Himalayan Kingdom

As recently as 1961 all entry into was still on horse back. Druk-yul, the land of the thunder dragon is only just emerging from the mists of its self-imposed isolation. The last Shangrila is an exotic land of high mountains and lush valleys, snow clad peaks with clear running springs, a pristine ecology and an incredible wealth of wildlife.

A most striking feature of Bhutan is its architecture. The style and color which characterize every building and house in the kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. The Dzongs themselves – imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without drawing and without a single nail, are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Patterns of rich colors adorn every wall, beam, pillar and door in traditional splendor.

Nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, the simple pleasure that this country offers gives a sense of kinship with the people and their love for the land. Essentially a rural country with 90 per cent of the people engaged in agriculture or raising livestock, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist, practicing the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism.

Day 1: Bangkok – Paro –

Fly Bangkok/Paro on Bhutan Airlines : Depart Bangkok at 0630 hrs and arrive Paro at 0955 hrs.

As the flight nears Bhutan, we see striking views of the great Himalayan Range. Landing in Paro valley is a perfect entry into this other world, with its transparent purity of air and absorbing serenity.

Visas get processed at immigration, following which we meet with our Bhutanese guide and companion who will be with us through our stay. From the airport, proceed on an hour’s drive via a picturesque countryside to the capital Thimphu, situated in a large valley, traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks.

Check-in at Amankora and have a leisurely lunch and afternoon….which is also helpful for acclimatization.

Lunch and the afternoon is placed at leisure, following our early departure from Thailand. This will also help acclimatize.

In the evening, take a walk down Thimphu’s `high street’ with little shops of all description. There’s always a colorful gathering passing, from ubiquitous monk bodies to Bhutanese businessmen to nomadic farmers that come to trade supplies.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of this Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom… and there’s no better introduction than Memorial Chorten with its golden spires shining in the sun, its tinkling bells and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. Erected by the royal grandmother Ashi Photoshop Chagrin in memory of her son, it contains a fine collection of Buddhist statues and is a center of tantric Buddhism in all its complexity.

Our next stop is at the Folk Heritage Museum founded by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Dorji Wangchuck, dedicated to connecting visitors with Bhutan’s rural past through an exhibition of items and artifacts used in households, demonstrating customs, habits and skills. The principal exhibit is the museum building itself which is a restored three-story traditional rammed mud and timber house.

Not far away is the Textile Museum, co-founded by Melinda Gates, displaying old textiles and artifacts belonging to various tribes around Bhutan.

After lunch at Amankora, we begin our afternoon activity at Changangkha Lhakhang, the fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu. Established far back in the 12th century on a site chosen by the Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (credited for introducing the Mask dances of Tibet) the temple is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the Buddhist emanation of compassion.

Onward to the nearby Buddha Dordenma Statue of Shakyamuni measuring 169 feet, made from bronze and gilded in gold. Located at the highest point, it offers great views of the city and Thimphu Valley.

As evening falls we see the Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress and summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. The king’s Throne Room and government offices are also located within.

This evening, we visit Aum Yangzom and her family for a traditional Bhutanese dinner. Yangzom is locally referred to us `Nangi Aum’ or lady of the house. Joining us is the Venerable Mynak R. Tulku Rinpoche, Reincarnate, from the leading Sakya Monastery of Eastern Tibet and Senior Director at the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Government of Bhutan. He has also held various positions in the Royal Government such as Ministry of Finance, Director - National Museum, Paro and Director – National Library and Archives.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

This morning, checkout and take a drive to Punakha. Soon after leaving Thimphu, we encounter Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress built in 1629 by Shabdrung , who was responsible for the unification of Bhutan. The place serves as an administrative center, and these days a language school where scholars teach both , the national language and English.

From Simtokha, the road ascends gradually to at over 10,300 ft, with magnificent vistas of the Himalayas. Dochula Monastery, also known as Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens is a tribute to the service and leadership of His Majesty, and its design, inspired by queen, is a unique cluster of 108 Chortens (or Buddhist shrines) seen from all directions.

