Iconic
Himalaya
Nepal-Butan

Purple Orange Grass

 

With over 20 years of adventures and friendships across the greater Himalayan range,  Himalayan Region expert, Chris Jones, shares his deep knowledge of the region with you alongside our expert local guides on a moderately-graded, intrepid journey across the mountains of Nepal and to the enigmatic Kingdom of Bhutan.

This iconic 12 day journey begins in Kathmandu, spending 5 days on a spectacular classic Himalayan trek before taking a scenic flight alongside Mount Everest and the majestic Himalayan range to the mystical Kingdom of Bhutan. There we spend 4 days immersing ourselves in Buddhist culture, exploring ancient monasteries and marvelling at the awe-inspiring Himalayan architecture.

Purple grass


The best short walk in Nepal and an introduction to the unique culture and landscapes of Bhutan.


To undertake this walking-focused journey, it is essential to have moderate fitness levels and good stamina.  We also recommend that you bring a sense of adventure and curiosity.  The multi-day trekking portion of our journey is to the Mardi Himal region of the Annapurnas, widely regarded as one of the best short treks in Nepal.  Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of different peaks and terraced hills and explore the stunning Himalayan cloud forest adorned with vibrant blooms of rhododendron and magnolia, ancient pines and oak trees. Local porters will assist by carrying our kitbags, and you will only need to carry a light day pack each day.

On this trek you will be negotiating across high ridges offering continuous, magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna to the west as well as the Manaslu mountain range to the east. The dramatic South Face of Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) will tower above us as we trek to Mardi Himal.  Along the trek, our accommodation will be in local lodges where we will have the opportunity to sample delicious local cuisines. In Bhutan we will enjoy comfortable stays in Bhutanese-style hotels, travelling by road and undertaking short walks each day. On our final full day in Bhutan we embark on one of the most spectacular short walks in the world, hiking up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

As you may be aware, Bhutan has a strict Government Sustainable Development Policy which stipulates a Sustainable Development Fee of US$100/day in line with their High Value/Low Volume approach to tourism and cultural preservation. This fee is included in the tour price.



 

Iconic Himalaya location map

Iconic Himalaya at a glance

Location: Nepal and Bhutan
Style: Small Group, fully guided
Duration: 12 Days
Walking: 50+kms
Grade: Moderately Challenging
Group size: 4-12 guests
Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhutan. Local trekking lodges on the trail.
Cost: AUD $8,900pp   Note: Price includes 3 regional flights with total value AUD 1300
Kathmandu - Pokhara, Kathmandu - Paro, Paro - Bangkok

 

Iconic-himalaya-map

 

Your trip itinerary

Trip Departures

Sun 13 Oct
Fri 25 Oct
12 days
On Request
From $8,900 PP

Sun 12 Oct
Fri 24 Oct
12 days
On Request
From $8,900 PP
Divider grass top buff

Inclusions

  • Visa
  • Insurance (compulsory on all trips – ensure you are adequately covered for emergency evacuation by helicopter)
  • Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Spending of a personal nature, eg laundry, snacks and drinks, souvenirs, etc
  • Crew tips – please allow AUD$20 per trekking day
  • International flights & departure taxes
  • Accommodation at heritage and boutique hotels on twin share basis
  • 3 meals per day
  • All transportation and local Bhutanese guide. SDF is included in the quote.
  • Thimphu – Namgay Heritage Hotel
  • Paro – Naksel Boutique Hotel
  • Punakha – Densa Boutique Hotel
  • Flights: Kathmandu to Paro (KTM – PHB) US$266.00
  • Paro to Bangkok (PHB – BKK) US$500.00
  • Single supplement is USD $360.00 Per person
  • Spending of a personal nature, eg laundry, snacks and drinks, souvenirs, etc
  • Any tips to guides or staff
  • Airport transfers
  • Domestic flight to/from Pokhara and domestic departure taxes
  • All other transport
  • Services of experienced trekking guides and porters
  • All accommodation (twin share, 4 nights hotels, 4 nights trekking lodges)
  • Meals on trek (8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
  • Meals in Pokhara
  • Trek pack (sleeping bag, down jacket, kit bag, sleeping sheet)
  • Annapurna conservation park fee
  • Trekking permit
  • Specialised medical kit including medical oxygen
  • Insurance for all local staff

Questions we often get asked

You can view our Terms and Conditions here.

