Hidden Valleys of Bhutan
Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
-
?
Gentle / Moderate
Gentle: Suitable for people who enjoy easy-paced walks or exploring the countryside on foot.
Moderate: Suitable for anyone who enjoys hill walking.
Find out more...
Gentle / Moderate
-
?
- Duration: 16 days from the UK
- Walks on: 4 days On trek: 2 days
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £4895, Land only from £3635
A unique walking holiday in Bhutan offering an ‘insiders’ view of the kingdom.
Highlights
- Spend several nights in approved farmhouse homestays to experience the lives of the local people.
- Trek for two days on the Bumdra Trek to reach celebrated Taktsang Monastery.
- Enjoy varied and interesting day walks.
- Discover the beautiful 'hidden' valleys of Phobjika and Haa.
- Join the festivities at a Bhutanese tsechu.
Historically the Himalaya was a patchwork of small kingdoms from one end to the other. Over time many were swallowed up in the formation of larger countries and in so doing very often the uniqueness of their cultures was lost. Bhutan thankfully survived intact due to the foresight of its rulers, and because its natural defences made it a very difficult country to invade. Not only does it have a solid wall of mighty Himalayan peaks in the north, but its foothills rise straight up from the plains of India and were easily defended. It was unified in the early 1600’s by one of the most powerful personages in Himalayan history, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, whose red hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism still flourishes to this day. He built magnificent monastery/fortresses, introduced a rule of law, and defeated Tibetan invaders by use of black magic.
So it is today that the customs and traditions are as strong as ever, and the people still wear colourful national costume, and live in architecturally distinct houses more akin to Swiss chalets. The dragon sect of Tibetan Buddhism is central to all that they do, and they adore their royal family. They believe in non-violence, preservation of nature, and actively promote policies of sustainability and conservation. They are proud to be a carbon negative country and strictly enforce laws to protect their massive pristine forests.
When people visit Bhutan they go not just to view the highest unclimbed peak in the world and its family of satellite peaks, but more to experience the people and their fabulous culture. Recognising this, the government has approved a number of farmhouse homestays so that people can experience first hand daily life of rural Bhutanese families. These homestays offer simple accommodation but a chance to meet local people and provide an authentic experience of life in Bhtuan. This holiday spends several nights in village homestays where meals may be taken with the families. In some cases you can try the hot stone baths, and perhaps play some archery, and look around the farms. This is just part of a walking holiday that includes hikes to temples, explores Bhutan’s unique dzongs and townships and visits the ‘hidden’ valleys of Haa and Phobjikha. You will also attend a festival - one of the cultural highlights of any visit to Bhutan.
As a climax you take a two day trek to see Taktsang cliff temple. Most people visiting Bhutan approach the Tiger’s Nest temple from below as a return day hike. You take a much more special route camping overnight at Bumdra Lhakhang before descending to Taktsang. This is part of a pilgrimage route that locals use to gain merit in their search for enlightenment and provides a fitting climax to this varied adventure in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.
Private Departures
Hidden Valleys of Bhutan - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Gentle / Moderate
Duration: 16 days from the UK
Walks on: 4 days On trek: 2 days
Max. Altitude: 3,990m/13,090ft, Chele La Pass, day 10
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotels, homestays, 1 night camping
Festival:
The spring departure attends the Paro Tsechu.
The autumn departure attends the Black-necked Crane Festival.
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals in Bhutan.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | (This is the itinerary for our autumn departure, itineraries for all departures can be downloaded below). Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to Paro. |
| 4-5 | Sightseeing in Paro. Drive to Thimphu. Walk to Wangditse Monastery and sightseeing. |
| 6 | Drive to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong. Three Temples walk. |
| 7-8 | Drive to Gangtey. Walks and sightseeing. Attend the Black-necked Crane Festival. |
| 9 | Drive to Thimphu with a walk down from the Dochu La on the way. |
| 10-11 | Drive to Haa, explore Haa town and walk in the Valley. Overnight in a homestay. Return to Paro. |
| 12-13 | Bumdra Trek to Taktsang Temple. Camp by Bumdra Monastery. |
| 14-16 | Fly to Kathmandu. At leisure. Overnight flight to London. |
Leader: Local leader, Bhutan
You will have an English speaking Bhutanese guide. Mountain Kingdoms have been working with the same partner in Bhutan since 1986. Their guides are some of the best in the Kingdom. They speak fluent English, as this is taught in all Bhutanese schools, and are fully qualified guides. The Tourism Authority of Bhutan insists that a Bhutanese trek or tour leader must pass his/her guiding exams in Thimphu before accompanying groups of foreign visitors. Guides receive regular ‘top-up’ training and 15 of our regular leaders have completed an extended training course run by Mountain Kingdoms in Bhutan.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel. This is a very comfortable hotel situated to the north of Thamel, the tourist district of Kathmandu. It has a lovely garden with a swimming pool and several excellent restaurants. The bustle of Thamel, with all its restaurants, shops and bars, is a 20 minute walk or 10 minute taxi ride away.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Paro. Sightseeing in the Paro Valley as time permits.
