Langtang & the Laurebina La
Walking & Trekking
Nepal, Wild Nepal | Walking & Trekking
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- Grade:
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Vigorous / Strenuous
Vigorous: Suitable for enthusiastic hill/mountain walkers.
Strenuous: Suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.
Find out more...
Vigorous / Strenuous
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- Duration: 20 days from the UK
- On trek: 15 days
Flight inclusive from £3040, Land only from £1850
A beautiful tea house trek with incredible panoramic mountain views only a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu.
Highlights
- Towering Himalayan peaks, sacred lakes and deep hidden valleys - all within a day's drive from Kathmandu
- A culturally rich trek into the home of the Tamang and the Yolmo Sherpa people
- Traditional tea houses and a warm welcome on the trail
- 4* hotel in Kathmandu at the start and end of the trek
For somewhere so little known, the Langtang Himal is surprisingly close to Kathmandu – only a half day away by vehicle. Easily seen in the clear months from viewpoints within the capital it forms a beckoning backdrop beyond the valley rim. This easy accessibility coupled with the traditional tea houses along the trail make it a very attractive trekking proposition, especially for those looking for a quieter alternative to the ever popular regions of Everest and the Annapurnas.
On this trek you pass through three different regions that each possess their own distinctive character; the snow-capped peaks of the high Langtang Valley, the rugged beauty of Gosainkund Lake and its satellites and the rich cultural heritage of the Helambu Valley. In fact it is more like three treks rolled into one!
You begin by trekking up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa which gives the best acclimatisation and the chance to walk through beautiful forest where, if you are really lucky, you may be able to spot the elusive red panda, or even langur monkeys. In spring the forest explodes into shades of red and pink with the flowering of the rhododendron trees, hence this trek is also known as 'the rhododendron trek'. The upper end of the valley, surrounded by peaks and inhabited by yaks, is a wonderful haven and you will have ample time to explore and gain further acclimatisation whilst enjoying the fabulous views across to the high peaks of Tibet. Descending, you may pass women carrying wood and locals weaving bamboo and cultivating their fields.
The trek up to Gosainkund and over the Laurebina La takes you through some of Nepal’s most rugged country. You can emulate Hindu pilgrims and wash your face in the holy lake which washes away all your past sins. Then there is the thrill of crossing the Laurebina La, which is adorned with hundreds of prayer flags and surrounded by stone cairns, down into the Helambu Valley.
The wide, low, Helambu Valley with its rich Sherpa culture, offers some excellent ridge walking with superb views north to the Greater Himalaya chain and the forested hills to the south. The trail descends through attractive Buddhist villages with many fine gompas, and you may well hear the atmospheric sounds of Tibetan horns echoing through the valley as you head towards the end of your trek.
At a glance
Vigorous / Strenuous
Duration: 20 days from the UK
On trek: 15 days
Max. Altitude: 4,984m /16,352ft, Tsergo Ri, Day 9
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotel, Tea houses
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu, all meals on trek.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. |
| 3 | Drive to Syabru Besi. |
| 4-7 | Trek up the Langtang Valley to Kyanjin Gompa. |
| 8-9 | Day walks to explore the area around Kyanjin Gompa. |
| 10-12 | Trek to Sing Gompa via Thulo Syabru. |
| 13 | Trek to Gosainkund Lake. |
| 14 | Cross the Laurebina La, 4,600m/15,092ft. Trek to Ghopte Cave. |
| 15-17 | Trek to Kakani via Melamchi Gaon, Tarke Gyang and Sermathang. |
| 18 | Trek to Gyalthum Village. End trek and drive to Kathmandu. |
| 19-20 | Fly back to London. |
Leader: Local Leader, Nepal
Whether it's a cultural tour, gentle walking holiday or strenuous trek, our holidays in Nepal are led by professionally-trained English speaking leaders. They have an intimate and expert knowledge of the history, culture and nature of Nepal and will make your trip a memorable experience.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London.
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu is a wonderful mix of the ancient alongside the modern. Crowded bazaars still throng with ethnic people today as they have for the past hundreds of years, while roads are crowded with rickshaws, cars, roaring motorbikes and buses. Ancient temples and crumbling shrines sit alongside modern offices, picturesque palaces slowly sag into dereliction while Buddhist stupas gaze over the bustling scene with their all seeing eyes. Although this is a crowded, noisy and polluted city it is also friendly, fascinating and vibrant.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Drive to Syabru Besi, 1,420m/4,659ft - 6-7 hours.
