+977 01 4416813 / 4428013 info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Scarcely an hour apart from each other via one of the most beautiful flights in the world, Nepal and Bhutan seem to share so much from above… the Himalayas, a rich culture, borders with China and India and warm, wonderful people. Travelers to these two countries delight in the stark differences and how richly they complement each other. The ancient town of Kathmandu has many UNESCO protected sights and historical offerings and has plenty to offer a short term visitor. Arriving in Bhutan, visitors find a much slower pace and peaceful environment. Gross National Happiness is practiced in this largely Buddhist country and applied to all governmental decisions. Though small and technically a part of the third world, many would argue that Bhutan is among the most progressive countries in the world. Join these two countries together in one fantastic itinerary for an unforgettable adventure!
Highlights
| Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 2 | Explore Kathmandu. | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 3 | Explore Kathmandu. | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
| Day 4 | Kathmandu – Paro. Drive to Thimpu. | Thimpu | 2,334m/7,375ft |
| Day 5 | Explore Thimpu. | Thimpu | 2,334m/7,375ft |
| Day 6 | Drive to Punakha. Explore Punakha. | Punakha | 1,242m/4,075ft |
| Day 7 | Drive to Paro. | Paro | 2,200m/7,218ft |
| Day 8 | Explore Paro. | Paro | 2,200m/7,218ft |
| Day 9 | Final departure |
Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Cultural Nepali dinner in the evening.
Overnight Hotel Shambala or similar (4 star).
Meals: Dinner
Overnight Hotel Shambala or similar (4 star).
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight Hotel Shambala or similar (4 star).
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight Namgay Heritage. (3 star)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight Namgay Heritage (3 star)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Before proceeding further to the town of Punakha, hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, as well as the “Divine madman.” He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.
After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are spectacular.
Overnight Meri Puensum (3 star)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight Tashi Namgay or similar. (3 star)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Packed lunch will be served.
Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From Drukgyel Dzong, the Tibet border is only a two-day hike away.
Overnight Tashi Namgay Resort or similar. (3 star)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Final departure. You can fly either to Kathmandu, Bangkok or Delhi for you flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Per person price (valid till December 31, 2021)
1 person: $ 3,200 USD per person (includes single supplement)
2 persons: $ 2,880 USD
3 or more persons: $ 2,560 USD per person
Single Supplement: $ 500 USD
Upgrade to 4/5 star properties available starting for an additional $1,500 per person.
EXTRA:
Bangkok – Kathmandu – Paro – Bangkok @ USD $750 per person (economy class)
Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information; Meeting and assistance at airport and transfers to hotels; All in-country transportation and sightseeing (entrance fees included); Hotel accommodations on twin sharing basis; Meals as indicated on itinerary; Tours and excursions outlined on itinerary; Bhutan Visa and Tourism Development Fee
Your international airfare; Nepal visa; Meals not indicated in the itinerary; Tips and gratuities; Travel insurance (recommended); Other expenses of a personal nature (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, battery charging, comfort food etc.)
It is POSSIBLE to customize and extend this trip…
If you wish to extend this trip in Nepal, you can visit Pokhara for fabulous views of the Annapurna range (2 to 3 days) or visit the tropical jungles in Chitwan National Park in Southern Nepal (3 days). Or you may do both. Both Chitwan and Pokhara have airports with daily flights. However, there are flights only in October for the Chitwan to Pokhara sector.
If you wish to extend this trip in Bhutan, you can proceed further east from Punakha to the Bumthang valley. This will add another 4 to 5 days to the trip.
Activity: Trekking
Destination: Kanchenjunga
Country: Nepal
KANCHENJUNGA TREK (Lodge Trek)
This Kanchenjunga trek is a lodge-to-lodge trek which visits both the North and South Base Camps and allows participants to get up-close with the third highest mountain in the world. Check out our Kanchenjunga Base Camp Tent trek too. We will carry some food to supplement what’s available at the local lodges. We will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the places. A shorter program would be to only visit the North Kanchenjunga Base Camp at Pangpema.
Kangchenjunga is a sacred mountain and the word Kanchenjunga literally translates to “Five Great Treasures in the Snow.” There are five peaks within the Kangchenjunga range. And each peak is believed to be a repository of different treasures: gold, silver, gems, grains and sacred texts. Consequently, in due reverence, the first summiteers stopped a few meters short of the summit in 1955. However, today’s climbers no longer follow this practice. On this trek, we will be trekking through a Beyul. The purpose of beyuls is to provide sanctuaries for people seeking refuge from social and religious persecution. Read some facts about the Kanchenjunga region here.
We have built five schools in the region through our giving arm 3 Summits for Nepal. We’d be glad to organize a visit for you to these schools.
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging circuit trek offering spectacular views of the highest mountains on earth. From our vantage points at the high passes, we will be able to take in breath-taking mountain vistas. This would not be possible on a normal Everest trek. The ascent to and from the passes can be challenging – icy and requiring navigating over loose rock. But no technical climbing skills are required for this trek. This trek is similar to our Ultimate Everest Trek but also involves crossing the Kongma La pass, the most challenging of the three passes.
Towering Himalayan peaks such as Lhotse, Everest, Cho-Oyu, Pumori and Ama Dablam dominate the skyline. Located in the Sagarmatha National Park, a world heritage site, many visitors come to this region to glimpse the world’s highest peak but come away with much more: an appreciation of the local people who make their home in this high and difficult landscape, a spirit of adventure that brings them back to the Himalayas, and life-changing personal experiences.
All our Everest Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
