Dawn canoe and sal-forest walk with a Tharu naturalistराप्ती डुङ्गा र जङ्गल यात्रा

Highlights

05:40 on the water while the river is glass and the mugger crocodiles are still deciding. Canoeing is silent, which is why you see: rhino on the bank, three species of kingfisher, and usually Gangetic dolphins if the water level is right. Then a walk along the forest edge with a naturalist who can identify trees by bark.

• Canoe with no motor while the Rapti is still glass
• Mugger, kingfisher, often Gangetic dolphin if the water is right
• Sal-forest walk with a naturalist who reads trees by bark
• Park entry, radio, fruit and tea included

Closed when the Rapti is high (Jul–Aug). Oct–Mar is ideal; April is hot but the mammals come to the water.

In / exclusion

1. Day 1

   Dawn on the Rapti, then the forest edge

   Closed when the river is high. October to March is the version to book.

   1. 05:20

      Rapti ghat

      Tea, life jacket, the canoe. No talking until the first bend.

   2. 05:40

      On the water

      Crocodiles still deciding. Rhino on the bank if you are lucky and quiet.

   3. 07:30

      Sal-forest walk

      Gokarna names the trees. Gharial briefing at the hatchery if the group wants it.

   4. 10:00

      Fruit, tea, back

      Camp jetty. You are done before the jeep crowds start.