From Nepal head east to the famous tea growing district of Darjeeling, to Sikkim, India's smallest state, and finally to Bhutan isolated for centuries by its geography. From the tropically lush terai lowlands to the cool upper slopes of the Himalaya, colorful mountain communities and magnificent scenery make this journey truly rewarding.
ITINERARY Day 01 - Kathmandu:
Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. PM Spend a casual afternoon strolling the bazaar and other places of interest. Day 02 - Kathmandu:
AM For your introduction to the Kathmandu valley, begin with a visit to the old Royal Palace, built over the course of almost 4 centuries, then visit Kumari Chowk and the gilded cage of the Raj Kumari, Kathmandu's "Living Goddess". Nearby, stop briefly at Kasthamandap temple, believed to have been built from the timber of a single tree, then head west to Swayambunath and its sweeping views, a great place to get your bearings geographically and culturally. PM Visit the sister city of Patan. A city of artisans, its craftspeople have created some of the most extraordinarily lavish temples. Day 03 - Fly to Bhadrapur/Biratnagar:
Fly to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal, staging point for Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan. Drive across the border to Siliguri at the foot of the eastern Himalaya. An uphill 3 hour drive brings you to Darjeeling. Take a Colonial Raj-era toy train through lush tea plantations with views of the surrounding countryside and the Himalayas. Overnight at hotel. Day 04 -05 Darjeeling:
Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute established in 1954 following the successful ascent of Mt. Everest. Other activities include sunrise views from Tiger Hill, a visit to a Tibetan re-settlement community and the Botanical Gardens. Day 06 -07 Sikkim :
Drive to Gangtok, provincial capital of Sikkim. Stop briefly at Tashi View Point for mountain views. Other excursions include a visit to the handicraft centre and the Institute of Tibetology established in 1958 to promote research in language, culture and religion. It houses an impressive collection of over 30,000 books containing some of the earliest translations of Buddha's teachings.
Overnight at hotel. Day 08 - Kalimpong:
AM Drive to Rumtek Monastery, seat of the Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. PM Continue onto the hill town of Kalimpong. Tour Durpin hill, the local marketplace and a flower nursery showcasing exotic varieties of plants, a major export item of the area.
Overnight at hotel. Day 09 - Phuntsholing:
Travel to Phuntsholing on the Indo-Bhutan border, staging point of our tour of Bhutan. Enroute drive through lush tea estates and tropical forests.
Overnight at hotel. Day 10 - Thimpu:
Drive to Thimphu on a spectacular mountain highway with lush green forests, waterfalls, rivers and small village communities.
On arrival check into hotel. Day 11 - Thimpu:
AM Begin your tour with a traditional mask and folk dance performed by the Royal Dance Troupe. A walk through the streets of Thimpu is a unique experience. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Druthrop Lhagang nunnery, and the indigenous medicine hospital. PM Continue your tour of Thimpu with a visit to the National library, a goldsmith's workshop in nearby Dechencholing village and the market square for those seeking souvenirs. Day 12 - Punakha:
A scenic drive through forests and mountain passes with views of the Himalayas, brings us to the former capital at Punakha. Visit the imposing Punakha Dzong built on the confluence of the Pochu and Mochu rivers and the Wangdi Phodrang Dzong - gateway to central Bhutan.
Overnight at hotel. Day 13 - Paro:
Drive to Paro situated in a beautiful valley with terraced farmland and nourished by the Paro Chu river. Paro is one of Bhutan's most picturesque towns.
Check into hotel on arrival.
PM Visit the Ta Dzong National Museum and the ruins of Drugyel Dzong - this 17th century fortress repelled many a Tibetan invasion. Today the ruins provide an interesting study into the unique construction of Dzong fortresses scattered all over the country. Day 14 - Taktsang :
Take a day trip to the monastery of Taktsang or "tigers nest", nestled amongst Himalayan cedars on a precipitous cliff face overlooking fertile rice fields in the plains of the Paro valley. Day 15 - Kathmandu:
Transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu. On arrival check into hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Day 16 - Kathmandu:
AM Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu pilgrimage site, then continue on to the great Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath, acknowledged to be the most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. PM Tour Bhaktapur, Nepal's most perfectly preserved city, famed for its wood carving and architecture. The pagoda style of building originates here. Day 17 - Departure:
Tour ends with flight home.
RATES
Himalayan Panorama
2 Persons
3 or more
Air Fare
First Class
$2809
$2776
$1420
Tourist
$2600
$2566
$1420
HOTELS
In order to make the travel experience more convenient and confortable, we have selected the following hotels in the various stops.
Cities
Deluxe
First Class
Tourist
Kathmandu
Yak & Yeti
Shangrila
KTM Guest House
Darjeeling
N/A
New Elgin
New Elgin
Thimpu
N/A
Hotel Peling
Druk Sherig
Cost includes Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast. All transfers between airport-hotel-airport. Sightseeing by English speaking guide.
Cost does not include Expenses of a private nature ie, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, meals (unless specified), insurance, airport taxes, excess baggage charges and all manner of gratuities.
If you wish us to make your hotel reservations in Kathmandu prior & post of your trip please find below our recommended list of hotels and their rates: 1. YAK & YETI $478.00, Single supplement $370.00
2. SHANGRI LA $346.00, Single supplement $248.00
3. NIRVANA GARDEN $148.00, Single supplement $67.00
4. KTM GUEST HOUSE $108.00, Single supplement $44.00
The above cost inlcudes 4 nights (2 nights prior and 2 nights after tour/trek) accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast. Room is standard in all hotel expcet at Nirvana Garden where it is in deluxe. Cost also includes arrival & departure airport transfer (escorted by our representive in Kathmandu). Cost does not include lunch and dinner, beverages, laundry, gratuities etc.
OPTIONAL TOURS
Based on minimum of two persons- Costs are per person.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
4 nights/5 days
$385
Tibet
4 nights/5 days
$895
Mountain Flight
$125
NOTE: Airfares quoted are estimates only and are based on West Coast departures (Los Angeles or San Francisco). A High season surcharge of $200 will be charched for departure during the following months: June-July-August & December 1- January 15 Optional Tours airfares are not included.
