme dinner hosted in an appropriate location to end a trip of a life time.

GROUND HANDLINGS:
We will cover all the travel logistics, including Travel arrangements by air or surface, Hotel arrangements and meals including management of conference halls and equipments for conference groups.

INCENTIVE TOUR IDEAS:

Special welcome reception and transfer from the airport:

a.	Traditional Pancha Kanya welcome (Traditional Nepali welcome in which tika and flower garlands are offered to all guests by 5 virgins)
b.	Elephant welcome.( A live decorated elephant leads the welcoming committee)
c.	Lama or Jyapu reception committee. (Men and wemen in traditional attire welcomes guests with traditional dances and music. Lamas are the Buddhist priests and Jyapus are the indigenous farmer community of Kathmandu.
d.	Special helicopter reception with flying welcome banner and flower shower from the sky.
e.	Champaign reception at the airport.
f.	Manually driven rickshaw reception and hotel transfer with a traditional marriage ceremonial band leading the procession.
g.	Garland and tika welcome with welcome drinks at the hotel.
h.	More ideas are in the making…..

Some suggested Theme titles and programs:

THE PEAK EXPERIENCE: (Feasible for maximum 50 pax group)

a.	This theme is based on special trip by chartered plane or helicopter to a unique location close to the mountains where you enjoy a most spectacular close up view of the renowned peaks of the Himalayas, while you enjoy Champaign breakfast before flying back to Kathmandu. Suggested locations are: Tengboche Monastery at Everest area, Kyangin Gomba at Langtang region, etc. For the group who desire to experience an introduction to an adventure tour in Nepal we can also include an experience of a normal day on a trek in Nepal Himalayas where short hikes are arranged around selected locations and accommodation will be provided camping style in two-men tents. Special cultural programs will be performed by the sherpa community of the area.
b.	Sightseeing to places of interest in Kathmandu with complimentary soft drinks and beer.
c.	Theme-based exclusive dinner in a popular restaurant or some special location with tradition music and dance. Everest summiteers will be invited as guests of honor and mountain peak axes with signatures of Everest summiteers will be presented as a special gift item.

GLORY OF NEPAL (Feasible for 50 pax or more)

This theme trip offers you all the glory of Nepal in a limited span of time. The day starts with an interesting excursion around places of interest in the valley. A thrilling white water raft trip down the Trisuli river will help you to work up an appetite for a special buffet lunch awaiting you along the beach. Two nights at the Wildlife resort will prove to be the most exciting experience with activities such as jungle safaro on elephant back in search of the Royal Bengal tiger and the One horned rhinoceros of Nepal, dugout canoe ride on the Rapti river and an interesting jungle walk and a village visit. The return trip to Kathmandu will be by chartered plane. A day is spent visiting special places of interest in Kathmandu including an hour of morning flight towards the Himalayan ranges of Nepal where you get a close view of Mount Everest.

A special theme dinner at one of the several heritage sites of Nepal. The theme programs will include life displays of some popular handicrafts in the making such as Tibetan carpets, clay pots, bronze statues, woodcarvings and much more. Souvenirs can be bought at the venue. Cultural dances will entertain the honored guests while beautiful Newari ladies in their traditional attire will serve guests' delicious Newari titbits with rakshi and chang (traditional Newari alcoholic drinks). Delectable dinner of select local delicacies will be a fitting climatic end to a truly epic trip to Nepal. All guests will be attending the program with traditional Nepali dress presented by us for the occasion.

PAINTING TRIPS

Nepal opens its doors to thousands of visitors every year so they may share its many spenders, Majestic Snow-capped peaks, rolling hills blanketed with brightly colored flowers, Majestic snow-capped peaks, rolling hills blanketed with brightly colored flowers, pristine turquoise lakes, prayer-flags fluttering against a relentless wind – all make indelible memories. Such breathtaking landscapes whet the appetite of those that desire to imitate it or create their own images.

Such divine settings cannot be anything else but nourishing to the imagination, working in tranquil, beautiful surroundings with all your other needs taken care of, what else would the mind do but create, areas of Operation – Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India.

