Bhutan is a beautiful country, the air is very fresh and the in the main is very clean - an... Glynis Howe, 2018 See more reviews
Bhutan is a beautiful, peaceful country that is very much worth experiencing. The people,... Sarah Turner , 2018 See more reviews
Bhutan is probably the most beautiful country I have visited. It has such a rick landscape and... Vanessa Kanesanathan, 2017 See more reviews
Wonderful buildings, incredible Bhuddist traditions, lovely scenery, friendly people - a really... Mark Hilton, 2016 See more reviews
A unique adventure exploring a Buddhist country who embrace their monarchy and the importance of... Ross Pezzack, 2016 See more reviews
A long awaited trip became a reality and the reality is now a memory. But not just a normal... Leonard Raphael, 2015 See more reviews
Ancient fortresses, monasteries, mountainous scenery and colourful festivals. Friendly, open... Raymond Thornton, 2015 See more reviews
This was a true trip of a lifetime - 10 days in-depth vitit to the last Shangri-La. Mountains,... Neil Robson, 2015 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Kathmandu to Kathmandu Day 1 Depart London. Depart London. Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu Start in Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. The evening is free to relax. Royal Singi Hotel or similar Day 3 Fly to Paro Today we fly to Paro. The flight is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world and takes us over the eastern Himalayas. If the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of much of the eastern half of the Himalaya, including Everest, Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari (Jhomolhari). If there is time in the afternoon there will be a visit to visit Kyichu Lakang; one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Rema Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Full day at Paro festival We spend the whole day experiencing the vibrant Paro Festival. Hundreds gather to see the monks dressed in colourful brocade, silk costumes and wearing painted masks re-enacting the story of the gompa's divinity through music and dance. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails as many villagers arrive to meet old friends. Please note for the Thimphu/Trongsa Festival departures, a different itinerary will apply; please refer to 'Is this trip for you?' section for more details. Rema Resort / Dewachen Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Drive to Thimphu Today we have an hour’s drive to the capital, Thimphu, stopping at the Zilukha Nunnery and Kyichu Lakang en route. The Kyichu Lakhang was one of a series of temples built by the 7th century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. After being lost for a few centuries the temple was rediscovered in the 17th century and additions followed in the late 19th century and in the 1960s, following the same style as the original temple. The Paro Valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields. Hotel Bhutan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Morning drive to Punakha We leave Thimphu in the morning and drive east to Punakha. The route climbs steeply in places to the Dochula Pass. At 3050m (10,000ft) the views over the eastern Himalaya are magnificent although this is most definitely weather dependent! We descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Punakha. At an altitude of 1350m the difference in temperature and flora is apparent. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the dzong was the second one to be built in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is situated between two rivers and it has survived many fires, an earthquake and a glacial flood. Over the years it has been repaired and added to and has several interesting features to protect it against invasion. Overnight in Punakha or Wangdi Phodrang. Today's drive is 130kms and takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. Hotel Zangdo Pelri or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Morning hike; to Gangtey This morning we hike up to the Chime Lakhang (monastery), a 15th-century monastery built to honour one of the more folkloric saints of Bhutanese tradition, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The lama was known for his foul-mouth, alcohol-smelling breath and insatiable lust towards women, yet he is revered as a great saint by most Bhutanese. Women who cannot conceive believe that if they get blessed by the wooden phallus they will get pregnant.From here we continue across the Lawala Pass towards the Gangtey Valley, visiting the ruins of Wangdue Dzong, en route. Arriving at the Gangtey Valley, we will visit Gangtey monastery, the largest private monastery in Bhutan. Today's drive is approximately 84km and will take 2.5 to 3 hours, although variable road conditions may mean we spend longer on the road. Hotel Dewachen or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Morning hike in Gangtey; drive to Wangdue This morning we will go on a hike through the Gangtey Valley. This glacial valley is made up of farmlands, pastures and blue-pine forests. We will encounter herders caring for their herds, which graze on the dwarf bamboo of the area. Gangtey is famous for sightings of the rare Black-necked cranes, which fly from Tibet in late October and spend the winter here before returning to Tibet in spring. It may be possible to see this beautiful bird on the December departure (Trongsa Festival). In the afternoon we drive for about 2 hours back to Wangdue Phodrang. Hotel Vara or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 To Thimphu In the morning we drive for a couple of hours back to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, where we will have a chance to visit the Tashichho Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most stately and impressive buildings. It has been the seat of the government of Bhutan since 1952 and houses the throne room and offices of the king. We will also visit the impressive golden-spired Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 by the Royal Grandmother in memory of the Third King, H M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. In the evening there will be time to explore the market. Hotel Bhutan or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Drive to Paro; Tiger's Nest Monastery hike This morning we drive back to Paro (1 hours drive). We will then have a hike (approx. 