Walking in Bhutan

Nepal, popularly known as 'the abode of Gods' is a land of the world's highest mountain, Everest, the fighting Gorkha soldiers, and the tigers of the southern Terai region. Nepal is the world's only Hindu Kingdom and finds itself squeezed between its two gigantic neighbours - India and China. Over a quarter of the country's land-mass is over 9500' high and includes eight peaks over 26,000'. In contrast, the green valley of Kathmandu and Pokhra provide the lushness you might expect from a location that is on the same latitude as Florida. Close to Katmandu are ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur with street markets, bazaars, colourful temples and ornate architecture. Centuries of tradition, art and architecture are concentrated in this valley.

Bhutan, 'the land of thunder dragons' is perhaps the most diverse and mysterious of all the Himalayan kingdoms, where for centuries a traditional Buddhist culture has thrived in isolation from the rest of the world. Bhutan is a land of contrasts, lush forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred virgin mountains. The warm smiles of people here make each moment a special one to remember. Bhutan is extremely secluded with a strict limit on the numbers of tourists who are allowed into the country. There are few cars, no cinemas, no television and a Royal decree that says that every new building should follow traditional architecture and everyone should wear the national costume. You will see men practicing the national sport of archery, women selling mushrooms from road side stalls and houses painted with colourful signs. Monasteries, markets, bazaars, breathtaking mountain passes; all this and a lot more against the backdrop of those stupendous mountains.
This trip is designed to incorporate walkers of all grade and ages. However, a degree of physical fitness is advised as most of the terrain is undulating with descents and ascents. During all your walking between destinations you would have the services of a professional guide and a well stocked support vehicle at all times. Though most of the walking would be on paved roads, while doing nature treks in Nepal (Haatiban) we would be doing some ascents and descents on unpaved trails. Similarly, in Bhutan we would at times step out to visit Himalayan villages and visit people working on the fields.

ITINERARY

Day 0l Arrive Kathmandu

Day 02 Kathmandu

Day 03 Kathmandu

Day 04 Kathmandu / Paro / Thimpu (Private Drive - Approximately 2 hours)

Day 05 Thimpu

Day 06 Thimpu / Punakha

Day 07 Wangdi / Gangtey Valley / Wangdi

Day 08 Wangdi / Punakha / Paro

Day 09 Paro

Day 10 Paro / Chelela Pass / Paro

Day 11 Paro / Kathmandu

Day 12 Kathmandu

Day 13 Kathmandu, Departure

COST INCLUDES :
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- Daily American breakfast and buffet dinner at all places except Bhutan, where
accommodation is on Full Board basis.
- All transfers, city tours in a NON-Air-Conditioned Deluxe Coach.
- Local guides, porterage at monuments.
- Air Fare Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu.
- Accompanying Escort
- Photographic Leader From Photo Adventure Travels