- Grade:
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Strenuous
Suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.
Find out more...
Strenuous
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- Duration: 20 days from the UK
- On Trek: 11 days Walks on:1 day
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £6020, Land only from £4795
One of the finest treks in the Himalaya: remoteness, fantastic mountains and fascinating villages.
Highlights
- Spectacular scenery from start to finish
- Spend time in the remote mountain village of Laya
- Enjoy first-rate camping facilities on trek
- Attend the Chomolhari Mountain Festival on our autumn departure
- Look for rare tigers in the high mountains where the BBC filmed Lost Land of the Tiger
This is our most popular long distance trek in Bhutan and takes you along the remote northern border with Tibet. We were the first British company to travel this path in 1988 and have run the trek almost every year since. Our itinerary results from considerable experience. Any shorter and we believe that there would not be sufficient time for proper acclimatisation and to rush through this region would mean you miss the very point of being there; it remains rarely travelled and unspoilt.
One of the highlights of this trek is local people that you will meet en route – both the semi-nomadic yak herders that camp in black yak hair tents, often seen now with solar panels stuck outside, and the hospitable inhabitants of the unbelievably remote small stone villages that you will pass. If you travel on our autumn departure, you may join the locals in a celebration of their culture at the Chomolhari Mountain Festival.
The mountain scenery is magnificent - most of the peaks being unclimbed, unmapped and un-named. You will pass underneath the second highest peak in Bhutan, Chomolhari, 7,314m/23,996ft, first climbed by Spencer Chapman in 1937 and now a forbidden peak on religious grounds. There are many passes to cross, offering tantalising panoramas of distant ranges and the opportunity to spot Blue Sheep. Flora and fauna are diverse and abundant at every stage of the journey.
Private Departures
Lingshi Laya - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke tailor made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Strenuous
Duration: 20 days from the UK
On Trek: 11 days Walks on:1 day
Max. Altitude: 5,005m/16,420ft, Shingela Pass, day 13
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, Camping
Festival:
October departures attends the Chomolhari Mountain Festival
Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast in Kathmandu, all meals in hotels and on trek in Bhutan
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Arrive Kathmandu. |
| 3-4 | Fly to Paro. Visit Taktsang Monastery and sightseeing in the Paro Valley. |
| 5 | Trek from Olathang to Kyichu. Drive to Gunitsawa. Trek to Shana. |
| 6-7 | Trek to Soi Thangthanka and to Chomolhari Base Camp. |
| 8 | Rest day and acclimatisation walks to Tsho Phu lakes or Jitchu Drake Base Camp. Attend the Chomolhari Mountain Festival (autumn departure). |
| 9-10 | Trek to Lingshi via the Nyelela Pass. Visit Lingshi Dzong and trek to Chebisa. |
| 11-12 | Trek to Shomuthang and to Robulathang via the Jarela Pass. |
| 13-14 | Cross the Shingela Pass. Trek to Laya. |
| 15 | Trek to Koena. End trek and drive to Punakha. |
| 16 | Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lakhang. Drive to Thimphu. |
| 17 | Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro. |
| 18-20 | Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to London. |
Leader: Local leader, Bhutan
You will have an English speaking Bhutanese guide. Mountain Kingdoms have been working with the same partner in Bhutan since 1986. Their guides are some of the best in the Kingdom. They speak fluent English, as this is taught in all Bhutanese schools, and are fully qualified guides. The Tourism Authority of Bhutan insists that a Bhutanese trek or tour leader must pass his/her guiding exams in Thimphu before accompanying groups of foreign visitors. Guides receive regular ‘top-up’ training and 15 of our regular leaders have completed an extended training course run by Mountain Kingdoms in Bhutan.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London.
Fly overnight London to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. You might like to venture out to nearby Thamel for your evening meal, or eat in the restaurant if you are tired from your journey.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Paro in Bhutan.
Transfer for the flight by Druk Air, Bhutan's national airline, to Paro. The flight often gives fantastic views of the Himalaya, including Everest, and of particular excitement is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. Try to sit on the left-hand side of the plane for the best mountain views. Your Bhutanese guide will meet you on arrival. Time permitting you may pay an initial visit to Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 4 - Walk to Taktsang Monastery and sightseeing in the Paro Valley.
