This trip is a perfect combination of two of the best regions in the Himalaya. Experience the colorful sights and culture of enchanting Kathmandu with its tranquil temples and sacred Buddhist sites along the jostling streets. Explore Pokhara which is the No. 1 adventure and leisure city of Nepal, known for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities. Embark on a five days of fabulous trek in the Annapurna that you’ll never forget, where the rewards far outweigh the efforts. Annapurna region is undeniably one of the most sort out destination for travelers around the world because of its magnificent mountain views, ecological and cultural diversity, ethnic villages with terraced farmland and hospitable local people. After the trek, an exciting mountain flight, flying parallel to five of the highest mountains in the world, will take you to the land of Happiness- Bhutan! Travel though the fairy tale Kingdom with its pine scented monastery crowned hills, breathtakingly beautiful country side and ancient Buddhist monasteries and Dzongs (fortress).
Overview
Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan Kingdom, never cease to amaze the world with its incredible policies which can only be a dream for most of the countries. The Bhutanese government considers that the happiness of the people is the most important thing in any decision or policy that it makes, so Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross domestic product.
Bhutan is the only country in the world where its citizens have constitution obligation to protect their environment, which means 60% of the nation have to stay forest. It is the only country in the world to be carbon negative.
Bhutan regulates tobacco and tobacco products, banning the cultivation, harvesting, production, and sale of tobacco and tobacco products in the country. However in 2012, Parliament passed urgent amendments with the effect of greatly increasing permissible amounts of tobacco and reducing penalties, although sale and distribution remain prohibited.
Although a small country, and considered as the least developed country in Asia, it actually comes 1st in economic freedom and ease of doing business and peace and ranks 2nd highest in per capita income in all of south east Asian countries. It is indeed the Happiest country in the world!
No wonder Bhutan has become the favorite vacationing destination for celebrities!
Some of the celebrities who have vacationed in Bhutan– Prince William and Kate Middleton (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), Their Majesties The King and Queen of Sweden, politician Aung San Suu Kyi to Hollywood superstars like Brad Pitt, Richard Gere, Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jager, Justin Timberlake, Cher, Michael J Fox , Cameron Diaz, Bryan Adams, K.D. Lang, Demi Moore, Sting, Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman, Steven Seagel , Micheall Yeow, Eva Mendes, Nathalie Kelley, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, Emily Blunt and John Hoskins, Ricki Martin, Jet Li, and South East Asian celebrities like Charm Reya Osthanond, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Khalil Ramos, Enrique Gil, Xiong Naijin, Gretchen Barretto, Martinez, Tony Leung, Carina Lau and many more.
Highlights
- Explore Kathmandu city with its ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples
- Explore Pokhara- known for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities
- Mountain flight to Bhutan- You can see 5 of the world's 6 highest mountains viz. Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchendzonga, Mt, Lhotse, Mt Makalu, and Mt Cho Oyu
- 5 days 6 nights tour of Bhutan
Itinerary
Cost Includes
- For Kathamandu
- Airport arrivals and departures and all internal transportation in Kathmandu as per program in private tourist vehicle.
- Welcome dinner
- English speaking guide
- 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast on twin share while in Kathmandu .
- ½ day guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle including lunch.
- Return airfares Kathmandu/ Pokhara/ Kathmandu.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast on twin share at Hotel Barahi while in Pokhara
- All meals while in Pokhara in selective restaurants (lunch and dinner)
- 5 day Ghorepani Poonhill trekking with all meals (breakast, lunch and dinner)
- Accommodation on twin share in lodges while on trek
- Afternoon tea/ coffee with snacks upon arrival at the lodge
- Use of a personal trek pack, consisting of: Duffel bag, down jacket and sleeping bag with inner-liner.
- Services or porters and Sherpas
- Annapurna conservation fees and permit
- Trekkers Information Management fees
- Staff insurance
- Government fees
- For Bhutan
- Return Airfares Kathmandu/ Paro/ Kathmandu.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing fees
- Government royalty
- All internal transportation in Bhutan in private tourist vehicle.
- Welcome dinner with traditional folk dances at a local farmhouse
- Accommodation in Paro at Mandala Resort or equivalent
- Accommodation in Punakaha at Meri Puensum resort or equivalent in Punakha
- Accommodation in Thimpu at The Druk Hotel or similar
- All meals during the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks)
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guide.
