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Everest Base Camp Trek |
Trip Overview
Outline Itinerary
Detail Itinerary for Bumthang Cultural Tours & Treks
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sight seeing and trip preparation
Today, morning after breakfast at the hotel we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise.
After visiting Bouddhanath stupa we'll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We'll explore the medieval like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at a restaurant in Bhaktapur it's time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with travel manager for your Bhutan tour briefing and overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft) This morning you’ll be transferred to intl. airport for your flight to Paro with dramatic Himalayan scenery flight and arrive at Paro Bhutanese representative will pick up you and transfer to the hotel. After refreshed briefing and start our trip by today. Paro is a small town situated in a beautiful and peaceful valley. We’ll visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong in its strategic position where it once defended the Paro valley from Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On a clear day Mount Chomolhari (7320m) can be seen towering over the dzong. From here we’ll continue on and take a short hike (2-3 hours) uphill through traditional villages and pine forest to reach the viewpoint at Taktsang Monastery. Horses can also be arranged for the journey uphill in extra payment. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800m above the Paro valley. We’ll continue on through the beautiful valley to visit the watch tower, known locally as Ta-Dzong. The tower was housed into the National Museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. After visit around explore the local market as well and back to hotel for overnight.
Day 04: Drive from Paro to Thimpu (2300m/7,544ft)
After breakfast, we'll have a morning drive through the beautiful Bhutanese landscape to Thimpu, perhaps the least visited of all Himalayan capitals. This morning we'll take the scenic route and drive to the capital of Bhutan. Thimpu is a small and charming city situated in a river valley in the heart of the Himalayas with traditional low level Bhutanese buildings. On arrival we'll check in to our hotel and this afternoon we'll visit some of the many highlights of Thimpu including Tashichho Dzong, Changangkha Temple, the National Library, the School of Painting and the indigenous hospital. After exploring the area take back to hotel for the overnight.
Day 05: Thimpu to Wangdiphodrang (1300m/4,264ft)
Today again, we'll continue our sightseeing around Thimpu before our afternoon drive (4 hours) to Wangdiphodrang via Punaka. This is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan and it's a typical small Bhutanese town. Arriving in Wangdiphodrang we'll check in to the hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening enjoying the surrounds.
Day 06: Wangdiphodrang to Bumthang (2600m/8,528ft)
Today we'll drive to Bumthang, around 6 hours. Bumthang is a charming and beautiful valley and the name for the area where four smaller valleys meet. It's also the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and shrouded in religious legends and mysticism. On arrival we'll check in to our local guest house and relax for the evening.
Day 07: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang (2900m/9,512)
Today we'll begin our trek, following the trail along the Chamkhar Chu, a river well known for its stocks of trout. The trail leads us past local villages and temples and through open meadows and forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo on a very relaxing and comfortable walk, around 5 or 6 hours to cover 14km. As we walk we'll enter the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan), a valley that was once populated with swans after which it is named. In the centre of Ngang Yul is Nang Lhakhang, the Swan Temple where nearby we'll camp for overnight.
Day 08: Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing (2800m/9,184ft)
This morning the trails climbs gradually up to Phephe La pass (3350m), the highest point on the trek. From here the trail descends through beautiful forest into the Tang valley to reach Ugyenchholing village. We'll camp near the river tonight after our day's walk of around 7-8 hours over the 16 km route.
Day 09: Ugyenchholing to Bumthang (2600m/8,528ft)
This morning we'll visit the Ugyenchholing Dzong and the surrounding village before making our way back to Bumthang, past Membertsho Lake and along the Tang Chhu River. Arriving in Bumthang we'll check in to our local guesthouse with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdiphodrang (1300m/4,264ft)
This morning, we'll drive to Wangdiphodrang via Punaka, around a 6 hour drive through the countryside. This is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan and it's a typical small Bhutanese town. Arriving in Wangdiphodrang we'll check in to the hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening enjoying the surrounding area.
Day 11: Wangdiphodrang to Paro
Today we'll drive back to the beautiful Paro Valley. After checking in at our hotel the remainder of today is free to rest, relax and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views with snow capped Chomolhari (7,320m/24,010ft) ruling supreme at the northern end of the valley.