Today you will walk up to the famous 'Tiger's nest', Taktsang Monastery, perched some 2,000ft (609m) up on a cliff overlooking the Paro valley and one of the iconic buildings of Bhutan. It is said to be the spot where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The walk, which will provide good acclimatization, is quite steep and takes about 2-3 hours to go up, less to descend. You may choose to walk just as far as the tea house for fantastic views or climb to some prayer flags just above where the views are even better. If there is a particular religious gathering or VIP visit in progress, you will not be able to enter the monastery but in any case it is worth climbing for a further half hour beyond the tea house to another viewpoint directly across from the monastery. If you are allowed to visit the temple itself you have to descend steeply from this viewpoint about 100m/330ft on steps, only to climb again to reach the temple where it clings to the rock face. It was built to be isolated! You then descend to your vehicle and return to your hotel.
In the afternoon you will have time for some further sightseeing such as a visit to the Bhutan Museum or Paro Dzong and also time to relax and prepare for your trek.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 5 - Trek from Olathang to Kyichu - 3 hours. Drive to Gunitsawa. Trek to Shana, 2,890m/9,482ft.
Today you start your trek. You leave the hotel and walk up a hill to a village. You continue trekking along forested ridges until you reach Kyichu. You will visit the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest in Bhutan, which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon that was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet. From here it is an hour drive to Gunitsawa. It's a short walk through the army base at Gunitsawa to cross the river on a small bridge and start walking upstream to camp at Shana.
Overnight: Camp
Day 6 - Trek to Soi Thangthanka, 3,575m/11,729ft - 7-8 hours.
Your route still follows the river in heavily forested country, with isolated farmhouses and plenty of wildlife. The Bhutanese may advise you to walk in pairs, as there are bears in this area. You pass a junction en route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet, crossed by Spencer Chapman in 1937 on his way to climb Chomolhari. In the afternoon the trail passes over several switchbacks and can be muddy in places - rocks have been strategically placed for you to hop across. After reaching a larger bridge, if lucky, you will get views of Chomolhari ahead, before the final climb to the large meadow which is your campsite. There is a simple hut here and you may well eat inside.
Overnight: Camp
Day 7 - Trek to Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp), 4,090m/13,418ft - 5-6 hours.
It is worth getting up early to photograph the dawn colours on Bhutan's second highest mountain, Chomolhari, 7,314m/23,997ft, which is framed at the end of the valley. After about an hour's walk, you slowly leave the forest line and gradually climb into a beautiful valley, passing Tengethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. You are still walking beside the river and you should see lots of yaks before arriving at Dangojang, the final small settlement before you reach base camp. There are a couple of stone buildings here, and nearby there are the ruins of an old fortress which used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasion. At the head of the valley is the huge stunning snowy peak of Jitchu Drake, 6,714m/22,027ft, with razor sharp ridges.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 - Rest day and acclimatisation with walks to glacier, Tsho Phu lakes or Jitchu Drake Base Camp. Attend Chomolhari Mountain Festival in the autumn.
It is highly advisable that you do some sort of walk today involving height gain in order to help with acclimatisation. There are several excellent walks to choose from. Highly recommended is to walk a short way up the valley towards Jitchu Drake before turning right to climb steeply uphill towards a hanging valley leading to the beautiful Tsho Phu Lakes, situated at about 4,350m/14,271ft. Alternatively, you can climb up the grassy ridge just north of the base camp to reach a small peak at 4,760m/15,617ft. Or you can walk up to Jitchu Drake base camp, or to the original Chomolhari base camp along the valley floor.
If travelling on our autumn departure you may join the festivities at the Chomolhari Mountain Festival. This festival celebrates the culture of the local communities and the natural wonders of the region. Please note that the dates for this festival are provisional and may change.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 - Trek to Lingshi, 4,149m/13,612ft, via the Nyelela Pass, 4,890m/16,043ft - 6-7 hours.
Today, weather permitting, you will have spectacular views of several stunning Himalayan peaks. You start climbing immediately and after some 3-4 hours reach the windy Nyelela Pass, 4,890m/16,043ft. You may well pass yak herders' Jhas (tents) where you may get invited in to sample tea, yoghurt and cheese - all three are acquired tastes! It is very special meeting these lovely people. After the pass you descend to a circular hut just before Lingshi, where you camp for the night. Coming down to Lingshi you obtain your first views of the truly mystical dzong atop its 183m/600ft high hill.
Overnight: Camp
Day 10 - Visit Lingshi Dzong and trek to Chebisa, 3,849m/12,628ft - 5-6 hours.
Today is an easier day and you will be able to view the outside of the Dzong and small settlement below it before setting off on trek. The school here serves several local villages. Leaving Lingshi behind you contour and climb gently to reach another delightful village, Gang Yul, which is set right below a 304m/1,000ft cliff. There is a very holy llakang here. Another hour's walking high above the valley floor brings you to a lovely little side valley with a huge waterfall at one end and the Shangri-la village of Chebisa, where you camp by the side of the river. The trail leading up and past it leads to Tibet - about 12 miles away. There are plenty of blue sheep in this area and you should be able to get quite close to them. It is a very leisurely walking day today with plenty of reasons and opportunities to linger.
