Activities: CAC Nepal 2026 Field Trips
We are pleased to offer a selection of official field trips that highlight Nepal's remarkable biodiversity, conservation initiatives, and cultural heritage. Please note that all field trips will take place on the 6th of June, right after the main Congress program ends. Information about how to purchase and book these tours will be added to this page soon.
Half-Day & Short Tours (Kathmandu Valley)
Godawari Botanical Gardens & ICIMOD Living Mountain Lab Tour
The Godawari Botanical Gardens and ICIMOD Living Mountain Lab tour offers a rare combination of Nepal's rich plant/flora diversity and mountain-focused conservation work. The site is located at the base of Phulchowki Hill. This tour provides participants with an experience focused on biodiversity, conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable mountain development.
- Highlights: Collection of native, medicinal, ornamental, and exotic plants. Themed sections which include the orchid house, fern garden, and rock garden. Opportunities for bird watching and butterfly observation. Nature trails. Educational interpretation on plant conservation and ecology.
- Duration: Half day
- Price: USD 15 per person
Shivapuri National Park (Hiking + Birding Tour)
Shivapuri National Park Hiking and Bird-watching Tour offers a rewarding outdoor experience combining scenic forest hiking and expert-led birdwatching just north of Kathmandu. The tour includes a guided hike to Nagi Gumba within the Shivapuri National Park, passing through a rich forest habitat.
- Highlights: Birdwatching sessions with expert ornithologist from Bird Conservation Nepal. Opportunity to observe native and migratory bird species. Panoramic views of Kathmandu valley and surrounding hills.
- Duration: Half day
- Price: USD 15 per person
Ranibari Urban Community Forest Tour (Walking + Birdwatching + Golden Jackal)
Tour with a local expert. Ranibari Urban Community Forest Tour offers a rare opportunity to experience urban biodiversity within the heart of Kathmandu. This guided walking tour introduces participants to a protected and community-managed forest that supports a surprising diversity of birds and small mammals, including the golden jackal.
- Highlights: Guided nature walks through Ranibari Urban Community Forest. Birdwatching with opportunities to observe resident and migratory species. Possibility of spotting golden jackal and other urban-adapted wildlife. Insight into community forest management and urban conservation. Peaceful green space experience within Kathmandu city.
- Duration: Half day
- Price: USD 15 per person
Multi-Day Excursions (Out of Kathmandu Valley)
Chitwan National Park (2N/3D)
The Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and also Nepal's first National Park. It plays a critical role in protecting endangered species and offers Nepal's lowland ecosystem; combining wildlife exploration, conservation education, and community participation/ engagement. It hosts over 68 species of mammals, 56 species of herpeto fauna, 126 species of fish and 544 bird species along with reptiles, amphibians, and wetland flora. The park is especially renowned for its protection of one horned rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile.
- Highlights: Rapti River and wetlands, Sauraha- Canoeing and birdwatching along riverine habitats. Biodiversity conservation and Gharial Breeding Centers- Endangered species recovery programs. Grassland and Sal forest- Jeep safaris to observe flagship mammals and rich birdlife.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to Sauraha (4 hours), afternoon canoeing and birdwatching.
- Day 2: Visit Biodiversity conservation center and Gharial breeding center, follwoed by full day jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park.
- Day 3: Community forest safari and drive back to Kathmandu.
- Includes: Reserved van or bus, all activities, accommodation on a simple jungle lodge on twin sharing basis, and meals (3L,2D,2B), naturalist, all activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Duration: 2N/3D
- Price: USD 400 per person
Chitwan National Park & Lumbini Tour (4N/5D - Drive)
The Chitwan National Park and Lumbini offer an in-depth introduction to Nepal's Terai ecosystem and community-based conservation efforts. The program combines field-based wildlife activities, including canoeing, birdwatching, and jeep safaris. Specifically, the tour explores two key terai landscapes of Nepal: the riverine forests and grasslands of Chitwan national park and agriculture wetlands of Lumbini. Chitwan supports flagship species such as the one horned rhino, Gharial, and diverse birdlife while Lumbini's wetlands are important for sarus crane and vulture conservation while also being a UNESCO World Heritage Site (birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha); linking biodiversity, culture, and community-based conservation.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to Sauraha, afternoon canoeing and birdwatching.
