Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by a JOURNEYS staff member at the airport and transferred to your Western-style hotel. Your guides will be available for advice on everything from how to bargain to choosing restaurants to learning a little bit of the Nepali language. You will have some time to just relax, or to nibble at the feast of new experiences in this exotic city. Later there will be a brief orientation.
   
Meals: None
Lodging: International Guesthouse or Kantapur Hotel or similar   
Day 2      Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Enjoy a half day of guided sightseeing in Bodhnath and Pasupatinath. Boddhanath is a great white half dome with the Eyes of Buddha painted on it. It is one of the most famous cultural icons of Nepal. Boddhanath is a site of very active worship and many Tibetan-type Buddhist monasteries representing sects from Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, and different areas of Nepal and India. Nowhere on earth will you encounter such a concentration or Tibetan Buddhist activity. Non-Buddhists cannot appreciate the great holiness of this location and its significance as a growing, glowing, radiant center of spiritual attraction. Not far away you will visit one of the most holy and venerated of all Hindu temples, Pasupatinath. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the golden-roofed pagoda-style temple, but you can glimpse the great golden bull through the doorway. A great pilgrimage occurs here in February attracting Hindu ascetics and devout worshippers from all areas of the Hindu world. Monkeys are everywhere around the grounds, riverside creations are often taking place and there is always a colorful and often bizarre area of visitors encamped in the general area. Your afternoon is free to do some of your own explorations.
   

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: International Guesthouse or Kantipur Hotel or similar   
Day 3      Lukla / Dudh Kosi

Transfer to the Kathmandu airport for your flight on a double-engine Twin Otter plane to Lukla, at 9,000’ elevation. The flight to Lukla is always thrilling, through a deep valley between towering snow-capped ridges. The plane turns and you actually land going uphill.

The air is clear, clean and cool.  Smell the pine trees and juniper incense, listen for the yak bells. Your local guide will be waiting for you with a porter or a yak to transport your gear while you carry a light daypack.  The first day’s walk may take you 4-6 hours, depending on your pace.  The path is gentle with little elevation gain; you’ll hike down to meet the Dudh Kosi River and then up along the river’s edge. You can’t see Everest yet, but you will likely see many other snow capped peaks. Stop overnight at a Sherpa guest house in Monjo.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Sherpa guest house   
Day 4      Hike to Namche

Today’s hike is up, up, up. You set your pace. You will feel the altitude if you have not noticed it already, but the increasingly dramatic vistas of high peaks, possibly including your first glimpses of Everest, will energize your effort.   Finally, after three or four hours of hiking, you round a corner and behold the colorful village of Namche Bazaar. Located in a natural amphitheater at 11,000’, Namche is the cultural and economic heart of the Sherpa world. Hundreds of Sherpa Buddhist families live here in traditional white homes with green and red wood trim; thousands of bright prayer flags flap in the breezes.

Moonlight Lodge is perched near the top of the natural bowl that cradles the town. From the ridge top, gaze on a 360 degree panorama of towering snowy peaks, secluded monasteries, high yak pastures and the alpine slopes of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park. Expeditions to Everest and her sister peaks all pass this way, and now it’s your turn.  Natang Sherpa and his family will welcome you with a kata (ceremonial scarf) and tea.  Relax and  enjoy the friendly mountains cape environs of your Sherpa lodge base camp.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Moonlight Lodge   
Day 5      Settling into Moonlight Lodge

On your first full day in Namche we recommend you take it easy to acclimatize to the elevation. Stroll in the bazaar, stop at the National Park Visitors’ Center, or find a viewpoint to admire Everest. It is said that conversation is the national sport of Nepal, so jump in. The locals will want to know about you, and will be open about their lives and customs. Almost every Namche family has members who have scaled the highest Himalayan peaks as part of international expeditions; if you enjoy mountaineering lore, ask for stories. As your hosts come to understand your interests and evaluate your adaptation to the altitude they can help you formulate an exploration program for the next few days. Note – Internet connections and local cell phone service are available.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Moonlight Lodge   
Day 6      Enjoying your Namche Base

Over the next four days, or however long you choose to stay, you will have a multitude of half-day and full-day options in and around Namche, in Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park, in the nearby villages of Kunde and Kumjung, and in the village and monastery of Thame.

In Namche, spend time with the members of your household. Learn to cook Sherpa stew or mo-mo’s (meat or veggie dumplings). Note the effort that the community has expended to protect the environment from the seasonal influx of climbers and trekkers. There’s a kerosene depot to deter wood-cutting. The electricity lines are underground. There are impressive applications of wind, solar and water power. No glass bottles are permitted. Note the mountaineering gear (left from expeditions) and Tibetan art in the shops. On Saturdays, the weekly market causes the population to quadruple. Farmers and merchants from lower elevations may walk several days to bring fresh produce, Indian goods and hardware from the plains.  Sherpas from the many valleys above Namche come to purchase these goods and trade their milk products, potatoes and yak hair goods.

