Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu (Arrival day in Nepal should be Sunday or Tuesday or Thursday)
Upon our arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier (HGT). After completing our custom formalities (Visa, etc) we pick up luggage and look for our representative with a Himalayan Glacier Trekking display board at the arrival gate. We will be then escorted to Hotel Shanker or a similar category hotel. After check in, we will visit at Himalayan Glacier office site and meet our trekking guide as well as other participants. In the evening, we find ourselves at a "Welcome Dinner" at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with fine meal. |
Day 02:
Kathmandu City Tour
After breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. The day will also be for finalizing official procedure and other necessary arrangements. We will be also briefed on the nature of the trek, equipments and team composition. Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath). In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. We can also make our last minute shopping for personal items as we will be flying to the Himalayas next day. Overnight in Kathmandu. |
Day 03:
Fly Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa, Tibet (3650 m/11972ft)
Our tour starts upon our arrival in Lhasa today. There are two ways to arrive Lhasa one is via Nepal and another via mainland China. If we choose to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa we will have 1 hour 10 minutes Trans-Himalayan flight which is considered one of the most beautiful air route in the world that takes uw over the Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks. If we are coming via mainland China, we might fly from any major cities or take the world's highest train route to reach Lhasa. Upon our arrival we will be received by our Tibetan guide at the airport or train station. Approximately 1.5 hours drive along 93 km road from the airport or train station, we will be at Lhasa. It is better to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight in Lhasa. |
Day 04:
Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)
Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery with an experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. We further enjoy the equally adventurous and exciting rhythm builds up while touring Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. On the same day, we will be to Barkhor Markets which can be quite different from other sites as we roam around the city testing every details around the stalls and we may purchase some goods that displays Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Overnight in Lhasa. |
Day 05:
Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)
Today, our visit to Potala palace and Drepung monastery will bestow invaluable insights Tibet. From the Mar Po Ri Hill where the Potala Palace, the 17th century great monumental structure stands, we can get an awesome view of entire city. Potala Palace, an immense structure, its interior space being in excess of 130,000 square meters has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Our next visit will be to Drepung Monastery, a residence of Dalai Lama before Potala Palace which was built in 14th century and used to shelter around 10,000 monks some time ago. Tibetans' immensely believe and respect this monastery. Overnight in Lhasa. |
Day 06:
Sightseeing in Lhasa (3650 m/11972ft)
At the dawn, we visit Tibet Museum. Officially inaugurated in October of 1999, the museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics including Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gold albums, gifts granted by emperors, colorful Thankas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. We can also see variety of folk arts such as unique Tibetan handicrafts, costumes, jewelry, and adornments made of gold, silver, and jade, as well as fine Chinese pottery. Despite the collections the museum holds, the museum building complex with its ornamented beams, pillars, lintels, banners and wall hangings exhibit traditional Tibetan architectural styles. At noon, we can enjoy free shopping. Overnight in Lhasa. |
Day 07:
Drive to Gyantse and sightseeing (3950m/12956ft): 265 km
Following Friendship Highway while driving past Khamba La (4794 m), we will have a break to appreciate majestic views of Yamdrok Tso Lake, a lake deep blue in color and Nazin Kang Sang glacier standing proud at 7252m. Ahead to westwards, we encounter another Karo La pass at 5045m. While glancing through the road, we can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, we enter town of Gyantse where we see beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages. Overnight in Gyantse. |
Day 08:
Drive to Shigatse and sightseeing (3900m/12792ft): 92 km
Upon our arrival at Gyantse, we see the prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold domed 35m high chorten(stupa) and houses with several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. Kubum means 100,000 images in Tibetan. After enjoying and exploring Gyantse, we take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. On our drive to Shigatse, we enjoy the views of Shalu monastery built with Han, Tibetan and Indian architectures. After a brief overview of the monastery we drive further to Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. At our arrival in Shigatse, we will be welcomed bu Tashilhunpo Monastery, the major attraction of Shigatse as being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse. |
Day 09:
Drive to Shegar (4150m/13612ft), visit Natang and Sakya Monastery en route: 274 km
Today, we transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving past small town of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. We visit Natang Monastery which is 12 kms far from Xigatse. Again we drive to Sakya Monastery where we can see the largest book in the world in gold. At the evening, we will be at Shegar. As the route opens into plains, we can view many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible in route to Shegar. Overnight in Shegar. |
Day 10:
Drive to Rongbuk (5050m/16564ft) - Explore Everest Base Camp (5250m/17,220 ft) - 130 km - continue drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft) - 245 km - Hardest day!