- Monument and museums entrance fees for all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary.
- All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Personal accident and rescue insurance. You must provide your own rescue insurance
- Mineral water, beer, soft drinks and extra tea/coffee outside of normal meal times.
- Private room accommodation unless a single supplement is paid.
- Optional tips to guides and porters.
- Nepal Visa
- Helicopter evacuation in the unlikely situation, although we do arrange for it and make the necessary documents so that you can claim from your insurance.
- PS- All hotels on this trip are 3 star and 4 star category. If you wish to upgrade it to 5 star hotels, please mention at the time of booking.
About Nepal
Nepal, a tiny country, nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in the world. Covering an area of only 147,181 sq. km, Nepal encompasses the world’s highest mountains and the deepest valleys as well as low elevation rain forest. Although the width of the country is only 200Km North to South, Nepal has the highest altitude variation of any country on earth, from 20m above sea level to 8848m above sea level (Top of Everest).The country is divided in to 3 elevation Zones viz. the low Terrain, the midhill region and the high Himalayas, which contains 1/3 of the Himalayan range with 9 of the world’s highest mountains. This wide diversity of landform gives Nepal an incredible wealth of flora and fauna. Nepal is not only famous for its landscape but also renowned for the friendliness of its people.
The people of Nepal are as variable and intriguing as the country’s geography. There are more than 37 ethnic groups with their own language and culture. Hinduism is the official religion, which the majority of the people practice. Many people throughout the country are Buddhist and the two religions have co-existed in harmony over the ages. A small number of people practice Christianity and Islam. In 2016- Nepal has been listed as the No 1 travel destination in the world!
Nepal at a glance:
- Longitude: 26’12’ North to 30’27’ NorthLatitude: 80 degree 4′ East to 88 degree 12′ East
- Population: 24 million
- Capitol: Kathmandu Area: 147,181 sq. km.
About Bhutan
Bhutan , officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in the eastern end of Himalayas, between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India. Bhutan’s landscape ranges from heavily forested foothills and subtropical plains in the south and a rugged and mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks and glacier covered terrain in the north, where some peaks exceed 7,000.
Besides the stunning natural scenery, Bhutan is known for her strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom. Perched high in the Himalayas, it is the world’s last remaining Buddhist Kingdom and the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world. The profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called “The Last Shangrila.”
It has developed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, where development is measured using a holistic approach of well-being, not just based on gross domestic product. The Government of Bhutan provides free education and, though rudimentary, free medical care to its citizen. The sale of tobacco products is banned and smoking in public areas is a fine able offense.
In 2008, Bhutan made the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and held its first general election. Major sources of income are tourism, hydroelectric power and agriculture. Bhutan has long maintained a policy of strict isolationism and only a limited number of tourists are allowed each year.
Bhutan at a glance:
- Area: 38,394 km2
- Population: 742,737
- Capital: Thimphu
- Currencies: Bhutanese ngultrum, Indian rupee
- Official language: Dzongkha Language
- Government: Unitary state, Constitutional monarchy, Parliamentary system
A Day on Your Trek
Although each day is different, considering the weather, general pace of the group and length of the days walk, in general your day begins with a wake up tea at around 6 to 6:30 in the morning. You will then be provided with a bowl of warm water for washing. Then you will need to pack your duffel bag and your daypack and come to the lodge’s diner for breakfast.
After breakfast we will hit the trail and usually walk for about 3 to 4 hours before we stop for lunch. We will give you about an hour and a half rest during lunch, which will also give enough time for the staff to have their lunch and pack. Usually after 3 to 4 hours of walking we finish the days walk by 4 PM. Tea/ Coffee and snacks will be served on arrival to the lodge. Your group Leader will often organize side trips in the afternoon. Your dinner will be served around 7 PM.
Staff
Group leader: your most important member of your staff. Our Group leaders are highly trained in all aspects of the trek, conservation, first aid specializing on altitude sickness, emergency procedures and have extensive knowledge of the natural history of the area.
Sherpas: Their job is to lead your way and distribute equal loads to the porters.
Porters: They are responsible to transport your duffel bags and their job finishes once they reach the designated lodge. Our porters are provided with Gore-Tex suits, trekking boots, gloves, hats, socks, snow gaiters and snow goggles. Most importantly, we regulate them on a 25 Kg carrying which no other company does. Our clients can therefore feel comfortable knowing that our porters are working in a good humane condition. During the trek you can see porters carrying 60-70 kg and sometimes even more than 100 kg!!)