In the morning, after an early breakfast, you will be picked up for the drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi, a small village on the banks of the Bhoye Khosi. This is quite a long drive taking around 6-7 hours. You drive first out of Kathmandu valley, over the valley rim and descend to the bustlng town of Trisuli Bazaar. From Trisuli Bazaar you start the drive north up the valley of the Trisuli River. The road ascends from Trisuli Bazaar, 546m/1,791ft, to Dunche,1,950m/6,397ft, making the climb in places by many zig-zags in the road. Just before Dunche you reach the gates of the Langtang National Park where you have to sign in. Dunche is the district administration headquarters and nowadays quite a bustling town. From here you descend all the way to the Trisuli River at the village of Syabru Besi, 1,420m/4,659ft.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4 - Trek to Lama Hotel, 2,450m/8,038ft - 5-6 hours.
From Syabru Besi you start your trek to Lama Hotel. The trail crosses the Bhote Khola using a suspension bridge and continues east. You encounter the Langtang Khola which will be your companion all the way to Kyanjin Gompa. The trail starts as a moderate climb and zigzags up the broad valley. Continuing up, you will see the village of Thulu Syabru clinging to the high valley side. Shortly after this, you will join the trail which leads to and from Thulu Syabru. You will then enter a deep gorge which marks the start of the Langtang valley. From here you will start a steady descent through a bamboo forest to the valley floor. Red pandas and Langur monkeys inhabit this forest. Upon reaching the Langtang Khola you will follow it up stream. Passing through the hamlet of Pairo you will reach the village of Bamboo. This village is situated on the riverside and the trail here is constantly being rebuilt due to the river flooding and washing the trail away. After an hour or so you will cross a bridge to the northern side of the river and pass through the village of Rimche. Shortly after this you will climb out of the forest to reach the village of Lama Hotel.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 5 - Trek to Thyangsyap above Ghora Tabela, 3,104m/10,184ft - 5 hours.
Today is important for acclimatisation. Leaving the tea house at Lama Hotel, you continue your climb up the Langtang valley. The area here is forested and if you are very lucky red panda can sometimes be seen along this stretch. After a short while, the mighty peak of Langtang Lirung comes into view to the north. Passing a waterfall, you continue up the west bank of the Langtang Khola and pass through the hamlet of Gumnchok. After a further couple of hours the valley begins to widen and the trail flattens. You arrive at Ghora Tabela which means 'stable of the horse'. From here it is a further gradual climb of around half an hour to reach Thyangsyap where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 6 - Trek to Mundu via Langtang, 3,450m/11,319ft - 2-3 hours.
There will be no rush to leave today as it is a short walk to your next overnight lodge. However it is important for your acclimatisation to the ever increasing altitude not to ascend too high too fast. Leaving Thyangsyap you will continue through the forest until you climb above the tree line at around 3,150m/10,335ft. You are now approaching the area where the village of Langtang used to be. It is now a huge landslide which you will cross on one of the many paths which have been constructed to allow passage up the valley. There is a memorial to all those who lost their life where you can pause and pay your respects. Continuing on up the valley you soon arrive in Mundu where you will spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatising.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 7 - Trek to Kyanjin Gompa, 3,870m/12,699ft - 4-5 hours.
From Mundu you continue up the ever-widening valley to Kyanjin Gompa. To the east you will gain great views of the peak, Dorji Lakpa, with Urkinmang peak to its left. Also to the south, the peaks of Naya Kanga and Pongen Dopku will come into view. After a steep, undulating trail you will cross a rise and Kyanjin Gompa will appear. Kyanjin Gompa lies in an elongated amphitheatre surrounded by high, snow-capped peaks. After lunch, your guide might suggest a hike up the small hill to the north of the village at the height of about 4,300m/14,108ft. This offers great views of Langtang Lirung, the Langtang glacier, Kimshing peak with its glacier and, to the south, a long ridge on top of which is the Ganja La, a high pass to Helambu.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 8 - Day hike to Langshisa Kharka, 4,060m/13,320ft - 5-6 hours.
