A varied trip which takes us from the cosmopolitan Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, to the 'Land of the Dragon' - Bhutan . We include explorations of several of Bhutan's unique monasteries, a three day trek in the Bhumtang valley and an overland journey through stunning mountains, where tradition and ritual are still very much a way of life.

Monasteries & High Passes
First we wander around the bustling bazaars of Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's holiest Hindu temple and Boudhanath Stupa - from which four pairs of eyes which looks at the four corners of earth with wisdom and compassion. We then fly into the quiet Himalayan town of Paro (Bhutan), visiting the old fortress of Drukyel and making our way through oaks and pine trees to the sacred remains of Taktsang, the 'Tiger's lair" which hangs from an almost sheer cliff face some 1000m above the Paro valley.

3 Day Bhumtang Trek
Driving via the Dorchu La pass (3050m), we stop to visit Wangdi and Punakha Dzongs (monasteries) before reaching Jakar, the starting point of our trek. We'll spend 3 days following winding trails through the wide open valleys perhaps pausing at mountain villages to admire yatha - colourful hand woven fabrics mad in the local farms. The valleys are littered with temples and monasteries and we stop to visit Kugye Lhakhang Temple complex, one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

Gantey & Thimpu
At the end of our trek, we return to Jakar and then follow the road back to Paro. Stopping en route at tranquil Gantey Gompa and the city of Thimpu we have time to wander around the colourful market, perhaps witnessing some traditional archery .Flying back to Nepal, we spend time in the medieval town of Bhaktapur and in Nagarkot where breathtaking views include Mount Everest itself. Our tour ends in Kathmandu.

Day		Activities
Day 1	-	Join Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2	-	In Kathmandu, walking tour of old bazaar; visit Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa.
Day 3	-	Fly Paro (Bhutan); city tour.
Day 4	-	In Paro; walk to Taktsang monastery.
Day 5	-	Drive to Punakha via Dorchu La pass; visit Punakha Dzong.
Day 6	-	Via Wangdi Phodrang Dzong to Jakar in Bhumtang valley.
Day 7-9	-	Three day Bhumtang Trek
Day 10	-	Drive to Gantey Gompa;optional walks.
Day 11	-	Drive To Thimpu; afternoon sightseeing.
Day 12	-	Morning free; drive to Paro.
Day 13	-	Fly Paro to Kathmandu; drive via Bhaktapur to Nagarkot.
Day 14	-	Sunrise walk; Drive Kathmandu; optional visit Patan.
Day 15	-	Depart.

Duration	-	15 days
Trip Details:	-
Activities	-	Cultural, Touring, Walking
Trip Grade	-	Easy
Mode of Travel	-	-
Group & Staff	-	Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver
Accommodation	-	-
Land Cost	-	US$2955.00
Trip Dates	-	Trip date for 2009	Trip date for 2010
		6th March – 20th March 2010	5th March – 19th March 2011
		20th March – 3rd April 2010	19th March – 2nd April 2011
		3rd April - 17th April 2010	2nd April - 16th April 2011
		17th April – 1st May 2010	16th April – 30th April 2011
		3rd October - 17th October 2010	1st October - 15th October 2011
		17th October - 31st October 2010	15th October - 29th October 2011
		31st October - 14th November 2010	29th October - 12th November 2011
		14th November - 28th November 2010	12th November - 26th November 2011

Note:- Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients

• 4 nights in Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu on bed and basis
• Kathmandu Paro return airfare all transfers
• Meals on the trek and hotel
• Accommodation on twin sharing
• Entrance fee
• Local leader and porters on the trek
• Food for porters & crew members
• Insurance for crew and porters that includes helicopter evacuation when necessary and medical treatment
• Trek permit
• Park fees
• Staff insurance etc
• Transport
• Sightseeing as indicated.

• International airport taxes
• Visas
• All optional additional tours or activities during free time
• Transfers outside of the tour program
• travel insurance (buy insurance)
• Tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week per client) and items of a personal nature.