The Highlands of Himalaya
A Cultural Adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling & Bhutan
15 Nights / 16 Days
If one is lucky enough to visit the Himalayas, the longing to return to the 'Home of the Snow' will never leave him. The Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world, and for many they symbolize a spiritual eternity, a precious link with the ancient ages, and much more.
Buddhism and Hindu mythology, and fascinating religious traditions are interwoven with the history of the Himalayas. For many, the Himalayas constitute the 'ultimate destination', a repository of their deep religious faith. This tour is artistically designed to highlight the sublime beauty and magnificence of the Himalayas.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu where you are welcomed in a traditional Nepalese way and later transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 2: Kathmandu
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have a full-day sightseeing of Kathmandu City, Swaymbhunath, Patan & Tibetan Handicraft Centre. We start with Kathmandu’s Durbar Square: Durbar Square is the heart of Kathmandu and encompasses not only Durbar Square but also Hanuman Dhoka Square, Basantapur Square and Maru Tole. With more than 50 temples and shrines within a few blocks distance, the square contains one of the most concentrated groupings of historical structures in the valley.
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. Next is Swayambhunath: This is one of the World’s glorious Buddhist Stupas. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the never sleeping eyes of Lord Buddha, always keeping a close watch over the Valley from a hilltop. It lies 3 km west of the city and situated about 77m above the level of the Valley.
We then proceed to Patan, originally known as Lalitpur, which is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati River and is 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Its Durbar Square is an enchanting amalgam of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples.
Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. Equally well, the Tibetan Handicraft Centre offers a close insight to the makings of Tibetan and Nepali Handicrafts. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3: Kathmandu / Pokhara (drive)
After breakfast drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is situated at the foothills of the magnificent Mt. Macchapuchre, and Pokhara Valley (827m) is an enchanting city soaked in tranquility. It is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations.
The serenity of the Phewa Lake accompanied by the grandeur of Macchapuchhre, creates an ambience of peace and magic. Pokhara is the home for dense forests, gushing rivers, lucid lakes and the world-famous view of the Himalayas. Overnight: Hotel Fishtail Lodge, Pokhara. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4: Pokhara / Chitwan (drive)
After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Chitwan. Upon reaching the Chitwan National Park, we meet the Park representative for further assistance & guidance. Chitwan, which means “heart of the jungle”, is one of the finest National Parks in Asia, renowned for its diverse and dense wildlife.
The Park is famous especially for the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Our Lodge, the Safari Narayani Lodge is strategically located on an elevated bluff that overlooks the Rapti River and the National Park beyond. Lunch will be served upon arrival at the Safari Narayani Lodge and rooms allocated. We will then proceed to the elephant breeding area for our first encounter with them.
After a short debriefing, we will proceed on elephant back into the Royal Chitwan National Park for animal sightseeing for about two hours. Shortly after dinner, served at the Lodge restaurant, we retire to our rooms, as the next day’s program starts before sunrise. Overnight: Narayani Safari Lodge, Chitwan. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Full day Jungle Safari at Chitwan
Wake up call at dawn: timing will vary depending on the season. We’ll start with an Elephant ride in the Lamital area. This area is the pride of Chitwan National Park. The animals are numerous and sightings frequent. The ride will be for about 2 hours. Breakfast will be served on our return from the Elephant Safari. We will have a spectacular view of the jungle from our breakfast table.
After breakfast, a ride on a traditionally dugout canoe will take us from the Lodge to Kasara, the Park headquarters. The ride is on the Rapti River for approximately 5 km. On this silent ride we will get an opportunity to view aquatic birds and see animals on the riverbanks.
At the end of the ride, a visit will be made to the Gharial Project and possibly to Kasara Palace. From the Gharial project we will begin our Jungle walk. A trained naturalist and tracer will accompany us. We are advised to closely follow the instructions of the naturalist at all times.
We’ll be back at the Lodge in time for Lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, depending upon the season, an elephant bathing demonstration will be held in the Rapti River. Also in the afternoon, have a visit to an ethnic Tharu Village.
