WOMEN'S ONLY NEPAL BHUTAN ADVENTURE

The Kingdom of Bhutan... the Land of the Thunder Dragon Nepal a Potpourri of Culture …the land of Mother Goddess of the Earth






BHUTAN Nestled in the Himalayas is the idyllic nation of Bhutan - the world’s only democratic monarchy. Bhutan cautiously emerged from isolation in the 1970’s and has since embraced a policy of strictly controlled tourism and development.  Bhutan is a rare gem. In 2006 approximately only 12,000 tourists were permitted to enter and taste the delights of Bhutan’s wonderful Buddhist culture, marvel at her magnificent scenery, trek through a stunning array of mountains and valleys and to view some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna in a totally unspoiled environment. Bhutan offers sensational opportunities for Eco-friendly visitors and will continue to refrain from indulging in mass-market tourism, although a small increase in visitor numbers has been approved.  Bhutan has resisted globalization and therefore has protected its strong Buddhist culture and way of life. There is little crime, a stable government and exceptionally friendly people. Whether you are a bird-watcher, trekker, weaver, culture seeker or scenery lover… Bhutan is a must see destination, unlike no other.  

The Kingdom of Bhutan, almost exactly the same size as Switzerland, lies east of the Indian state of Sikkim and west of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is south of Tibetan region of China and north of the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal. Located in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country surrounded by mountains in the north and west. Altitudes in the south range from 300 to 1370 mtrs. and in the more populated central region range from 120 mtrs. in the east around Trashigang to a high of 5190 mtrs over the highest pass. As your aircraft approach Bhutan's Paro International Airport sets the scene for what is in store for those lucky tourists in one of the last great frontiers of world travel. Flying into Bhutan is an experience, from the aircraft it is hard to take in the sheer beauty of the scene below. The snow-clad slopes give way to beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, and just below the tree line, verdant valleys and white water rivers give way to fields of green.  There is a sense of timelessness as the plane makes a perfect landing. This is a medieval land, a Kingdom of dreams, dragons, legends and landscapes: of myth and legend: and people so fiercely proud of their history they wear their national dress as a symbol of their loyalty to the land they love. In this fascinating tour you see some of the remains of the Advent of Buddhism in Bhutan and the scenic hills around the valleys.   The architectural style is like non-other on earth and would have to be one of the most popular destinations of tourist today. With it is a land full of warm-hearted proud friendly people who go to unusual lengths to preserve each element of Bhutanese life. Bhutan follows the same principle of integrating traditional Bhutanese hospitality with the most up to date facilities. The hotels, houses and lodges across the country are built and decorated in traditional style and are the best that Bhutan has to offer. Travellers today can experience Bhutan by means of the most exciting in-depth group travel programs the travel industry has to offer. There are relatively few visitors to this remarkable land making it a unique and moving experience for the privileged few who venture into this hidden paradise.   This exciting trip takes us to some of the most fascinating places within the majestic Himalayas renowned as The Last Shangri-La

NEPAL Without a doubt this country is a potpourri of culture and diversity.  I boasts as having the highest mountain in the world Mt Everest mixed with unique wildlife and exotic culture.  Discover yourself amidst this strange world of mystical beliefs and incredible history.  Every aspect of life is tainted with spiritual reasons. From morning prayers to the universal deities, walking Sadhus on village trails and city streets, to Buddhists spinning prayer wheels while sitting in front of their stores. You will have many opportunities to witness this aspect of life, and to share with people your own ideas about it.  The art and craft of Nepal are basically based on the religious themes taken from Buddhism and Hinduism. Nepalese art has been influenced and promoted since the earliest recorded times by the Newars  In Nepal, ethnical cultural groups are diverse and many of them have their own languages and customs.  The country’s capital Kathmandu and largest city simultaneously reeks of history and the wear and tear of increasing modernity. The tightly packed historical centre, with its squares and temples, continues to preserve a world light years away from shantytowns, expensive hotels, restaurants and shops on the city’s outskirts. Kathmandu’s core is Durbar Square, with the Vishnumati River to the west and Ratna Park to the east, The Bagmati River forms the southern boundary, whilst Thamel, the popular tourist hangout sprawls to the north. This would have to be one of the most exciting cities in the world today.      