WALKING TRIPS

Nepal is renowned for her natural beauty and there is no end to scenic trails in the high country. Walking along the countless country trails are rewarding and the views are always breathtaking. One need not be a nature lover to enjoy idyllic hikes to popular hiking destinations like shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and mid-range Annapurna. They are ideal locations for sighting exotic birds and many small mammals that inhabit them. No less an attraction are the quaint little villages along the way.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

We organize special student programs which can be a combination of treks, excursions, cultural exchanges, spiritual experiences and trips to introduce students to remote areas. These trips are ideally suited to students of all age groups. Depending on your requirements, our various programs can be tailor-made to suit your needs. These programs are made especially for school/college/institute or individuals groups: Areas of Operation-Tibet, Nepal Bhutan and India.

FILMING TOURS

Nepal is a popular destination for filming both documentaries and features and there has been a steady rise in the number of films that are shot here. The very popular film “Caravan” by Eric Valli and the Imax classic “Everest” are two good examples. The sheer physical beauty of the Himalayan region complemented by the diverse culture and rich heritage make this country one of the most attractive. Shooting can be fun provided the tedious paperwork is taken care of in advance; this is where we come in. Insight Nepal handles all the basic work so that filmmaking can go ahead without a glitch (where organization is concerned). Areas of Operation: Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and India.

HIMALAYAN HEALTH CAMPS

Different local and international organizations hold voluntary health camps in the remote Himalayan Regions offering health services to the needy and the deprived. We help with all the logistics necessary to set up health camps in remote mountain villages. We also assist in setting up comfortable camps and arrange all basic amenities and ground preparations necessary to create a comfortable surrounding necessary to facilitate the work of those involved. We consider ourselves fortunate to be a part of this rewarding mission.

PEAK CLIMBING EXPEDITIONS: TREKKING PEAKS
	‘Trekking Peaks’ is a misnomer as these peaks are real climbing peaks and many of them are above 6000m although below 7000m. These so called treks require some basic mountaineering experience including the use of climbing equipment such as fixed and climbing ropes, ice axe, crampons and other items. There are more than 18 ‘trekking peaks’ in Nepal. They may all be below 7000m, but require absolute fitness and some technical skill. The highest mountain in Europe is less than 4000m high. During the trek (expedition) you will be crossing high Himalayan passes exceeding 5,400 meters. Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) issues special permits for these treks and in the last few years opened up more peaks for climbing. We provide highly experienced high altitude mountain guides for all Trekking Peak expeditions. A climbing fee of US$ 300.00 will be charged for peaks mentioned under Group A and US$ 150.00 for peaks mentioned under Group B for a group of maximum 10 Pax. These rates are subject to change at short notice.
Some of the popular trekking peaks are: Group A Name of the Peak Height Region 1. Hiunchuli 6441 m Annapurna Region 2. Fluted Peak 6501 m Annapurna Region 3. Chulu West 6419 m Manang, Annapurna Region 4. Chulu East 6584 m Manang, Annapurna Region 5. Pisang Peak 6091 m Manang, Annapurna Region 6. Mera Peak 6654 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region 7. Kusum Kangru 6367 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region 8. Kwangdi 6011 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region 9. Imja Tse(Island Peak) 6160 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region 10. Lobuje 6119 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region Group B 1. Tent Peak 5663 m Annapurna Region 2. Mardi Himal 5587 m Annapurna Region 3. Mera Peak 5849 m Khumbu Himal, Everest Region 4. Ganjala (Naya Kanga) 5844 m Langtang Region 5. Paldor Peak 5896 m Langtang Region Please contact us for the itinerary and cost for any trekking peak expedition. Note: There are many more superb treks and “Trekking Peaks” in Nepal. We will be happy to furnish details of any other trek on request.

FAMILY VACATIONS

Nepal is best known for trekking and mountaineering. But one should not overlook the fact that this country can be the ideal destination for a family vacation. The choice of activities is varied: city tours, village tours, jungle safari, rafting, hiking, short treks where we provide personal porters for the children. We offer you some specially designed programs depending on whether you want a leisurely vacation or one of adventure. The Himalayas provide a unique atmosphere for a family vacation and this trip can be truly unforgettable. We will ensure you activities that are suitable for both adults and children and enjoyable too. Last but not least, remember that all destinations are scenic and safe.

Director’s Note