- Bhutan – exploring the Buddhist Himalayan kingdom
- The capital city of Thimphu, Tashichho Fort and Cheri Monastery
- Opportunity for a short rafting trip on the Mo River
- Nepal – hiking under the Eight-thousander Annapurna, scenic Pokhara
- Chitwan NP with game viewing
- Royal Cities – Kathmandu and Bhaktapur (UNESCO)
- Program suitable for children 14 years and above, can be customized
- Recommended to travel during Easter or Autumn holidays
Tour program:
DAY 1 – 2: BY AIR PRAGUE – PARO
Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Bhutan, about one hour transfer to the capital city of Thimphu, accommodation. In the afternoon visit to the gigantic Buddha statue located above the center of the capital, with nice views of the valley.
DAY 3: THIMPHU
Visit Bhutan’s Tashichho Fort (Residency of the Government), the National Library with volumes of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the memorial chorten. In the afternoon, a short drive to Dodena and climb through an oak grove to Cheri Monastery, high above the Thimphu Valley (approx. 9 km).
DAY 4: PUNAKHA
Morning transfer from Thimphu to Punakha via the Do-chula saddle (3050 m), from which one can observe the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan seven-thousanders, including Bhutan’s highest mountain Gangkar Punsum (7497 m). After noon, option of a short rafting trip on the Mo River in the Punakha Valley. Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong Fort, at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers, which have played a significant role in Bhutanese history.
DAY 5-6: CHIMI LHAKHANG, DO-CHULA PASS, PARO, TAKTSANG
In the morning a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery – a fertility temple, in the afternoon transfer again via Do-chula pass to Paro. During the four-hour journey you will see three stupas, said to have been built to ward off “evil spirits”. Next, you will visit the 15th century Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery. Upon arrival in Para, visit Ta Dzong – the National Museum (formerly a watchtower) and Rinpung Dzong – the monumental fortress where the district government office and judge are located. The following day walking tour to the most famous Bhutanese monastery Taktsang, also called “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery is situated on a rocky promontory at an altitude of 3120m. On the way back, you will visit a traditional local farm where you will have a hot cup of tea with a Bhutanese family. In the evening, take an individual walk around Paru.
DAY 7: FLIGHT PARO – KATHMANDU, KATHMANDU (THAMEL)
Morning flight from Paro to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel; afternoon walk around the bustling Thamel district of the capital.
DAY 8: KATHMANDU – DURBAR SQUARE, SVAYANBHUNATH
Sightseeing tour of the royal city, the historic centre and Durbar Square, climbing the Buddhist stupa Svajanbhunath with a view of the city (ev. Pathan).
DAY 9: POKHARA, TREKKING TO DHAMPUS
Air transfer from Kathmandu to the second largest city of Nepal, the picturesque Pokhara. Upon arrival, transfer to the town of Phedi (1130m), which will be the starting point for your trek. The first leg of your trek is to the village of Dhampus (1650 m), about 3 hours walk.
DAY 10-12: TREKKING ALONG THE ROUTE OF POTHANA, DEURALI, TOLKA
Trekking along rice paddies, rhododendron and oak groves to the village of Pothana. Breathtaking views of the sacred Machhapuchare mountain and the Mardi Khola valley. Then you will climb over the pass to the village of Deurali, from where you will have views of the majestic Annapurna South and the six-thousander Hiunchuli, descend to the village of Tolka (1700 m), overnight stay. (Route 5-6 hours, ascent approx. 510 m, descent approx. 370 m).
On the second day you will start the trek high in the hillside, above the Modi Khola River. You will head to the Gurung village of Landruk, from where you will descend gently to the riverbed. The trail continues through the jungle overlooking the waterfall in front of Himal Qu. In the second part of the route, you cross a raised bridge over the Modi Khola River and make the steep climb to Jhinu Danda (1780m), your place of your overnight stay. Afternoon relaxation in the hot thermal springs (Route 5-6 hours, ascent approx. 490 m, descent approx. 410 m).
On the third day you will head back downstream and after crossing a bridge, climb over terraced fields to the top of Kotdanda (2344m). The journey continues through rhododendron groves and Komrong village to the Gurung village of Gandruk (1940m), with the option of visiting the local Buddhist monastery and the old Gurung museum in the afternoon, overnight stay. (Route 5-6 hours, ascent approx. 570m, descent approx. 410m).
