Himalayan Kingdoms With Paro Festival (trip)
Himalayan Kingdoms With Paro Festival
- Kathmandu airport, Nepal
- Active & Adventure
| from $4,885* per person | 16 Days | March |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Destination Himalaya | 12 people max | |
On this, one of our newest cultural journeys, we begin by exploring the sites in and around the Kathmandu Valley, making our home at the legendary Yak & Yeti Hotel. We will wander the ancient byways and bazaars of exotic Kathmandu, will visit the Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples. After experiencing the best of Kathmandu, we make the short flight to Pokhara. Nestled on the banks of Phewa Lake, the mighty Nepali Himalaya tower above - including several of the range’s legendary peaks – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the iconic “fish-tail” peak of Machhapucchare, and, of course, the redoubtable Annapurnas.
Leaving the Hindu "kingdom" of Nepal, we fly across the high Himalaya (a breathtakingly beautiful mountain flight) to the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan’s greatest attractions are undoubtedly its glorious Himalayan and pastoral landscapes, and its vibrant and active Buddhist culture. Bhutan’s Buddhist festival, or tshechus, are immensely popular events and play an integral part in Bhutanese life. Dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, Bhutanese people attend the various festivals in celebration of purification and religious blessings. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the "thunderbolt step."
Both of our “Himalayan Kingdoms” departure will feature one of Bhutan’s finest festivals – the Wangdi Festival on our Fall departure and the Paro Festival on our Spring departure.
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Locations visited/nearby
India, Asia, Himalaya
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Destination Himalaya:
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Reviewer: Sandra M
located in
Palo Alto,
CA
USA
“Sanjay Saxena’s willingness to work with us and make changes we asked for was above and beyond, as was his availability….This is the best travel agency I have ever worked with and I’ve worked with many!”
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Reviewer: Bob & Marlene
located in
Ukiah,
CA
USA
" Various Tour Companies have taken us to 17 countries and all 7 continents. None has been better than our tour of Rajasthan with Destination Himalaya."
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Reviewer: Susan
located in
Foster City,
CA
USA
Last year I signed up to travel to Tibet (Sept 26 - Oct 11, 2009) to Everest North Face Base Camp with Destination Himalaya . This was my first trip traveling with DH. I was well informed on the difficulty of the trip and how physically fit I needed to be, including a medical checkup, vaccinations and evaluation by their medical consultant. We were supplied with an extensive list of ‘to does’: including visa, medical, insurance information and a very complete packing list including all the prescription and non prescription medications and medical supplies to bring. I did not have several expensive items (sleeping pad, sleeping bag & hiking poles) and rather than have me purchase them for a one time use, they were loaned to me at no charge!
Less than a week before departure, China closed the border of Tibet to foreigners. I thought the trip would be canceled. But no, Sanjay Saxena was able to change the itinerary to Nepal: Trekking to Everest: A Walk in the Khumbu Himal. They rearranged air flights & hotels & partnered with Peak Promotions in Katmandu, who did an outstanding job.
Mingmar Sherpa, who has summitted Everest three times, was our head guide. I always felt I was being watched over by all our sherpas, especially on difficult sections of the trail. The first day was particularly difficult for a few of us and it was going to be difficult for us to safely make our intended destination, so Sanjay arranged for us to spend the night in a closer lodge.
To top things off, our last day in Katmandu, we planned to take an early morning flight to view Everest. Since this was not included in our itinerary, we expected to pay for it, but Destination Himalaya paid for it!
Another unexpected surprise were the Dispatches from the Field: daily updates (photos & text) of our trip to their website so our friends and family could follow our trip! See them at:http://www.peakpromotionnepal.com/cybercast/dh/
I hope to travel with Destination Himalaya again this year - they have added Machu Picchu in Peru as a travel destination.
Itinerary
Day 1, March 3: DEPART USADay 2, March 4: ARRIVE BANGKOK
Day 3, March 5: TO KATHMANDU – Today we fly from Bangkok to fabled Kathmandu, capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. Kathmandu is living history, where the modern and ancient continue to mingle. It is an unforgettable experience to wander the mysterious bazaars of old Kathmandu, and this afternoon we can take a walking tour of locales such as the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka and Kathmandu’s incomparable bazaars.
Day 4, March 6: EXPLORING KATHMANDU – Our tour of Kathmandu continues as we explore the photogenic Buddhist stupa at Swayambunath and visit the vibrant Tibetan community at Bodnath. We will also visit the sacred Hindu temple at Pashupatinath, a major pilgrimage site for the Hindu faithful.
Day 5, March 7: EXPLORING KATHMANDU – Explore the ancient temple city of Bhaktapur and nearby Patan, including the rug-weaving center of Refugee Tibetans.
Day 6, March 8: TO POKHARA – Today we make the short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara in Central Nepal. Nestled in the Pokhara Valley, the city of Pokhara is surrounded by the towering Himalaya, including several of the range’s legendary peaks – Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the iconic “fish-tail” peak of Machhapucchare, and, of course, the redoubtable Annapurnas.
Day 7, March 9: EXPLORING POKHARA- We can revel in the glory of the mighty Himalaya as we take a day hike and a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Day 8, March 10: TO KATHMANDU – Bidding farewell to Pokhara and the Annapurna Range, we make the return flight to Kathmandu.
Day 9, March 11: TO THIMPHU– This morning we fly from Kathmandu to Paro in Bhutan. Weather permitting, we will have some amazing views of the towering Himalayas. You will be met on arrival at Paro, and will be transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Day 10, March 12: EXPLORING THIMPHU - We will continue exploring Thimphu, visiting the Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School), the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, and the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity.
Day 11, March 13: TO PUNAKHA - Driving over Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft), with impressive views of Himalayan giants, we descend into Punakha Valley.
Day 12, March 14: EXPLORING PUNAKHA, TO PARO - We take an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility and the Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. This afternoon we make the return drive to the “idyllic” Paro Valley.
Day 13, March 15: PARO FESTIVAL – Visit the Paro Dzong to attend the Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most important Buddhist festivals. Here you can see the unfurling of the giant thangka of Guru Rinpoche, and immerse yourself in the vibrant costumes, wonderful music and exciting dances that make Bhutanese festivals so unique.
Day 14, March 16: EXPLORING PARO - While in Paro, we will visit historic sites such as Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, as well as the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche’s “Tiger’s Nest.”
Day 15, March 17: TO BANGKOK - Today we leave Bhutan, taking the return flight from Paro to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok for return flight to the USA the next day.
Day 16, March 18: ARRIVE USA – Departing Bangkok, you arrive in the USA later the same day.
More information from Destination Himalaya:
- View trip on provider's website
www.destinationhimalaya.net/bhutan/ITN-HimKingParo.php… - Company profile, experience, and history
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