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Accommodation |
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Whether tracking a rhino,
taking a short trek in the Himalayan foothills or sampling
some of the fascinating culture and history of the Kingdom of
Nepal, the accommodation that we provide has been chosen
carefully for its unique character, spectacular location or
high service levels and in many cases all three.
As in India, we recommend a minimum stay of four days at any
major National Park in order to maximise your wildlife
encounters, so your accommodation is a very important part of
the whole experience. Unlike India, many of the lodges in
Nepal are actually within the park boundaries, so the viewing
opportunities never cease, and guided excursions are taken on
foot, by jeep and elephant back or water-borne in rafts and
canoes, it is also possible to climb viewing towers and wait
quietly to observe passing wildlife.
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All of the accommodation that we offer has
been chosen to provide the comforts expected by Western travellers,
such as good food, attached bathrooms and friendly English
speaking staff. At the parks our selections are also based on the
quality of the wildlife guides who will accompany you and the
range of wildlife activities that can be undertaken during your
stay. The small scale wildlife lodges often comprise traditionally
built rustic cottages and tented camps that suit people looking to
extend their 'wilderness experience' by staying in accommodation
that not only blends into their surroundings, but is immersed in
it.
Due to their remoteness many safari locations cannot offer mains
electricity or a continuous hot water supply, but the natural
compensations are immeasurable. Solar power often supplements the
kerosene and candle lighting, and water is either solar heated or
from wood fires (fallen we are told, not cut). Equally because the
lodges and camps also tend to be remote from any other
accommodation you will find that your meals are included.
It is a similar case if you undertake an accompanied trek in the
Himalaya; at the end of a days trekking you will find your tented
camp already set up ahead of you and a camp toilet dug out. Whilst
you obviously won’t encounter many formal facilities during your
trek, when you have the most amazing 360 degree views, inventive
and hearty meals prepared on a campfire, plenty of warm clean
bucket water for washing and the warmest of welcomes in the
villages en route you couldn’t wish for much more.
Being just slightly larger than England yet being home to 10 of
the worlds 14 highest mountain peaks, you would rightly anticipate
that larger towns are very few and far between. The provision of
larger or more typically international standard hotels is
therefore limited to Kathmandu itself and Pokhara (overlooking the
Annapurna range); here you will find well equipped properties with
swimming pools and spas, central air-conditioning and a range of
restaurants. Although you won’t find an abundance of genuine
heritage properties as in India much is done to use traditional
building styles and local materials, even salvaging historical
temple carvings and commissioning specialised local Nepali
craftspeople to produce traditional furnishings and artworks that
complement the location of a hotel.
You have the opportunity to stay in some truly memorable
properties selected to enhance your overall experience, rather
than just providing a base for your activities. We look forward to
working together with you to find the best match for your plans,
taste and budget. |
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