Adventures in Chitwan Jungle ... rhino spotted on elephant safari and canoe trip on Rapti River!

Fee Bellamy reports having received communication from Martin, expedition leader:

All are well here in Chitwan! We've taken a canoe ride down the Rapti River, been on elephant safari and spotted Rhino! (Bengal Tigers remained elusive although we are told they are much more likely to be watching us than for us to spot them!). The expeditioners have also danced with the locals!

An Elephant Safari - Chitwan Jungle

Rhino - Chitwan Jungle

Canoe ride on River Rapti bordering the Chitwan Jungle

Baby elephant - Asian Elephant Breeding Centre, Chitwan.

From snowy Himalayan peaks to the steamy Jungle ... Expeditioners arrive in Chitwan for next phase of their expedition

Fee Bellamy receives word from expedition leader Martin that everyone has arrived in Chitwan ready for the next exciting phase of their expedition.

The Lonely Planet guide describes Nepal as ... 

"Wedged between the high wall of the Himalayas and the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, Nepal is a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras."

The Expeditioners transferred today by road from the Himalayas (Pokhara) to the 'steamy jungle' (Royal Chitwan National Park).

Here are some typical sights and views our 'adventurers' will have experienced on their bus ride today ... 

Community Project & Voluntary Work now well underway in Pokhara

The community project work is now well underway. Here's an introduction to the Project phase:

The Principal of the Metropolitan Academy, where the students are volunteering.

The Tibetan Refugee Camp that the expeditioners visited several days ago was Tashling. This has been there for many years and is very well organised, tidy and structured. Tibetans can live in Nepal but they can’t own any land. However they were allowed to build this camp which includes a monastery and a school, and is a place where they are part of the community.

Brief update and trekking video from expedition leader Martin ... having fantastic time and teams working well together!

"We are having a fantastic time and the teams are working well together on the community projects and teaching. A number of the expeditioners have said they regularly travel abroad, however, this is for the majority the best experience of their lives. I hope everyone's enjoying the videos that I've finally managed to send back. Here's a third of our trekking phase!" - Martin. 

All going well on project. Video and photos just in ...

Martin, expedition leader, reports: 

"We are now on day 2 of the project and all going well!"

Video of earlier in the expedition just received.

Some photos ... 

Fab video just received plus visits to school, orphanage and Tibetan refugee camp today

Expedition leader Martin finds a connection and reports: 

All is well, we are enjoying a relaxed day following our 6 day trek. We are visiting the school and orphanage today with view of project planning. We are also planning to visit the Tibetan refugee camp later today.  

That's all for now, I will send you diary comments and photos as soon as I can. In between times I hope you enjoy the video! - Martin 

Everyone made it to the top of Poon Hill (3,210m)! Trekking phase going well and nearly complete ... next stop Pokhara!

Fee Bellamy reports on receiving a brief update from expedition leader Martin: 

Wednesday: Trek going well. Only an hour to go until lunch and then the bus to Pokhara. The team have done brilliantly despite a day of what seemed like a thousand steps yesterday. Everyone made the high point at Poon Hill, though Monsoon rendered views "zero" the achievement was "100%". They have seen how wonderful the nature of the Nepali people is. Amazed at the loads they carry through the mountains, always accompanied by cheery and mischievous smiles. Su and Hari, their guides, have been stars!

Martin has been desperately trying to send us photos, but there has been no internet connection at all during the trekking phase. Please be assured that this is not unusual for Nepal - all is well - and we will post photos as soon as we receive them.

Nepali porter, often Sherpas, in Annapurna Himalayas

'The Gang' will have been roused from their beds at first light (probably 4 am) on Monday to make the climb up to Poon Hill (3,210m). As you can tell Martin was justifiably proud of the 100% effort and achievement from everyone in the group making it to the top. What a shame the cloud cover ruined the views when they reached the top. The descent on Tuesday from Poon Hill to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) was down some 3,260 stone steps! 

Today, they're making their way along the banks of the Bhurgundi River and following the trail along the river to Nayapul. Here they will board the awaiting vehicle and head to Pokhara for a well-earned rest.

Tomorrow they begin the Cultural & Educational Project phase of the expedition. 

Here are some typical sights and scenery that 'The Gang' will have enjoyed on trek.

Typical trekking terrain

The natural stone staircases - going up, up, up and then down, down, down

Nepali mother and daughter, Annapurna Himalayas