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Across the Himalayas

The Kathmandu Valley and Magical Bhutan

14
Nights
Duration
$
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Yearning for an uplifting experience? Spectacular Himalayan views, golden temples, fortress monasteries, and traditional mountain villages fill this energising tour. Start in Kathmandu exploring the old town, colourful shrines, and spectacular stupas. Marvel at the medieval architecture of Bhaktapur and Patan. Fly over the Himalayas to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan and travel overland through a stunningly beautiful landscape dotted with fortresses and temples, all the way to distant, enchanting Bumthang. Cap it off with that exhilarating hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Stay in a mix of Alaya-selected traditional guesthouses and comfortable hotels. Experience early morning prayer ceremonies, meet artisans at work on traditional textiles and woodcarvings, prepare delicious momo dumplings over a hosted lunch.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-03
Kathmandu
Sensational stupas
04
Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel
Medieval towns
05-06
Thimphu
Fortress monasteries
07-08
Punakha
Crossing the Dochu-La Pass
09-10
Gangtey
Phobjikha’s alpine valley
11-12
Bumthang
Bhutan ’s remote east
13-14
Paro
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery
15
Departure
depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-03
Temples and Idols
Kathmandu
,
Nepal
You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Engage your senses right away with a visit to the golden-topped Swayambhunath Stupa, the 1500-year-old iconic Buddhist structure with prayer flags fluttering, monkeys gambolling in trees, and vultures soaring high in the sky. On Day 2 and 3 explore the magnificent assembly of world-class palaces, hidden shrines, and sublime temple art in the Kathmandu Valley. Visit the Pashupatinath Shiva Temple situated beside the sacred Bagmati River and the ancient Boudhanath Stupa to join red-robed monks on their circumambulation of the temple’s octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Explore medieval Patan, filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, Hindu temples, and over 1200 beautiful monuments. Experience meditation with modern monks in a beautiful monastery and learn to prepare an authentic Nepalese momo with an Alaya family over a hosted lunch.
Across the Himalayas - 1
DAY
04
Medieval marvels
Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel
,
Nepal
Head out of Kathmandu into the surrounding hills first visiting the 4thC Changu Narayan Temple in a quiet rural setting surrounded by forest. Explore the beautifully restored town of Bhaktapur discovering its quiet cobblestone streets with their hidden courtyards and spacious squares and visiting with potters, carvers and weavers plying ancient arts. Take in the stunning panorama at Dhulikel, the perfect spot from which to observe the high Himalayas.
Across the Himalayas - 2
DAY
05-06
Fortress Monasteries
Thimphu
,
Bhutan
On Day 5, drive back to the Kathmandu airport to board the spectacularly scenic flight across the Himalayas to Paro, Bhutan. Set off immediately on the hour-long drive to Thimpu, the country’s capital. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress-monastery of Tashichho Dzong; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail.
Across the Himalayas - 3
DAY
07-08
Flags over the Himalayas
Punakha
,
Bhutan
Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many stupas lining the route. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple, the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Approach the lamas here for your unique Bhutanese name.
Across the Himalayas - 4
DAY
09-10
Alpine valleys and cosmic mandalas
Gangtey
,
Bhutan
Another spectacular drive today passing through the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Visit one of the oldest monasteries at Gangtey decorated with large paintings of cosmic mandalas and outstanding woodcarvings and sculptures. Hike from our guesthouse through villages, farmland, and forest for breathtaking views of the valley and sightings of the ‘heavenly birds’ (October to March) so important in Bhutanese tradition.
Across the Himalayas - 5
DAY
11-12
Remote landscapes of the east
Bumthang
,
Bhutan
Drive across the Pele-la Pass at an altitude of 3300 metres marking the border into eastern Bhutan. Stop at Chendbji Chorten, recalling Kathmandu’s famous stupa with eyes painted at four cardinal points and at Trongsa’s Dzong fortress. Explore the Bumthang region with its beautiful ancient temples and stupas; the new monastery at Kurje Lhakhang surrounded by 108 stupas; the ancient wall paintings at Tamshing Lhakhang; and the 7th C Jambay Lhakhang, built by the king of Tibet. Bumthang is famous for its beautiful woodcarving and a form of weaving distinguished by unusual patterns and bright colours. Enjoy time in the markets and workshops.
Across the Himalayas - 6
DAY
13-14
The Tiger’s Nest
Paro
,
Bhutan
On Day 13 take the short flight back to Paro. Visit the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress that protected the area from Tibetan and Indian invasions and the Rinpung Dzong, Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks. Take the walk to the magical Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a vertical granite cliff 2000 feet above the valley floor.
Across the Himalayas - 7
DAY
15
International departure
Departure
,
Bhutan
Drive to airport to connect your flight back home
Across the Himalayas - 8