The surrounding farmlands and villages have a pulse of its own, giving it a sense of timelessness. An experienced guide & translator will accompany us. After the day’s activities, we will return to Safari Narayani Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Chitwan / Kathmandu (by air)
After breakfast at the Lodge, we proceed to Bharatpur airport to connect our flight back to Kathmandu. When we arrive in Kathmandu, we are transferred to our Hotel. In the afternoon we visit Bhaktapur city. Bhaktapur lies just 22 miles (35km) east of Kathmandu, and it is also known as the City of Devotees.
It was the capital of the Kathmandu Valley during the 14th to 16th centuries, and the wealth of fabulous architectural showpieces, soaring pagodas, richly ornamented houses and medieval layout is testament to this period. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is filled with palaces, temples, statues and squares connected by a maze of largely pedestrian-only streets.
The main central square, Durbar Square, boasts many architectural attractions, including the Golden Gate, the 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows and several statues of ancient kings. The second main square of Taumadhi is presided over by the graceful Nyatpola Temple, the tallest in the Valley atop a five-story platform. Bhaktapur is also the centre of traditional pottery and weaving industries in the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight: Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7: Kathmandu / Bhadrapur (air) / Kalimpong (drive)
A 45-minute flight conveys us to Bhadrapur, from where we drive through the Teesta Valley to Kalimpong - Sikkim. This small mountain town sits at an elevation of 1250 m and consists of beautiful countryside dotted with exotic European styled cottages, definitely an extraordinary site to behold. Kalimpong has become an important centre for floriculture with over 200 flower nurseries.
At Kalimpong, we visit some of the famous flower nurseries specializing in Orchids, Cacti, Anthuriums, and Gladioli. Later we enjoy the highlight of the day with a leisurely walk through the bustling market. It is a combination of mountain scenery, friendly people and the contact that will linger with us. Overnight: Hotel Silver Oaks, Kalimpong. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8: Kalimpong / Gangtok (drive)
This morning we drive to Gangtok, en route visit the Rumtek Monastery and the Institute of Tibetology. The institute is located in a serene surrounding amidst a forest of oak, ash and birch. It is an organization to advance the Tibetan Language and it’s literature on the enlightened one, the only one of it’s kind in the world of Mahayana Buddhism.
The foundation stone it was laid by the H.H. Dalai Lama in 1957. After that we leave for Rumtek Monastery. A twenty-two km drive through beautiful countryside leads to Rumtek. Rumtek is the former seat of the Karmapa Lama. The style of the monastery follows the lines of Lamasseries of Tibet. The first Monastery was built in 1717 but crumbled to ruins due to aging. The present monastery was constructed by his holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960’s. Overnight: Hotel Norkhill, Gangtok. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9: Changu Lake
After breakfast we leave for a daytrip to Changu Lake, which has an average depth of 50 m and it is situated 35 km from Gangtok. The lake has been opened to tourists only recently. Cameras are not allowed on this route. Its cool, placid water is in the perfect harmony with the scenic beauty around. A little distance from the lake is a beautiful natural three-storey cave, the Tseten Tashi cave and it is worth to visit. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10: Gangtok / Darjeeling (drive)
After our morning drive we enter the delightful Darjeeling. Here we first visit the Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875, to see one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Our Next stop is the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre followed by the world-famous ‘Toy Train’. Overnight: New Elgin, Darjeeling. (1 night) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11: Darjeerling / Phuentsholing (drive)
We leave in the morning from Darjeeling as we take a scenic drive to Phuentsholing, passing through lush green tea gardens en route. The gateway to the south, Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre on the northern edge of the Indian plains.
Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, it is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. On arrival in Phuentsholing we are met by our Bhutanese guide. Before entering Phuentsholing we’ll visit Kharbandi Gompa, the beautiful monastery situated at the altitude of 400 m, in a lush garden of tropical plants and flowers.
