12 nights from

£5525

Bhutan & The Himalayas

A tour of temples, citadels, mountains and valleys, exploring the happy Himalayan heaven that is the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the legendary friendliness of Nepal

This absorbing tour of creeds and cultures begins in India, among the Victorian landmarks of ‘colonial Calcutta’, before flying to Bhutan. With monasteries clinging to mountain cliffs, hiking trails passing forestry, flora and fauna, and an unbeatable backdrop of Himalayan peaks, Bhutan is unquestionably beautiful, but the scenery plays second-fiddle to the almost tangible, all-encompassing ethos of the kingdom, where the Buddhist philosophy that all life is sacred permeates every aspect of its unique character, where well-being comes before wealth, and the use of technology is tempered to protect the Happiness quotient.

Taking in the ‘dzong’ forts and ‘chorten’ Buddhist shrines, we visit the capital, Thimphu, a busy and beguiling little city, its vibrant energy blended with age-old traditions; Punakha, its palace housing sacred relics, and overseeing a landscape little changed since its 17th-century foundation; and Paro, where traditional timber buildings line the old main street, and temples sprinkle its verdant valley setting. In Nepal, Tibetan and Indian influences intertwine in its architecture and innately amiable nature. From our base in Kathmandu, we visit Buddhist and Hindu temples, and enthralling Bhaktapur.

Overview

  • Flight  - 1 night
  • Kolkata  - 2 nights
  • Thimphu  - 3 nights
  • Punakha  - 1 night
  • Paro  - 2 nights
  • Kathmandu Area  - 3 nights
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Tour Highlights

  • Culture & Natural Wonders
  • Jules Verne Sightseeing
  • 6 Lunches & 9 Dinners
  • Local Expert Guides

A tour of temples, citadels, mountains and valleys, exploring the happy Himalayan heaven that is the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the legendary friendliness of Nepal

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with visits on foot with some uneven surfaces and inclines.

Tiger’s Nest walk is a trek of up to 2½ hours to the cafe/viewpoint (uphill can be by pony at additional cost, downhill is on foot).

There is an optional, challenging but rewarding final section to the monastery.

The itinerary reaches up to 3,100 metres (10,000 feet) and is not suited to travellers predisposed to conditions which may be aggravated by high altitude.

Travel in Bhutan
The Bhutan hotels provide adequate lodging in rooms with private facilities but do not fully match international standards in terms of food, service and standard. On occasion, other hotels of similar standard may be used.

Accommodation

Oberoi Grand - Kolkata

A 5-star heritage hotel with a fusion of classical Victorian and traditional Indian style architecture. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool, gym and WiFi (free). 209 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.

Peaceful Residency and Spa - Thimpu

YT Hotel - Punakha

3-star hotel well known for its personalised and friendly service. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 22 rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Hotel Olathang - Paro

Perched on a hill amidst 28 acres of blue pine forests and greenery, the heritage design present a Bhutanese feel. Restaurant, bar, spa, WiFi (free) and rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Vivanta by Taj - Patan / Kathmandu Area

4-star hotel located in the vibrant Patan district of Kathmandu. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Extension Options

Nagarkot Extension

Travel to Nagarkot (2,175m) for two nights at the 4-star Club Himalaya on Windy Hill with views of the Himalayas. Relax and enjoy a walk around the villages and hillsides. Return flight from Kathmandu. Breakfast daily.

Club Himalaya - Nagarkot

A 4-star hotel on Windy Hill with wonderful views of the Himalayas. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 68 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, TV and balcony.

Departures & Prices

per person in a twin/double room
Emirates from Heathrow

October
October 19 (Saturday)
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 9 dinners, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, porterage, any government and local tourist taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £645
Flight Options
  • Emirates from Manchester
  • On request, please call
  • Emirates Business Class
  • On request, please call
Privately Guided
  • Privately guided options available based on 2+ people
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • £850
  • Arrival or departure transfer
  • £49
Extension Options
  • Nagarkot Extension -2024 (2 nights)
  • £285
  • Single Supplement
  • £90

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