Day 12: Paro to Kathmandu
This morning we'll transfer to the airport at Paro to catch our short but very scenic flight over the
Himalayan range to reach Kathmandu, Nepal with great views of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga,
Chomolhari, Tsrim Gang and Jichu Drake can be seen returning to the Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu we''ll pick up transfer to the hotel. Remaining time rest and relax at the hotel or explore the Thamel area.
Day 13: Half day Kathmandu valley sight seeing
After your breakfast at hotel we'll be ready for 3 hrs Kathmandu valley sight seeing as visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and afternoon back to hotel for the lunch and remaining time last minutes shopping or simply relax at the hotel.
Day 14:
Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family,
friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence
any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll
be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your
onwards destination.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
Prices
US$3285 per personInclusions:
" well come dinner in Kathmandu
" Local pick up drop by private vehicle
" Kathmandu valley sightseeing, necessary arrangements
" Major Entry permit/s & fees
" Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu Flight
" Local guide & Private vehicle, necessary payment
" Twin Sharing accommodation on budget hotel in Kathmandu
" Twin sharing hotel and tent accommodation in Bhutan
" Meals, full board in Bhutan and breakfast in Kathmandu
" Down Jacket and sleeping bag on hiring basis
along with 2 passport sized photos)
" All flights (except Kathmandu to Paro & return) and departure taxes
" Personal travel insurance & helicopter evacuation.
" Personal expenses & tips
" Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Departure Dates Bumthang Cultural Tours & Treks
Any Dates are available for the chosen product in the year
2010
.
Please contact us to inquire about your desired package.
Useful information before joining this trip
Tour Group
In our tour group the minimum number will be 2 persons and the maximum number will be 10 persons. For single also we can accommodate on our group with single supplement (most require minimum 2 persons to travel in Bhutan), also you may join with our group in Kathmandu but make sure before you book the trip and concerning about more than 11 persons it doesn't mean we are not operating, we do on request. To keep the limit group size which means we can provide a best services and personal take care to our valuable clients.
Physical Requirements
Travellers who are making their plan to travel in the Himalaya, this most require a good health condition and physically fitness with mentally refreshed. You are reaching in the high Himalaya and depends on your trip you are starting your tour from 1000m/3280 feet to 5550m/18204 feet approx. So, health is a most essential part for your adventure travel. Nepal Vision treks most require your medical fitness certificate prior to your booking. Before the trip booking with us we suggest to consult with your Medical Doctor and in his/her references go for your trip booking process with us.
Our Tour Staffs
For our tour group, there will be one Tour guide & driver in Kathmandu sight seeing and in Bhutan their will be one local Guide, if necessary helper and driver during the visit. In fact during the Kathmandu visit our guide will be fluent English speaking as well treated you as a well coming good hospitality and even in Bhutan there is standard tourism and respect to the tourist. Our all guide is very good and well treat during the journey.
Meals and Accommodation
During the Visit in Kathmandu we provide you breakfast and while visiting in Bhutan meal on full board basis including breakfast, lunch and dinner. We provide twin sharing accommodation with private bathroom on the trekkers style hotel during the stay in Kathmandu. While visiting in Bhutan we provide the twin sharing accommodation on 3 star hotel or similar (Single occupancy available on request on additional cost).
Clothing and Equipment
While you traveling Himalayan country this is most essential to know what to bring with you and what are the essential clothing and equipments during the travel. Basically, we suggest bringing based on season and altitude. During the trip you'll needed down, medium fabrics and good hiking boot. Generally find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us,
A pair of light hiking/trekking boots depend on your season and altitude, a pair of sandals, 2 pairs of woolen socks and some pair of hiking socks, 1 medium poly pro shirt, 1 pile jacket, 1 down jacket, 1 woolen hat , a pair of sunglasses, a pair of glove with liner, a pair of woolen gloves, 1 trekking pack 3000 cubic inches capacity, sunscreen lotion SPF 10 to 25 and sunscreen stick SPF 10 to 30, some reading books (optional), 1 walkman (optional) and music tapes (optional), a one liter water bottle, a pair of trekking poles as per your physical condition , 1 flash light with few sets of batteries, 1 sleeping bag (-5 to -20) depends on your season and altitude, 2 t-shirts and one long sleeve t-shirt, 1 trekking baggy pant, rain poncho, nail cutter, Swiss knives etc. are the recommendable to bring with you. Also most of the equipments can buy or hire in Kathmandu.
