Kathmandu, Nepal, Lukla, Everest Region | Walking & Trekking
- Grade:
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Strenuous
Suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.
Find out more...
Strenuous
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- Duration: 23 days from the UK
- On trek: 18 days (including race day)
- Private Departures Available
The ultimate high altitude marathon in the world's most spectacular mountain terrain with superb pre-race acclimatisation; cross two 5,000m passes, trek to Everest Base Camp and summit Kala Pattar.
Highlights
- Realise the ambition of a lifetime by running the world’s highest marathon
- Cross two spectacular passes over 5,000 metres: the Renjo La and the Cho La.
- Spend two nights camping at Everest Base Camp where the race starts at 5,300m/17,388ft
- Walk up to Kala Pattar at 5,545m/18,193ft for superb views of Mount Everest
- Stay at a four star hotel in Kathmandu with time to relax or take in the sights of the city
Reviews
This is the ultimate adventure holiday combining both the trek and the mountain racing challenge of a lifetime. Trek over two of Nepal’s most spectacular passes to reach the foot of Mount Everest, and then run the world’s highest marathon in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain.
With the start line at 5,300m/17,388ft, you will need excellent acclimatisation. Our itinerary provides just that, with a two week trek to Everest Base Camp, crossing two high altitude passes over 5,000m. From Ramechap you take the exciting flight to Lukla and then trek up to Everest Base Camp through some of the more remote, unspoilt valleys of the Khumbu, crossing the Renjo La, 5,340m/17,521ft and the Cho La, 5,420m/17,777ft, en-route. We strongly believe this gives you a much better chance of performing well on race day than just walking from Lukla up the main Everest trail to base camp as a walk-in is in itself a challenging, high altitude trek, and one which offers the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery in the Everest region.
Having crossed the two high passes you continue towards Everest Base Camp and summit Kalar Pattar, 5,545m/18,193ft, for further acclimatisation, and as you can’t actually see Everest from base camp. From the top of Kala Pattar there are outstanding views of Everest and many other 8,000m and 7,000m peaks. Well acclimatised you then have a full day to rest and enjoy the camp atmosphere at Everest Base Camp so your legs are fresh and raring to go on race day.
The 26.2 mile race takes place on 29th May, and this date has been picked to commemorate the first successful Mount Everest Expedition, where Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary made history in 1953. Starting early in the morning, and wearing your electronic chip band, you leave base camp and race down to Namche Bazaar. There are checkpoints, water and medical stations along the way but most of the running is through open terrain. The race is a huge physical and mental challenge but you will be spurred on by the remarkable views and support from locals and trekkers as you descend.
Whilst on trek before and after the race you will stay in cozy local tea house accommodation, and camp for just the two nights you are at Everest Base Camp. The trek and race are fully portered so you will walk and run with a small daysack, carrying just the essentials you need each day on the trail.
We believe this is the ultimate high altitude racing adventure in the world’s most stunning mountain terrain. The unrivalled scenery more than compensates for the rigours of this demanding race – and you will have the memories to last a lifetime.
Private Departures
Two High Passes & Everest Marathon - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.
At a glance
Strenuous
Duration: 23 days from the UK
On trek: 18 days (including race day)
Max. Altitude: 5,545m/18,193ft, Kala Pattar, Day 15
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Land only joining city: Kathmandu
Accommodation types: Hotels, Tea Houses, Camping
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu, all meals on trek. 21 x breakfasts, 18 x lunches, 19 x dinners.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to Ramechap. Fly to Lukla and trek to Monjo. |
| 4-5 | Trek to Namche Bazaar. Rest day and acclimatisation. |
| 6-9 | Trek to Lungden via Thame. Alternate between trek days and rest days to aid acclimatisation. |
| 10 | Trek to Gokyo via the Renjo La, 5,340m/17,521ft. |
| 11 | Rest day in Gokyo or climb Gokyo Ri, 5,360m/17,585ft. |
| 12 | Trek to Dragnak. |
| 13-14 | Cross the Cho La, 5,420m/17,777ft. Trek to Lobuche. |
| 15 | Ascend Kala Pattar, 5,545m/18,192ft, descend to Gorak Shep. |
| 16 | Trek to Everest Base Camp, 5,300m/17,388ft. |
| 17 | Full rest day. |
| 18 | RACE DAY! |
| 19-20 | Trek to Lukla via Namche Bazaar. |
| 21-23 | Fly to Ramechap. Drive to Kathmandu. Time at leisure. Fly to London. |
Leader: Sherpa Leader, Nepal
This trek will be led by a professionally trained, English speaking Sherpa. 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 - Fly London to Kathmandu
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Drive to Ramechap – approximately 4 hours.
