Happiness Bhutan & Nepal Cultural, Hiking and Festival Tour
Travel Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon, and now more popularly known as the Land of Happiness. With the Bumdrak Trek and the beautiful Black Necked Crane Festival as the highlights of your vacation, we will take you through a cultural extravaganza of the valleys of Western and Central Bhutan, delicious Bhutanese cuisine, culture and traditions, temples, monasteries, stunning landscape and warm and hospitable people. Traverse through pristine forests, slow meandering rivers and witness a game of archery. Soak in the spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayas from the various high mountain passes, mingle with the locals, dip in a traditional wooden tub of hot stones and visit awesome places and enjoy the intricate art and architecture that is evident in almost everything and everywhere. Enjoy the ride through the mountains as you drive from high mountain passes to lush green valleys and riverside and be prepared for temperate to tropical weather conditions.
Welcome to The Kingdom of Nepal, the country of fluttering Buddhist prayer flags, the home to the Himalayas – the abode of Gods and Goddesses is simply one of the most spectacular and fascinating cultural and adventure destinations in the world. With its breath-taking landscapes covered in nearly 80% by the hills and mountains whose peaks one shall admire from the sunset and sunrise viewpoints sipping Nepali chai. Nepal is a land of antient Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples, warm greetings from smiling local people, super tasty food and not to even mention great shopping possibilities! The country remains the cultural powerhouse of the Himalayas with Kathmandu Valley in particular. All these and more are awaiting you during our happy travel!
Day 1
NAMASTE AND WELCOME TO NEPAL!
We meet in Kathmandu International Airport according to the arrival times to get acquainted and preview the adventures ahead. Check in the hotel for dinner and overnight stay, to rest and relax after long flight. If time allows explore the surroundings.
Day 2
In Kathmandu
Departure: 10am
Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal situated at the elevation of 1400 m (4600 ft) above sea level in the Kathmandu Valley historically named Nepal Mandala, inhabited by Newari culture in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal hosting palaces, mansions and gardens of the Nepalese aristocracy, for many years being the center of Nepal’s history, art, culture and economy. The city is a gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas and home to world heritage sites The Durbar Square, Swayambhunath temple and Baudhnath stupa, ancient Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan. Historic areas of Kathmandu were devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2015 and are still in process of reconstruction. We will be flexible this day and will visit as much as possible. Dinner and overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3
Kathmandu / Paro Bhutan International Airport / Wangdue – your first glimpse of Bhutan – Thimphu
Morning departure: according to the flight timing
Arrival at Paro International Airport. After we will visit Rinpung Dzong / Fortress of Heaped Jewels and National Museum. Drive to Wangdue (3 hours), enroute visit Tachogang Lhakhang – temple dedicated to a great Yogi Thangtong Gyelpo, ’The Iron Bridge Builder’, Iron suspension bridge. We will drive through Dochula Pass at the elevation of 3,150 meters. Overnight at the hotel in Wangdue.
Day 4
Wangdue / Gangtey – Black-necked Crane Festival, the highlight of the tour!
Departure: 9am
Early morning drive to Gangtey & Phobjika Valleys – 3 hours, to attend and witness the Black-necked Crane Festival at the courtyard of the Monastery, visiting Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey, Phobjika and neighboring villages – the winter home of the sacred and endangered Black Necked Cranes. We will stroll through the valley. Overnight at the farm stay/hotel in Gangtey.
Day 5
Gangtey Valley / Punakha Valley – Old Capital of Bhutan
Departure: 9am
Today we will visit Gangtey & Phobjika – one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan. We will proceed for a Gangtey Nature Trail hike – 1.5 hours leisurely hike and visit Crane Observation Center. Driving to Punakha will take about 3 hours and will be followed by visiting a Nunnery with a beautiful view of the Punakha and Wangdue. One can interact with the nuns (most of them speak English). Overnight at the hotel/farmhouse in Punakha.
Day 6
Punakha Valley / Thimphu
Departure: 9am
After breakfast we will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten / Stupa – 2 hours leisurely, beautiful walk through the paddy fields and pine trees. We will visit Punakha Dzong – Fortress / Palace of Great Bliss, Iron suspension bridge – the longest iron bridge in Bhutan, visit Chime Lhakhang with Fertility Temple – 25-minute walk. Drive to Thimphu – 3 hours. In Thimphu we will visit Centenary Farmers market, TashiChho Dzong / Fortress of Splendid Religion – Office of the Dragon King of Bhutan and Craft bazaar, a single line of shops selling authentic handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 7
Thimphu / Paro
Departure: 9am
Today we will explore beautiful Thimphu Valley, the combination of the ancient and the modern. First, we will visit Memorial Chorten / stupa – the congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten. We will see Buddha Dordenma – 51.5 meters gilded bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue and will proceed for a 1-hour hike around the Buddha Statue. Today’s another attraction – Bhutan Postal Museum to create your personalized stamps with your photos and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world! Next, we will visit Takin Preserve with its weird looking national animal of Bhutan with head of a goat and body of a cow. Last, visiting of Changangkha Lhakhang – one of the oldest temples in Thimphu. Drive to Paro – 1 hour. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 8
Paro / Bumdrak Monastery – distance 7 km, 4-5 hours hike, elevation gain 3860m
Departure: 9am
The trek starts from Sangchoekar temple at 2900m and will be a 4-5 hours gradual climb on this day, offering great views over Paro town and valley. Bumdrak Monastery is one of the most sacred monasteries in Paro. Bumdrak means ‘Rock of the Hundred Thousand Foot Prints’. We will enjoy the view and have dinner on the lap of the nature. Overnight at luxury semi-permanent campsite near Bumdrak Monastery.
