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We have devised a tour to bring you many of the highlights of these two wonderful but very contrasting Himalayan countries. With Mount Everest straddling its border, rare one-horned rhino roaming its jungles and pagodas studding its valleys, the tiny country of Nepal has an almost mythical charm about it, Temples, palaces and pilgrimage sites line the Kathmandu Valley.
While frenetic and often chaotic, Kathmandu presents you with an assortment of spice bazaars, shrines and artisan workshops to meander through. Bhutan, on the other hand, has a quieter more serene quality with its unspoiled mountain scenery, living Buddhist culture and the wonderful architecture of its fabulous ‘dzongs’ Bhutan has always been a fascinating destination to visit.
After a day taking in the key sites of Kathmandu, the following day we drive towards the beautiful lake town of Pokhara. We break our journey on the way to visit the hilltop settlement of Bandipur. Bandipur is a Newari town with its age-old flavor still intact – temples, shrines, sacred caves, innumerable festivals, and Newari architecture similar to the ancient sites of Kathmandu.
We move on to Pokhara, set on the shores of Lake Phewa Tal and famous for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. There is ample time for sightseeing here or just relax and take a boat ride across the tranquil waters of the lake.
We fly back to the Kathmandu to explore the lush and verdant valley that surrounds the city. We visit the ancient Newari town of Dhulikhel, perched on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, from where there is a vast panorama of mountains to enjoy, stretching all the way to Everest.
Soon after you leave Nepal so we say goodbye to you for a while as you fly east on a fantastic trans Himalayan flight passing Everest to the Kingdom of Bhutan. As you disembark you immediately feel the change in tempo. Everything is delightfully unhurried as you are greeted by smiling immigration and customs officials wearing the robes of Bhutanese national dress. You will be welcomed by our Bhutanese friends and agents who will escort you to your hotel. The Paro Valley is green and forested with a distinctive architecture especially the farmhouses. We drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, much less frenetic than Kathmandu. The itinerary provides ample time to explore Thimphu. there is also a visit to the lush Punakha valley with its stunning dzong which is situated in a beautiful scenic location at the confluence of two rivers. After visiting Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lakhang temple we return to Paro, where we walk up to visit Taktsang, the famous ‘Tigers Nest’ monastery, a highlight of any trip to Bhutan. Finally, we return to bustling Kathmandu for perhaps some shopping and a farewell meal.
- Explore the artistic and cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu
- Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains
- A fantastic Trans Himalayan Mountain Flight
- Visit many of the major cultural sites in Bhutan, including iconic Taktsang Monastery
- Experience traditional Nepalese village life in Bandipur
- Relax in the lake town of Pokhara with its fabulous mountain Backdrop
- Stay at comfortable hotels throughout
One of our team will greet you at the airport for the transfer to your hotel.There is time today to go over your tour in more detail.
We spend a leisurely day, In the morning we visit Swayambhunath, also known as ‘The Monkey Temple’. This fascinating Buddhist site perched on a hilltop to the west of the city, it acts as a pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. We move on to Kathmandu Durbar Square Later you will visit Patan, one of the historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley built by the Malla kings, an ancient royal dynasty of Nepal. Here there is a very fine Durbar square with temples and palaces. Patan has long been a centre for Newari craftsmen who are superbly skilled in woodcarving and working in bronze in particular for producing fine bronze statuary by the lost wax method.We take time to visit the excellent museum here. Later we travel to Boudhanath an ancient Buddhist stupa and one of the largest in Asia. Boudhanath is a gathering place for many Tibetan refugees who circle the stupa clockwise every morning and evening, turning prayer wheels as they pass. We arrive before sunset to relax, it is a fitting end to the day watching the sun go down over the stupa with the Himalyay in the distance from the rooftop terrace of one of the many cafés that surround the stupa. Overnight Hotel.
Today we take a very scenic drive (four hours) to the historic town of Bandipur, situated on a ridge in the Mahabharat range of hills . Once a thriving Newari town in the past, with the construction of new roads during the last century it got somewhat left behind. With the introduction of tourism came a new lease of life as people began to discover its unique setting and traditional way of life. The locals picked up on this and began to restore and maintain the town with visitors nowadays appreciating this careful restoration. The village commands panoramic views of the Nepal Himalaya of the whole Annapurna range, as well as peaks in Langtang to the east and Dhaulagiri in the west. It is a great place to take in daily the life going on around you.
There are many easy walks from your hotel in Bandipur bazaar. Among the more popular ones are Siddha Cave (30 minutes) a hike to Ramkot village (2 hours).
There is also a nature walk in the mixed Sal forest at Raniban east of the bazaar. Another popular short walk is to Purano Kot, originally a fort, 20 minutes/500m west of the bazaar. Your Himalaya Heart guide will advise you.