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the airport and transferred to Ramechap which lies around four hours south east of Kathmandu (traffic depending).
Overnight: Tea House
Day 3 - Fly to Lukla, 2,743m/9,000ft. Trek to Monjo, 2,835m/9,301ft - 5-6 hours.
The flight from Ramechap to Lukla and the landing at the small mountain airstrip is something you will be talking about for many years to come. The scenery is fantastic and as you fly above the vast valleys towards Lukla, the mountain giants of the world appear on the horizon. After landing on the airstrip, there may be time for a cup of tea in one of the lodges in Lukla before starting the trek. It is about two hours to lunch at Phakding, 2,652m/8,700ft. First the path drops down a steep, stony path to meet the trail coming up through Chaurikharka. You will encounter porters, sherpas, trekkers and the common beast of burden, the dzo. The path contours the mountainside, past lodges and the small hamlets of Ghat, 2,490m/8,169ft, and Chuthrawa, 2,591m/8,500ft. The trail takes you past large stones carved and painted with prayers, a couple of large new suspension bridges and under cliffs with trickling waterfalls. From Phakding it is another two or three hours to Monjo, 2,835m/9,301ft, which lies just past Chumoa.
Memories of the day will include the sounds of porters with transistor radios, a cacophony of different languages, strange-sounding birds, the sights of porters with loads resting on sticks outside tea houses, tired trekkers on their way back to Lukla, prayer flag poles, the gaudy colours of the tea houses and of course the dramatic scenery.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 4 - Trek to Namche Bazaar, 3,445m/11,300ft - 3-4 hours.
Today's path is full of interesting sights. Not least of these will be your first view of Everest as you get higher up the trail. From the lodge it is 15 minutes to the Everest National Park boundary and already the scenery is impressive, with deep gorges, bare vertical rock faces, pine forests on some steep slopes and wispy waterfalls. Having completed the paperwork, it is then another 15 minutes of following the right bank of the river before you start to climb to the Hillary Bridge, named after Sir Edmund of Everest fame. This is a tremendously impressive suspension bridge, spanning a deep chasm. The path then zigzags up through the forest where trees pack themselves in between giant boulders and cliffs. If you are lucky, you may well see small herds of thar, a small deer-like animal. Eventually you pull into Namche Bazaar, its Sherpa houses built one above the other on the steep sides of a sloping mountain bowl. The narrow streets at its centre are a mixture of cyber cafés, souvenir shops and places where you can buy or rent anything under the sun.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 5 - Rest day – acclimatisation.
'Climb high, sleep low' is the mantra for good acclimatisation. To help acclimatisation it is a good idea to walk up the hill today to the Park Headquarters from where there are the first really good views of Everest and Ama Dablam - a wonderful panorama. If you are feeling energetic you might also make the worthwhile excursion to the Everest View Hotel, situated above the village of Khumjung. Although rather an ugly building and out of keeping with its surroundings, there are very impressive views from its terrace and you can have a cup of tea or a glass of hot lemon there while you revel in the mountain scenery.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 6 - Trek to Thame, 3,820m/12,533ft - 5-6 hours.
Climbing steeply out of the village you then head north-west, up the Nangpo Drangpo valley (Bhote Khosi). You walk through fine rhododendron forest with views across the valley, Kwangde, 6,343m/20,806ft, and the waterfalls cascading off its flanks. You cross a tributary valley (Kyajo Kola) and look back down the valley for views of Thamserku, 6,648m/21,806ft, and Kusum Kangru, 6,370m/20,896ft. You then arrive at the village of Thamo and could visit its tiny gompa.
