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HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS
Day 1 London Heathrow to Kathmandu
via Doha
Fly with Qatar Airways via Doha to Kathmandu.
Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive into Kathmandu in the afternoon where you will be met and transferred
by car to the Yak & Yeti Hotel where you will stay for the next
three nights. This evening take a walking tour of the old city of
Kathmandu following local paths and back streets of the hidden parts
of the city. See the temples, shrines and palaces of Durbar Square
including the famous temple of the Kumari, or Living Goddess.
Day 3 Kathmandu
Early this morning take the Everest Mountain flight, a once in a lifetime
experience. This 50 minute flight offers a breathtaking panoramic
view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Later visit
the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa where the all-seeing eyes of
Buddha stare down on the valley, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath, one of
the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage.
Day 4 Kathmandu
This morning visit Bhaktapur capital of the Kathmandu Valley between
the 14th and 16th Centuries. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square features
an array of shrines, courtyards, and memorial pillars with copper-gilt
statues of kings and the famous Golden Gate made of pure gold. However,
it is the delicate woodcarvings that adorn virtually all the buildings
for which this city is noted and the sculptures guarding the Nayatpola
Temple, the tallest shrine in the Kathmandu Valley, are impressive.
In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla
Kings. Durbar Square contains a striking array of temples fountains,
and royal palaces covered with exquisite carvings and adorned with
beautiful bronzes.
Day 5 Kathmandu to Bhadrapur – by air
Bhadrapur to Darjeeling
This morning transfer back to Kathmandu Airport for the flight east
to Bhadrapur. On your arrival you will be met and transferred across
the border into India and to the old Raj hill station of Darjeeling.
Surrounded by tea plantations, Darjeeling is a fascinating town with
a distinctive mix of Buddhist and colonial architecture. Stay two
nights in Darjeeling at the Mayfair Hotel.
Day 6 Darjeeling
Before sunrise visit Tiger Hill from where the views extend across
an incredible assortment of peaks. Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering
Institute, the Himalayan Zoo and the Tibetan Self-Help Centre. Also
take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to visit the Yiga
Choling Monastery at Ghoom.
Day 7 Darjeeling to Pelling
This morning leave by car for West Sikkim via tea gardens, following
the route of the rivers Rungeet and Teesta. Stop at Gyalsing, the
capital of West Sikkim, to visit Pemayangtse Monastery to view the
exceptional murals and sacred works of art. Continue on to nearby
Pelling to stay overnight at the Norbugang Resort.
Day 8 Pelling to Gangtok
Leave Pelling and drive up to Tashiding from where it is a steep walk
up the hill to enjoy views of this famous monastery. From Tashiding
the road climbs initially to Ravangla, offering panoramic views of
Mt Kabru and Mt Marsing. Descend to the Teesta River passing through
paddy fields and small villages before arriving in Gangtok, the capital
of Sikkim. Stay two nights at Netuk House.
Day 9 Gangtok
Drive out to the Rumtek Monastery which is noted for its beautiful
murals. From Rumtek it is a scenic walk across terraced fields to
the Lingdum Monastery from where it is a short drive back to Gangtok.
Day 10 Gangtok to Phuentsholing
This morning leave Gangtok and continue east and cross into Bhutan
to the small border town of Phuentsholing. Stay overnight here at
the Druk Hotel. The main overland entrance to Bhutan, Phuentsholing
is a fast developing town at the base of the Himalayan foothills.
Day 11 Phuentsholing to Thimphu
Today leave Phuentsholing and begin the six hour journey to the Bhutanese
capital Thimphu – a drive that will introduce you not only to
the country but also to its vastly differing vegetation. As you pass
the mountains you will cross through dense tropical teak and bamboo
forest, characteristic of these lower altitudes, before ascending
higher towards Thimphu and its more Spartan alpine vegetation. On
your arrival in Thimphu continue onto the Druk Hotel where you will
stay for the next two nights.
Day 12 Thimphu
This morning it is an early start to visit the bustling Thimphu weekend
market which attracts people from all over the region. Later return
to the town and begin your day of sightseeing at the Tibetan inspired
National Memorial Chorten. Other places of interest include the National
Library and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum – a painting
school that teaches Bhutan’s traditional arts to students throughout
the country.
Day 13 Thimphu to Paro
This morning leave Thimphu and return to Paro the gateway of Bhutan
where you will stay at the Gantey Palace Hotel for the next two nights.
Later make your way to Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1649 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, Drukgyel Dzong was originally constructed to reaffirm
Bhutanese control over the important land route into Tibet. There
are far-reaching views from Drukgyel back down the valley and on a
clear day Mount Jhomolhari, standing at 7,314 meters, looms close
on the horizon. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples
in Bhutan and the National Museum, housed in a building completed
in 1656 and famous for its collection of ancient thangkas before ending
your day at Paro Dzong, over 400 years old, and located just below
the museum on the hillside.
Day 14 Paro
This morning drive through the Paro Valley to the base of the climb
that leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery. A major pilgrimage site
for the Bhutanese since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the monastery
in 1646, Taktsang – or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ –
is spectacularly located 900 meters above the valley floor perched
on the edge of a cliff. The views throughout the walk, and in particular
into the distance once you are at Taktsang, are not only panoramic
but also spectacular. Although the path, in general, is in good condition
the climb to the monastery is a fairly strenuous challenge –
also due in part to the high altitude.
Day 15 Paro to Kathmandu – by air
Leave your hotel and transfer back to Paro Airport in good time to
catch your flight to Kathmandu. On your arrival you will be met and
transferred to the Yak & Yeti Hotel for your overnight stay.
Day 16 Kathmandu to London Heathrow
via Doha
Return to Kathmandu Airport for your Qatar Airways flight, via Doha,
back to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Luxury is never far away in Bhutan with a plethora of wonderful hotels on offer throughout the kingdom. The Amankora Resorts in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey, as well as the Uma Paro in Paro, are some of the finest properties in Asia and offer an extremely high level of comfort and service. Upgrading to these hotels is possible for this tour or even just the last few nights for a luxurious end to the holiday.
Extend your stay in the subcontinent with a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra or colourful Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan. With air services from Paro to Delhi via Kathmandu visiting Rajasthan from Bhutan has never been easier.
Explore the remote eastern Bhutanese valleys of Bumthang and Trongsa, or, for the more intrepid traveller, continue through the country to its eastern land border with India. Eastern Bhutan is a true frontier land of awe-inspiring scenery, history and culture and offers any traveller a once in a lifetime experience.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is PRICE ON REQUEST. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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