Elephant safari into the Chitwan jungle

Having boarded our elephant we set out in search of Chitwan Jungle inhabitants, including Bengal tigers, black rhinos, pythons, and other assorted denizens, including spiders and ticks.

Through the river, into the jungle in Chitwan National Park

This area of the Terai (Nepalese lowlands) is only accessible by land rover vehicles during the "dry" season. The indigenous people living in this area of the Terai, the Tharu, are isolated much of the year.


Chitwan National Park

Birds of Chitwan
Note that this sign at the entrance to The Chitwan National Park has the word "Royal" blackened out. The king, and most of the royal family were assasinated in 2001, and since the recent election of a Maoist leader, Nepal is no longer an autocracy.

A Himalayan tree, Duabanga grandiflora

One of the Duabanga trees spotted on the way to Lumbini.



The large blossoms expand in April, emiting a foul odor.

Eurasian Griffons feast on remains of buffalo carcass

Visiting the village of Dhungakhani ("Rock Mine")

The village of Dhungakhari lies near a rock mine in in the rural area near Tansen.


Farming families in Dhungakhari grow fruit trees, graze buffalo and tend ancient terraces.


A view inside one of the homes


Waste from the toilet and buffalo dung is fermented in this fermenter to generate gas for heating and cooking.



A homemade broom lies on the swept floor



An Erythrina Stricta tree on their farmland



Blooms of the Erythrina Stricta tree

Visiting Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha

Via rickshaw for the last 100 meters.



The sacred tree where Buddha's mother rested before giving birth to Lord Buddha.

Placing an offering at the tree.

Near the shrine is the pool where Buddha's mother bathed before giving birth after her long journey.

Tibetan refugee community on the outskirts of Pokhara

Tibetans fled the Chinese invasion of their homeland 50 years ago, taking refuge in this area on the outskirts of Pokhara.

Woven goods and souvenirs provide a source of income.



Might her dog become woven into a sweater?