Founded in 1967 by Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedron, the monastery contains paintings on the life of Buddha and statues of Shabrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rimpoche. From the monastery garden there is a fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains. Overnight: Hotel Mountain View, Phuentsholing. (1 night) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Phuentsholing / Thimphu (drive)
After an early breakfast, we continue our drive to Thimphu. Once here and after check-in, we take an excursion to the nearby Dochu-La Pass (3,088 m / 10,130 ft) to take in the view and admire the Chorten, Mani Wall, and prayer flags, which decorate the highest point on the road.
If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkarpuensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 m. Overnight: Hotel Riverview, Thimphu. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Thimphu
Our full-day sightseeing in Thimphu starts with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this Chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ("the father of modern Bhutan"), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Then we visit the National Library, which was established in the late 1960’s primarily to conserve the literary treasures, which form a significant part of Bhutan's cultural heritage. It now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old.
Our following stop is at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School. The Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Then the Tashichho Dzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion", which was initially erected in 1641 and later rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960’s.
Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14: Thimphu / Paro (drive)
We drive to Paro this morning, en route visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress of the Kingdom, built in 1627. It now houses the School for Religious and Cultural Studies. Later in Paro we’ll visit Ta Dzong. Built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong, in 1968 it was converted into the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.
From here we drive to the Rinpung Dzong, the "fortress of the heap of jewels", which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. After we approach the Dzong, we cross through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up on a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.
Our next visit is to the Drukgyel Dzong, located 15 km away from Paro. This Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer and central walls remain as an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.
Further drive to Satsam Chorten for a fascinating view of Taktsang Monastery. While driving to the hotel, we visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang, Paro. (2 nights) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 15: Excursion to Haa Valley (drive)
Start the day early with a drive to Haa via Chele-La Pass. After driving up through blue pine & rhododendron forests for 45 km, we reach Chele-La Pass (4200 m). From this point one can have a superb views of Mount Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view.
Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km and finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch, visit the famous Monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by a visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).
The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa Jowo in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed that it has been assisted by the locality. As a result the place came to be locally known as "Hay" meaning "surprise" which later became "Haa" due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.
The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa Valley are popularly known as "RigSum Goenpa". Evening we return to Paro. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 16: Paro / Kathmandu (flight)
After an exotic and culturally rich journey through the plateaus of the Himalayas, we leave Bhutan & area and we fly via Kathmandu home or toward our next destination. (Breakfast)
- End of our tour and services -
Price includes:
- Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar
- Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- All Sightseeing and Transfers & Jungle Safaris
- Entrance Fees to Museums Parks and Sites
- Local English speaking Guides
- Road taxes and parking fees
- Domestic / Regional flights: Bharatpur / Kathmandu, Kathmandu / Bhadrapur & Paro / Kathmandu (airfares subject of change!)Train ticket for Bharatpur / Swaimadhopur sector
- Services of local English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees to museums, parks and sites included in the itinerary.
Price does not include:
- International airfare and all airport taxes!
- Personal expenses such as phone or laundry bills
- Departure & Border Taxes
- Personal Insurances, Visa fees & Sikkim Travel Permit Fee
- Drinks / Beverages with meals
- Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides
- Photography charges (!)
- USD: 30 - per person per day surcharge for Bhutan portion, if group size less then 03 people traveling together
- All other services not mentioned
Tour Details: For Travel Permits and Visas we require the passport details and passport copies at least three weeks before the tour start. Please note that you will have to carry two passport size photos for the Bhutanese Visa, when this is handed over at the Bhutanese border.
* Tour Size: This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
* Tour highlights & World Heritage Sites (WHS)
- Kathmandu Valley (WHS)
- Patan City (listed WHS)
- Pokhara Valley
- Chitwan National Park
- Rumtek Monastery
- Ghoom Monastery and Toy Train (WHS), Darjeeling
- National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
- Ta Dzong, Paro
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Price for departure 2008
USD: 3,225.00 / CAD: 3,385.00 - per person in double occupancy.
Single Room Supplement, USD: 700.00 / CAD: 735.00
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Nepal
India
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