Descending into Punakha valley is vibrant and colorful with fluttering prayer flags adding to a rich topography, dotted by terrace farming and rivers flowing through. We stay at the alluring Uma Punakha lodge, with its great location overlooking a snake like bend in the Mo Chhu river.

After lunch, we take in some of Punakha’s highlights; Punakha’s historic Dzong sprawled at the confluence of the Pochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers, was built in 1637 and serves as the Winter Residence of Head Abbot Je Khenpo and headquarters of the district administration.

We also visit , said to be built by the great lama Drukpa Kinley in 1400 to subdue local demons. This temple, specially revered by women for its fertility powers, is a popular pilgrimage point for Bhutanese.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha – Phobjikha (Gangtey)

After breakfast, leave Punakha on a three hour drive to Phobjikha, the glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, which border a National Park. We arrive in the late afternoon and stay at the charming Gangtey Goenpa Lodge.

Phobjikha is famous as a winter residence of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate each year between October and February from Tibet. The valley and surrounding hills are also home to barking deer, wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red fox.

The Gangtey Goemba (monastery) overlooking Phobjikha valley was built in 1613. Resident monks in this monastery remain in retreat and meditation isolated from the outside world for a minimum of three years. We have a special arrangement for a brief audience with some senior faculty.

The evening is well spent with short walks in this picturesque valley.

Overnight in Phobjikha.

Day 5: Phobjikha – Jakar (Bumthang)

Early morning, we witness a special ritual performed by monks towards cleansing one’s sins and gaining merit.

After breakfast, depart Gangtey for Trongsa passing through Pele La Pass at 3390 meters (11,122 feet) surrounded by the Black Mountain National Park. En route stop at Chendebji village and visit the local chorten which is patterned after the famous Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu. The chorten built by Lama Shida from Tibet was a popular night halt for mule caravans traveling to Trongsa….

Visit , most impressive in the kingdom with its aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. A walk through the Dzong’s rambling collection of buildings of yellow roofs, trailing down a ridge with a succession of street-like corridors, white stone stairs and beautiful stone courtyards, feels like a journey through a medieval era. The only mule and foot trail between eastern and western Bhutan, led through the Trongsa Dzong giving the (Governor) complete control over all east-west travel in the country. There are extensive wood carvings, paintings of a medieval court and guardians of the four directions. This is also the ancestral home of the Bhutan royal family, with a tradition even now that the crown prince serves as a Trongsa Penlop before acceding to the throne.

Above the Dzong is a collection of three watch towers known as Ta Dzong, built impressively to serve as a guardian against internal rebellion.

We have a picnic lunch prepared by the Gangtey Lodge before continuing on our drive to Jakar through Yotong-La pass then descending via a thick coniferous belt into the wide valley of Gaytsa, a rare sight of open flat land in Bhutan.

Prior to arriving into Jakar, we make a brief stop at Zungney village, known for its traditional wood carving and `Yatra’, a hand spun, hand woven wool with specific patterns and geometric designs.

We stay at Amankora lodge, adjacent to the Wangdichholing Palace of the first king of Bhutan, in an area surrounded by apple orchards and pear trees.

Bumthang Valley in central Bhutan is a mine of cultural wealth with many palaces, temples and monasteries and Jakar is its provincial capital and major trading center.

Overnight in Jakar.

Day 6: Jakar

After an early breakfast, we depart for Ura valley, distinct with its round sweeping slopes, rich pasture and wide fields, with one of the most attractive and interesting villages in Bhutan. The journey itself is across forests of blue pine with wonderful views of Choskar and Chhumey valleys. The village, dominated by a community monastery, is a cluster of large homes, connected via paved alleys of stone, a rare sight in Bhutan. We explore, visiting locals in their homes and getting a feel of Central Bhutanese lifestyle.

Return to the Amankora around lunch time.

Spend the afternoon further exploring this interesting province, visiting Kurjey Lakhang, and Wangdichholing Palace.

Kurjey Lhakhang is named after a body print in the rock made by tantric master Guru Rinpoche while meditating there. The imprint is preserved in a cave in the oldest of three buildings that make up the temple complex. Below the roof of the first temple, built in 1652 is a figure of a white lion in the clutches of a Garuda – representing the Guru’s struggle with local demon Shelging Karpo. Bhutanese crawl through a narrow rock tunnel at the entrance to the lower floor to “leave their sins behind”. On the upper floor are a thousand statues of Guru Rinpoche.

