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HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS
Day 1 London Heathrow to Kathmandu
via Muscat
Fly with Oman Air via Muscat 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.
Day 3 Kathmandu
Early this morning take the Everest Mountain flight (optional), a once
in a lifetime experience. This morning take a guided walking tour of Durbar
Square in the old city of Kathmandu. See the temples, shrines and palaces of
Durbar Square. One of the most famous temples is that of the Kumari, or the
Living Goddess. This goddess is selected from the Buddhist caste at the age
of 3 and once she reaches puberty another Kumari replaces her. Then visit the
2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa where the all–seeing eyes of Buddha stare
down on the valley. In the afternoon 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.
The sculptures guarding the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest shrine in the Kathmandu
Valley, are impressive. This temple is considered to be the finest example of
pagoda architecture in Nepal. (B)
Day 4 Kathmandu
This morning visit Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. Pashupatinath, most sacred of
all Nepalese Shiva shrines lies just 5kms east of Kathmandu. Built in 1696,
the Temple of Pashupatinath, with its large gilded triple roof is only open to
Hindus. A bird’s eye view of life in the temple complex is available, however,
from the hillside across the Bagmati River. Continue to nearby Bodhnath, one of
the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage. Here too the
all–seeing eyes of Buddha look out over the long rows of multi coloured prayer flags,
which encircle the brilliant white dome. In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan,
capital of the Malla Kings. Durbar Square contains a striking array of temples fountains,
royal palaces covered with exquisite carvings and adorned with beautiful bronzes. (B)
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. (B/D)
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. (B/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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 the Mayfair Spa Resort. (B/D)
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. (B/D).
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. (B/D)
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. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Thimphu
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. (B/L/D)
Day 13 Thimphu to Paro
This morning leave Thimphu and drive 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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Kathmandu to London Heathrow
via Muscat
Return to Kathmandu Airport for your Oman Air flight, via Muscat,
back to London Heathrow. (B)
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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