Overnight: Camp
Day 11 - Trek to Shomuthang, 4,220m/13,845ft - 6-7 hours.
Walking up to the top of the waterfall before breakfast is recommended for lovely early morning views of the valley. On your trek today you will encounter quite a stiff climb up to the Gombu La, 4,480m/14,698ft, before dropping to a deserted valley and crossing a river. You will either camp here, or climb up to Shomuthang. It will be another lovely day's walking today. You might see blood pheasants when passing through an area of rhododendrons.
Overnight: Camp
Day 12 - Trek to Robulathang, 4,160m/13,648ft, via the Jarela Pass, 4,785m/15,699ft - 7-8 hours.
It is a long haul over the Jarela Pass at 4,785m/15,699ft, where once again you get stunning all-round views including Mount Tsering Kang towering above. Then there is a steep drop on a forest trail to the Tcharijathang valley, where herds of Takin roam (the strange national animal of Bhutan), before crossing a river on a log bridge and steeply climbing to Robulathang where the camp will be located. Again, a stunning day's walk.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13 - Cross the Shingela Pass, 5,005m/16,420ft. Camp at Limithang, 4,140m/13,583ft - 6-7 hours.
This is the hardest day of the trek. Firstly you climb slowly up to the Shingela pass. This takes about 5 hours. You will be rewarded with stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gangchentak at the head of the valley. On a clear day almost all the mountains on the northern border are clearly visible, 10-20 miles distant. For those with energy, it is worth climbing a little higher to a small rocky peak. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yak abound in this area. After the initial rough and rocky descent you finally reach a beautiful cedar forest and you will once again meet up with nomadic yak-herders, who may offer tea and curd in their yak-hair tents. Camp is set in a lovely spot on the riverbank.
Overnight: Camp
Day 14 - Trek to Laya, 3,840m/12,598ft - 4-5 hours. Explore village.
You will have a leisurely walk alongside the river through cedar and fir forest before descending to reach the largest village on the trek. The people of Laya are famous for their vertically-striped yak hair clothing and strange conical bamboo hats. The women wear long hair and a great deal of turquoise and jade jewellery. The features of the people are even more Tibetan/Mongolian than the Bhutanese who live in the central valleys. The rest of the day is spent at leisure, or visiting village houses. There are good views of Masagang, 7,165m/23,507ft, and other peaks. In the evening the local girls may dance for you. This will be the last night you spend with your trek crew.
Overnight: Camp
Day 15 - Trek to Koena, 3,240m/10,630ft - 7-8 hours. Drive to Punakha.
Today is a long day during which you will follow the Mo Chu River through its gorge; with an atmosphere akin to 'the Lost World' it is both gigantic and spectacular. You climb up and down through a heavily forested area with lots of birds and butterflies, to arrive at Koena - the end of your trek.
Your transport will meet you here and take you to Punakha.
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or Damchen Resort or Similar, Punakha
Day 16 - Sightseeing in Punakha. Drive to Thimphu.
Before leaving Punakha you will visit its spectacular Dzong. The main monastery/fortress in Punakha was the power base for the old system of re-incarnated rulers. The remains of the original ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal, are kept in a small room at the top of the highest tower; only the King and the head of the Monastic Order are allowed to enter it. Provided the head of the monastic order and his monks have not migrated from Thimphu, it should be possible to view the inner courtyards of Punakha Dzong. In 1997 there was a major flood in the town as a glacial lake burst up in the mountains causing tremendous havoc in the town. The dzong was badly damaged but has been beautifully restored and renovated.
You will also pay a visit to Chimi Lakhang, taking a short walk across the paddy fields visit this delightful small temple built by Drukpa Kunley. Known as the The Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley was a 15th Century Bhutanese lama and is Bhutan's most popular Saint and one of the most important figures in Bhutanese folklore. Despite the apparent conservatism of the Bhutanese people, Drukpa Kunley with his unconventional views on sex is a great favourite throughout the country - the phallus symbols painted on the outside walls of houses date back to his teachings. Chimi Lakhang is especially popular with women who come here to pray for children. The temple is characterised by its many phallic symbols.
The drive to Thimphu, on winding mountain roads, takes about 2 hours and crosses the Dochu La, 3,116m/10,223ft where on a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including the highest peak in Bhutan, Gangkar Punsum at 7,550m/24,770ft. You may have time for a little initial sightseeing when you reach Thimphu.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 17 - Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive to Paro.