What's Included:

·      All airport and hotel transfers

·      Accommodation based on double occupancy for 14 nights

·      Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner daily

·      Services of your driver/host

·      Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

·      Complimentary bottled water and snacks in the vehicle

·      Flight from Kathmandu to Paro

·      Flight from Bumthang to Paro

·      All activities with your private guide as listed:

·      Kathmandu:Full day tour

o   Kathmandu:Meeting with monks and meditation session

o   Kathmandu:Family lunch

o   Kathamandu: Half day tour to Patan

o   Bhaktapur: Half day tour

o   Thimpu: Full day tour

o   Punakha: Full day tour

o   Phobjikha Valley: Full day tour

o   Bumthang: Full day tour

o   Paro: Full day tour

·      Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary

·      24/7Support Service

·      Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

·      All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

·      International flights

·      Visa fees

·      Travel insurance

·      Items of a personal nature: laundry, drinks, telephone calls, etc

·      Gratuities

·      Meals and services not listed

·      Video/Photography fees at monuments

·      Additional arrangements required due to emergency or other situation

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Hyatt Kathmandu

Hyatt Kathmandu

Set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and created in the traditional Newari style of Nepalese architecture, this beautiful hotel has views of the Boudhanath Stupa located within a five-minute walk. The 280 spacious rooms are elegant and contemporary. Enjoy the five dining options, the tranquil spa and the well-equipped fitness centre.

The Dwarika's Resort Dhulikhel

The Dwarika's Resort Dhulikhel

A holistic experience reflecting Nepal’s ancient philosophy of respect for nature and one’s self. Designed like a traditional Nepali village, set over 20 acres of trails, glades, and terraced farms, and beautifully positioned to take in the best Himalayan views. The 40 suites have hardwood floors, ceiling rafters, and Nepalese fabrics and bathrooms have both a shower and a generous tub. Enjoy the many holistic activities and services.

The Postcard Dewa Thimphu

The Postcard Dewa Thimphu

A luxurious 15 room hotel nestled in the forest on the outskirts of Thimphu. Wind down in the lap of nature and enjoy pristine views of the Khasadrapchu valley and Wang Chhu River. Take a perfectly curated picnic basket from the chef and enjoy a sublime experience by the Wang Chhu River.

On The Ground

Manoj Abraham

Manoj Abraham

Seasoned professional with more than 15 years’ experience assisting guests fulfil their travel dreams and internally overseeing the operations and finances of WWA. Extensive knowledge of countries of expertise and proficiency in the latest travel trends. Gifted as an accounting professional, his passion for developing tailor made itineraries exceeded expectations whilst curating journeys fitting into the clients’ budgets. Dedicated to assisting and nurturing client relations and the ability to drive the team to a common goal. Personally, Manoj is a down to earth kind-hearted soul always willing to help and assist.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.

Getting a closer look at a colourful country and its vibrant culture
A well-curated tour across India that combines the best of the North and the South - people, places and heritage.
Story by Wayne Radziminski
Exploring a country of warm people and welcoming smiles
India has something new to offer, no matter how many time you visit it
Story by Lynette Husum
Travelling back in time lost in the beauty of South-east Asia
Flitting across Vietnam and Cambodia, reminiscing the past and revelling in the present
Story by Wayne Radziminski
My new friend at the Pushkar Camel Fair, India
Pushkar Experience
Story by Ruth Brodie
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This trip has fixed departure dates. Above mentioned dates are tentative and subject to change.