- Bhutan – Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom
- Capital city of Thimphu, Tashichho Fortress; Taktsang Monastery
- Haa Valley – mystical valley with sacred temples
- Nepal – Royal Cities – Kathmandu and Bhaktapur (UNESCO)
- Namche Bazar – administrative centre in Khumbu district
- Mount Everest – views of the world’s highest mountain and other eight-thousanders
Tour program:
1.-2. DAY 2 – 3: BY AIR PRAGUE – KATHMANDU
3. DAY 2: TRANSFER TO BHUTAN, CAPITAL CITY OF THIMPHU
By air Kathmandu – Paro. On arrival in the Kingdom of Bhutan, transfer to the capital city of Thimphu for about one hour, accommodation. In the afternoon visit the gigantic Buddha statue located above the center of the capital, with nice views of the valley.
4. DAY 4: CAPITAL CITY OF THIMPHU, VISIT TO THE CHERI MONASTERY
Thimphu – visit the Bhutanese Tashichho Fort (seat of government), the National Library with volumes of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the monumental chorten. In the afternoon, a short drive to Dodena and a climb through an oak grove to Cheri Monastery, high above the Thimphu Valley (approx. 9 km).
5. DAY: HAA VALLEY
Morning transfer from Thimphu to the Haa Valley. The Haa Valley was only opened to tourists in 2002 and is one of the most beautiful areas in the kingdom. The valley is adorned with pristine forests and mountain peaks. The road leads through many small villages where you will be able to observe the traditional life of the local nomadic herders, stopping at the beautiful village of Dawakha. Afternoon hike to a side valley and views of Lhakhang Kharpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Ascent to Shelkar Drak, a small Buddhist temple situated on a limestone cliff high in the forest.
6. DAY 6: HAA VALLEY AND JUNEYDRAK PILGRIMAGE SITE
A full day hike through the Haa Valley with a trek through pine forests to the Juneydrak pilgrimage site situated at a sea level of 2950m and the Buddhist temple of Katshoe Gomba. Views of traditional dwellings, meadows blooming beautifully in spring. Picnic lunch during the ascent to the pilgrimage site.
7. DAY 7: OVER THE CHELE LA PASS, KILA MONASTERY AND PARO VALLEY
You will start today’s day very early in the morning, moving to the dizzying height of 3988 m, the Chele La Pass. Here, together with a cup of tea, you will greet the new day, opening up to spectacular views of the sacred seven-thousand-foot Jomolhari and neighbouring Jitchu Drake. From the Chele La Pass, you will hike to the Kila Monastery (a Buddhist nunnery). The monastery is located on the edge of a rock massif, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire Paro valley. Afternoon transfer to Paro.
8. DAY 8: TAKSANG MONASTERY – “TIGER’S NEST” AND TOUR OF PARO
A trip to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, Taktsang, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery is situated on a rocky promontory at an altitude of 3120 m. On arrival back in Para ev., visit Ta Dzong – National Museum (formerly a watchtower) and Rinpung Dzong – a monumental fortress, where the district government office and the judge are located.
9. DAY 9: TRANSFER TO NEPAL, KATHMANDU
Fly from Para to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel; afternoon walk through the capital’s bustling Thamel district.
10. DAY 10: KATHMANDU CAPITAL
Kathmandu – sightseeing of the royal city, historical centre and Durbar Square, climbing the Buddhist stupa Svajanbhunath with a view of the city (ev. Pathan).
11. DAY 11: TRANSFER TO LUKLA, HIKING THROUGH THE KHUMBU VALLEY
Begin a seven-day trek through the Khumbu Valley, for views of the eight-thousanders Mount Everest, Lhotse and the mystical Ama Dablam. Transfer by air from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m), the foothill resort from where most trekking expeditions start at the base of the world’s highest mountain. Hike through the Dudh Kosi valley to the village of Phakding (2610 m) – about 3 hours walk.