A short walk in one direction offers superb views of Everest, as well as the dramatic peaks of Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. In another direction your hosts will suggest where you can find Himalayan tahr and musk deer, prey species of the snow leopard which has been seen just a few hours walk from your lodge.

Namche is actually part of the one of the world's most unique national parks. Created in 1976, to protect more than 1100 sq. kilometers of peaks and glaciers and forests, Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) N.P. also includes Sherpa villages, farmland and yak pastures. The park management plan recognizes that traditional Sherpa culture is as important to protect as the wildlife and forests. Learn about programs of reforestation, trail maintenance, erosion control, hydro power and wildlife management. No animals may be killed within the park and collection of wood is strictly controlled. The result has been an increased standard of living and a stabilized natural ecology. Animals such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, blood pheasants are quite tame and easy to observe. Snow leopards, long absent from the area, now inhabit several of the valleys close to Namche.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Moonlight Lodge   
Day 7      Thame or Tengboche Monastery

Opt for a day hike to Thame or an overnight to Tengboche. These are the sites of the two most important Sherpa Buddhist Monasteries.

Most Everest trekkers are unaware that the side trip to Thame village is one of the most historic, scenic and wildlife-rich experiences in the Khumbu region.   Tenzing Norgay (who with Edmund Hillary achieved the first summitting of Everest in 1953) was born in Thame, as was Pemba Sherpa, a co-founder of JOURNEYS. The trail from Namche to Thame is the first leg of the long trip over the Nangpa La and into Tibet.  The Chinese have closed this route to official travel, but Tibetan refugees escaping persecution in Tibet still sometimes risk their lives to cross the 20,000’ pass. Thame is one of the prettiest villages in Nepal where two long glacial valleys converge. Snow leopards prowl these slopes.  In spring the rhododendrons bloom across vast hillsides. In summer the meadows bloom with rich  wildflowers.

If you are undaunted by the steepness of the trail or the thinness of the air so far, consider the 5-6 hour trek to Tengboche Monastery.  It’s a long climb up through a sacred forest to finally reach Tengboche at 12,750’ elevation.  The view is spectacular.  It seems there is little between you and the peak of Everest, but for most people the Everest climbing base camp is still three long days’ walk  and  a mile of elevation away. Camp or spend the night in the monastery guest house, and observe temple chanting and other rituals.

Or... on to Everest Base Camp! Stretch your Khumbu experience by continuing to trek past Tengboche to the phenomenal site where multiple mountaineering expeditions set up their base each fall and spring. The round-trip adds 5-6 days to this itinerary.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Moonlight Lodge or Tengboche   
Day 8      Kunde and Khumjung

The twin villages of Kunde and Khumjung can be reached by a 90 minute walk from Namche or on your return hike from Tengboche.

These "classic" Sherpa villages are off the main expedition route and less commercial than Namche. Here beautiful traditional homes are surrounded by large potato fields. Khumjung is the site of the largest school established by the Hillary Trust, a model of pre-K to Grade 10 education, said to be as good as the best schools in the capital. Kunde is the site of the first and most famous of the Hillary Hospitals. You can visit both.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Moonlight Lodge   
Day 9      Return to Lukla

On your second to last day, say good bye to your host family after breakfast and enjoy a leisurely retracing of your trail back to Lukla.  It is much easier going down,  after having acclimatizing so you may find yourself with more energy and awareness to take pictures, watch for wildlife or chat with the people along the way.  You can easily walk all the way to Lukla in a day where you will have dinner and stay in a local guest house.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Local guest house   
Day 10      Return to Kathmandu

The take-off from Lukla is as spectacular as the landing, but the terrain now has a familiarity. Enjoy the 30 minute flight back to Kathmandu, and please remember your Sherpa friends. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
   

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: International Guesthouse or Kantipur Hotel or similar   
Day 11      Kathmandu

Today you'll visit the third and most ancient city of the Kathmandu Valley – Bhaktapur. Once a separate kingdom, Bhaktapur still retains the architecture and design of a feudal state focused on artistic and religious glorification. You will feel you are walking back in time strolling through the core of the old city now preserved and interpreted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to look in the shops to observe potters, weavers, brass makers, religious artisans, Brahmin priests and spice merchants carrying out their professions as they have done here for hundreds of years. Enjoy your lunch at one of the rooftop restaurants. Return to Kathmandu where the rest of the day is free to explore.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: International Guesthouse or Kantipur Hotel or similar   
Day 12      Kathmandu / Paro / Thimphu

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Paro (ETD11:05 am/ETA 12:20 pm - Tue, Thu, Sun only). During this flight on Druk Air, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The landing in Paro is dramatic, on the single runway at the bottom of a long valley with snowy peaks on either side. Drive about two hours to Thimphu and savor the serenity of Bhutan and the opportunity to converse with your guide. The afternoon and evening are free to rest or walk around Thimphu (7,380’). This is the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. In sports fields, men and women love to practice archery, the national sport. Note the traditional dress: kiras, long wrap-around dresses, for women, and ghos, knee-length robes, for men. Here the modern meets the medieval. There are automobiles and storefronts, but a few blocks from the main street, farmers are still plowing with oxen and bright red chili peppers are drying on rooftops. Roads quickly become footpaths as they lead up steep mountainsides.

Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge. Expect modern Western style bath and toilet, hot water, electricity and colorful tantric Buddhist-themed decor. Possible internet access in lobby.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Bhutanese style lodge   
Day 13      Thimpu / Cultural Institutions & Market

There are many choices of activities today. Thimphu is the site of many national institutions which preserve history and perpetuate the pursuit of Gross National Happiness as a national goal. You may want to visit the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library of Ancient Texts, National Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Royal Academy of Performing Arts, or one of several traditional artist-training programs.

Not far from Thimphu there are numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Depending on your fitness and ambition you can choose some combination of auto and hiking to visit one or more of them and possibly observe some ceremonial activity.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Traditional Bhutanese style hotel   
Day 14      Thimpu / Dzongs and Hikes

On your second day in Thimphu you may want to see more of the city sites or venture a bit farther afield on foot or by car. Bhutan’s most striking buildings are the dzongs – huge, traditionally designed structures that serve as municipal administrative headquarters and as religious centers. On Saturdays the Week-end Market is a great way to experience local life. Throngs of Bhutanese from Thimipu and from great distances gather to sell their vegetables, traditional masks and textiles, incense, and jewelry.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, built in 1216 and completely renovated between 1962 and 1969 without the use of nails or written plans. Also visit Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Bliss), an active monastery with 500 monks. Earn a fantastic view at Changangkha Lhakhang, an old fortress temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu.

If you would like to get a taste of trekking and nature observation, consider day hikes of 2-4 hours to visit Drolay Gomba, Lungchuzekha Gomba, Phajoding Gomba, Trashigang Gomba. Your guide will help you decide which is the best choice based upon weather, season, and potential wildlife or temple ceremonies you might witness.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Traditional Bhutanese style hotel   
Day 15      Thimphu / Punakha

After breakfast, make the three hour drive to Punakha. Blessed with temperate climate and fed by the Pho-chu (male) and Mo-chu (female) Rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country.  Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital and is even today the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. The Punakha Dzong was built at the confluence of the Pho-chu and Mo-chu Rivers in 1638 by Shabdrung and renovated from 1994-2003 with detailed arts and crafts. Punakha is also home to many different types of Himalayan birds including the heron, kingfisher, laping, ibis bill, shell duck and cormorant, which all migrate in the winter. Here, visit Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan's dzongs, which served as the seat of the government for many years.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Traditional Bhutanese style hotel   
Day 16      Punakha / Paro

Spend the morning exploring in Punakha before making the five hour drive to Paro, located on the banks of the Paro Chhu (River) in the center of an open valley. Today and tomorrow, there are various options for your visit. If you want to learn more about Buddhism, archaeology and history consider touring Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the most impressive dzongs in all Bhutan, a large Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist Monastery and fortress housing the monastic body and government offices. From here there are famous views of the wooden covered bridge known as Nyamai Zam. Enjoy the fantastic architecture of Ugyen Pelri Thang Palace (the residence of the Queen Mother) and fine temples including Druk Choeding built in 1525 and Dumtse Lhakhang built in 1433. Ta Dzong, in the shape of a conch shell, contains a superb collection of ancient and modern religious Thangka paintings.

JOURNEYS travelers love to accept the invitations of local farmers to visit inside their colorful farmhouses. Traditionally built with mud walls and wooden frames without nails, these houses are normally three stories high with the ground floor used for the animals, the second floor used as the family living quarters, and the third floor generally used to store food and hay.
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Traditional Bhutanese style hotel   
Day 17      Paro / Tiger's Nest (Tatksang Monastery)

Visit more of Paro or go farther afield. The most classic half-day hike in Bhutan is the climb to famous Tiger’s Nest (Tatksang) Monastery on the side of a cliff almost 3,000 feet above the Paro valley. You can hike two hours up to the monastery, ride a horse or view it from the road. From Tiger’s Nest, drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong for spectacular views Mount Chomolhari. You might also stop at Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan, thought to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.

If your schedule allows you to insert another day in Bhutan, we recommend visiting the ancient Haa Valley. Occupied since before the sixth century but first opened to foreigners in 2002, this area remains largely undeveloped and infrequently visited by tourists. Visit the Haa Dzong and the surrounding monasteries. This is an especially good option if the weather is clear; the ridge you cross between Paro and Ha has some of the best mountain views in this part of Bhutan.
   

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Traditional Bhutanese style hotel   
Day 18      Paro / Onward

A morning flight takes you back to Delhi or Bangkok.
   
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: None

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