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for the short flight up to Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest and Kangchenjunga, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. Although you are at the mercy of the airline computer, if possible try to sit on the left hand side of the plane for the most spectacular views.
In Paro you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the flight schedule you may have time for a little sightseeing or exploration of the town on arrival.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 4 - AM: Sightseeing in Paro Valley. Drive to Thimphu, visit giant Buddha statue.
Today's sightseeing will begin at the ancient temple of Kyichu Lakhang which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon who was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet.
You will then visit the huge Paro Dzong, one of the most important in the kingdom. Above the dzong is the ancient watchtower or Ta Dzong. This 17th century circular building houses Bhutan's National Museum and has recently undergone a major restoration. The museum has a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures with displays including depictions of a wide range of Bhutan's history and culture and an impressive collection of ancient thangkas featuring Bhutan's important saints and teachers. You will also find some fearsome festival masks, a collection of religious statues, some early stone carvings and the original iron links from the nearby Tamchhog Bridge.
In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu - a journey of around 1½-2 hours. Thimphu has an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city although it has grown greatly in recent years. When you arrive in Thimphu you will drive up to see the large Buddha statue, perched above the town, this will give you excellent views and is a good way to orientate yourself to Thimphu and its surrounds.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 5 - Walk to Wangditse Monastery. Sightseeing in Thimphu.
This morning you will drive up to Sangaygang next to the Bhutan First Broadcasting Service tower, located in the North West of Thimphu. It is only about a mile drive up to the tower so if you feel like you would like to burn a bit more energy you can always walk up instead. From the tower you will have great views over Thimphu Dzong and the Thimphu valley as you start your walk contouring the beautiful hills to visit Wangditse Gompa. This walk should take around 1½ hours. You will have time to visit the gompa before you walk down for another 30 minutes to reach Dechen Phodrang Monastery. This monastery houses around 450 student monks enrolled in an 8 year course. The monastery is also home to some fantastic UNESCO monitored 12th century paintings. You will then meet your vehicle and be driven back to Thimphu.
In the afternoon there will be time to enjoy some sightseeing. There are many places of interest to visit in Thimphu, including the Tashichhodzong (the main government buildings), the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the School of Painting and the silversmiths and pottery workshops. The Government Handicrafts Emporium is possibly the best place to look for local handicrafts. It is interesting to visit the handmade paper workshop to see the paper being made and there are some nice items made from handmade paper for sale there. You could also visit the Post Office to buy some of Bhutan's very attractive stamps, they will even print a valid stamp with your face on it while you wait! They also have good t-shirts on sale. While in Thimphu you might also like to visit the 'zoo'. This is in fact a very large enclosure (several acres) just above the town, containing only Takin, the very rare animal found exclusively in Bhutan and parts of China and possibly one of the most quirky and strangest looking animals you will ever see.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 6 - Drive over the Dochu La to Punakha - 77 km, 3 hours. Visit Punakha Dzong. Three Temples Walk in the Jibjokha Valley - 4-5 hours.
After breakfast you will drive east to Punakha. Leaving Thimphu you climb to cross the Dochu La Pass, 3,109m/10,200ft, a spot marked by 108 chortens. Here, weather permitting, you may take in a magnificent mountain vista.
You descend from the pass into the lush Punakha Valley then drive to Punakha Dzong. This is one of the most spectacular and important dzongs in the kingdom as well as being one of the most picturesque. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers – the Mo Chu and the Pho Chu. Damaged by flooding in 1994, the dzong has now been beautifully renovated and is a real showcase for Bhutanese craftsmanship and painting. You are normally allowed into the dzong unless there are VIPs visiting.