DAY 12: HIKING THROUGH THE KHUMBU VALLEY, NAMCHE BAZAAR
Ascend from Phakding upstream to the gate of Sagarmatha National Park beyond the village of Monjo (2840 m). The path is lined with rhododendron, magnolia and fir groves that bloom beautifully in spring. After entering the national park, you will begin a steeper climb to the administrative centre of the Khumbu region, now an important commercial crossroads and the centre of all mountaineering expeditions, Namche Bazaar (3440 m), here you will spend two nights – about 5.5 hours walking.
DAY 13: NAMCHE BAZAAR AND VIEWS OF MT. EVEREST
Hike to the Everest View Hotel for unforgettable views of the eight-thousand peaks of Mont Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, seven-thousand Nuptse and one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Ama Dablam. You will also explore the villages of Kumjung (3780m) and Kunde (3840m) where Sir Edmund Hilary built a school and hospital for the Sherpas of the Khumbu region.
DAY 14: DRIVE TO THAME
Your next destination will be the remote village of Thame (3750m), below the steep Kongde Rí escarpment, where we will again spend two nights. The road to Thame runs along the Bhote Kosi River, through a beautiful pine grove and hillsides dotted with rhododendrons. Thame has been and is home to many famous Sherpas, incl. Tenzing Norgay.
DAY 15: THAME MONASTERY AND KHURE KHARKA VALLEY
The village of Thame lies in an amphitheatre of Himalayan peaks, with the eponymous monastery towering above at 3970m. During the morning, you will go on a tour of it and further explore the Khure Kharka valley, leading on to the Tesi Lapcha saddle.
DAY 16-17: DRIVE TO NAMCHE BAZAAR AND THROUGH THE VALLEY OF DUTH KOSI TO LUKLA
Two day return journey with overnight stay in Namche Bazaar. Another day through the Duth Kosi valley with a final climb to Lukla.
DAY 18-19: KATHMANDU AND THE ROYAL CITY OF BHAKTAPUR
In the morning transfer from Lukla to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel; free afternoon. Second day sightseeing in Kathmandu – visit to the temple complex and funeral burning ghats of Pashupatinath and the royal city of Bhaktapur with handicrafts in the streets.
DAY 20-21: KATHMANDU – PRAGUE BY AIR
Further information
Price includes – Bhutan:
- International flight Prague – Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu – Prague at a price of 29 000 CZK
- local English speaking guide and Czech guide
- complete transport by minibus around Bhutan
- accommodation – 2x hotel in Thimphu, 2x hotel country house in Haa valley and 2x hotel in Paro level 3*** (double room)
- full board while staying in Bhutan
- Bhutan visa and its procurement
- entrance fees to heritage sites
- government fee and tax
Price includes – Nepal:
- Czech guide
- local guide during the trek (depending on the size of the group)
- 2x domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back
- transport by minibus for 1-day tour Kathmandu – Bhaktapur (19th day)
- accommodation in cities – 5x hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast level 2** (double room)
- accommodation on the trek – 7x lodge accommodation (double simple dorms with bed, mattress and blankets, own sleeping bag is required)
- trekking permit and entry to Sagarmatha NP
- porters during the trek – 10 kg/person
- transfers from airport to hotel and back in Kathmandu
- information materials
- CK insurance against bankruptcy
Price does not include:
- Nepalese visa – 40 USD (to be arranged upon arrival at the airport)
- other meals
- other transport in the cities (transport around Kathmandu – rickshaw, taxi – 2nd and 10th day)
- entrance fees to monuments
- hot water for washing during Nepal trekking (extra charge 1-3 USD/person)
- baksheesh to drivers, porters and other staff
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we are happy to arrange)
Difficulty of the walking program in Nepal:
This is a 7 days trekking and sightseeing program where we walk about 5-7 hours daily at a leisurely pace. The maximum altitude reached will be about 3900m. The route can be described as mostly undulating, with an initial climb to Namche Bazaar. The paths you will follow are mostly wide dirt tracks, occasionally rocky. A porter will be available to carry 10kg of equipment for everyone throughout the trek. Thus, the entire route will be done lightly, with the same load as the day hikes.
Organizer.
Note: Modification of the program is subject to change.