Day 9
Bumdrak Monastery / Taktsang Monastery (famous Tiger’s Nest) / Paro, 4 hours hike
Departure: 9am
Visiting Tiger’s Nest Monastery – The Most Important Cultural Icon of Bhutan! Hanging onto a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, it’s a spectacular sight in terms of location, setting and history and is one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist arena. We will start with the excursion of the monasteries and temples at the top (not much visited by tourists) followed by the hike down and excursion of the main temples. Hike down to the base – 2-3 hours. We will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang / temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan – 7th century built. Awaiting us traditional hot stone bath followed by the play / practice of a game of traditional archery. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10
Paro International Airport / Kathmandu / Nagarkot
Departure: according to the flight time
After breakfast we will drive to Paro International Airport about 20 min to catch flight back to Kathmandu / Nepal. From the airport we will transfer to the hotel in Nagarkot – about 1-hour drive, for rest and relaxation. We will explore the surroundings to see the village culture of Nagarkot. Overnight at the hotel in Nagarkot.
Day 11
Nagarkot / Bhaktapur / Nagarkot
Departure: 6am
We will start with a short hike up the hill to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan snowcapped peaks and admire the scenic view of the green landscapes of the Kathmandu Valley. If the weather allows, we can see Mount Everest with many other famous peaks! After the sunrise we will go back to the hotel for breakfast and then will proceed for the excursion to the ancient city of Bhaktapur brushed with rich architectural wonders, enriched with Newari culture. We will visit its Durbar Square which is a UNESCO world heritage site, 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Nayatapola Temple / Pagoda, Bhupatindra Malla’s statue, Lion’s Gate and Art Gallery. Other attractions are the temples of Badrinath (an avatar of Lord Vishnu), Gopi Nath Temple, Kedarnath Temple and the Hanuman Statue (the Monkey God). Bhaktapur is also famous for its shops and markets displaying Newar artistic sculptures, paintings, khukuri (Gurkhas knives) for sale. Evening we will go back to Nagarkot for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12
Nagarkot / Kathmandu
Departure: 8.30am
After early breakfast we will transfer to Kathmandu for sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square in Thamel. Early afternoon we will check in the hotel and then have free time for the rest of the day for shopping and final packing etc. Goodbye dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 13
Nepal departures
Today there are no group activities. The only services provided is breakfast and mid-day check out from the hotel followed by transfer to Kathmandu International Airport. Whatever your plans are, our representatives will help you get on the right track.
Inclusive:
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- Airport assistance on arrival and departures
- Nepal accommodation in double / twin sharing on AP basis – bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner in 3-stars hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu and Nagarkot
- Bhutan accommodation in double / twin sharing on AP basis – bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner in standard 3-stars hotels as mentioned in the itinerary, whose services and properties are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and only caters to tourists
- Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse experience
- Free wi-fi and internet in most of the hotel rooms and lobbies
- Baggage handling everywhere on tour
- Transportation by comfortable car or bus for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary, including pick up and drop off to the international airports in Kathmandu and Paro
- Bottled Mineral water throughout the trip
- Experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking tour escort / guide throughout the tour
- Local / monument guides
- During short hikes, packed lunches and snacks wherever required
- Permits and entrance fees to all monuments and temples
- Traditional hot stone bath
- Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
- Bhutan VISA Fee
- Bhutan Government Royalty – goes towards the economic developmental works e.g. health, education, roads etc.
During the 2 days Trek Inclusions:
- All three meals, tea/coffee and snacks for the trek
- One Trekking Expedition Leader
- 1 Chef and 1 Helper
- A medical kit
- Good quality accommodation – tents in twin sharing basis equipped with insulated mats with bed, mattress, bedsheet and pillow, floor carpeted, room table and room light
- Hot water bag with cover
- Sleeping bag with inner (if you want you can bring your own sleeping bag)
- Dining tent equipped with table and table clothes, folding chairs, dining set, dining light, hand towel and tipe tap for hand wash
- Kitchen set with kitchen light
- Toilet tent with toilet pot, light and toilet paper
- Shower tent with shower bag, towel, tent light
- All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Rate does not include:
- Any air fares
- Nepalese multiply entry visa fee ($45)
- Travel and medical Insurance fee
- Any alcoholic beverages, any other beverages besides tea and coffee, extra meals
- Laundry
- Camera entrance fee, video making fee
- Donations in monasteries and temples
- Pony / horse rides
- Medical treatments
- Tips/gratuities – It is at your discretion to tip your guides and drivers, as well as hotel and restaurant staff as per their service quality
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/ landslides/political disturbances and other events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