ITINERARY FOR  NEPAL AND BHUTAN

  Day 01 KATHMANDU   On arrival and after all formalities Lyn Taylor from Lyn Taylor’s Adventure Travel and your Nepalese guide and driver will meet you  and we will take a 1 hour drive to Baktapur.  Transfer to our hotel..  The remainder of the afternoon will be free to explore this fascinating city.. BHAKTAPUR: Bhaktapur meaning the City of Devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14km/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 5,600ft above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla, The Nyatapola Temple. This temple also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures, two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight Hotel  (BLD)  3rd April   (Sat)

 Day 02 KATHMANDU - NARGAKOT Early morning guided tour of Baktapur 9am – 11am  we will then depart Baktapur and drive to the Chananyayan temple for ½ hour sightseeing we will lunch at a local restaurant then drive to the starting point of our hike to Nargakot which is  a gradual uphill climb on a well defined walking track.  We should reach our hotel by mid to late afternoon in time to see a magnificent sunset over the Himalayas. Nagorkot is a hill station approx. 2 hours drive from Kathmandu at an altitude of  2073mtrs.  This very popular place if excellent for its superb views of the Himalayan range especially at sunrise and sunset    Overnight Hotel (BLD)  4th April (Sun)

Day 3-5 KATHMANDU  - CHITWAN After breakfast we will depart for Kathmandu depending on our time we may be able to take a quick visit to  Pasapatinath temple.  Our flight to Chitwan departs approx. 12pm and is a 30minute flight.  On arrival we will be transferred to our wildlife resort.  The next 3 days will be full of adventure, either riding on the back of an elephant, jeep safari, canoeing and jungle walking.  We will see rhino, many species of birds, deer, crocodile and if you are lucky maybe the odd sloth bear and tiger.  (BLD)  5-7th April (Mon Tues Wed) 

INFORMATION ON ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK   Royal Chitwan National Park where you will see yet another side of Nepal. The 3 days here are spent on trips into the jungle on an elephant's back, swimming, jungle walks, and bird watching and if the river is up, even a canoe trip on the Rapti River to look at crocodiles. Or, if you prefer, you can stay at the lodge and just relax. Please inform the Lodge Manager if you wish to do any different or independent activities. Also, if you want to walk out of the lodge and down to the swimming hole, ensure that a guide accompanies you. Never wander about the jungle yourself. Your jungle lodge is very comfortable and in a great location within the park. Facilities are not luxurious there is no electricity in the Park, so all lighting is by hurricane lantern and candle. Hot water for showers comes from wood-fueled burners and is available only in the evening. However, after trekking, it will seem luxurious, and we are sure you will appreciate the rustic style. The food is excellent - a combination of western and traditional Nepali. The friendliness and knowledge of the staff will be a highlight of your stay here.   Situated in the Rapti Valley, Chitwan National Park is approximately 80 miles southwest of Kathmandu by road. The region in which the park is situated is known as the Terai, a flat and highly cultivated plain that constitutes the entire southern quarter of the country. Extremely hot in the Summer while mild and cool in winter, this region produces most of the country’s food. Early this century, the Terai was a rarely visited jungle expanse with very few inhabitants, the only visitors being members of the Nepalese upper class on hunting trips.   During the 1950’s malaria was eradicated and the population began to expand rapidly. Loggers and farmers in search of new fields slowly cleared the jungle. Conservationists soon realised that if action were not taken it wouldn’t be long before all the animals of the Terai would be extinct. In 1962 King Mahendra designated Chitwan as a rhinoceros preserve. In 1973 it was finally gazetted in parliament as the first national park in Nepal.   Today there are only about a thousand one horned rhinos left in the world, and over 300 of these are in the Chitwan National Park. Fewer than 2000 tigers remain in the sub continent, more than 40 live in Chitwan. There are many other animals as: the fish eating gharial crocodiles, buffaloes, sloth bear, hog deer and wild peacocks. For amore in-depth study of all the animals in the park you should read The Heart of the Jungle by KK Gurung. Remember that although there are many animals to be seen in Chitwan, it is not a zoo. Nor is it like the vast open plains of southern Africa. It is a small compact jungle park where you must go out and find the animals; it is possible that you may not see anything at all. If you rise early in the morning and go on a jungle walk or elephant ride with the park guides, you are very likely to spot some wildlife. It should also be noted that there are over 400 species of birds living in the park, and if you are interested in bird watching there will be plenty of opportunities. Just ask the Lodge guides all transport, meals and activities are included in your stay.  