- Day 2: Visit Biodiversity conservation center and gharial breeding center, half day jeep safari.
- Day 3: Community forest safari, drive to Lumbini and visit Vulture Restaurant in Pithauli on the way.
- Day 4: Visit Lumbini heritage and Sauras crane sanctuary.
- Day 5: Drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu.
- Includes: Reserved van or bus, all activities, accommodation on simple lodges on twin sharing basis, meals (5L,4D,4B), naturalist and culture guide, all activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Duration: 4N/5D
- Price: USD 575 per person
Bardia National Park Tour (4N/5D - Flight)
Bardia National Park is one of the best spots to see wild cats such as leopards and tigers as well as wild elephants in Nepal. It offers an immersive experience in one of Nepal's most pristine lowlands with rare animals and diverse birdlife. The tour combines jeep safaris for wildlife sightseeing, rafting, and conservation briefing with visits to key wetlands and Tharu culture sites, highlighting the connection between biodiversity, rivers and community-led conservation.
- Itinerary:
- Day 1: Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Bardia via Black Buck Conservation Area. Welcome at Tharu cultural center.
- Day 2: Visit National park representation by Army official/park ranger on tiger monitoring, Jungle jeep safari.
- Day 3: Wildlife rafting safari from Chisapani to Kothaighat.
- Day 4: Full day jungle safari inside National park.
- Day 5: Visit Badhaiya lake for birds and drive to Nepalgunj, Fly to Kathmandu.
- Includes: 2 flights between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, Reserved van or bus for airport transfers, all activities as per itinerary, accommodation on simple jungle lodges on twin sharing basis, meals (4L,4D,4B), naturalist and culture guide, all activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Duration: 4N/5D
- Price: USD 925 per person
Quick Cultural Add-Ons
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Half day)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal's best- preserved medieval cities. The Mallas kings, who dominated the valley from the 12th to the 18th century, used this old royal palace complex as their political and cultural hub. The palace is famous for its wooden windows and intricate carvings.
Includes: Vehicle transfers and guide (Extra: Permits)
Price: USD 15 per person
Patan Walking Tour (2-3 hours)
The ancient city of Patan offers beautiful places to explore including the golden temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), Krishna Mandir, Museum, and Mulchowk. It is one of the best spots to see artisanal workshops, observe traditional metalwork, woodcarving, and local crafts.
Includes: Vehicle transfers and guide (Extra: Permits)
Price: USD 10 per person
Namobuddha Monastery Hike (Full day)
A major Tibetan Buddhist site known for its serenity and the legend of Buddha offering his body to a starving tigress. This place offers potential views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar on clear days. Cultural Experience would include exploration of Panauti’s ancient temples and traditional Newari and Tamang villages.
Includes: Vehicle transfers and guide
Price: USD 30 per person
Namobuddha Monastery Overnight Hike (1N/2D)
This hike provides opportunities to observe forest birds, native flora, and terraced agro-ecosystems while gradually ascending to Namobuddha Monastery, one of Nepal's most important Buddhist pilgrimages, to experience the spiritual atmosphere, panoramic Himalayan views, and the close relationship between nature, culture, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Includes: Vehicle transfers, overnight in the monastery guest house and guide
Price: USD 150 per person
Chisapani Overnight Hike through Shivapuri National Park (1N/2D)
It offers a rewarding short trek through one of the most important mid-hills (Mahabharat) protected forests north of Kathmandu. The trail passes through oak-rhododendron forest, subtropical broadleaved vegetation, and freshwater sources that supply the Kathmandu valley, providing opportunities to observe forest, birds, butterflies, and native flora. The hike ends at Chisapani, a scenic ridge-top village with wide Himalayan views. This tour highlights the role of protected watersheds, biodiversity conservation, and community landscapes within the Shivapuri National Park.
Includes: Vehicle transfers, overnight in the monastery guest house and guide
Price: USD 150 per person