October 29, 2011: Pokhara to Chitwin

It was luxurious to have a bed off the ground (although the beds in our tents were quite comfortable), bed side lights so we could read in bed without a head lamp, and hot running water for our second shower in as many days. We all appeared at breakfast squeaky clean and ready for our next adventure.

We traveled to the Pokhara airport and flew in a twin engine turbo prop plane to Bharatpur in the south of Nepal. Near Bharatpur is the Royal Chitwin National Park. Covering 932 square kilometers, the park is home to extensive wildlife, including the one horned Indian rhino. We traveled by bus from the airport to the Machan Paradise, a resort on the edge of the park. This was to be our home for the next three days.

After an orientation session, we settled into our rooms for a rest. Before dinner, we visited the local village with our guide. People live simple lives, connected to the land, in small villages. As the sun set, the fields, houses, and people were all bathed in the golden light of a beautiful day.

David is Showered and Clean

Sandie on the Airplane to Bharatpur

Marian Checks out the Flight Deck

Our Host Welcomes Us to Bharatpur

Sandie and Dick Walk to Machan Paradise

Our Welcome Briefing
Front: Jim, Judy, Jane, David, Linda, Kath, and Jan
Back: Dick, David, Nukhet, and Sandie

Marian and Our Guide

Colorful Girls in the Local Village

A Young Girl Holds An Even Younger Boy

Goods in the Village Move by Tricycle

A Local Truck is Decorated

Dining Room at Machan Paradise (Marian in the upper left)
Back: Dick, Jim, and Judy
Facing: Karalee, Linda, Sandie, and Kath

Sunset from the Village

More photos are available in David's Royal Chitwan National Park Photo Set.

Our trip was organized and led by Marian Leighton of Vancouver, BC with local support for our trip provided by Razzu Tuladha of Samsara Journeys based in Kathmandu, Nepal.