Explore Three Kingdoms on the Roof of the World
In only 16 days, this trip uses convenient air travel to carry you above the world’s highest mountain peaks and bring you, in short order, the most comprehensive cultural odyssey of three Himalayan kingdoms. First explore Bhutan, a true bastion of tradition in an uncertain world, where you’ll find a picture-perfect kingdom of serene, forested valleys, magnificent castle-like monasteries, and a welcoming people. Head to exotic Kathmandu, home to elaborate Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and lively bazaars. Hike in Pokhara Valley, with spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. Watch Tibetans in beautiful chubas (wool robes) spin prayer wheels while Hindus offer alms at pagoda-like temples; sacred cows roam the streets, and the exotic scents of incense and spices float on the breezes.
Book Early for all trips including Bhutan!
Flights between Bangkok and Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, sell out four to six months in advance. We recommend you reserve your Bhutan trip as early as possible, so we can secure these flights for you.
Activities
Moderate touring and day hikes (some at higher elevations - maximum 14,760')
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience three Himalayan kingdoms and their unique cultures and traditions—all on one great trip!
- Discover Bhutan, one of the most tradition-rich lands in the world
- Explore exotic Kathmandu, home to elaborate Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and lively bazaars
- Hike in the beautiful Pokhara Valley, and enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna Range
- Explore Tibet’s monasteries and meet Tibetans in their rapidly-changing homeland
2010 Prices
$5,495 (11-15 members)
$5,995 (6-10 members)
$1,350 internal airfare
$1,000 single supplement
Duration: 16 days Start Location: Bangkok End Location: Chengdu Best time to go: April, October
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Bangkok (arrives Monday)
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand.
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Day 2 : Paro – Thimphu, Bhutan
Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu, the capital, and tour the local sights.
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Day 3 : Thimphu
Day hike to Cheri and Tango monasteries outside of Thimphu.
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Day 4 : Punakha, Bhutan
Drive to Punakha and visit spectacularly situated Punakha Dzong (dzongs are fortress-like citadels).
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Day 5 : Paro
Drive to the Shangri-La setting of the Paro Valley and visit the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.
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Day 6 : Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day hike on a steep switchback trail through the forest to a viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery.
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Day 7 : Kathmandu – Pokhara, Nepal
Fly to Pokhara, Nepal. Free afternoon to explore this beautiful valley, with tremendous views of the Annapurna Range rising to the north.
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Day 8 : Pokhara, Nepal
Short hike around Pokhara, with astounding Himalayan views.
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Day 9 : Kathmandu, Nepal
Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit the Hindu temple of Pashupati on the banks of the Bagmati River.
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Day 10 : Kathmandu, Nepal
Visit the nearby medieval town of Bhaktapur, and the Buddhist stupas of Bodhnath (largest in Nepal).
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Day 11 : Tsedang, Tibet
Fly to Gongkar airport, Tibet. Drive to Tsedang (11,152') in the Yarlung Valley, "the cradle of Tibetan civilization."
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Day 12 : Samye Monastery
Visit Samye Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet.
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Days 13 - 15 : Lhasa
Drive to Lhasa. Tour the major cultural monuments, including the amazing gold-roofed Potala Palace, Jokhang, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, and the Barkor bazaar, a lively congregating place for Tibetan merchants. You'll also visit Ganden Monastery (14,760'), where you'll make a short kora (sacred circuit) and enjoy stunning views of the Kyichu Valley.
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Day 16 : Fly Home
Fly to Chengdu, China and connect with international flights home, or join our extension in Beijing.
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Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
BangkokThe Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 4 star hotel located 10 min walk from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers 2 bars and 4 restaurants. With a 24 hr airport shuttle every 10 min from Gate 4 Level 2 and parking available, there is no better place to stay.
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Taj Tashi
Thimphu, BhutanThe Taj Tashi blends traditional Bhutanese design with contemporary elegance in the heart of the Thimphu Valley. With a luxurious spa, heated indoor pool, gourmet dining and majestic mountain views, this hotel offers fine comfort and hospitality in a beautiful setting.
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Hotel Zangthopelri
Punakha, BhutanNamed after the heaven of Guru Rimpoche and situated majestically on a hillock, this hotel features spacious, well-designed rooms in small cottages and a main building. Guests will enjoy fascinating views of the rice terraces and the Punakha river and valley below.
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Zhiwa Ling Hotel
Paro, BhutanThe Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a traditional outdoor hot-stone bath, a Tea House, a Meditation House, and two restaurants specializing in both contemporary international and classic Bhutanese cuisine.
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Hotel Shangri-La Village
Pokhara, NepalEvery room has a view, and for guests at the Shangri-La Village, the Himalayas get up close and personal. Private balconies off each guest room face the mighty Annapurna range, and spacious landscaped gardens complete the scene. Guests will enjoy every comfort in a beautiful and serene setting.
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Yak & Yeti Hotel
Kathmandu, NepalA 5-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, the Yak & Yeti is the perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored Nepali tradition. Guests will find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens, while enjoying a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spa, shopping arcade, atrium, tennis courts and swimming pools.
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Tsedang Hotel
Located in the heart of Tsedang, this hotel serves as the ideal base for exploring Tibet's third largest city. Nestled between majestic mountains and the beautiful Yarlung River, surrounded by ancient temples and monasteries, the Tsedang Hotel offers the perfect accommodation for enjoying this stunning setting.
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Kyichu Hotel
Lhasa, TibetThis hotel is named after the Kyichu River, which in Tibetan is known as "the river of happiness". This family-run establishment in the ancient, traditional quarter of Lhasa, prides itself on personalized service and individual attention. Like its namesake river, the Kyichu Hotel will also bring you happiness and an unforgettable stay while in Tibet.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
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Sanjay Nepal
Sanjay Nepal has been working as a tour guide & trip leader since September 1999 in Nepal, India, Bhutan & Tibet & uses a lot of unusual anecdotes, humor & patience while working. He holds a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu & has EMBA (Executive MBA) in General Management from University of Ljubljana, Slovenia apart from Senior Diploma in French from French Cultural Center in Kathmandu. He has a sound knowledge on religion and culture of the sub-continent as he himself practiced it for 12 long years (1985-1997) during which he associated with several high profile lamas & religious personalities. He speaks Nepali, Hindi, Urdu, English and French fluently. He has traveled extensively in Europe (Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic) for seminars and lecture tours on Buddhism & Hinduism as well as Palmistry & Chinese Face Reading. He has been practicing it professionally since 1991 and has given consultations to several hundreds of people since then. He has also published several articles in English journals in Nepal. His other passion is poetry which can be sampled at www.poetry.com. Beside that his other interests include music, movies, driving, books & traveling.
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