DAY 1. Travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Under ideal circumstances, travel from Kathmandu to far-western Nepal takes two-three days along the Mahendra Highway; alternatively, daily flights depart Kathmandu for Nepalgunj. The advantage of flying is that, on clear days, spectacular views of the High Himalaya are available out the starboard windows of the aircraft. Spend the night at a hotel in Nepalgunj or Dhangarhi (Camp 1 on Fig. 2).