Today is a great alpine experience. After breakfast, you leave the village of Kyanjin and walk east towards Langtang Khola. You cross a small stream and walk close to the abandoned airport. You can see yaks grazing in the valley and several yak herders' shelters (Goths). Once you reach Langshisa Kharka, you can see views of Langshisa Ri, 6,310m/20,702ft, Morimoto Peak, 6,750m/22,146m, and nearby glaciers. You then return to Kyanjin Gompa.
The people of Langtang & Helambu: There are two major groups in this region. They are the Tamangs of the Langtang valley and the Sherpas of the Helambu valley.
The Tamangs are an ancient tribe who originally came from Tibet hundreds of years ago. They not only occupy the Langtang valley, but also areas to the east and west of Kathmandu and the countryside you passed through on the drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. The name is said to derive from the Tibetan 'ta-mang' which means 'horse trader'. Their religion is Tibetan Buddhism, but it also combines more ancient beliefs in earth spirits and evil spirits. There are no monasteries in the region with celibate monks as the lamas belong to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As such they are also family men and farmers who inherited their religious role from their fathers.
The Sherpas of the Helambu valley also known as 'Yolmo Sherpas' are a group distinct from their cousins in the Everest region. Their language is different as is their culture and traditional dress. They originally migrated from Tibet around 500 years ago. The name 'Sherpa' derives from the Tibetan- 'Shar Pa' which means 'easterner'. Their primary occupation is farming, but their income is supplemented by tourism. They are followers of Tibetan Buddhism and celebrate Tibetan festivals. This Buddhism also has more ancient beliefs interweaved within it.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 9 - Day hike to Tsergo Ri, 4,984m/16,352ft - 5-7 hours.
Today you have a challenging hill walk up Tsergo Ri - a local peak just short of 5,000m/16,404ft. It is quite a tough little climb, but you will be amply rewarded at the top, with breath-taking views of the surrounding snow-capped summits. You descend the same way back to Kyanjin Gompa.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 10 - Trek to Lama Hotel, 2,450m/8,038ft - 6 hours.
After your time spent in Kyanjin Gompa, you now return down the valley. As the next two days are mostly downhill you are able to cover a lot of distance. You will gain great views returning down the valley, especially once you have re-entered the forest with the sun filtering through the leaves.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 11 - Trek to Thulo Syabru, 2,230m/7,316ft - 5- 6 hours.
From Lama Hotel you continue down the valley crossing the Langtang Khola just before the village of Bamboo. You will contour round the head of the valley and Thulo Syabru will come into view perched atop of a ridge. You drop down to cross a bridge and then climb up through terraced fields and farm houses to reach this pretty village.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 12 - Trek to Sing Gompa, 3,300m/10,827ft - 5 hours.
From Thulo Syabru you head south to Sing Gompa. The trail zigzags uphill and after 45 minutes you will reach a stupa. There are spectacular views of the valley below with Ganesh Himal to the west and to the north a range of unnamed peaks just over the border in Tibet. There are a few teashops on the way and after about 3½ hours of climbing you reach the top of the ridge where you will be pleased to have refreshments and lunch at Phoprang Hill. From here you head south contouring around the western side of the ridge. The trail leads you through a forest, over another ridge before climbing a ladder to cross a wall and into Sing Gompa itself, which is a small village with a few lodges, a gompa (from which the village derives its name) and its own cheese factory. 'Sing' is the Tibetan name for the trees in the area.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 13 - Trek to Gosainkund Lake, 4,400m/14,436ft - 7-8 hours.
Leaving Sing Gompa you head northeast. There is a 30 minute climb before reaching a more level stretch. You then cross to the other side of the forested ridge you are following. After another short climb you pass through the hamlet of Chalang Pati. From here you continue climbing and rise above the tree-line just over 3,500m/11,483ft. After another few hundred metres climb, you will gain stunning panoramic views of the mountains around. Ganesh Himal rises up to the north and Langtang Lirung is to your east. To the left of Ganesh Himal you will be able to see Manaslu and even the Annapurnas including Machhapuchare (the 'fish tail' peak) and Annapurna II. You pass through Laurebina Yak, which means 'yak without a stick' and after a moderate climb you will reach a stupa, again with stunning views all around. The land becomes more rugged as you follow the trail, passing a lake on your right called Saraswate Kund. After crossing the shoulder of a ridge, you descend a little and another lake comes into view, this one is called Bhairav Kund. In Nepali there are several words meaning lake, the most common is "tal", however "kund" is used when a lake has a sacred property. After another short climb you crest a ridge and the sacred lake Gosainkund opens out before you.