From Punkakha Dzong you make the short drive to the Jibjokha Valley to do the Three Temples walk. This is a new, circular, day walk in three scenic valleys that follows undulating paths and tracks through picturesque, open farmland, shady woods and vast rice terraces. In the autumn, these terraces can appear to glow with a golden hue as the sunlight hits the rice stalks swaying in the wind. There’s not too much ascent and no steep climbs so it’s an opportunity for a gentle walk to see traditional village life in rural Bhutan. It is a walk that was created for Mountain Kingdoms so don’t expect to see other westerners on the trail.
Walking from the Kuenga Zhedheyling farmhouse you pass through the rice terraces, soon encountering your first temple (or lakhang) at the tiny settlement of Jibjokha. There are some interesting statues to see here. As you progress, your guide will point out Pangtse Shing (Symplocus) trees near the trail. This tree has many medicinal benefits and is also used for dyes and for the oil from its seeds which is prized in Bhutanese cuisine. In spring you will see the trees in flower and then the fruits appear in the autumn when the oil is extracted.
Your hike continues through fields into the Wangkha Valley where you will find your second temple built 40 years ago by the locals. After leaving the lakhang you will come across the house of Aum Karma Dem and may be able to rest awhile in her front garden and enjoy a cup of tea. Continuing on through more terraces the trail then enters some woods providing welcome shade if the weather is warm. At the end of the woods you reach a feeder ‘road’ leading into the Dawakha Valley. This valley is much more populated than the others. The main village here is Dawakha, which sits on high ground affording good views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is the home of the third temple of the walk. There is also a shop in the village so you may be able to grab a cold drink before setting off downhill on a wooded track to get back to Jibjokha. After your walk you drive to your accommodation.
Overnight: Lotay's Farmhouse Homestay, Punakha
Day 7 - Drive to Gangtey, 78 km - 3 hours. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and Gangtey Dzong. Walk in the Gangtey Valley.
After breakfast you will drive to Gangtey, 78kms away, which takes around 3-4 hours. From Punakha you drive down the valley to the town of Wangdiphodrang whose massive and important dzong unfortunately burnt down in 2012. It is now being reconstructed. You drive through the few houses which mark the former township of Wangdi and on up the beautiful wooded valley of the Dang Chu River and turn off to arrive at the Gangtey Valley.
Gangtey, also properly known as the Phobjikha valley, is a beautiful glacial valley, wide, wooded and unspoilt. It is particularly famous as a major wintering ground for Black-necked cranes, which arrive here late October and stay until early spring before heading back to their breeding grounds in Tibet and Siberia. These birds are particularly respected in local culture and feature in local tradition as 'heavenly birds'.
You should have time to visit the fine 17th century Gangtey Gompa and then on to the Black-necked Crane Information Centre. You then may have the chance for a pleasant walk in the Gangtey Valley.
Overnight: Farmhouse Homestay, Gangtey Valley
Day 8 - Attend the Black-necked Crane Festival.
Today you will attend the Black-necked Crane Festival. This festival is relatively new and is not one of the more famous ancient religious set-piece tsechus such as the Thimphu Tsechu. Instead it is a more recent and local affair organised by conservation bodies along with the local people to celebrate the return of the Black-necked cranes from their summer sojourn in Siberia and to increase awareness of the importance of this majestic but globally endangered bird. The festival features a cultural program with folk songs, masked dances (many with crane themes) along with dramas and songs performed by local people and school children. It is all very jolly and friendly.
Overnight: Farmhouse Homestay, Gangtey Valley
Day 9 - Drive to Dochu La Pass. Walk from the pass and drive to Thimphu.
From your homestay you drive up over the pass leading out of the 'hidden' valley of Phobjikha and down to Wangdiphodrang. Passing through the town you cross the river and proceed along the valley before the long climb through dense forest which leads towards the Dochu La Pass, 3,109m/10,200ft.
In the autumn, you will take a lovely walk of about 4 hours from the pass and rejoin your transport further down along the road to Thimphu. This is a pleasant trail which takes you up the ridge in rhododendron forest to Lungchezekha Gompa, from where there are further fantastic mountain views. Your trail then descends in beautiful mixed forest, passing Tashigang Gompa to emerge at the road at Hongthso, where you will meet your transport. You then drive to Thimphu.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 10 - Drive over the Chele La Pass to Haa, 2,950m/9,700ft, 65 kms - 2 hours.