From Thamo, the trail continues gradually uphill through scrubland. You may well spot Himalayan thar (a type of mountain goat) on the hillside, although their numbers have dwindled recently due to attacks by snow leopards. As you progress further up the trail, you see the path which leads to the Tesi Lapche pass, which leads to the Rolwaling Valley and you can see Thame Gompa. After about an hour and a half's walking, you reach a huge rock wall painted with the Buddhist figures of Green Tara and Guru Rimpoche. The bridge over the Bhote Koshi, adorned with prayer flags, is crossed and then it is half an hour's gradual ascent to the village of Thame. Thame is an attractive village comprising a collection of lodges, houses and a gompa above it.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 7 - Acclimatisation walk from Thame.
Today you could walk up towards the Singdu-Ri, 4,571m/15,000 ft, from where you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Everest range including Makalu and Cho Oyu, depending, of course, on the weather conditions. The trip there and back to Thame will take about 4-6 hours and will give you good acclimatisation.
An easier option would be a two-three hour walk to Thengbo, on the way to the Tashi Lapcha pass, from where you can get good views of the lower Himalaya. This is a valley walk with gradual climbs. In the afternoon, your group will have the chance to visit Thame monastery.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 8 - Trek from Thame to Lungden, 4,350m /14,272ft - 4 hours.
Today you leave the main trail, and you will enjoy the peace and relative solitude. You begin today's walk uphill for about 15 minutes until rounding a bend you will see the attractive, moderately sized village of Tangmote. You descend to the village and pass a huge chorten as you continue along a very well-trodden, wide path. The trail is strewn with mani walls and a small chorten as you progress through the village. After about an hour, you walk parallel to the village of Yellajung on the other side of the Bhote Koshi.
The trail continues on a gentle, ascending path on the hillside above Bhote Koshi. After approximately two hours walking, you come to the village of Tharngga at 4,000m/13,100ft. You will start to feel the altitude here. Tharngga comprises a sprawling collection of stone houses, and you have superb views of Kongde Ri as you look down the trail. A further 45 minutes or so on a gradually rising trail brings you to Marlung, 4,200m/13,779ft, where you will probably stop for lunch. Continuing on, a rough, ascending, pebble-strewn path marked sporadically with red arrows, brings you in an hour to Lungden - 4,350m /14,271ft.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 9 - Rest and acclimatisation day in Lungden.
Today there will be an opportunity to walk and explore further up the valley. This will provide much needed acclimatisation for tomorrow's trek over the Renjo La.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 10 - Trek to Gokyo, 4,790m/15,716ft, over the Renjo La, 5,340m/17,521ft – 8 hours.
Today's walk is challenging. You leave Lungden and a fairly stiff climb for an hour or so takes you to a lake. Here you continue ascending for a couple of hours until you reach Black Lake and the col. Here you can see your objective, the Renjo La, and its prayer flags some 250m/800ft above.
The trail is now very good - stone steps almost all the way to the pass. It zigzags across the hillside and you will really feel the altitude here. It takes between five and six hours to reach the pass. The descent to Gokyo will take around three hours and the first part is often snow covered and moderately steep. It is marked with cairns. Eventually the path becomes a good trail which leads to the Dudh Pokhari (lake) and Gokyo.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 11 - Rest day in Gokyo with recommended ascent of Gokyo Ri for acclimatisation.
Today, assuming that the weather is clear, you will enjoy tremendous views from nearby Gokyo Ri. Unlike Kala Pattar from Lobuche where you have a long walk in to make the climb, the foot of Gokyo Ri lies just five minutes away from the lodges at Gokyo, across the stream that feeds the lake. A two to three-hour 'huff and puff' on a zig-zagging trail leads to the summit from where the views are well worth all the effort involved. There are good views of Everest, 8,848m/29,028ft, which shows its summit and northern flank and Makalu, 8,475m/27,798ft, is seen further to the east. To the north is Cho Oyu, 8,153m/26,741ft, and all around snow, ice, glacial moraines and other giants can be seen. Below is the village of Gokyo, the picturesque Gokyo lakes and the debris littered surface of the huge Ngozumba Glacier. You'll descend to Gokyo for lunch. In the afternoon you may take a well-earned rest, or take a walk further north beside the glacier towards the Gokyo Valley's fourth and fifth lakes.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 12 - Trek to Dragnak, 4,750m /15,420ft - 2 hours.