The Jakar Dzong, built to commemorate the defeat of the Tibetan invasion in 1644, is known as “the castle of the white bird” and is the largest of its type in Bhutan with a circumference of 5000 feet.

Overnight in Jakar.

Day 7: Jakar – Paro

After breakfast, we take a 30 minute Druk Air flight returning to Paro.

Paro retains its bucolic nature in spite of the existence of development projects. Fields of brown or green depending on the season cover most of the valley floor while hamlets and isolated farms dot the landscape. We stay at the Uma Paro resort, formerly the home of a Bhutanese nobleman, overlooking the Paro valley.

This afternoon, we may choose to visit the Paro Dzong or Rinpong Dzong meaning “the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”. Initiated in the early 15th century as a little fort, its rulers presented it to the religious and political authority who constructed a much more commanding fortress in 1646. Almost burnt to the ground in 1907 it was rebuilt on the same design with money raised via a special tax levied throughout Bhutan. Today the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro and also contains the state monastic community of about 200 members. The Central tower and galleries are amongst the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork and classical paintings of Buddhist cosmology representing the universe as seen by two different philosophic streams.

Return to our transport crossing the traditional wooden covered bridge called NYAMAI-ZAM which

spans the Paro river. Earlier, in times of war, this bridge was removed each time to protect the Dzong.

Take a walk down Paro’s main street, straight and windswept, its occasional idlers leaning against store- fronts. An opportunity to interact with local Bhutanese and visit their interesting small shops that provide basic necessities. Before returning to our hotel, we have an invitation to visit Paro’s ancient Choeding Temple to witness evening prayer chants of Buddhist Monks.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Paro

Our final day in Bhutan is spent hiking to one of the most revered pilgrimage spots in the Buddhist world, the Taktshang Lhakhang, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest, perched precariously on a sheer rock face 3000 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rinpoche arrived in here more than a millennium ago on the back of a tigress. He meditated for 3 months in a cave, which has been converted into this monastery. The only sounds heard here are the murmurs of wind, water and chanting of monks.

Our initial ascent is along a mule track, passing through pine forests, colorfully festooned with prayer flags. A Cafeteria at the midway point provides rest, refreshments and wonderful views of the Monastery across the ravine. Our onward trek is not all incline and gets very scenic, with only the sound of waterfall interrupting the serenity.

After visiting the monastery, we return halfway to the Cafeteria for a hot lunch, before descending back to base.

The evening is at leisure with an option to revisit Paro town.

For our final night in Bhutan, we are joined by Mr. Khempo Tashi, Director of the National Museum, Author and authority on Buddhist painting, literature and philosophy. A favorite subject for Khempo is the unique aspect of Bhutan’s GNP or `Gross National Happiness’.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 9: Paro – Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the Bhutan Airways flight which departs Paro at 8:30 a.m., arriving Kathmandu at 9:20 a.m.

The past is also its present Home to eight of the ten tallest peaks in the world, the tiny mountain kingdom of Nepal, ringed by the Himalayas is a land of contrasts harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. The colorful capital city Kathmandu – at once ancient and modern, natural and urban reflects 2000 years of truly peaceful co-existence, producing a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is distinctly Nepalese in character. Nepal is nearly 75% mountain while it’s Terai, is fertile, low-lying, hot and humid. Once covered with dense forest that supported only wildlife, recent years have been seen deforestation making it a hub of a growing population.

Meet at immigration, special assistance with visa issuance and then transfer 15 minutes to the Dwarikas hotel….or luxury home stay as we like to call it.

The Dwarikas has been written about as “walking into a living breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th century. Its rooms and public areas are indeed a reflection of medieval architectural traditions. Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards….one for the city of Bhaktapur and the other for Dwarikas. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.

Later this morning, visit nearby Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples, World Heritage and a major pilgrimage place dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated amidst a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilded roof and richly carved silver door. Our experience is from the opposite east bank, as only Hindus are permitted to enter the sanctum.