Today you drive from Thimphu to Haa crossing the Chele La pass on the way. On the way to the pass you will pay a visit to the temple of Dzong Drakha, a beautiful cliff temple spectacularly located on a broad ledge with vertical limestone cliffs above and below. There are lovely views from here. You will also visit Kila Nunnery located just below the pass.
Continuing up to the Chele La, a pass at 3,990m/13,090ft, in clear weather you will have wonderful views of the snow capped mountains to the west which mark the border with Tibet. You then descend on a long, long zig-zag road down into the Haa Valley. As you approach you will notice three almost identical conical hills in a line on the other side of the valley. These are believed by the locals to be the physical manifestations of three very important Buddhist saints. The left one is Manjushri (the god who holds the flaming sword which cuts the knot of ignorance), the middle one is Chenrizig (the Buddha of compassion of which the Dalai Lama is the human incarnation) and the right hand hill is Chana Dorji (this being the protector god of Bhutan). Collectively they are known as Rigsum (three hills). As you descend further you look down on the square yellow roof of the main monastery/fortress, Namgay Dzong. Spread around the dzong are the buildings of the Indian Army dating from the visit of President Nehru - the Indian army has a presence in Bhutan ostensibly to protect the kingdom from possible invasion from China. Although part of the dzong is used by the Indian Army the central tower of the Dzong is still used by the local people. The old town itself is just to the north-west and is really quite attractive with traditional two storey shops and a post office. There is a large school in Haa. In the afternoon you should have time for a little exploration in the Haa Valley.
Overnight: Farmhouse Homestay, Haa Valley
Day 11 - Day walk in the Haa valley. Drive back to Paro, 65 km - 2 hours drive.
Today you have much of the day in the Haa Valley. Initially it is worth driving up to the very top of the valley for an overview. This takes about 40 minutes (11 kms) and is a very pretty drive. From here you will get really good views of Haa Valley itself as well as over to the west to some of the mountains near the Tibetan border.
Coming back down towards the town you take a spur road to Talung village which is 20 minutes on a rough road. This village is situated in a small side valley and it's a good idea to take the vehicles to the top of the village and then walk down through the houses for a look at a typical Haa village. You may well receive 'invites' into one or two of the farmhouses.
You can rejoin your vehicle at the bottom of the village and then drive the short distance to the bottom of a track for a nice walk up to Yongto Gompa, an ascent of 100 metres which takes about 30 minutes. Yongto Gompa is perched on a ridge overlooking the main valley and is one of the oldest monasteries in Haa, thought to have been built in the 15th century. From here you walk steeply down the hill, 30 minutes and 200m descent, through pine trees, to Yangtha village. This is a large village on the floor of the main valley. In 2001 they suffered a huge fire which destroyed 12 houses. Amazingly, the fire left the temple of the village perfectly intact. After the fire the King visited the people of the village and paid for the reconstruction. The new houses are built in exactly the same traditional style and blend in remarkably well.
Return drive to Paro in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 12 - Start the trek to Bumdra. Camp beneath Bumdra Monastery, 3,800m/12,467ft.
After breakfast you will take a short drive to the starting point of the two day Bumdra trek. Here you will meet your trek crew and ponies, and then begin following a little trodden trail up from Paro Valley. Your initial ascent takes you up through forest to reach a ridge then to a clearing from where you will be able to see back down the Paro Valley. Continuing up, you next reach Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple, nestled in the side of the mountain, where you can rest and enjoy fine views of Paro beneath and the snow-capped Himalaya in the distance. The final stage is now ahead of you as you ascend through ruins and thick forest to a high, open yak pasture bedecked with chortens and colourful prayer flags. This will be your campsite for the night at around 3,800m/12,467ft. The altitude should not be a problem having been in Bhutan now for 10 days..
Above the pasture sits the seventeenth century Bumdra Monastery, hugging the cliff face. After a chance to rest and enjoy the spectacular views from the campsite you can walk up to the monastery and explore its many caves where legend has it that a thousand angels, or dakinis, once covened. If you have the energy, you could also make the 45 minute climb of Namgo La just behind the monastery. Its 4,100m peak provides a natural viewing 'platform' to enjoy the commanding vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Overnight: Camp
Day 13 - Trek to Taktsang Monastery. Return to Paro.