From Gokyo you descend into the valley a short way and then, having passed a lower lake, you head east to climb the moraine of the Ngozumba Glacier. The crossing of the glacier is arduous; the path winds up and down and around through boulders and rubble and the trail changes from year to year as the glacier moves. You then continue to Dragnak.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 13 - Cross Cho La, 5,420m /17,777ft, and descend to Dzongla, 4,843m/15,889ft - 8 hours.
Leaving Draknak you make a long ascent, then cross a grassy saddle and descend a short way to Chyugima before starting the climb proper to the pass. The ascent is over steep scree, rocks and large boulders which can be very slippery and the going can be difficult in places, depending on the conditions. The way becomes even steeper to reach the pass itself. The views when you reach the snow field at the top are stunning. Again, care must be taken on the descent. The route down the snowfield begins gently, but then, following cairns which mark the way, the terrain becomes more difficult as you walk and scramble over large rocks and boulders. The final valley descent is more gradual and easier going to arrive at your stopping place for the night at Dzongla.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 14 - Descend to Duglha and trek to Lobuche, 4,931m/16,175ft - 4-5 hours.
An easier day today, as you descend past the small lake of Cholatse Tso beneath Cholatse Peak and then contour round to the jumble of rocks at the base of the Khumbu Glacier which is reached at the tiny hamlet of Duglha. There is then a short sharp climb up the terminal moraine of the glacier to reach the top where there are memorial cairns to those who have died on Everest. There is a real feel of being high in the mountains, and the landscape is wild and rocky. Following a stream, which is often frozen, at one side of the moraine, you soon reach the houses of Lobuche.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 15 - Ascend Kala Pattar, 5,545m/18,193ft. Trek down to Gorak Shep - 7 hours.
An early start is essential to reach the summit before any cloud comes down and it will probably be very cold when you set off. Make sure to have something for breakfast even if you don't feel like it as you will need the energy. You are at high altitude, so take some snacks to keep you going along the way and be sure to have your water bottle filled when you set off.
Leaving Lobuche you head north-east, along the side of the Khumbu Glacier through jumbled moraine and shattered rock. There is almost no vegetation here. Even so, small coveys of the delightful Tibetan Snow Cock can often be seen along the way or heard calling from the hillsides. You make several energetic ups and downs across the moraine and descend to Gorak Shep where it is worth having a reviving cup of tea and a snack.
At Gorak Shep you will be ideally placed for an ascent of Kala Pattar in the clear of the morning before cloud comes in to obscure the summit of Everest. Although not far, this is a tough ascent of approximately two to three hours until you finally reach the rocky summit of Kala Pattar at 5,545m - quite literally the high-point of your trek. From the summit of Kala Pattar there are great views of the summit of Everest as well as other Himalayan giants - Pumori, 7,145m, the Tibetan peak Changtse, 4,501m, Nuptse, Lhotse and countless other needles and snow fluted ridges. You can also look down on the Khumbu glacier where base camp is located during the climbing season in late spring. You will then descend to Gorak Shep.
We highly recommend the ascent of Kala Pattar, both for extra race acclimatisation and because you cannot see Everest from Everest Base Camp itself.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 16 - Trek to Everest Base Camp, 5,300m/17,388ft- 3 hours.
From Gorak Shep it is still a long, fairly arduous trek to base camp, initially following the top of the moraine and then descending onto the boulder-strewn glacier. In the climbing season you may follow mountaineering groups, or yaks carrying supplies, but at other times there are just a series of small cairns along the route. After a couple of hours you reach the base camp area from where, although you do not have views of the actual summit of Everest, there are sensational close-up views of the terrifying Khumbu ice-fall and a surrounding scenery of ice seracs and tumbled rocks. This will be your home under canvas for the next two nights.