9km) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as 'Tiger’s Nest' Monastery. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. We drive a short distance from the hotel and then we hike to a viewpoint for the incredible views of the monastic buildings which cling impossibly to the cliff wall. For the energetic there is the chance to walk even higher to the actual monastery. Rema Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit the famous Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. Here is the old royal palace, with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers. Or you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath or take an optional trip to Bhaktapur, the mediaeval city a few miles east of the capital. Bhaktapur has its own Durbar Square with many temples and statues and a maze of narrow streets, which are generally quieter than the capital. Please be aware that due to the recent earthquake some of these places may be closed; your guide will be able to give you more information on what there is to see. Royal Singi Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 End Kathmandu End Kathmandu after breakfast. For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast
Bhutan You will need a visa for Bhutan, which we will organise for you. The cost of the visa is included in the price of the trip (USD40). You will need to send us a clear copy of your passport on booking. We need this in order to organise your Bhutan visa in advance of your arrival. Please make sure that we have a copy no later than 8 weeks before departure. The passport copy can either be sent by post or scanned, in which case it has to be very clear and in colour. If you need to get a new passport for the journey, please apply for this immediately, and send us the copy/scan as soon as you receive your new passport. It is VERY important that the information you give us is 100% correct, and that the copy of the passport you send us is the one on which you will be travelling to Bhutan. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Nepal Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15-day visa and £35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports, there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you. If you use the machine you will not need a passport photo). You must first join the queue to pay the visa fee and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. If you use the paper form to obtain a visa on arrival then you will also need one passport photo (a photo is not required if you use the electronic registration machines but we recommend you bring one with you anyway in case, for any reason, the machines cannot read your passport). There can be long queues for visas on arrival. Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Bhutan There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Nepal There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. There is low to no risk of malaria throughout Nepal and antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain higher risk groups; you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. The risk is highest in the low lying southern ‘terai’ districts bordering India. A yellow fever certificate is only required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of transmission. Dengue fever is a known risk in Nepal. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.
Hotels & Guesthouses During your trip to Bhutan you will spend 10 nights in tourist class hotels with en-suite facilities. The hotels are simple, local style hotels. All rooms have attached bathrooms and the rooms have heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually buffet style – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.
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Reviewed April 2018 Glynis Howe Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Bhutan March 2018 Bhutan is a beautiful country, the air is very fresh and the in the main is very clean - an antidote to Kathmandu! This is a trip that takes in the cultural highlights of Bhutan as well as letting you see and walk in the beautiful countryside. The people are friendly and welcoming - browsing the shops and markets is easy -if you have been to India you will know what I mean ! There is no hard sell! There is a fair ammount of travel but this is quite relaxing and there are plenty of stops. Food is always buffet style and becomes very monotonous - you could try asking for an a la carte menu and pay extra, otherwise it is noodles, rice, veg and, if you are not vegetarian some rather poor quality meat dishes - and you get this twice a day! My food highlight was a large bowl of scrambled eggs at the Tigers Nest! Take snacks! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to name one, I loved the festival, the climb to Tigers Nest Monastery and being blessed by the head Lama there, discussions with our guide Kunzang who was so knowledgable and informative about his country, the walks in the countryside, all of the Dzongs, nunnery......too much! What did you think of your group leader? Kunzang was the most amazing guide I have had on an Exodus trip, he was a very gentle man, caring, considerate and very knowledgable. If we made a request he would try his best to ensure it was achieved, for example he managed to get the hotels to make dhal for the vegetarians amongst the group! Also he just looked after everyone so well. I must also say that our driver, Yeshay was excellent, and also joined in with the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As I said, take snacks, also, the weather was in the main bright and sunny and I know some people had taken lots of warm clothing - however it did get cold in Gantey and so you will need something...maybe layer up. Also do not forget something with long sleeves for the monasterys. In Kathmandu our guide took us to a cultural show with food on the 1st night and this was very poor value and to be avoided - he also took us to a place called the Ship on our last night and this was not brilliant! The food in the hotel is much better if you do not want to go out and there are lots of places in Thamel - research it and make a suggestion to the group!! Is there anything else you would like to add? Bhutan is amazing and I would recommend a vist - the flight into the airport is not for the feint hearted!!
