Hidden in the Himalayas between India and China, the independent Bhutanese people have largely lived a life of isolation from the world, and have succeeded in maintaining their cultural and spiritual heritage, preserved in age-old traditions.
Bhutan exudes a special charm, a feeling of calm and serenity, which envelopes you the instant you arrive. The people are deeply religious, following the Lamaist form of Buddhism, and monsasteries, temples and religious monuments are dotted across the landscape. Nearly three quarters of the land area is covered by forests, and the country has a wealth of biodiversity, with dazzling snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and beautiful rural landscapes.
Even after visiting Nepal, many travellers find Bhutan to be a revelation, and feel strongly drawn to return again to experience more of the beauty, charm and spirituality of the kingdom and its people.
We can arrange a wide variety of cultural, trekking, and exploratory tours throughout Bhutan. We do not currently run group departures here, but instead arrange only private or tailor-made tours, normally starting and finishing with a flight from Kathmandu.
Tours in Tibet
We have a small range of tours in Tibet to give
you a taste of this fascinating country. We do not currently run our own exclusive group
departures here, but specialise more in private and tailor-made
itineraries, or extensions from Nepal (it takes just over 6 hours to
drive up to the Tibetan border from Kathmandu, and we can add
extensions into Tibet onto any of our Nepalese tours if required).
When in Tibet, you can visit Everest Base Camp
from the Tibetan side, and walk the streets and see the temples and
monasteries of the ancient holy city of Lhasa, as well as exploring
more of the country.
As an example, the following suggested itinerary, travelling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa, and flying back again, is available to start every Tuesday and Saturday on a joining basis with other people booking in Kathmandu. Private departures are also available on request.
A Taste of Tibet - Basic Itinerary
Day 1 - B - Kathmandu - Nyalam (approx. 155 km drive today)
Leave early (approx. 05.30) and drive from Kathmandu to the border (approx. 6 hours). Cross the border, complete immigration formalities, and drive to Nyalam.
Overnight in hotel in Nyalam
Day 2 - B - Nyalam - Lhatse (approx. 370km drive today)
Follow the Bhote Khosi river valley and cross the Nayalam Pass (3800m). Continue driving via Lalungla (5050m) with views of Mt. Langtang, Mt. Xoxapangma (8013m), Mt. Makalu (8464m), Mt. Everest (8848m, Mt. Lhotse (8516m) and more peaks.
Overnight in hotel in Lhatse
Day 3 - B - Lhatse - Xigatse (approx. 210km drive today)
Drive over a 5200m pass to Lhatze (approx. 3 hours) and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive on to Xigatse and see the Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Its huge Thanka Wall is clearly visible on the north side of the road.
Overnight in hotel in Xigatse
Day 4 - B - Xigatse - Gyantse (approx. 90km drive today)
Visit Tashilumpo Monastery and the Xigatse Bazaar in the morning, drive for approx. 2 hours to the small bustling town of Gyantse. Steeped in history, in the 15th century, Gyantse was the capital of a small Kingdom, and was later a main centre for trade with British India. Visit the Kumbum Chorten and Phklkor Monastery. Overnight in hotel in Gyantse
Day 5 - B - Gyantse - Lhasa (approx. 260km drive today)
A long drive (approx. 8 hours) today starts with a climb between two lofty mountains, Mt. Nozing Khangsa (7223m) and Mt. Ralung (6236m) to cross the Karola pass (5010m). You will then see the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) before crossing the Kambala pass (4794m) which brings the Lhasa Valley into view to the north.
Overnight in hotel in Lhasa
Days 6 & 7 - B - Lhasa
You have two full days in Lhasa to explore the town and enjoy sightseeing excursions to visit the Pothala Palace, Yokhang Temple, Barkhor market, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery
Overnight in hotel in Lhasa
Day 8 - B - Lhasa - Kathmandu
Drive from Lhasa for approx. 2 hours to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu (approx. 1hr10min). The flight gives good views of Yarlung Tasangpo River, Lake Yamdrok, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and Mt. Everest (8848m) (weather permitting)
Arriving in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transfer you to Thamel (no hotel included tonight)
PRICES:
A - Private tour for a minimum of 2 people -
UK£635 per person
B - Joining a group tour -
UK£395 per person
Plus Lhasa to Kathmandu flight =
US$ 327.00 per person (local payment)
Price Includes:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis on Bed & Breakfast basis (best available guesthouses, and 2-3 star hotel in Lhasa)
- All sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- All necessary monastery entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- Private ground transfers & transport
- Tibet travel permit
Price Excludes:
- Hard & Soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Lunches & dinners
- Nepal re-entry visa fee
- Airport Departure Tax
- Photography fees if applied
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fee
If you would like us to arrange a private or tailor made tour in Tibet or Bhutan, or an extension into either country from Nepal, please
contact us with your ideas and requirements and we'll be happy to suggest an itinerary for you.
Tours 
