Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet Tour - 14 Days

Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)

As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Treks Planner Nepal who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, hike to Taktsang Monastery

After breakfast, we spend 4-5 hiking to and from Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft): 76 km, 2 - 3 hours

After breakfast, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. We then pass through rice fields along river banks and reach Punakha. After lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Paro (2250m/7382ft): 140 km, 4 hours

After breakfast, we drive to Paro via Dochu La pass. There, we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery. With elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works, the Druk Wangyal Monastery is the only one of its kind in the country. After the tour of the monastery, we continue our drive with a stop in Thimphu for lunch. Overnight in Paro.

Day 05: Fly to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft): 1 hour flight, sightseeing in Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu. While there, visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the ancient kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world. The Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan: 150km, 5 – 6 hours

After breakfast we begin our drive to Chitwan, a city located at the foot of the Churia range and famous for housing Chitwan National Park (CNP), the first national park in Nepal, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon reaching Chitwan, we either take a jungle safari or nature walks depending on the time of arrival. During the safari, we go deep into the jungle and spot deer, the endangered one-horn rhinoceros, along with other wild animals. If lucky, we may even spot the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. During nature walks we enjoy the company of a wide variety of flora and fauna and spend some time bird watching. In the evening, there will be a presentation on the wide range of flora and fauna of CNP.

Day 07: Chitwan National Park

Early in the morning, we will be mounted on elephant backs for a jungle safari through dense grasslands to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. After breakfast, we visit the elephant stables and even enjoy bathing the elephants. During the afternoon we can either drive through the jungles followed by a canoe ride down the Rapti River. While canoeing, we may get a close look at the Gharial and Mugger crocodiles along with fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. Or, we may even go for birding or nature walks and come closer to a variety of wild flora and fauna found in the park. Overnight in Chitwan.

Day 08: Drive to Pokhara (910m/2986ft): 200km, 5 - 6 hours

Leave the southern Nepalese landscape for Pokhara, the beautiful lake city. As we enter Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna and others. Today, we visit Davis Falls and Shiva Cave. Davis Falls is a unique waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal which has no end. The Shiva Cave is located near to Davis Fall and houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, a primary Hindu God. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 09: Catch the morning sunrise from Sarangkot Hill then fly to Kathmandu

Early in the morning we leave for Sarangkot, a hill that overlooks the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the north and Pokhara city in the south. From here, we catch amazing views of the sun as it rises in the mighty Himalayas. We then head back to Pokhara where we can do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara. We will also visit Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the Lake before flying to Kathmandu for overnight stay. In Kathmandu, we take dinner together with Treks Planner’s representatives.

Day 10: Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft)

On our flight to Lhasa, we get to enjoy a beautiful hour-long trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Upon our arrival at Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, a representative from Treks planner Nepal will pick us up from the airport for about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa.  We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 11: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital: 5 - 6 hours

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17thcentury, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 12: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar.  Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery.  Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 13: A day excursion to Ganden Monastery and Drayerpa Cave: 5 - 6 hours

In the morning, we drive to Ganden Monastery, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3,800m) in the Lhatse County, 57km east of Lhasa. It is the oldest and one of the ‘great three’ of the six Gelug Sect monasteries in Tibet. Ganden Monastery has extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. It also keeps a suit of armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelug Sect. During the afternoon, we drive to Drayerpa Cave located in a beautiful valley with a stunning landscape. There are more than 30 caves for Lamas who wish to meditate in a silent environment. In the evening, we drive back to Lhasa and spend the night.

Day 14: Final departure

Our adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! A representative from Treks Planner Nepal will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure with Treks planner Nepal.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

Cost Include

1. All airport pick-ups and drops
2. All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicles in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet
3. All meals in Bhutan Nepal and Tibet
4. Twin-shared hotel accommodation in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet
5. Sightseeing in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet by an experienced English speaking local tour guide
6. Bhutanese visa fee and Tibet entry permit
7. Sightseeing entrance fees for museums and monuments as per the itinerary
8. Company services and all required government taxes

 Cost Exclude

1. All international flights
2. Nepalese visa fee (easily available after arriving at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu)
3. Chinese visa (US $175 for Americans and US $85 for other nationals)
4. All personal expenses (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry etc.)
5. Tips for guide and driver 

Passport and Visas:
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.  You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get Nepal visa prior to arrival from the Nepalese Embassy at your home country. Likewise, you can easily get an up on arrival visa at Kathmandu airport and other different borders from Nepal. This is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download please visit Nepal Visa Information.

Bring Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal. For detail information we request you to visit our visa page.

Money & Credit card Info
We find that most of the credit card, master and visa card is blocked from your card provider. It may be because of a security reason. It, sometimes, may bring you in problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs and that you find difficult to pay for your treks and tour. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call to your card provider before you travel to Nepal and inform there that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure them to give the authorization for the payment. In Nepal you have to pay 3.5 % credit card commission s per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost.  So, please be sure that you bring some cash in USD to pay us. Likewise, be sure you have brought some small amount for your daily expenses as well as for those items which are not included in our cost. We request you not to change money in the Airport. The exchange rate is very low there. Our office provides you the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

Travel Insurance:
Our clients must have comprehensive travel insurance package. Their insurance must cover against medical, personal accident, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost of gears, natural calamity, theft of or damage to baggage etc.

Who can trek?
No special degree of fitness is required and that there is no age barrier. However, in the areas over 3000m altitude, extra care should be taken. One can trek who have strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Normally, for weary trekkers we have a list of short, easy and exotic treks and for the experienced trekkers we offer a longer trek with lots of excitement and adventure. We encourage all men and women, families, students and professionals around the world to enjoy the enchanting trekking in Nepal. You can join us as an individual team member or with your own group. We commit to arrange a best trekking that delight you in the Nepal Himalayas. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills to Nepal, pack your luggage and join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey. All the necessary things for your trekking will be arranged by us. What you can do is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and magnificent view of Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing and Equipment for Traveling in Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas need to arrangement of equipment as you have to find yourself comfortable at higher altitude. The basic clothing item that you are expected to be prepared with are well described here. Remember that excess baggage is likely to be a burden for yourself and your supporting staff. "Pack light, but pack right", is our motto. This will allow you to enjoy a comfortable journey with your energies and enthusiastic zeal focused on the exploration of this enchanting Nepal scenic beauty. Please visit here for Clothing and Equipment list.

Buying and Renting Equipment in Kathmandu
It is not really necessary to spend large amount of money buying extra equipment and clothing prior to your trip. It is because most of the trekking equipment can be hired from many adventure shops within Kathmandu. Most of the gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper). Some Chinese gear are likely to be more expensive but qualitative. Sleeping bag and down jacket are easily rented. Each item can be rented for less than USD 1, for a day. You have to manage other items buying them yourself. However, these items are more likely to be cheaper than those in your hometown. We will arrange all the necessary items you need on the second day of your arrival. 

Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

How to Book
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Kathmandu Nepal by mail or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid up on arrival in Kathmandu.