Overnight: Gaun Ghar Hotel or Similar, Bandipur
Today we continue our drive to Pokhara (3 hours). We drive down from Bandipur back to the main highway into the valley and along the Marsyangdi River. We follow the main Kathmandu-Pokhara highway westwards through lovely pastoral countryside of paddy fields and small villages. Arriving in Pokhara to check into our hotel.
Pokhara is Nepal’s second city and sits within a stunning location on the banks of Lake Phewa Tal with the most amazing views north of the mountains of the Annapurna range. There are many hotels, internet cafes, bars, lakeside restaurants and countless shops and road side stalls for souvenir shopping.
we take a boat ride on the lake where people go about their daily lives, fishing and bringing their animals down to the water’s edge to drink or wallow. It is a very relaxing boat ride which also provides you with excellent views of the mountains and the surrounding countryside. We stop off at a small temple in the middle of the lake set on an island, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Barahi and a famous religious and a pilgrimage site.
In the evening there is a wide selection of restaurants around the lake to take dinner.
Overnight Hotel.
We are up early today for the short drive to Sarankot to view a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas .From the moment when the first flush of pink edges over the peaks the view is truly stunning. We return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast. A trip to the Tibetan refugee camp is arranged along with two or three other popular sites. The afternoon free for relaxation or further exploration.
After breakfast we transfer to Pokhara airport for the flight to Kathmandu, it takes around 25 minutes. On arrival one of our team will meet you In for the drive out to the small town of Dhulikhel, located some 30 kms east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway.Dhulikhel is set on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 1,676m/5,500 ft . It is famous for its fine mountain views. Our hotel Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, is a pleasant hotel set in lovely gardens and enjoying excellent views of the Himalayas.The afternoon is free in Dhulikel.Remember your leader will be with you throughout the trip and he is always there to assist. You might choose to relax in the gardens of the hotel with a cold beer or there are some pleasant walks in the countryside to visit some pretty villages nearby.A walk up to the nearby ridge top for the fine views and later for a stunning sunset over the Himalayas is a good option – if the weather is clear you get views from Everest far away in the east as far as Annapurna far to the west.
Today we walk to a nearby small town of Panauti were we visit a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments.The town is considered to be one of the area’s most important medieval sites. From here we make the short journey to Baktapur Among the three major cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur still today is the living representation of how the entire Kathmandu Valley would have looked like during the medieval periods. The city is celebrated for its glorious architecture; sky-high temples,clay pottery, and large royal courtyards whose existence date back to the 12th century. The inhabitants of Bhaktapur still, celebrate their pre-historic festivals with both gusto and passion. Overnight athmandu Hotel.
We transfer you to the airport for the short flight to Paro in Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are breathtaking, including Everest. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing is an interesting one, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip in the Paro Valley. On your arrival you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and driver for the drive Thimphu. There is time on the way to take a short walk to visit Tachog Lakhang, a temple built in the 14th century. To reach it you need to cross the ancient bridges built by the famous ‘Iron Bridge’ builder Thangthong Gyalpo. Thangtong Gyalpo was a pioneering civil engineer of the 15th century and a great Buddhist master. The temple has a wonderful atmosphere of old Bhutan and is a lovely place to visit.
Thimphu itself is situated in an attractive valley, it is relatively small for a capital city but it has grown considerably in recent years. There are many places of interest, a drive up to the giant Buddha statue to enjoy the splendid views out over the town is a great way to gain a perspective of the capital.
Overnight Hotel
In the morning there is a general tour around Thimphu ,your guide will take you to a variety of interesting places these will include the late king’s memorial chorten, the textile museum, the indigenous hospital specialising in herbal medicine and the school of painting. There is a visit a workshop to see handmade paper being made – there are many products made here which make good souvenirs or presents. After lunch you drive to the Dochu La Pass, 3,048m/10,000ft, with its 108 chortens. On clear days there are wonderful views of the eastern Himalaya from here.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore around.
Today we start early to make the short journey to Paro.Where you spend the day in the Paro Valley. The Paro Valley has had a great strategic importance in the history of Bhutan as it was in the past an important staging post and stopover on the trade routes with Tibet. In the morning you visit the historic Paro Dzong which sits above the valley. Above the dzong there is an ancient watchtower that is now Bhutan’s National Museum where there is a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures. There are various galleries that portray Bhutan’s rich history and culture with an impressive collection of ancient thangkas depicting Bhutan’s important saints and teachers. There are also some colorful and ornate festival masks on display along with , a collection of religious statues and some early stone carvings.