Acclimatization
Our itinerary specially tailored considering with a high degree of minimization of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Normally, altitude sickness stars from 3,600 meters/11808 feet and there is no problem below this standard. During your trip this is a best solution go slowly with body acclimatization. Consider in the higher altitude there is less oxygen in the air. Suppose, crossing high passes more than 5,000 meters/ 16,400 feet, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Your body needs many days to acclimatization during the travel in high Himalaya.
Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is most essential if you are going to travel in the Himalaya; which protect your financial securities and compensate your lost property as well as life security. We are requesting to bring your travel insurance with you. Travel insurance should cover helicopter evacuation to be required and in case of any emergency, we talking with your insurance company then provide the evacuation for your life safety. Unless here in Kathmandu available on request.
Climate and Weather
In fact, Nepal and Bhutan is best time to travel in autumn and spring season. It is suitable for travel to Bhutan from mid September to beginning of December and March to May. The sunlight in Bhutan is so intense that the city is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in Bhutan. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from June to September.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Before you traveling check your passport and validity date. You most require a valid passport to visit out of country. Passports most have at least 6 months validity after finish date of your trip. We most require your copy of full passport details with correct spelling written in your passport or scan copy is most preferable.
In Nepal you will require a visa which can be obtained in advance from the Nepalese Embassy from your country or you can get on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu with a cost of US$30 which is single-entry tourist visas and valid for up to 60 days and can be extended to a maximum of three months for an additional charge. But on arrival please get a multiple entry visa. Please visit for more information; www.immi.gov.np
During the Visit in Bhutan to obtain your paper visa require at passport copy and require original passport while traveling in advance of a week before.
Permits and fees
In Nepal, you most require a permits and fees to enter a certain areas such as World heritage sites, National Park, restricted areas along climbing as well. All the trip prices are including the cost of relevant permits and entrance fees. Incase of any such conditions we will inform you if required any additional permit fees before you make a booking with us.
During the Visit in Bhutan, they require the visa fees US$ 20.00 recently (subject
to change) on arrival at Paro airport and you need to pay this directly, and
require each monastery while you enter. This major fee includes in our package
tour.
Health and Medical Information
Our all staffs are well experienced travelers and sharing since 1 ½ decade to achieve the traveler's ambition. In fact, we specialized in the Himalayan travel and we all are from Himalayan region with plenty of local knowledge, which is a key factor to provide the standard service to our clients. Our all services based on client's safety and satisfaction. We provide the high range of quality services and personally taking care during the trip. Each of our guides carries medical kit bag for occurring incidents during the travel. As a result we have best recommendation from our previous clients.
Environmental Concerns
We are highly sensible to protect our natural environment and participating
with many environmental clean up campaigns. Our responsible tourism carries
good message to the locals and we insists and train them do's and don't, how
to keep good environment etc. Besides this tourism industry has an obligation
to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations as well.
To find out more about the clean-up campaigns and environmental awareness events
we've run with KEEP, please click here for more information.
Our Experience
Nepal vision trek has been stabilized in 1992 with Govt. registered company based in Kathmandu, Nepal and we are working in adventure travel in the Himalaya of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India carries long experience and built up own history in tourism. Our long experience in adventure travel, we are even more dedicated to fulfill our clients' requirement and always sincere with clients gratification. We are also delighted to say that many of our clients return again and again to travel with us and many of our new clients are through recommendations and word of mouth from happy and satisfied clients who have previously traveled with us.
How to Book
While you have chosen your trip, contact our head office by mail or phone to check the availability dates, groups or any remaining question you may have. We are happy to help and reply responsively as soon as possible. We'll hold your booking with us before your final decision. Please read properly our trip booking terms & conditions before your booking and fill up the booking form (download from our website) along with the appropriate deposit of 20 % per person in advance and payment made through the bank transfer or submit your credit card (visa/master card) details with booking form. When you choose the method of advance payment in an appropriate way, a signed and completed booking form will still be required for confirmation of booking. Bookings will only be confirmed once we receive a completed and signed booking form along with appropriate payment.
The final balance for your booking will be on arrival in Kathmandu. We will
invoicing you after your arrival for the final balance along with other final
pre departure details as appropriate. Your final invoice will show the price
based on the previous quote at the time of invoicing.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
