Compare Eastern Himalayan Tour by Evergreen Tours vs Nepal and Bhutan Tour by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,100 | $ 2,830 |
| Price Per Day | $ 221 | $ 314 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 12 Dinners |
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| Description |
Join 14 days Eastern Himalayan Tour and discover culture, sights, cuisine of Nepal, India and Bhutan Road Trip. Enjoy the guided tour of ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, acquaintance with the living goddess Kumari. Enjoy Darjeeling tour. City was once a summer resort for former British ruler elite. Ride on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or Toy Train. Visit the tea plantation slopes and taste tea. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view over Kanchenjunga eastern Himalayan range from Tiger hill. Enjoy the day in Gangtok a Buddhist pilgrimage site of India. Spend a night in Kalimpong hill station. |
Our Nepal and Bhutan Tour is a cultural extravaganza in two beautiful South-Asian nations. On our 9-day journey we get a glimpse of Nepal while spending most of our time in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan. The trip begins in Kathmandu, which was voted number 19 out of top 25 Destinations in the World 2015 by Trip Advisor. In Kathmandu, we visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites before flying to Paro, Bhutan. In Bhutan, we travel to many townships and tour several dzongs (fortresses), temples, and other cultural and historical landmarks. While in Bhutan, we also pass through the high Dochu La pass and hike to the enchanting Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. However, our Nepal and Bhutan Tour does not end here. We fly back to Kathmandu and visit Patan and Bhaktapur cities that have charmed millions of tourists over the years with its historical architecture and rich cultural heritage. Then we drive to Nagarkot, a village renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas and enjoy spectacular sunset views amidst the tall and mighty peaks. |
Day 1: Explore Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s largest and capital city. Get a brief information about Kathmandu with our guide. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu Sights
In the morning enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu including UNESCO heritage sites-Durbar Squares, temple of living Goddess, Swayambunath. An afternoon, visit Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Hindu temple. Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3: Kathmandu-Darjeeling
Your adventure begins after boarding a scenic flight to Bhadrapur. On arrival you will meet our local expert guide and driver. Start your Bhutan Road trip with drive to Darjeeling. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 4: Explore Darjeeling
Wake up to see sunrise view over Kanchenjunga Himalayan range from Tiger Hill. After breakfast explore Darjeeling sights even experience oldest Toy Train of the world ride. Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 5: Darjeeling to Sikkim:
After breakfast take scenic drive to Gangtok, Sikkim. Overnight Gangtok, Sikkim.
Day 6: Explore Sikkim
Spend you day visiting sights in Gangtok including Rumtek Monastery, Institute of Tibetology, handicraft center. In the evening enjoy walking tour of Gangtok. Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 7: Gangtok-Kalimpong
Drive to Kalimpong a hill station of east. Visit Orchid Garden, and sights of Kalimpong.
Day 8: Begin next Adventure
After breakfast Travel to Phuntsoling a boarder city Bhutan. After entry formalities, meet our local expert guide from Bhutan and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Phuntsoling.
Day 9: Get into Himalayan Kingdom- Bhutan
After breakfast travel through scenic valleys, hills and mountains of Bhutan. You will have several stops along the way. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 10: Explore Thimpu.
Spend the day exploring National institute of traditional medicine, Art school, Nunnery. Tour continues to Sangay Gang for the best view of Thimpu. Visit Zoo of Takin- national animal of Bhutan, Handicraft emporium of Bhutan. Join the archery game in the Changlimethang sports ground at the end of the tour. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 11: Thimpu-Wangduphodrang via Punakha
After breakfast enjoy scenic travel to Punakha across Dochu-La (3,088m), and through spectacular scenery. Visit Punakha Dzong- house of the secret relic of Avalokiteshwora brought from Tibet. Spend your 30 minutes for personal meditation in the largest congregational Hall of the dzong. Short hike to Chimey Lhakhang the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley the Divine Madman. Drive back to Wangduephodrang for overnight.
Day 12: Wangdue-Paro
After early breakfast in Paro, enroute visit Simtokha Dzong-the Oldest Dzong built by Shebdrung Nawang Namgyel. Visit National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armors and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong crossing a traditional covered bridge and drive to your hotel. Overnight in Paro
Day 13: Explore Takshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest )
After breakfast short drive for day hiking to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. If time permit, drive to Drukgyal Dzong and enjoy a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari (7314 m). Go round the fortress, it is a 30 minutes leisurely a beautiful walk. Overnight in Paro.
Day 14: Search Out Your PARO.
Your itinerary ends in Paro, where you can choose one final optional adventure, depart for your next destination beyond Himalayas. Or start your journey home with memories and stories to spare.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a Himalayan Glacier representative will pick us up from the airport. We will then be transferred to our hotel. We can either visit Himalayan Glacier’s office in Thamel or take a rest at our hotel room during the late afternoon. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and Bauddhanath
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. Swayambhunath Temple is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of river Bagmati and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva. The Bauddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.
Day 3: Fly to Paro, city sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
As our flight nears Bhutan we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. After lunch, we visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’. Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From here we will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day we can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, at 7,314meters. Overnight in Paro.
Flight: 1 hour
Day 4: Paro to Thimphu, Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Hiking: 4-5 hrs Travel Distance: 54 km Driving: 1 hour
After breakfast, we hike for around 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and leave for Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5: Hike to Wangditse Gompa followed by sightseeing in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
In the morning, we drive to BBS Tower and then hike for 1 hour to Wangditse Gompa on leveled trail with great view of Tashichho Dzong. From here, we also get an amazing view of the Samtenling Palace, home to the fourth King and Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hillside above. After touring the Gompa, we return to Thimphu. On the way, visit the mini Zoo to see the Takin, national animal of Bhutan. After lunch, we visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. We may also visit the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, we enjoy strolling in the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha, Hike to Lungchutse Monastery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Meri Puensum Resort)
Hiking: 2 hrs Travel Distance: 76 km Driving: 2-3 hrs
After breakfast, we drive to Dochula pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day we can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. We will begin 2 hours hike to Lungchutse Monastery from 108 chortens. The trail passes through rhododendron forests. Walking along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers us stunning views of Himalayas, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Hike back to Dochu La Pass. After lunch, drive downhill through the rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha to Paro, Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 4 hrs
At dawn, we drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin our 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. We hike further towards Punakha. On the way back, we visit the Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. In the afternoon, we drive to Paro and spend the night there.
Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu, sightseeing in Patan and Bhaktapur and sunset views from Nagarkot
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Country Villa)
Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a Himalayan Glacier representative will pick us up from the airport. We will then be transferred to our hotel. After freshening up we begin our sightseeing tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient arts and architecture while Bhakatpur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle preserved over centuries of isolation from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. While in the city square of Bhaktapur, we get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts and the 55 Window Palace which merge together to provide an ambiance of a magical outdoor theater to its visitors. We also immerse ourselves in the authentic delicacy of the locals in Bhaktapur. Then we drive to Nagarkot, a village renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas and enjoy spectacular sunset views amidst the Himalayas. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Flight: 1 hour Driving: 35 min
Day 9: Final departure
Meals: Breakfast
Our Nepal and Bhutan tour comes to an end today. There is nothing else to do but shop for souvenirs or just take a rest. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport an hour before the scheduled flight.