You may check availability, and make a booking through our website, or by calling or emailing our reservations team. A deposit of $500 is required to confirm your booking.

Once your booking has been made, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email and you’ll be asked to complete your guest information via our online portal. All guests travelling who are aged 18 or over must complete this information themselves. For all guests aged 17 or under, the information must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.

Anyone who is in good health and mentally prepared can take part in our treks. Some treks however are more strenuous and entail many days at higher altitude. Please read the trip notes carefully and pay heed to the trip gradings. Contact Iconic Walks for advice in order to make a suitable trek selection.

It is your responsibility to advise Iconic Walks of any pre-existing medical conditions and health concerns that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention whilst trekking. Space is provided on the booking form to do this. In some cases, Iconic Walks may request you provide medical clearance from your doctor before accepting your booking. You are also advised to visit your Doctor (and Dentist) before travelling and to adhere to current vaccination recommendations.

To get to Nepal, take your normal suitcase or large travel pack with a couple of padlocks, and bring your smaller trekking day pack inside or as hand luggage. In Kathmandu, you will just need casual clothes such as jeans or a skirt, plus a light jacket if the evenings get cool.

While you are away on your trek, you can leave your city clothes (and anything else you don’t want to take) locked away in your suitcase and placed in safe storage at your arrival hotel. It will be ready for your collection when you return.

In addition, you will also be able to leave all your valuables (including passport, documentation, airline tickets, credit card, and jewellery) in a safety deposit box at the hotel for the duration of your trek.

We suggest you use the items on our downloadable packing list as a check list when you pack. Toiletries such as tissues, toilet paper, wet wipes, sunscreen, toothpaste etc are all readily available in Kathmandu. All trekking clothes and equipment are also available. Remember that a down jacket will be provided in your trek pack if the season/trek warrants it. Also a map relevant to your trek will be provided.

A single Supplement fee does not apply for solo travellers as long as they are happy to share with other solo travellers.  If a single supplement is requested this may be available for hotels but may not be available for trekking lodges. Please contact us to clarify.

There may be some rare situations (multi-day airplane delays due to dangerous weather, road blockage due to landside or other impassable conditions), where a client may opt for an expensive, but more immediate return to Kathmandu by helicopter. This also includes situations where a client opts for a helicopter trip in order to return home early due to an emergency or due to a health issue that may arise during the trip. In any of these cases, the expense of any helicopter flight is the sole responsibility of the client.

A single traveller can share a room with another single traveler. The tour price is based on twinshare accomodation at the hotels and trekking lodges listed in the itinerary.

If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. 

The date of cancellation is the date that we receive written notice of the cancellation; and if the cancellation is made:

  • More than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded to you;
  • Between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full walk cost with the balance refunded to you; or
  • Within 60 days of departure, no refund is available.

Insurance is compulsory on all international Iconic Walks trips. Your policy must cover accidents, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation including helicopter rescue, air ambulance, and personal liability. We also recommend your insurance policy covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. You are required to carry proof of insurance with you, and to provide it if requested by Iconic Walks staff employees.

Visas can be obtained prior to leaving home, or upon arrival. To obtain your visa upon arrival in Nepal you will need a valid passport ( at least 6 months), two passport size photos and the visa fee (US $30 for 60 days single entry and US $80 for 60 days multiple entries) payable by cash. Guests planning on returning to Nepal after time in Bhutan should obtain a multiple entry Nepal visa. Travellers Cheques and Cash of all major various currencies are readily exchangeable in Kathmandu. ATMs are available Kathmandu and Pokhara, but do not rely completely on being able to access your savings account through an ATM . Have a back up plan!

A deposit of $500 per person must be paid to secure your booking.  If you are not ready to make a booking, but would like to hold spaces whilst you finalise your plans, we can arrange that as well. Please discuss with our reservations team.