Gosainkund Each summer thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over Nepal and India make the trek up to Gosainkund Lake during the Janai Purnima festival to nullify their sins. Hindu legend states that the lakes at Gosainkund were formed when Shiva pierced a glacier with his trident. There is also another legend that states that the water from Gosainkund emerges at a spring at the Kumbeshwar temple in Patan. The lake has a black rock in the middle, which is said to be the head of Shiva.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 14 - Trek to Ghopte Cave, 3,440m/11,286ft, via the Laurebina La, 4,600m/15,092ft - 6-7 hours.
You follow the trail around the edge of Gosainkund and start to climb past assorted prayer flags and even a trident, allegedly left by Shiva. You will pass smaller lakes to your left and then a coal-black lake to your right. The Laurebina La, 4,600m/15,092ft, just past this lake, is decorated with hundreds of prayer flags which flutter in the icy breeze and you will have excellent views of the Helambu valley below. From here it is a long descent to the river which you will cross. You then follow a boulder-strewn trail which climbs in and out of ravines for a few hours before arriving at Ghopte Cave.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 15 - Trek to Malamchi Gaon, 2,560m/8,399ft, via Thare Pati, 3,510m/11,516ft - 5-6 hours.
From Ghopte Cave you climb for a couple of hours to the village of Thare pati which sits on a ridge. After this the trail makes a rapid descent through fir forest, then through oak, rhododendron and juniper. At one point you will have a good view of the peak Dorji Lakpa. The descent will take you at least a couple of hours, after which you cross a suspension bridge with a waterfall to your left before climbing to the village of Malamchi Gaon. The gompa here is particularly impressive with brightly painted walls and statues of Guru Rinpoche and his consorts. Locals believe that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave above the village wearing robes made by female angels or 'dakinis'.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 16 - Trek to Tarke Gyang, 2,560m/8,399ft - 5-6 hours.
After passing through the tended fields of Melamchi Gaon you continue to descend through jungle before crossing the Melamchi Khola on a suspension bridge. You climb through the terraced fields of Paraghang - this village is spread out over the valley side and surrounds an ornate Gompa. You have to climb to reach the village of Tarke Gyang, which is one of the largest in the Helambu region, where you will spend the night. The gompa here has a large brass prayer wheel you can go and spin to gain merit.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 17 - Trek to the village of Kakani, 2,590m/8,497ft, via Sermathang – 7-8 hours.
Today is quite a long day but mostly quite gentle. From Tarke Gyang the trail is gentle and gives great views of the Helambu valley below. Keep an eye out for the Langur monkeys which inhabit the valley. After a short while you will see the terraced fields of Gangjwal stretching down the hillside. After passing through Gangjwal you will continue round the valley side passing a 'peace' stupa, to arrive in time for lunch in Sermathang, the last large village of the Yolmo community. The trail to Kakani is then wide and obvious and you pass a huge statue of Guru Rinpoche which is situated on top of a little hillock. The views are superb - you can see Dorje Lakpa and Gangchhenpo and other peaks in the range. You now walk downhill through the Tamang and Yolmo villages towards Kakani which is the last Sherpa village on this trek.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 18 - Trek to Gyalthum, 848m/2,782ft – 3 hours. Drive to Kathmandu – 3 hours.
After breakfast, you walk down to the village of Gyalthum passing several villages en route. A road has recently been constructed into this area and while your route today avoids this, as far as possible, you will need to cross it on occasions. You will have lunch along the way and then meeting your vehicle you will drive back to Kathmandu for a well-earned hot shower and beer.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 19 - At leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer to airport and depart for London.
You will have most of the day free in Kathmandu to do some sightseeing or shopping or simply relax at your hotel. Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to London.
Overnight: In flight
Day 20 - Arrive London.
Map
Map Key
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Airport
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Point of interest
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Mountain Peak
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Day walk in this area
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Flights
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Internal Transfers
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Trek
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Optional supplements
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Single room supplement Kathmandu Hotel
From £80
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No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.
Flight inclusive holidays
The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.
We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.