In the afternoon you drive up to the Chele La Pass, at 3,990m/13,090ft, a drive of about 1½ hours. From this impressive viewpoint there are some unsurpassed views of the snow-capped mountains to the west which mark the border with Tibet. Driving back to Paro there is a visit to Cliffside monastery of Dzong Drakha.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
A short drive beyond Paro town takes you to the trail for the walk up to the famous Tiger’s Nest, Taktsang Monastery. It is a fairly demanding walk and for those who do not want to complete it there is a refreshment stop with a commanding view of the monastery on the way to relax and take in the surroundings. The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. Legend has it that the monastery was 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. In the afternoon you can either explore the Paro Valley further or relax at your leisure..
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to your Bhutanese guide and driver to take the short journey to Paro airport for the flight back to Kathmandu.On arrival we will be there to meet you for the transfer to your hotel. We often arrange a farewell meal in the evening at a local restaurant with a cultural program.
Overnight Hotel.
We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and we look forward to meeting up again. One of our team will assist you with the transfer to the airport as per your flight schedule.
When’s the best time to visit Nepal?
The main seasons for trekking are spring (Mar to May) and autumn (Sep to Nov) when you’ll have clear skies and superb mountain views. The winter (Dec to Feb) is also a great time to visit— these months offer a unique experience and fewer crowds but lower altitude treks are better at this time of year as its cold at night.
What is it like during the monsoon season?
(Jun to Aug), Most of Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours each day. It’s humid, wet, and the trails in the lower regions (Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Langtang, etc) can be quite muddy. If you don’t mind the rain you’ll have the trails to yourself, the skies often clear up in the morning, and certain treks offer stone-paved trails that drain the rain and make for easy trekking. Also, certain regions, like Mustang and the upper reaches of Everest, lie in the rainshadow of the Himalaya and receive little rain but views however are still likely to be restricted.
showers.
Is Wi Fi available on treks:
The main trekking regions of Everest / Annapurna / Langtang have Wi Fi facilities on the major trekking routes. There will be times when trekking in remote areas when it is not available.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Many sites on Google speak about 2.500 meters as when problems may arise. In our experience this is misleading you may feel a slight headache but rarely anything more that a painkiller won’t relieve. If we are talking about the possibility of contracting a more severe form of altitude sickness it is likely to occur over 4.000 meters and once again rare and easily resolved by descending to a lower altitude. Altitude sickness describes several symptoms that happen to your body when you’re exposed to a higher elevation within a short period of time. When people are traveling or either climbing to a higher elevation quickly. The higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels get. Our bodies can handle the shift, but they need time to gradually adjust. Himalaya Heart carefully designs treks to minimise any risk. Having said that generally people will experience the following to a lesser or higher degree.
Lack of appetite/ nausea /Fatigue/ Shortness of breath
Money and payment in Nepal.
Payment in Nepal:
Payment in hotels, trekking/travel agencies, and airlines are made in foreign exchange. Most of the International Cards including Visa Card, Master Card, JCB, Maestro, Americal Express, etc. are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and leading travel/trekking agents. The receipts may be needed to change left-over Nepalese Rupees into hard currency before leaving the country. However, only 10 percent of the total amount may be converted by the bank. ATM and Debit cards are widely in use in major cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini and others.
Nepalese Rupees are found in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. One rupee equals 100 paisa. The rate regularly fluctuates and is fixed and published by Nepal Rastra Bank every other day.
What’s the difference between private and group tours?
Private tours are tailor-made itineraries built by us around your travel dates and personal interests, whereas group trips are pre-packaged and depart on specific dates. Group trips are also open for others to join, whereas private trips are just for you. You will find a list of fixed departure dates on our website.
How do I get my visa for Nepal?
For most nationalities, visa can be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu. It takes around 45 minutes and is the most convenient way to get your visa you will need passport size photos… You can also apply for a visa in advance from a local Nepali consulate in your country if you’d like to have everything arranged in advance. Cost15 Days – 25 USD / 30 Days – 40 USD / 90 Days – 100 USD
How much luggage can I take on domestic flights?
For mountain flights, you’re allowed 5 kg. carry-on to the plane and 10 kg. for checked-in luggage. For non-mountain sector flights, the check-in allowance increases to 20-25 kg.
Are hotels included in the tour price?
Himalaya Heart organise complete tours, meaning everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive in Nepal to the moment you leave, including all of your accommodation in a three star Hotel. If you require better accommodation please let us know and we can arrange this and adjust the tour cost accordingly. Each of our tour pages shows clearly what is and what is not included in the tour price.
Are there any extra expenses not included in my tour price?
Personal expenses (tips, soft drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, donations, and extra snacks, etc) are not included in your tour price. When checking a particular trek page on our website we have clearly stated what is and what is not included. If you’re going trekking, the only things you’ll need to pay for out of pocket are wifi and battery charging (when available), extra meals outside of what’s included, alcohol, and soft drinks and perhaps hot showers.
What is Bhutan known for?