Day 6-7 CHITWAN – KATHMANDU  This morning you will transfer by private vehicle  for your 5 hour drive to Kathmandu.  On arrival we will transfer to hotel which is situated in the heart of the tourist area of Thamel.   Kathmandu is known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Katsthamandap - the source of the name Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square area with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. There is also plenty of shopping to be had with beautiful designer shops as well as bazaars.  Overnight Hotel (BLD) 8th-9th (Thurs Frid)

Day  8  KATHMANDU - PARO.     Fly into Bhutan  with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green wall of hills known as dooars, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountain side, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of  airport formalities, we will transfer to our comfortable private  vehicle for the 2 hour drive to the capital of  Thimpu.  Check into our hotel and after a short rest we will  begin an in depth sightseeing tour of Thimpu taking in such sights as the Cultural Museum, Paper Factory and the School of Fine Arts.   10th April (Sat) (BLD) Overnight Hotel  

Day 09  THIMPU  After breakfast our Bhutanese host will join us and we will drive through beautiful scenery to the start of our hike to the Cheri Monastery one of the most popular monastery’s in Bhutan, on the return journey you will be taken to see Bhutan’s National animal the Tarkin.  Return to Thimpu for lunch and in the afternoon we will do some retail therapy visiting the many arts and crafts shops in Thimpu.  Evening Cultural Performance. O/N Hotel (BLD) 11th April (Sun)

Day 10 PUNARKA
After breakfast we will depart for Punarka and en route we will stop at Dochula Pass (3050 m) where we will have a fascinating view of the snowcapped eastern Himalayan mountain peaks. In the afternoon we will  visit the  sacred Punakha Dzong, a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. Fire, earthquake and floods have inflicted their devastating influence on this Dzong which under the direction of the king has been restored completely. The road from Thimphu to Punakha is a magnificent canvas of colors, a profusion of multi-colored blossoms amongst the soft green of wild herbs and forest trees O/N Guest House (BLD)  12th April (Mon)

Day11 PUNARKA Today we do an easy days hike through villages and visit  Chimi Lhakdang, the divine mad monk’s temple. It is a beautiful walk through a lovely village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. This afternoon we will drive to a local farmhouse where you will experience staying with a Bhutanese Family.  Overnight Local Farm house  (BLD)  13th (Tues)

DAY 12 PHUNARKA -  THIMPU – PARO After breakfast we will hike down hill for approximately 2 hours to our vehicle and  return to Paro via Thimpu. The afternoon you will visit some of the natural culture of the country including Drugyel Dzong, a ruin fort, once strategically important to Bhutan's defense against Tibet. Mount Jomolhari can be viewed beyond the ruined fort on a clear day.  Overnight Hotel (BLD)  14th April (Wed)

Day 13 - PARO After breakfast we will be taken on a 5 hour return hike (or optional horse to the viewpoint) and then it is a short walk to the  famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery where you will be granted access into the monastery. Return to your hotel for dinner lunch. The afternoon is yours free to explore Paro and do some last minute shopping . Evening farewell dinner Overnight Hotel (BLD) 15th April (Thurs)

Day 14 PARO  After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight 16th April (Friday)

LAND CONTENT: US$2500

INCLUSIONS: *All Airport Transfers *Excellent ground transport in Bhutan and Nepal *Clean comfortable traditional hotels and guest houses twin share accom. *All meals with a local flavor whilst in Bhutan and Nepal *Bottled Mineral Water in Bhutan only *Bhutan Visa *All Sightseeing in both countries *Entry into Monasteries in Bhutan *English speaking Bhutanese and Nepal Guide. *Comprehensive Trip Notes *Australian Group Leader      

Not Included International airfare Aust/Kathmandu/Paro/Bangkok. Visa Cost Nepal US$30 obtained at the airport or in Sydney Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Mandatory) Immunization Fees, Items of Personal Nature, Hard and soft drink Gratitudes for guides, drivers in both Bhutan and Nepal  Aust$100 Airport Taxes - Excess Baggage Single Suppl.US $350 per person                          

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