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Deposit
From £400.00
For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.
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- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
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What’s included
- An experienced, English-speaking Sherpa leader
- Free hire of a down jacket, 4 season sleeping bag and fleece liner (supplied in country)
- Good standard hotel in Kathmandu, twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- All meals on trek including tea and coffee
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- Single, timed group airport transfer arranged to coinicide with the timings of the group flights
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Morning bed-tea on trek and an evening fill up of your water bottle with drinking water
- Sherpas/porters properly insured and equipped
- A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- Park fees
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Optional trips
- Tips
Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.
Overall score: 4.8571428571429 (Based on 14 reviews)
This was once again a very well organised Trek from Mountain Kingdoms. The scenery was all we hoped for as we ascended the Langtang Valley. Our small group gelled immediately into a group of friends on a shared adventure. Our thanks must go to our trek Leader Durga, his assistant Ram and the porters who ensured we thoroughly enjoyed our 15 days of walking.
The Langtang Valley was a truly awesome place - the mountains, the friendly people in the tea houses, the way the area has recovered from the tragedy of the earthquake in 2015. The accommodation was better than we expected and we really appreciated the higher standards. The icing on the cake of the whole trip was having Durga as our lead Sherpa, who'd also led our Annapurna Sanctuary trip 10 years ago.
Langtang is a beautiful valley - the walk to Kyanjin Gompa is certainly worth the effort. I would call the climb up Tsergo Ri a tough climb (not a tough little climb) but the views from the summit are superb. The trek up to Gosainkund lake and the Laurebina La is very different and makes the whole trek balanced.
This was a very well organised trek with everything running smoothly. We had excellent guiding from Durga, good pace-setting by Lapa. Durga's timings were very well chosen so that we avoided bad weather in the afternoons. Tea house accommodation was satisfactory, food was very wholesome and people were extremely friendly throughout the trip. The Langang Valley has a huge variety of ecosystems with loads of plant, animal and bird life. Durga's knowledge of these was hugely helpful.
Adventurous walking, attractive pine and rhododendron forests and marvellous Himalayan panoramic views. Also an interesting stay in good quality accommodation in the fascinating city of Kathmandu.
Extend your holiday
- Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
- See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
- Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!
- 5-day cultural tour or 8-day gentle walking options available
- See the main sights in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha
- Bhutan is just a short flight from Kathmandu
Though only a short flight from Kathmandu, Bhutan offers a very different Himalayan experience to Nepal. Characterised by lush valleys, terraced hillsides and soaring peaks the landscape is endlessly picturesque, whilst the imposing dzongs (monastery/fortresses) and Swiss chalet style houses give each town or village a look that is distinctly Bhutanese. Here are just two options – if you would prefer something different please discuss with this office.
A taste of Bhutan - five-day cultural tour This five-day tour visits Bhutan’s key sights and cultural centres including magnificent Taksang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the beautiful riverside dzong at Punakha and the fascinating treasures housed in the National Museum at Paro. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable Bhutanese guide and accommodation is in comfortable hotels with all meals included.
A short walk in Bhutan - eight-day gentle walking and cultural tour This eight-day gentle walking trip offers the perfect introduction to some of the cultural highlights and scenic delights of Bhutan. You begin with sightseeing om Thimphu and a walk to Cheri Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most historic temples before travelling over the Dochu La Pass to Punakha, the former winter capital. In Punakha you take a lovely valley walk and visit the beautiful riverside dzong. Driving back to Paro you take a pretty walk from the Dochu La through beautiful forest. You then drive up to the Chele La Pass and take the lovely walk to Kila Nunnery, before ending your trip with the walk up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s greatest cultural treasure and a fitting conclusion to a superb extension. You will stay in good quality, comfortable hotels throughout and all meals are included.
- Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
- Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.
- Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
- Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
- Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
- Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.
- Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
- The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
- Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
- Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.
The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.
- Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
- Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.
If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.
- Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
- Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
- Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
- Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.
There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.
During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.
- Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
- Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
- Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.
- Visit one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites
- Stay in a comfortable hotel next to Lumbini
- Spend a full day touring the site with an expert local guide
- Flights and transfers to/from Kathmandu included
Enjoy a three day extension to the birthplace of Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Take the short flight from Kathmandu, and spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel, just steps from the Lumbini temple complex, with a full day to explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site in the company of an expert local guide.