Thimphu has been the permanent capital since 1955 and has two cinemas and a radio station. This is the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals. It has a population of around 100,000 and has wide streets and a rather relaxed air. Its sights include the Late King's Memorial Chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops, the indigenous hospital specialising in herbal medicine, the thangkha painting school, the Bhutanese paper factory, the recently built Changlingmithang Lhakhang temple, and the National Library.
In the afternoon you drive to Paro.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 18 - Fly to Kathmandu.
Here you will have another chance to enjoy a flight along the Himalaya, passing Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest. On arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred back to your hotell, where rooms will be available from midday. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy some sightseeing, souvenir shopping or just relaxing at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 19 - Time at leisure. Group transfer to airport. Depart Kathmandu.
You will have time at leisure today in Kathmandu to do some sightseeing or shopping, or simply relax at your hotel. Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to London.
Overnight: In flight
Day 20 - Arrive UK
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Optional supplements
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Single room supplement
From £255 -
Single Tent
From £300
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- An English speaking Bhutanese leader
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
- All flights between Kathmandu and Paro and domestic transfers
- 4 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, on a twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- In Bhutan, good standard hotel accommodation in main towns and best available hotels in outlying towns, on twin share, full board basis
- Bhutan visa and Bhutan departure tax
- All road transport by private vehicles
- The use of a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag (when travelling to Bhutan via Kathmandu).
- All camping facilities (twin share tents) and all meals on trek
- Camp staff to carry out all camp work
- Sightseeing where specified
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees for Nepal
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.8571428571429 (Based on 7 reviews)
An excellent trip - only 2 clients so the guide was able to take us round a number of places in Thimphu and Paro which wouldnt have been possible with a big group. We were fortunate to see some of the mountain festivals at both Jhomolhari and Laya while we were on the trek. A great mixture of altitude trekking and also an opportunity to learn much more about the country and the people.
A fantastic trek in a beautiful and fascinating country with a unique culture. It was a tough trek but really well organised and the scenery was breathtaking. Our guide Tschering and the support staff were amazing, always helpful, cheerful and friendly and the quality of food was excellent despite the difficult conditions. The Bhutanese people could not have been warmer and more welcoming. A really wonderful holiday.
Bhutan is a very special place. Fascinating culture and commitment to Gross National Happiness, in addition to terrific mountain scenery. The trek run by Mountain Kingdoms will give you a great experience.
Terrific location / fantastic scenery / fascinating culture particularly in Laya. Overall trip logistics in Bhutan were excellent. Group size of 10 was perfect.
The trek was just absolutely brilliant. Everything from the country, to the trek, staff, support, back up, itinerary, food, everything, was faultless. The whole experience in Bhutan was unforgettable. Please pass on my thanks to all in the office for making the trip so special.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Extend your Bhutan visit to Bumthang, often thought of as the cultural heartland of the country.
- Home to some of Bhutan's most important and spectacular temples and fortresses
The region of Bumthang in central Bhutan is often thought of as the cultural heartland of the country. If your trip to Bhutan does not include a visit to Bumthang, domestic flights now enable us to offer a 3 night visit to see the best of what the region has to offer. Here are found some of the country’s most important and spectacular temples and fortresses. The region is also of great cultural importance and is a center for Bhutanese weaving.
Bumthang encompasses four major valleys, Chokhor, Ura, Chumey and Tang. The township of Jakar where you stay is located in the main valley called Chokhor. The other valleys are the Ura Valley which is to the east, the Tang valley which is slightly more off the beaten track to the northeast and the Chumey Valley which is west of Jakar.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
- Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
- Idyllic setting with mountain views
- The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
- Eco-friendly
We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.
The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.
The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.
All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.
- Three full days at Royal Manas National Park - a birder's paradise
- Accommodation in a comfortable hotel close to the park, plus hotel nights en route
- Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide throughout
- Private transport, driver and all meals included
Extend your stay in Bhutan with time at the Royal Manas National park, a wonderful birder’s paradise close to the Indian border. Our extension package gives you three full days to explore the park and surrounding area, with all meals, private transport and comfortable accommodation included. You will be accompanied throughout by an expert guide to maximise your bird and wildlife viewing.
- Upgrade your accommodation for your trip in Bhutan.
- Choose from boutique and spa hotels in various destinations.
- Stay in luxurious properties with first rate service and facilities
- Enjoy fine dining and indulgent rooms
For our brochure trips to Bhutan we offer good standard tourist hotels and lodges, however, Bhutan also offers some lovely boutique and spa hotels which we are pleased to offer as upgrades on your trip. We offer a range of properties in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and other towns all of which provide excellent facilities and service as well as attractive locations.