Overnight: Camp
Day 17 - Rest day at Everest Base Camp.
Today is a day dedicated to getting some rest and recuperating from your long walk-in, and preparing for your all important race.
Overnight: Camp
Day 18 - RACE DAY!!!
The big day. Starting at 7am from the bottom of the Khumbu Glacier you will race down to to Namche Bazar at 3,445m/11,300ft. The course is mostly downhill on the main Everest Base Camp trail but with some ascents and added interest along the way. You descend through Gorak Shep and head down towards Dingboche, making a loop at Biber before continuing to Namche via Kyanjuma. There are spectacular views throughout, although you will need to devote most of your time to watching your footfall, rather than admiring the view. Bank on the race taking you about twice the length of your normal marathon time; this will be a very demanding day. There will be a celebration meal in the evening.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 19 - Trek to Phakding. 2-3 hours.
With heavy legs and a heavy heart you retrace your steps to Phakding.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 20 - Trek to Lukla, 2,880m/9,449ft - 6-7 hours.
Today you retrace your steps back to Lukla. There is something very special about the setting, the villages and the people of the high Khumbu hills and valleys and these memories will help you when making the deceptively long, final climb into Lukla.
Overnight: Tea House
Day 21 - Fly to Ramechap. Drive to Kathmandu - 3½-4 hours.
This morning you will take the small fixed-wing flight back to Ramechap, to be met on arrival and transferred back to Kathmandu for some well-earned relaxation.
Please note that flights into and out of Lukla are sometimes delayed due to weather conditions; be reassured that our staff in Lukla and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimise the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the trying circumstances which can occur, will be greatly appreciated.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 22 - Day at leisure in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner at Shankar Hotel for all race participants.
Today will be at leisure for some shopping, sightseeing or simply relaxing after your trek. If sightseeing, you might like to visit the important Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River or the magnificent stupas of Swayambhunath or Boudhanath. You could also take a taxi in the morning (hotel reception can help you organise this) to visit one of the two old towns of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur or Patan.
There will be a lavish farewell post-race dinner at Shankar Hotel for all race participants where you will all celebrate your fantastic achievement.
Overnight: Kathmandu Guest House Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 23 - Group transfer to airport. Fly to London (arrive same day).
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.
Hold your place
Not quite ready to book? Why not call us on +44 (0) 1453 844400 to hold a no obligation place while you make up your mind?
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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.
Booking your holiday
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Deposit
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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.
Book now!
- 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.
- Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.
What’s included
- Your race entry
- Event t-shirt, tracksuit, participant medal, certificate and souvenir t-shirt
- Celebratory post-race dinner at Shankar Hotel for all race participants
- English-speaking local guide
- Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
- All internal flights and domestic transfers
- Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
- Good standard hotel accommodation (4 star) in Kathmandu, twin share, bed and breakfast basis
- All road transport by private vehicles
- Free use of a good quality down jacket, sleeping bag and liner (supplied in-country)
- Lodges booked in advance
- Two nights camping at Everest Base Camp, with sleeping tents, mattresses, dining tent, and all meals provided
- Water & food stations on the race
- Trek staff and full porterage and their insurance
- All meals on trek including tea and coffee
- A free high quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
- The opportunity to attend one of our pre trip meet in the Cotswolds
What’s not included
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (except celebration meal on Day 22)
- Tips
Extend your holiday
- Fly within five nautical miles of Everest
- As well as Everest, see views of other 8,000m giants; Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu and Lhotse
- Flights operate in the early morning, when weather conditions are at their best.
While in Kathmandu, why not experience the spectacular sight of Mount Everest? Instead of trekking into the region to gain a good view of this must-see landmark you could see it in under an hour! We fly with either Buddha Air or Mountain Air who both operate modern Raytheon Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. These hold between 16 and 18 people and as the seating is only two abreast everyone is guaranteed a window seat. The excursion includes hotel transfers, a celebratory glass of bubbly and a certificate signed by your captain after you land.
- 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.
- Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
- Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
- Idyllic setting with mountain views
- The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
- Eco-friendly
We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.
The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.
The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.
All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.