Bhutan has a perfect environment, almost no pollution, and a living culture where festivals steal the heart of world travelers with its breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture and welcoming atmosphere. This hidden treasure is often called “The Last Shangri-La” and in this region it seems that religion and nature have come together in harmony to work their magic upon the face of the land. Also known as The Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is a deeply religious region, and is the only Buddhist kingdom in the world. For adventurers looking to experience the Himalayas firsthand, Bhutan would be the best destination.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Every season has its own charm. But, the most popular times to visit Bhutan are autumn and spring seasons which fall in the months from September -November and March- May respectively. The weather is warmer and skies are clearer during these times and many of the dramatic festivals fall during these periods.
Do I need a visa for Bhutan? How can I obtain visa for Bhutan?
A Bhutan Visa is essential for every foreigner who is planning to enter Bhutan. The visa has to be processed by local tour operators such as Himalay Heart. No foreign mission or embassy abroad grants tourist visas. For the visa, a passport is required which must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Bhutan. Druk Air allows boarding only if it has got your visa clearance from the Bhutan Government.
What documents will you provide that I have to take with me to Bhutan?
A Visa confirmation letter: We will organize your visa for Bhutan prior to the start of your trip. For the visa procedure, you have to send us two passport size color photographs and a color copy of your passport.
Itinerary: Please take a copy of your tour itinerary with you.
How to enter Bhutan?
By air: Foreigners can visit Bhutan only through a Tour Company. The best way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air. There are also online tickets available for Druk Air nowadays. You can check the tickets with Druk Air yourself online at By land: There are two overland entry/exit points. One is from the Indian state of West Bengal into Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan. Four hours drive from Phuntsholing will take you to Bagdogra in the state of West Bengal (India) which is the nearest airport from Phuntsholings. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimphu takes six hours. The other point is Samdrup Jongkhar in the southeast, 110 km from Guwahati, India. An Inner Line Permit to enter Assam will also be required to enter/exit through Guwahati. Tashigang is six hours’ drive from Samdrup Jongkhar.
What is the weight limit for luggage on Druk Air?
The baggage allowance on Druk Air is 20 kg in economic class and 30 kg in business class. An extra 5 kg allowed for storing in the overhead baggage bin or under the passenger’s seat is also allowed.
What is included in tour packages?
The tour package includes all meals, tea & snacks, government approved A & B category hotels on twin sharing basis, airport pick up and drop, ground transport in the comfortable private vehicle, experienced English speaking guides and local staff, all city tours with permits and entrance fees for museums and monuments, all government taxes, Bhutan Visa fee.
Can I have a private tour?
Yes we can arrange you a private tour, you will find us flexible and in the vast majority of cases this is not a problem. Please feel free to customize your tour and schedule. We will help you plan your itinerary based on your interest and time frame and we will manage accordingly.
What kind of vehicle does your company use?
We use comfortable, well maintained 4WD cars and jeeps and Hiace.
How far in advance do I have to book for your tour?
The earlier you book your trip, the better selection of available departure dates you will have.
What type of Vaccinations are required before arriving to Bhutan?
Currently, there is no vaccination required for entry into Bhutan. However it is generally recommended that your tetanus, diphtheria and polio boosters be up to date. Malaria is prevalent in some rural areas of southern Bhutan. Most of our tours runs through western, central and eastern Bhutan. Thus, you might need to consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial pills only if your trip goes through southern parts of Bhutan. For further information, visit the corporate website of the US Centers for Disease Control
Can I use my credit cards in Bhutan?
Credit cards are not accepted in Bhutan generally. But, there are some handicraft shops which accept credit cards while purchasing goods.
Are there ATM s counters in Bhutan?
An ATM facility has recently been opened in Bhutan, but it is available for local people only for the time being.
What is the accommodation like?
Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels located throughout the globe. Western Bhutan (Thimpu, Paro,Wangdue and Punakha) have the best hotels but as you head to the eastern and central regions, the quality decreases a little . All the hotels/lodges/guest houses in the western Bhutan have pretty good electrical heating systems. While the hotels in the central and eastern part of Bhutan have wood-stoves for heating.
What is the electricity supply in Bhutan and what plugs are used?
240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has stable power supply.
Are there internet facilities for foreign travelers?
Bhutan’s main and only Internet Service Provider (ISP) is Druknet, owned by Bhutan Telecom. It provides a dial-up service, at a reasonable cost. There are several internet cafes and communication centers in the Thimphu and other various part of the country. E-mail and Internet services are also offered by hotels.
Can we smoke in Bhutan?
The sale of tobacco products is banned throughout the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. However, smoking in Bhutan is not banned but acting without an import receipt issued by the Department of Revenue and Customs is banned. Therefore, if you wish to smoke in Bhutan you can carry cigarettes up to 200 pieces with you but a duty has to be paid for them and also you can only smoke only in private zones like your room or residence. if you smoke in prohibited areas like public places and offices you may even have to go jail for 3months .