After a tough day of ascent yesterday, today is all downhill. After breakfast at the camp, you will begin your descent. Following the monks' winding path down through larch and silver pine you can take your first welcome breather on the conveniently located deck chairs at the small hermitage of Yoselang at 3,300m. Continuing down the path you will shortly reach Zangto Pelhri Monastery, from where you can peer over the side for your first fantastic views down to the golden roofs of Taktsang Monastery. From here it's a steep half hour down a rock hewn staircase to Taktsang - an approach that very few people experience to reach the famed Tiger's Nest.
The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking Paro Valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.
If open, you will be able to visit the monastery before continuing down to reach the car park where your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Paro, and your last night in Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 14 - Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Time at leisure.
On your flight back to Kathmandu there are fabulous views of the Himalaya in every direction. Try to sit on the right side of the plane for the best views. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Shangri La Hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 15 - Day at leisure. Transfer to airport. Depart Nepal.
Kathmandu, Asia's former hippie capital, has a wonderful mixture of c rowded bazaars, Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines and stupas, colonial and ancient architecture as well as more modern buildings. You could explore the bazaars and temple complexes of Durbar Square to best absorb the myriad impressions assailing your culture-shocked senses.
Later in the afternoon there will be a group transfer to the airport for your flight back to London.
Day 16 - Arrive London.
Map
Map Key
-
Airport
-
Point of interest
-
Mountain Peak
-
Day walk in this area
-
Flights
-
Internal Transfers
-
Trek
Loading...
Hold your place
Not quite ready to book? Why not call us on +44 (0) 1453 844400 to hold a no obligation place while you make up your mind?
Optional supplements
-
Single Room Supplement
From £300 -
Single tent
From £30
No Surcharge Guarantee
No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
Booking your holiday
-
Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
Book now!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- An English-speaking Bhutanese leader
- All internal flights and domestic airport transfers
- The use of a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag (when travelling to Bhutan via Kathmandu).
- 4* hotel in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast, twin-share basis
- Good standard hotel accommodation in Bhutan on a full board, twin-share basis.
- Four nights in Bhutan Government approved farmhouse homestays with all meals
- One night camping with all camping facilities (twin share tents) and all meals on trek
- Camp staff to carry out all camp work
- Bhutan Visa and Bhutan departure tax
- Sightseeing where specified
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed, group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- A free Mountain Kingdoms kitbag
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees for Nepal
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Optional trips
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.8181818181818 (Based on 11 reviews)
A wonderful holiday. It was a perfect blend of tour and trek, culture and countryside.
We had an extra two nights in Paro before the group arrived and right from our initial arrival when we were met by Kinley, the guide and Gen, the driver we felt we were in very capable hands and Kinley arranged our extra days perfectly to match our interests, he also adapted plans as necessary for the whole group to take account of capabilities and interests. The whole trip exceeded our expectations, the country itself is fascinating, beautiful and tourists are very welcomed and looked after.
I enjoyed the remoteness, scenery, stunning views of the mountains & visiting the many Dzongs.
A fantastic way to explore Bhutan. We got a real insight into Bhutanese life by staying in the homesteads and attending the local festival.
It was very good to have the mix of sightseeing and trekking. Walking in the beautiful countryside was a nice counterbalance to the temples and Dzongs, and gave an insight to everyday rural life. Seeing the Black Necked Crane Festival was one of the highlights, as was the trek to the Tiger Nest Monastery. Staying in a homestay was interesting - definitely worthwhile and an opportunity to have a Hot Stone Bath. It's a wonderful country - lovely people, stunning countryside - but be prepared to come home tired. To make the most of the time there, you inevitably have to move from hotel to hotel and there's not much down time.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
- Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
- Idyllic setting with mountain views
- The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
- Eco-friendly
We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.
The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.
The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.
All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.
- Three full days at Royal Manas National Park - a birder's paradise
- Accommodation in a comfortable hotel close to the park, plus hotel nights en route
- Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide throughout
- Private transport, driver and all meals included
Extend your stay in Bhutan with time at the Royal Manas National park, a wonderful birder’s paradise close to the Indian border. Our extension package gives you three full days to explore the park and surrounding area, with all meals, private transport and comfortable accommodation included. You will be accompanied throughout by an expert guide to maximise your bird and wildlife viewing.