In the late afternoon, we see the amazing Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest of its kind in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behavior. The Stupa, commissioned by King Mandeva is built on an octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels and ringed with homes of Lamas or Buddhist priests. During our visit, arrangements are made to visit a nearby monastery and meet with a senior monk.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Kathmandu

After breakfast in the Dwarikas courtyard, we take a drive to Patan, one of the three royal cities that existed in the valley. Commissioned by the great Indian Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century, this World Heritage township, enclosed within four stupas is popularly referred to as the City of Fine Arts. The temples around the main square are impressive as is the Patan Museum, housed within a picturesque setting of the palace and acclaimed as the finest of its type in south Asia. In an international campaign by UNESCO for safeguarding precious monuments in Kathmandu valley, the Austrian government joined hands with Nepal to restore and preserve Patan.

There’s a variety of attractive restaurants and cafes in and around Patan and we have lunch at the `Traditional Inn’, a local favorite.

In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square which lies in the heart of the city and is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace square, named after the hindu monkey god Hanuman, who acts as a protector via a huge stone impression next to the main entrance. Kathmandu valley has three Durbar Squares, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ancient seat of Nepalese royalty displays spectacular architecture, reflecting the skill of the Newari artists over several centuries. There’s a great variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess, mainly constructed between the 15th and 18th century.

Return to the Dwarikas and later enjoy a traditional nine course Nepali banquet in the fine dining Krishnarpan restaurant.

Overnight at Dwarikas in Kathmandu.

Day 11 - Kathmandu to Pokhara

Around noon, checkout and take a chartered helicopter flight to Pokhara.

Pokhara is a Nepali word for Pond. Pokhara valley, surrounded by lofty peaks was once a single large lake, featuring impressive vistas. This hippie hideaway then grew into a launchpad for some of Nepal’s most popular treks and rafting expeditions, bristling with activity in season. Pokhara’s original inhabitants were the Gurung tribe who lived on its hillsides. The Newari community came later and settled in the valley along the banks of the Sethi river, trading in salt and giving rise to a city.

On arrival, we drive to the lakeside road, a seemingly endless strip of lodges, bookstores, restaurants, adventure gear and souvenir shops. After lunch at the popular `Moon Dance’ Café, we visit the impressive Mountaineering museum.

Mountains and mountaineering have a history of their own. In 1973, the Nepal Mountaineering Association initiated the establishment of the International Mountain Museum with an objective of recording and documenting the saga of momentous feats in the history of mountaineering in the world in general and the Himalayan peaks in particular. Located at the footstep of Fishtail peak and resembling

a mountain skyline, the museum also maintains systemic records on the geographical flora and fauna and human activity in the range.

We stay at Tiger Mountain Lodge, perched high above Pokhara valley, with an amazing backdrop of the Himalayas.

Spend the rest of the day taking short hikes in the Nepali countryside or go bird-watching or simply relax in this resplendent surrounding.

Overnight at Tiger Mountain, Pokhara.

Day 12: Pokhara to Jomsom

Sunrise views of the surrounding peaks can be breathtaking.

After early coffee and rolls, our helicopter picks us up at the lodge for a half hour flight to Jomsom, gateway and administrative center in the lower Mustang region. There are spectacular views of mountains all around as we trace the great Kali Gandaki river and fly over the deepest gorge in the world.

Jomsom is a mix of an ancient trading town and also the beginning and end of many treks…from Pokhara or Muktinath, the important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. This is the region of the Thakali speaking people, natives of Mustang, who also speak Tibetan due to their ancient business contacts with merchants across the border. Politically, we may still be in Nepal, but geographically, climatically and ethnically we are essentially in Tibet.

Mustang lies on the roof of the world, north of Nepal and surrounded on three sides by Chinese held Tibet. It was in this desolate landscape, in the rain shadow of Mt. Dhaulagiri, that the legendary and fearsome Kampa guerillas from western Tibet made their own during the 60’s as they waged war against the occupying Chinese.

