On the way to Chitwan National Park, I came across them again: the standing toilet. Or rather, the squat toilet. It took some getting used to again, especially with a bad knee. You also see a lot of advertisements promoting studying abroad: Japan, South Korea, Australia, the USA, and Europe, in the hope of a better future. A young couple from Kathmandu told me that working or studying abroad is essentially the only way to build an independent life.

So, I booked a 4-day, 3-night trip with 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, giving myself two full days to explore Chitwan. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I did know that I would have a varied program and that everything would be arranged for me and that sounded wonderful.

After about four and a half hours on the bus, I was dropped off by the side of the main road and told I would be picked up by taxi. And indeed, after a while a taxi arrived to take me to Jungle Villa Resort. I can highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Chitwan National Park. From the resort, you overlook the Rapti River, where endangered fish-eating gharial crocodiles lie on the riverbanks warming themselves in the sun, while local fishermen from the Tharu minority wade through the water to catch their daily portion of fish. Not entirely without danger, since the mugger crocodile also swims there and it does enjoy a bite of meat…

I came to Chitwan for the one-horned rhinoceros, the elephant, and the tiger. But there is so much more to see if you take the time. But there is so much more to see and learn if you take the time and a good guide to show you the animal life as wel the Tharu-culture. The Tharu people are an indigenous ethnic group, primarily inhabiting the southern Terai plains of Nepal and bordering India. Historically known as forest dwellers with a unique resistance to malaria and traditionally live in long houses, made of mud and grass.

We didn’t spot any tigers, but we did see a sloth bear, which is quite unique as well. It remains fascinating to observe animals in the wild, in their natural habitat. To experience this, you can take a canoe trip, go on a walking safari, or join a jeep safari. To disturb or scare the animals as little as possible, visitors are asked not to wear bright colors and to behave quietly. Even so, I can’t help but feel that the noise and smell of a jeep must still be disruptive in such a natural environment. And how many jeeps drive through during high season? Still, my curiosity won out over my sense of guilt. Let’s say it was for educational purposes, which is partly true. What you get to know, you usually feel more responsible for. But it remains a double-edged issue.

Note: 3sisters Adventure Trekking is a Women Owned Company. 3 Sisters a pioneering social enterprise, has been a trailblazer for a quarter of a century has led women’s empowerment through adventure tourism, training and employing female guides across Nepal. Changing lives, One woman at a time!