Iconic
Himalaya
Nepal-Butan

Arriving in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will meet you and ensure a warm welcome and a smooth transfer to the Hotel Tibet International.  Later in the afternoon, once you have had a chance to settle, you’ll participate in a comprehensive pre-trek briefing, led by Chris Jones, alongside our experienced Sherpa guide. This session will cover the detailed itinerary and address any final logistical details as well as being an opportunity for you to ask questions and connect with your group.  As dusk settles, we will visit the renowned Bodnatha Stupa, followed by a delightful dinner experience at a nearby local restaurant.

Meals: Dinner

Discover Kathmandu

In the morning, we will embark on an educational exploration of Kathmandu, led by a knowledgeable local cultural guide. Our first stop is the iconic Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, which dates back to a period between 460 and 1,200AD. This establishment of this sacred Stupa is profoundly significant in the creation of the Kathmandu Valley, serving as one of Nepal’s most revered Buddhist sites. The panoramic views of the valley from its elevated hilltop position are magnificent.  Continuing on our cultural journey, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architectural marvels and cultural heritage. The historic square is one of three within the Kathmandu valley and is an important site for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, holy ceremonies, royal events and coronations.  After a delicious lunch, you have the option to unwind or explore the vibrant tourist district of Thamel for any last-minute essentials.  Later in the afternoon you will be supplied with your trek pack so that you can prepare for the exciting journey ahead, scheduled for departure the next day. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Flight 30mins

Trekking 5 hrs approx.
Grade Moderately Challenging

We leave the hotel early in the morning with a transfer to to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu airport.  From here we fly to Pokhara, with a short flight of about 30 minutes offering spectacular aerial views of the majestic Himalayan range to the north.  Upon landing in Pokhara, we will take a scenic transfer by road to our trek’s starting point at Kade. Through country farms and enchanting sub-tropical forests we will climb steadily uphill, pausing at the Australian camp for a lunch break. Energised and refreshed, we will resume our trek towards Pritam Deurali, a charming leg of the journey lasting about 3 hours. Overnight we rest and recharge at Pritam Deurali, immersing ourselves in the tranquil environment of the Himalayan foothills.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trekking 5 hrs approx.
Grade Moderately Challenging

At the break of day, as the first rays of sunlight fall on the landscape, we are treated to the extraordinary scene of snow-capped mountains glistening in the morning light. Following a hearty breakfast, we head on our journey towards Forest Camp, venturing along a lesser-travelled trail and leaving the crowds behind.  There, at an altitude of 3,050 metres, among the tranquil surroundings of Forest camp (also known as Kokar) we will rest for lunch.  Refreshed and rejuvenated, we resume the trek, this time through enchanting forests, vibrant with rhododendrons, majestic maples, ancient mountain oaks and daphnia. After a few hours of trekking, we will reach Low Camp, situated at an altitude of 3,150 metres. With stunning views of the Machhipuchhre and Annapurna south, this breathtaking setting is the perfect place to spend the night, immersed in the tranquillity of the Himalayas.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trekking 6 hrs approx.
Grade Moderately Challenging

On this leg of the trek, you will embark on a challenging, but rewarding journey from Low Camp to High Camp, situated at an impressive altitude of 3,600 metres. While the trekking terrain is steep and strenuous, the scenery that surrounds you is spectacular. Most trekkers feel the effects of the altitude on this day, but the inspiring scenic beauty along the way serves to make it all worthwhile. As we ascend, the landscape transforms into a classic ‘cloud forest’, adorned with intricate patterns of lush mosses, lichen, tree ferns and delicate orchids thriving amidst the hardier trees. Natural clearings in the forest create windows onto intoxicatingly beautiful panoramas, revealing the rugged silhouette of Hiunchuli and the knife-sharp traverse towards Annapurna South. Far below, to the left, the Modi Khola Valley stretches into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. After several hours of trekking, we will finally reach High camp, our destination for the day. The sight of snow-capped mountains and surrounding landscape will leave you in awe.  After reaching High Camp, we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch and dedicate the afternoon to relaxation, allowing ourselves time to acclimatise to the altitude, whilst enjoying the exquisite scenery.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trekking 7 hrs approx.
Grade Moderately Challenging

For most trekkers, today is the highlight of the trek. We will wake up early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas which turn snow into gold with the first rays of the sun. We walk with very light packs just containing warm clothes, camera and a breakfast snack. The trail is steep in place and requires concentration as we traverse an incredible ridgetop. After about 2 hours we will be at upper view point from where we have panoramic view of the Annapurna range including the south face of mighty Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain. We soak up our surroundings, enjoy our breakfast and once ready, we retrace our steps back to high camp and a hot cup of tea. We then pack up and follow the route back to Low Camp taking our lunch along the way.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Trekking 3.5 hrs approx. and 2 hrs drive
Grade Moderate