DAY 13: LAST DAY OF TREKKING, POKHARA
Descend from Gandruk to Kimche (route about 1.5 hrs), from there jeeps to Nayapul and transfer to Pokhara.
DAY 14: POKHARA
Relaxing day, boat ride on Phewa Lake, climb to the Peace Pagoda above the town with views of the Himalayan eight-thousanders panorama. Possibility to visit the Mountaineering Museum.
DAY 15-17: NP CHITWAN
Nearly a full day transfer by minibus to Nepal’s oldest national park, home to more than 700 species of animals, including the “King of the Jungle” Indian tiger and Indian rhino. Early morning bird watching, followed by breakfast. Morning boat ride to see the cavies and jungle trekking with game viewing, afternoon jeep safari. Third day morning elephant ride into the jungle. During the morning transfer back to Kathmandu.
DAY 18: KATHMANDU – PASHUPATINATH, BHAKTAPUR
Visit to the temple complex and funeral burning ghats of Pashupatinath and the royal city of Bhaktapur with handicrafts in the streets.
DAY 19-20: KATHMANDU – PRAGUE BY AIR
Depending on the flight connection, return to Prague on the 19th or 20th day.
Further information
Price includes – Bhutan:
- English speaking guide
- complete transport by minibus around Bhutan
- accommodation – 2x hotel in Thimphu, 1x hotel in Punakha and 2x hotel in Paro with full board level 3***
- Bhutan visa and its arrangement
- entrance fees to heritage sites
- government fee and tax
Price includes – Nepal:
- 1x domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (9th day)
- Transportation by minibus to Phedi at the time of trekking (9th day),
- transport by jeep/microbus from Kimche to Pokhara on return from trekking (Day 13),
- transport by minibus from Pokhara to Chitwan NP and back to Kathmandu
- transport by minibus for a 1-day tour of Kathmandu (day 18)
- accommodation in cities – 4x hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast and 2x hotel in Pokhara with breakfast level 3**
- Trek accommodation – 4x lodge accommodation (double simple dorms with bed, mattress and blankets, own sleeping bag is required),
- program in Chitwan NP (includes: 2x lodge accommodation, 1x full board and 1x half board, program activities)
- trekking permit and permit to Annapurna area,
- transfers from airport to hotel and back in Kathmandu
- information materials,
- TA insurance against bankruptcy.
Price does not include:
- tips for drivers and guides
- Nepalese visa – 30 USD (to be arranged upon arrival at the airport)
- other meals, (on the trek see separate section below)
- other transport in the cities (transport around Pokhara, transport around Kathmandu – day 8)
- entrance fees to heritage sites
- hot water for washing on the trek (extra charge of 1-3 USD/person)
- porters on the trek (see optional services)
- baksheesh to drivers, porters and other staff
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we are happy to arrange)
Optional services/excursions:
porter for the whole trek – approx. 90 USD (we recommend one porter for 2 people, the porter is able to carry about 20 kg).
rafting on the Mo River in Bhutan – approx. 20 USD/person (if 6 persons)
Meals:
In addition to the meals included in the price, it is possible to visit a number of restaurants in the cities with a very varied diet. On the trek it is possible to eat in the lodges where we will be staying, there is a choice of menus. For breakfast they usually prepare eggs in different ways, porridge, flour pancakes and soups. For dinner the menu usually includes several types of soups, pasta – noodles, potatoes, dal bath (lentils and rice), eggs and vegetables. Meals are mostly vegetarian and for hygiene reasons we do not recommend eating locally sourced meat on the trek. The cost of a full day’s meals ranges from US$20-25/person/day.
Suitable time of the year to complete this program:
This tour can be taken in two main seasons, except the monsoon season which is from June to September. The spring season, from March to May, is generally hot days with occasional rain showers, which gradually diminish. Magnolia and rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in the foothills of the Himalayas. The period from October to November is characterised by clear skies, slightly cooler weather and generally good visibility. Temperatures in Kathmandu range between 22-28 °C in spring and autumn, and between 20-22 °C in Timph. At an altitude of around 3000 m, temperatures are around 13-17 °C during the day, dropping to freezing at night.
Organiser: TA Enjoy Travel
Note: Modification of the program is subject to change.
