Nepal Big Cats Expedition
Join this 15-day trip to track Nepal’s big cats: the snow leopard in the Himalayas, Bengal tiger, and common leopard in the lowlands. You’ll move from high mountain valleys to Terai jungles, with guidance from local experts.
Start in Kathmandu. Arrive and use the first day to prepare and rest. Day two: drive to Besisahar, entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area. Continue to Manang, a Himalayan village surrounded by peaks.
Spend six days in Manang tracking snow leopards across rugged high-altitude terrain. Local trackers help spot signs like tracks and scrapes. Learn about their habits and conservation. You may also see blue sheep, red foxes, and alpine birds.
Return by road to Besisahar, then head to Pokhara for a relaxed stop by the lake. From there, fly to Nepalgunj and drive to Bardia National Park, home to Nepal’s strongest tiger population.
Next, four days of jeep and walking safaris in Bardia National Park. Naturalist guides lead you through forests, grasslands, and river areas to find tigers and leopards. The park also holds rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.
Finish with a flight back to Kathmandu for departure.
This trip offers a full look at Nepal’s varied wildlife habitats.
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and check into your hotel. Take the day to rest and prepare for the upcoming adventure. You will also have time for brief orientation and any last-minute preparations for the trip.
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The journey takes you through rural landscapes, offering glimpses of daily life in the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation for the night and rest for the trek ahead.
Arrive in Manang, the starting point for your snow leopard tracking adventure. Acclimatize to the high-altitude environment, settle into your accommodation, and prepare for the trek. Your guide will brief you on the snow leopard tracking route and safety measures.
Begin your trek from Manang towards the designated snow leopard base camp. The journey offers beautiful views of the Annapurna range and rugged terrain. Along the way, your guide will explain the local flora and fauna, preparing you for the upcoming tracking days.
Embark on a full day of snow leopard tracking, exploring the rugged mountain landscapes. Your expert guide will teach you how to identify signs of snow leopard presence such as tracks, scat, and territory markings. Experience the wilderness and search for elusive wildlife.
Continue your snow leopard tracking journey in the wild. Visit different tracking zones to spot wildlife and signs of the snow leopard. Your guide will enhance your experience by explaining the region’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems that support these rare and elusive predators.
Spend another day on the hunt for snow leopards, refining your tracking skills. With patience and keen observation, you may spot other wildlife like Himalayan tahr or blue sheep. Continue exploring the dramatic landscapes and savor the peaceful surroundings.
After a final morning of tracking, begin your return journey to Manang. Reflect on your snow leopard tracking adventure as you descend, relishing the majestic views and experiences. Upon arrival, rest and relax before your departure back to Kathmandu or your next destination.
After an unforgettable snow leopard tracking experience, begin your drive back from Manang to Besisahar. This journey allows you to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountains one last time before heading back down to the valley.
Drive from Besisahar to Pokhara, a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. In Pokhara, relax by the serene Phewa Lake, enjoy local cuisine, and unwind in this charming lakeside city. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Fly from Pokhara to Nepalgunj, then drive to the renowned Bardia National Park. This park is home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and other majestic creatures. Get ready for an exciting jungle safari adventure starting the next day.
Start your first full day of tiger tracking in the dense jungles of Bardia. Led by a professional guide, explore the park’s core areas, searching for tiger signs such as tracks, scent, and territory markers. Experience the thrill of tracking this elusive predator.
Embark on a jungle walk with your guide to deeper tiger habitats. Continue tracking tiger signs and other wildlife, such as elephants, rhinos, and deer. The day offers a unique opportunity to observe the park’s biodiversity while searching for a tiger sighting.
On your final day, enjoy a morning safari to track tigers one last time. After exploring the jungle, return to your accommodation, concluding your tiger tracking tour. Depart from Bardia National Park and head back to your next destination or Kathmandu.
On your final day, depending on your flight time, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu. Then, head to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of a memorable adventure in Nepal.
Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off as per the itinerary.
Accommodation:
- 2 nights in a luxury (4/5-star) hotel in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast (BB) plan.
- 2 nights in a premium hotel in Besisahar with BB plan.
- 1-night accommodation in Chame.
- 7 nights in Manang with attached rooms.
- 1 night in a luxury hotel in Pokhara (4/5-star) with BB plan.
- 5 nights in a high-end resort at Bardia National Park.
Transportation:
- Private 4WD Land Cruiser for travel from Kathmandu to Manang via Besisahar and Chame (2-day journey).
- Private 4WD Land Cruiser from Manang to Pokhara.
- Private vehicle transfer between Nepalgunj and Bardia National Park.
Meals & Beverages:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided throughout the drive, trek, and tracking, with a variety of menu options.
- Hot beverages, including tea, coffee, milk, hot chocolate, and hot water.
- Packed lunch for snow leopard tracking and safari days.
Flights:
- Domestic flights from Pokhara to Nepalgunj.
- Domestic flights from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Permits & Fees:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
- All entrance fees for national parks and conservation areas.
Guides & Staff:
- A professional English-speaking nature guide with over 15 years of experience for the entire safari trip.
- A dedicated snow leopard tracking guide from Manang to Manang.
- One experienced tour guide for the entire journey from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
- Guide and porter service, including wages, taxes, and insurance.
Jungle Safari & Wildlife Tracking:
- All scheduled activities in Bardia National Park, including private jeep safari, jungle walks, rafting, bird watching, village visits, and sunset views.
- All expenses related to snow leopard tracking.
Additional Services:
- Basic medical kit for emergencies.
- All government and local taxes.
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