Away from Shegar, we drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m/16890. Along the drive, we can laze around in the splendor of majestic views of snow capped peaks such as Makalu and Shishapangma. After driving for 85 km, we eventually reach Rongbuk from where we get spectacular sight of Mt. Everest. The program today is to explore to Everest Base Camp through the day. Driving to Everest Base Camp is allowed only for expeditions. Hence, we have to walk 8 km (one way) or take a horse or local bus to reach the Everest Base Camp. At this occasion, we also visit Ronbuk Monastery, a Buddhist pilgrimage site founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. At this site, we have the views of many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. Overnight in Rongbuk. |
Day 11:
Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft): 123 km
Today, we drive toward Kathmandu. Driving past Tingri crossing Lalung La pass at (5124 m/ 16068 ft) and Shung La pass at (5200 m/ 17056 ft), Nalyam Pass (3800m/12464 ft) offer enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gaurishanker. We further tumble down gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau to arrive at Zhangmu on the Nepal border. After a short drive away from Zhangmu to Friendship Bridge across Bhote Koshi River brings us closer to Immigration Control in Kodari. The four hours drive through the deep valleys from Kidari, we finally arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. |
Day 12:
Kathmandu City Tour: Bhaktapur, Thimi and Changunarayan
After breakfast, we head towards Thimi. Our arrival at Thimi, a medieval pottery village we also have close expeerience with the medieval town Bhaktapur and its devotees, preserves medieval arts, architecture, culture, and lifestyle. Travelling through the streets of Bhaktapur make us to feel like travelling back into the past. Further, we also do not miss the opportunity to be at Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu valley boasts of being the oldest pagoda of Nepal. The route to Changu Narayan passes through small villages and farmlands with farmers working at their fields. Overnight in Kathmandu. |
Day 13:
Kathmandu Valley: Patan, Bungmati and Khokana
Our trip to Patan, The City of Fine Arts will be nostalgic view of ancient places, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square is also a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Khokana village dates back from the medieval age, and the village has been nominated to be listed as a World Heritage Site, with its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage. Bungmati is another medieval sleepy little village with a beautiful temple in the village square and medieval houses hanging onions and red chilies from their windows. Overnight in Kathmandu. |
Day 14:
Fly Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro, Bhutan
Today, you will be escorted to the airport for our flight to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft) that offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range of Nepal including the Mt. Everest. On arrival a representative from Himalayan Glacier lead us to hotel for a short rest and to have lunch. Later on the day, we explore around the Paro valley and also visit one of the strategic but ruined fortress of Drugyul Dzong from where on a clear day we see Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314m. We further continue through the beautiful valley to visit the watch tower, known locally as Ta-Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Paro. |
Day 15:
Paro Sightseeing
Today, after breakfast, we make a sightseeing tour of Paro. We hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery situated at 3180m. We further roam around other important sites of Paro Valley. Overnight in Paro. |
Day 16:
Drive Paro - Punakha (1250m/4100 ft): 130 km, 4 hrs
During our drive, we enjoy the scenic journey to Punakha. The road leads through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzoum. Three different styles of Chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left is the Tachogang Lhakhang built in 15th century by Thangthong Gyelpo, a trader who first introduced Iron Bridges in Bhutan. We stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100m), where on a clear day we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. Upon our arrival at Punakha we further traverse through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, we will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Upon our choice we can receive blessing from the Lama's wooden phallus! Overnight at Punakha. |