Reviewed April 2018 Sarah Turner Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Beautiful Bhutan Bhutan is a beautiful, peaceful country that is very much worth experiencing. The people, including and, in fact, especially our guide were lovely, helpful, genuine and gentle. The Tiger’s Nest is well worth the arduous trek up to and the Dzongs, nunneries and monestaries were all a privilege to see. In some ways the experience felt like going back in time. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being given a blessing by the head monk in the Tiger’s Nest monestary. Seeing how caring our guide, Kunzhang, was towards my mother. Witnessing a religious ceremony, including chanting, drumming and horn playing, in a monestary. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent. Can not fault him. Went out of his way to support my mother. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware that the festival you attend may be crowded. Surprisingly for us, it was by no means the highlight of the trip. Note that the weather forecasts for Bhutan are not accurate: we packed far too many warm clothes. It can get a bit chilly in the evening, but during the daytime it’s often sunny and warm, even in March, when we visited. (Sadly, it was explained to us that the climate has changed in Bhutan due to global warming). Take some of your own food, especially if you have dietary requirements, as it is bland and similar wherever you go: hotels seem to think that tourists want only veg, rice, noodles and poor quality meat. Is there anything else you would like to add? The restaurant in the hotel in Kathmandu is excellent: the local guide may suggest you go to a different one, but this is likely to be much inferior.
Reviewed April 2017 Vanessa Kanesanathan Trip: Festivals of Bhutan A fantastic insight into a beautiful country! Bhutan is probably the most beautiful country I have visited. It has such a rick landscape and culture, which is mostly unspoiled by tourism. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching Tiger's Nest Monastery What did you think of your group leader? Sangay was brilliant and a true advocate for his country - his passion for Bhutan (and Bhutanese food!) was very clear! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take your hiking boots for the treks. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go to Bhutan - very much recommended!
Reviewed October 2016 Mark Hilton Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Wonderful Bhutan Wonderful buildings, incredible Bhuddist traditions, lovely scenery, friendly people - a really peaceful, largely unspoilt and unique country - and a photographer's paradise. The only down side is the dangerous road from Wangdue to Gantey. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Tigers Nest was just wonderful as were many of the monasteries and forts - mesmerising with the monks chanting and the haunting sound of the horns and drums. The mountain village of Gantey was also wonderful so natural and unspoilt - just lovely - and its local festival and market much nicer than the very large main Thimpu festival. What did you think of your group leader? A really nice, knowledgeable and helpful guy - although safety and timekeeping weren't strengths Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take waterproofs and walking boots. And be aware that the roads are inherently dangerous with large drops in some places.
Reviewed October 2016 Alison Dixon Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Festivals of Bhutan Beautiful country Calm happy people What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing to Tiger's nest monastery Gangtey festival What did you think of your group leader? Friendly,knowledgeable ,funny and kind. He gave me a hot water bottle at the hotel at Gangtey to keep me warm as there was a power cut. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a small waterproof cushion to sit on at the festival. We had a wet day and I spent 4hrs sitting in a puddle of water! Is there anything else you would like to add? The road to and from Gangtey was very unstable due to excessive rainfall. The drivers and guides were excellent and we were navigated safely but I think the road should have been closed as we were passing landslides which forced us to the very edge of a mud track that was falling away into the valleys below. I asked to get out and walk over the most unstable parts but the guide encouraged me to stay in the bus to avoid falling rock. Travelling on this road was beyond the risk I am prepared to take for sight seeing but once we were on our way it wasn't easy to turn back. I would not take this risk again.
Reviewed October 2016 Ross Pezzack Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Wonderful Exploration of a unique country A unique adventure exploring a Buddhist country who embrace their monarchy and the importance of happiness. Great monasteries, beautiful scenery, festivals, and some hikes all make this a great trip. Hotels higher quality than I expected, adequate food with pretty good beer, and a great guide who spoke excellent English. Well organized tour. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I woke up early in Gangtey, decided to go out to get some pictures in the mist. I walked past the monastery only to find an early morning festival and blessings. I walked in to be surrounded by local people being surrounded by dancers and people seeking a blessing by the monks. I stepped aside to not invade their personal event but the devotion and love of the locals to Buddhism was very moving, a very special moment. Tigers Nest was very special. What did you think of your group leader? Did very well, represented his country very well. Always adaptable and trying to please us. Able to pass on knowledge of the monarchy, Buddhism and his country. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Get more than the $50 suggested by our guide at airport, depending on u $100-200 better, u can always convert back when leaving or use it as your tip. ATMs never worked for us in small towns so bring $US, even banks sometimes do not have a money delivery so u cannot exchange. Costs are just drinks but u may want to buy local crafts (often no cards taken) so have local currency. If worried about tiger nest monastery hike (especially if u got a virus in Nepal) consider doing horseback riding half way up. I would suggest u embrace the local festivals as a religious celebration we are lucky enough to observe but not invade. If u are combining trips, the hotel in Kathmandu has relatively inexpensive fast laundry service, my quick dry clothes were slow to dry in Kathmandu. Is there anything else you would like to add? U may want to add another extra day in Kathmandu to explore the region. Several of us developed GI problems in Nepal so come prepared. Nepal visa on line works very well but u can do at airport.