Weather:
Oct/Nov and March/April
On the trek at lower altitude (2500m to 3500m) during daytime the Max temp can be around 15C to 20C and the Min temp can be 0C to 5C
It is generally clear in the morning with afternoon intermittent cloud.
This is general information and it could vary.
Recommendations for things you should bring:
Clothing:
Head:
- Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears
- Sunhat
- UV shield/ Category 2 sunglasses
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Upper Body:
- 2 cotton t-shirts or long sleeve shirt for city wear
- 2 polypropylene or wool mix t-shirts
- 1 polypropylene or wool mix long sleeve t-shirts
- 1 long sleeve thermal underwear shirts, lightweight preferably woolen
- 1 polar fleece jacket, OR Primaloft/ Down light weight jacket
- Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
- For high altitude use, 1 very warm goose-down jacket with hood (we provide this)
Hands:
- 1 pair light weight wind stopper gloves
Lower Body:
- 1 pair walking shorts
- 1 pair walking trousers for trekking
- 1 to 2 pair trouser/ skirt for city wear
- 1 pair stretchable running trouser for evening wear at lodges
- 1 pair lightweight thermal bottoms
Feet:
- 1 pair trekking /walking boots with good ankle support
- 1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for city wear and in lodges;
- 2 pair med weight preferably wool socks
- 2 to 3 pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool
- 1 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool
Sleeping:
We provide:
- 1 down sleeping bag (rated to – 20 Centigrade or -0 F )
- 1 polar fleece liner
For every trek we provide these 1400 gm to 1800 gm down sleeping bags depending on altitude, and down jackets
Rucksack and Travel Bags:
- 1 medium rucksack (20-25 litres)
- We provide you 1 big duffle bags.
- Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.
Assesories:
- 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit
- Camera
- Nylon stuff sacks for food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also
- 2 Water bottles (1 litre)
- 1 small folding knife
- Books, playing cards, ipod/mp3 player, games, small musical intruments
- Adequate amount of batteries, etc.
Health and trouble free holiday
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entering Nepal. However please consult a doctor for vaccination against Typhoid, Meningitis, polio, and hepatitis. If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please through your agent, give us a list of what you can and can’t eat so that we can provide proper food for you.
If you are undergoing a course of prescription medicine, please ensure that you have sufficient supplies for the entire holiday. Some types of drugs including antimalarials have side effects at high altitude; therefore please consult your doctors regarding these drugs. The places you trek are mosquito free and there has been no report on malaria in Kathmandu for the past couple of decades.
Insure yourself
We highly recommend you to take a comprehensive Personal Travel Insurance before leaving home. This should cover for your loss of baggage, airline delays, sickness and accidents. And it should also cover you for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation.
Money Matters
The ideal currency to bring with you is USD.
In Kathmandu: Each meal will cost around 4 to 6 USD. Plus 10 to 20 USD for your taxis if you wish to go around the city.
On trek: You will need around 6 to 10 USD per day. This money is for your hot showers, chocolates, soft drinks and beers etc and also for small donations in the monasteries.
Tipping
Although tipping is entirely optional and personal matter the following is recommended as a guideline
In Kathmandu: for bellboys, waiters and porters 50 to 100 Nepali Rupees
For the trip: We will collect the tip at the beginning of the trip so that you dont need to keep arranging money for the tips for different places. From this pot we will give tips to he driver, the trekking staff, your guide in Bhutan.
The recommended amount for the entire trip is 120 to 150 USD/ person
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Nepalese and Bhutanese people treat visitors as special guests. Although they will never rebuke you publicly for unknowingly offending them, we must consider their culture.
While in Nepal and Bhutan please observe the following:
- Full or partial nudity is not accepted
- Over display of affection between men and women, especially in temples and monasteries are discouraged
- Please remove your shoes before entering monasteries and temples
- Never point the soles of your feet at a person or shrine
- Many Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus. Please ask before entering
- Locals walk around the Mani walls and Stupas in a clockwise direction as a respect and they expect you to do the same although it is not compulsory
- Please dress modestly while entering fort and monasteries in Bhutan. Shorts and hats are not allowed inside monasteries and forts.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places in Bhutan.
“TODAY IS YOUR DAY! YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING, SO… GET ON YOUR WAY!”
DR. SEUSS