Day 17:
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, Afternoon drive to Thimphu (2320m/7610 ft): 76 km, 3 hrs
After breakfast, we drive 12km north of Punakha Valley and from the road point, we will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, located on a beautiful hillock overlooking the villages. It contains elaborate paintings dedicated to old sect of Buddhism. After lunch, we will drive to Thimphu via Dochu la. Overnight in Thimphu. |
Day 18:
Thimphu Sightseeing
Today, we visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, and the zoo. The zoo contains the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. From there we visit the nunnery temple, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, we make excursion around Folk Heritage Museum, traditional paper factory, majestic Tashichhodzong and giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakyamuni in the world. In the evening, we can stroll through downtown Thimphu and absorb the life style of the people there. Overnight in Thimphu. |
Day 19:
Thimphu to Phuntsholing (300m/985 ft): 176 km, 7 - 8 hrs
Today, we take a 6 hour drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing, the border town with India. The Highway is considered to be the the lifeline of Bhutanese economy. Hence, it is the most heavily trafficked road of Bhutan. There may be traffic jams that may last upto hours. Still, it's a scenic drive from the hills to the plains along a hair-raising mountain roads. Overnight in Phuntsholing. |
Day 20:
Phuntsholing (Bhutan) to Dooars to Darjeeling, India (2,134m/7,000ft): 200 km, 06 hrs
Today, we drive for Darjeeling. On the way we complete the boarder formalities. Our drive to Darjeeling passes through the doors, through deep forests criss-crossed at many points by the Tista and other rivers. On the way, we pass through the vast plains with tea plantations and enjoy being among the vast Tea fields. From the plains, we climb to the hilly Darjeeling region via Ghoom and along the famous narrogaze steam engine railway. Overnight in Darjeeling. |
Day 21:
Darjeeling sightseeing
Dawn in Darjeeling, we visit to Tiger Hill to see the view of sun rise over Mt. Kanchendzonga. While returning, we also have shot visit to Yiga-Choling (Ghoom). After a couple of hours breakfast and refreshment, we roam around beautiful Darjeeling. The day's roaming covers Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Center, Tea Garden, Tea Factory, and Peace Pegoda. Then in the evening, we back to the hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling. |
Day 22:
Darjeeling - Gangtok (1700m/5,600ft): 115 km, 4 hrs
After the excursion within Darjeeling, we take a 4-5 hrs drive (105 km) to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. First we make a steep descent through the tea plantations and forests. On the way, we complete the formalities at the Tista Bridge, the entry point of Sikkim and climbtoward Gangtok. At Gangtok we check in at hotel in Gangtok. Overnight in Gangtok. |
Day 23:
Sightseeing Gangtok Area and Martam(1450m/4,428 ft)
Today early in the morning we visit for Tashi View point about 8 km from Gangtok, a resting shed. The viewpoint offers us the astounding view of Khangchendzonga, the Siniolchu Range, and its distant north Sikkim monasteries. Then we back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we make our visit at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms or Government Institute of Cottage Industries, Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Monastery, and Tashi View Point. Overnight in Martam. |
Day 24:
Martam, Kalimpong(1247m/4,100 ft): 4 hrs
Our four hours drive to Kalimpong, a small town established for the Trade with Bhutan and Tibet by India offers us views of some landmarks and distinct markets of Kalimpong. Overnight in Kalimpong. |
Day 25:
Kalimpong Sightseeing
Today, we make inclusine visit within kalimpong which includes the Shri Diwakar Vahara Institute in Kalimpong and other sightseeing places like Dello View point and Hat Bazar. Then in the evening, we enjoy free leisure. Overnight at Kalimpong. |
Day 26:
Kalimpong to Bagdora to Delhi or Calcutta
Today, we are on the eve of saying goodbye to the Himalayas and so we have to make some predeparture preparations. After breakfast, we will be escorted to Bagdogra Airport from where the flight connects to Delhi or Kolkata for our flight for onward trip. |
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Bhutan Cultural Tours
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