Reviewed October 2015 Leonard Raphael Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Festivals of Bhutan A long awaited trip became a reality and the reality is now a memory. But not just a normal travel memory, moreso something out of the ordinary, as I had probably anticipated. Unusual architecture. People with a different outlook on life. Different pursuits. Simpler pleasures. Happy people. Clean air. Wholesome food - spicy if desired. A lifestyle in flux as the county and the people join the 21st. Century. A tinge of regret that what makes Bhutan unique will not last. I'm glad to have experienced this unusual place before it disappears into the "Global Village". What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? * Climbing to the Tigers Nest monastery ,,, physically challenging ... mentally and spiritually stimulating. * Witnessing the festivals at Thimpu (capital city) and Phobjikha (small village) and interacting with the people in festive mode at each event. Calm and reserved people give way to excited participants. * Being in a country where the "National Highway" is an abominable "track" and everybody (locals and tourists) enjoys it ... part of the Bhutan's famous Happiness Index. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was a quiet man with a calm personality, ideal for his situation in this unique country. He was helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and humorous, willing and able to expound an all aspects of Bhutan, the people, the way of life, the history and the cultural changes that tourism in introducing . His input at every level enhanced our experience and added to the enjoyment of our trip. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? * Don't have expectations or preconceptions of Bhutan. The reality will in all likelihood be different. Accept the calm of the place and the people. Enjoy the uniqueness for what it is. Be part of it while it is as it is. *Try for a window seat on the left when flying in to Bhutan and the same on the right when flying out. Hope for a clear sky and you'll enjoy a magic view of the Himalayas. Is there anything else you would like to add? I enjoyed in equal parts the atrocious road condition, the beautiful clean air (by law 65% of the country must remain at forested National Park) and the people and their attitude to life, not the mention the visual enjoyment of the unusual architecture and mountain scenery. I felt fortunate to see this unusual place before its character changes and possibly disappears, although the current generation are determined not to let this happen . I sincerely hope they're true to their word!
Reviewed October 2015 Joan Hilda Shand Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Joan A great trip to a country opening up to Tourism. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Tigers Nest and also the Thimpu Festival. What did you think of your group leader? Great leader, very informative. Also wonderful driver on terrible roads. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for a lot of driving on rough roads. Is there anything else you would like to add? A wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this trip.
Reviewed April 2015 Raymond Thornton Trip: Festivals of Bhutan Open, friendly and devoutly Budhist Ancient fortresses, monasteries, mountainous scenery and colourful festivals. Friendly, open people, happy to help. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Travel during festival time. It will be the highlight of you trip, along with the walk to the Tigress nest. What did you think of your group leader? Kunthay was well organised, knowledgeable and made a excellent ambassador for his country. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring ear plugs as there are hundreds of stray dogs that bark during the night. Driving times are relatively short by Exodus standards but roads are winding and bumpy. Is there anything else you would like to add? Be prepared for delayed flights and dusty Kathmandu. Food is tasty but predictable. Good for vegetarians. Hotel rooms are very good.
Reviewed April 2015 Neil Robson Trip: Festivals of Bhutan The unforgettable festivals of Bhutan This was a true trip of a lifetime - 10 days in-depth vitit to the last Shangri-La. Mountains, monasteries, dzongs and monks - and dancing monks What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Paro tsechu festival was an honour to be allowed to attend - many hundreds of local Bhutanese enjoyed the music, dancing and the spectacle of this amazing week long festival - and only a couple of dozen westerners. It is an honour to be with such humble and serene people at such a joyous time in their calendar! What did you think of your group leader? Kunzang Namgye was without doubt the best tour leader ever! Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, helpful and proactive, he MADE this trip so special for us by bringing his personal touches and being genuinely enthusiastic about sharing his culture with the group. He is an asset of the Bhutan Travel Service and Exodus Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Beware that at Easter it can be very cold after dark at altitude - lots of layers are helpful. Also, when attending the festival, if you wear traditional Bhutanese garments (the gho for the men or the kira for the women) you will get a really enthusiastic response from all the local people and it us a great ice-breaker. The robes can be bought in Thimphu for GBP £20 and upwards. It's a great investment. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food was tasty and hearty, but it becMe a bit same-same after a few days. If you are in a hotel for a few days (as we were in Park) interact with the proprietors a bit and see if you can make some suggestions. We had seen that fresh asparagus was just in season and sonasked if we could have it one evening - and the chef even asked how we wanted it cooked - which was fun (and delicious). Also, always carry a good torch/ flashlight in case the power is out - or for highlighting interesting but dark corners of dzongs/ monasteries!
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