No visitor had been allowed to set foot in Mustang until 1952 and even after that only a handful were let in until it was opened to very limited tourism in 1992. This is a purely Tibetan culture and its superstitions are as mysterious as its existence, with conserved monasteries and caves housing priceless historical treasure. For centuries Mustang had been the safest trading route between Tibet and Nepal.

Check-in to the nearby Mustang Resort located above the Kali Gandaki river with frontal views of the sacred Nilgiri Mountain (at 7061 m) and Mt. Tilicho (7134). After breakfast and some leisure time to acclimatize, we explore Jomsom’s surroundings, in particular Marpha, a Thakali village with its neatly clustered stone homes, traditional monastery and elegantly paved main street. Huddled behind a ridge for protection from wind and sand, the village is of typical `Thak Khola’ architecture with flat roofs and narrow alleys and passageways. With little rainfall, flat roofs are practical and serve as a drying place for grain and vegetables. The region is also famous for its apple gardens and buckwheat cultivation.

Overnight at Mustang Resort in Jomsom.

Day 13: Lo Manthang & Chhusang Village

We take our helicopter soon after dawn to Lo-Manthang, also known as the capital of Mustang. We fly deep into the northwest section of the Annapurna range extending on to the Tibetan Plateau, towards Upper Mustang, a large mountain-fringed basin, home to the headwaters of the mighty Kali Gandaki river.

The flight is beyond everything we can imagine. In the words of explorer Michael Purcell….Filling the horizon was a land unlike any, a yellow and ochre desert, a succession of barren, wind-eroded crags overlooking deep gorges and canyons which cut across an inferno of parched soil, like deep scars in a vast sand pile. Just one gullied expanse of desolation, combining desert and high arid mountains interspersed with a few oasis like villages….Over time, terrible winds whipping across this parched landscape buffeted the hills, carving them into sinister towers, bleached like dry bones. The trail follows the old Caravan Route when people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt with grain from the lowlands.

In a while, the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang looms over the horizon. `Manthang’ is “plain of aspiration” in Tibetan. A land of barley fields and pasture and vast expanses of grey and yellow rolling hills eroded by strong winds. Much effort has been expended in warding of spirts from Lo Manthang. There are the “kheni” statues at either end of town – a buxom women and a very aroused man. There’s also the “gate-chorten” that helps you leave ghosts behind as you enter this town. And if all else fails, the houses built into the settlement’s ancient stonewalls have tiny doors to keep the dead from visiting again.

The kingdom was also rich with things other than superstitions. Rulers used their immense wealth to build monasteries and libraries filled with giant prayer books written in gold. They were patrons of the best Tibetan artists, reaching a peak in the 15th century before beginning a gentle decline in fortune. Today, Lo Manthang may not be rich but it is still enchanted – Mustang horses on its arid landscape, hundreds of goats herded through its narrow lanes, women sitting around spinning Tibetan aprons in its open courtyards.

Of the four major Gompas, Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa is the oldest, built in the 15th century and dominated by a three story high Buddha statue. We also visit Thubchen Gompa with its huge red assembly hall.

Although the monarchy ceased to exist since 2008, Mustang residents still revere their King, with whom we have an audience in the Old Palace along with a traditional Lo-Manthang breakfast.

Our helicopter then takes us past the flying Caves of Mustang which are undoubtedly the Himalayas best kept secret. Experts are busy trying to unravel hundreds of caves that are carved into the fragile, sandy colored cliff in a gorge so large it dwarfs the Grand Canyon. Some are 155 feet high and more than thousands of years old.

Along our return flight to Jomsom, we make a stop at Chhusang village for a picnic lunch and walk- about. The homes here are beautiful and there is an impressive Cave Gompa dedicated to the White Tara, the Buddha of Success and Achievement.

Following our high altitude, adrenalin-drenched expedition, we return to our Mustang Resort for lunch and some leisure time.

Later in the afternoon, we should avail of a pony trek in the environs of Jomsom with glorious views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri and Tilocho peak.

Day 14: Jomsom to Pokhara

At dawn, after tea/coffee and rolls, our helicopter returns us to Pokhara and the Mala Lodge, set in the Annapurna lowlands with the famous Machhapuchhre mountain and surrounding valleys contributing to an incredible setting. We are in the historic Gurung tribal area which we shall explore later today.