Today we follow a different route, leaving behind the familiar ridges and descending into the enchanting Mardi Valley. Immersed once again in the magical lush forest, reminiscent of a botanical wonderland, we make our way down well-crafted stone steps that wind down towards the valley floor. Over the morning, we drop more than 1400m, travelling mindfully and consciously to protect our knees, while enjoying the verdant beauty of the forest and the valley views around us.  As we transition out of the forest, we find ourselves in fertile farmland and marvel at the age-old rice terraces. Arriving at the farming village of Siding, we pause to enjoy a delightful lunch at a local teahouse, before boarding jeeps and journeying along rough unpaved roads out of the valley. As we look back, we see the ridge we traversed over the past four days, far above us, now exquisitely shrouded in clouds. The return drive to Pokhara takes around two hours, bringing us back to the comforts of civilization, where a restorative hot shower and another delicious dinner await us in a restaurant close to our hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. Once we touchdown in Kathmandu, we are greeted and escorted to the luxurious Hotel Tibet International.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to indulge in well-deserved rest and relaxation, to help you recharge and prepare yourself for the next stage of our exciting adventure. Alternatively, you are free to indulge in your own explorations or some shopping at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Distance 55 kms/1 hr drive
Thimphu local sightseeing: Buddha Point, Tashichhoe Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Craft Bazaar

After a hearty breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a spectacular flight following the contours of the majestic Himalayan Range, including a breathtaking glimpse of Mount Everest, before landing in Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, as you disembark, you’ll be greeted by Bhutan’s first refreshing gift of cool, crisp, pure mountain air. After clearing immigration procedures and baggage collection, our representative will be there with a warm welcome. We proceed on our way to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, with a picturesque stop en-route at Chuzom, where the Thimpu and Paro Rivers converge, and where you can see three different styles of stupas at the confluence. On arrive in Thimpu, we check into our hotel. As the capital town of Bhutan, and the government epicentre, Thimphu is a unique city, which harmoniously combines modern developments with ancient traditions. In the evening, you can take a leisurely walk along Thimpu Main Street and explore the bustling market area.  We rest overnight at the Hotel in Thimpu. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Distance 77 kms/1 hr 20 mins drive

Following Breakfast we leave on a scenic drive to Punakha, passing through the impressive Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,150 metres. Under the clear spring skies you can savour the panoramic view of the sublime Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Douchla Pass we will pause to admire the strikingly beautiful sight of 108 Chortens, or stupas, adorning the hillside. The Chortens were constructed as a symbol of prosperity and protection for His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan).  Additionally, we will visit Druk Wangyal Lhankhang, a temple dedicated to honouring His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck (the fourth King of Bhutan). The details of the temple weave a tale of past and future, telling an intricate narrative of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision transcended time and could perceive the distant future.  As we continue our journey, we make a stop at Lobessa Village to explore the renowned Chhimi Lhakhang, familiarly known as the Devine Madman’s Monastery. The monastery is famous for its fertility shrine, where one can seek a special fertility blessing. We also visit the Punakha Dzong, an impressive architectural marvel, famous for its three towers and stunning location at the confluence of two rivers. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful of Bhutan’s 21^st Dzongs. At night, we retreat to our hotel in Punakha for a restful overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Distance 132 kms/2 hrs 40 mins drive

After a nutritious breakfast, we journey back to the Paro valley through Dochula pass. Weather permitting, the route through the pass treats us once again to a stunning view of the Himalayan Ranges and the picturesque valleys beyond. Continuing our drive towards Paro, we are poised to undertake what we consider to be one of the most spectacular short walks in the world – an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, renowned for the most outstanding setting in Bhutan, and perhaps the world!  Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950 metres above sea level, this monastery defies conventional engineering logic.  Following a steep two-hour hike offering spectacular views and a final steep climb up an ingeniously engineered staircase we reach the monastery itself. On return to our boutique hotel, we will raise a toast to our unforgettable Himalayan adventure, and celebrate the wonderful connections made with our new friends at a bittersweet farewell dinner.  We stay overnight in the hotel in Paro. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Flight Distance 1923 kms/3 hrs 10 mins

After a final breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our departure flight to Bangkok. From there, you have the option to connect with your onward flight home, or extend your journey to explore further adventures in South East Asia.

Meals: Breakfast