We enjoy breakfast in the gardens with our host and camp boss Phurba Sherpa, who has summited Mt Everest five times.

The morning is at leisure to enjoy this resplendent surrounding. Then after lunch, we take a walk to a quaint bee-keeping village and meet the Gurungs who follow an ancestral livelihood collecting honey from wild beehives built upon steep cliff faces.

Enjoy a Gurung inspired dinner tonight.

Day 15: Pokhara

This morning, meet with our trekking guide and start off with a drive along the scenic Seti river to the trek starting point at Lumle. The hike from Lumle back to our lodge is a gentle uphill and takes around 2 hours through the attractive Nepali countryside and quaint villages.

Overnight at Mala Lodge.

Day 16: Pokhara to Lukla

Our helicopter returns this morning to take us to Lukla, gateway to the Everest region and from where all expeditions and treks begin. Our flight path is extremely scenic passing the world’s major peaks such as Fish Tail, Annapurnas, Lamjung, Himalchuli, Ganesh, Lantang, Dorjee Lakhpa and the irrepressible Gauri Shankar. We land at Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla, situated at 2680 meters. A unique and steep airstrip known to be the most thrilling in the world.

We stay at the Yeti Mountain Home…and have the rest of the day to walkabout this renowned world address for international trekkers and mountaineers. Lukla is full of small hotels and lodges, numerous big/small restaurants and curio shops.

Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home.

Day 17: Lukla to Namche Bazar with breakfast at Kongde

At dawn, our helicopter takes us upto Kongde Ri, regarded as a holy mountain although it is open for climbing. We land at the Kongde Lodge, reportedly the highest in the world at 4,250 m. (13,943 feet)

The views from here are magnificent and in the backdrop of a champagne breakfast we see the entire glory of the Himalayas: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyo, Gyajung Khang and Ama Dablam. Way down below is the picturesque Khumbu valley and Kongde lake.

Due to the high altitude, we spend around 45 minutes at Kongde Lodge before our helicopter proceeds on a short flight to the mythical Namche Bazar, located within the Khumbu area and a major stop on the trail to Everest Base Camp. The village is set in a horseshoe shaped bowl looking directly out at the sheer face of Kongde-Ri. From a point above the village, we get our views of Mt. Everest and Syangboche Airport, the highest in Nepal at 3750 m (12,303 feet)

After lunch and settling into the Namche Yeti Mountain Home, we take a walk into town with its narrow alleyways lined with gear shops and tea houses (cafeterias). Namche is the main cultural and market center of the legendry Sherpa community.

Overnight at the Yeti Lodge in Namche Bazar.

Day 18: Namche Bazar to Dhulikhel

After breakfast, reboard our helicopter and return towards Kathmandu, landing en route at the Dwarikas Spa in Dhulikhel.

Himalayan sunrises, panoramic mountain views, terraced valleys and immense natural beauty has been the hallmark of Dhulikhel. Located at 1550 m (5085 feet) on the rim of Kathmandu valley, Dhulikhel was always an important trading junction on the route between Nepal and Tibet. Its perfect altitude reflects in a rich diversity of birds and plants including rhododendron, chrysanthemums and orchids.

Set in a splendid natural surrounding, Dwarikas Spa is a blend of Vedic philosophy, Buddhist medicine and traditional Himalayan knowledge. The ascent here is on `Panch Kosha’ the five layers of being, namely physical, vital air, mind, intellect and inner bliss. During our two night’s stay we may sign up for yoga, meditation, pottery sessions, birdwatching and hiking in addition to spa treatments.

Day 19: Dhulikhel

The morning is for independent activity, treatments etc.

In the late afternoon, visit the World Heritage city of Bhadgaon, also called Bhaktapur. Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur, meaning City of Devotees is known as the home of medieval art and architecture. Walk around Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooking the Palace of 55 windows and the Nyatapola temple, considered the finest example of the Pagoda style of architecture.

Overnight at Dwarika’s Spa.

Day 20 - Kathmandu – Bangkok After breakfast, we drive an hour to the Kathmandu airport to connect to flights home