Itinerary -  24th October to 9th November 2003

Fri, 24th   22.30 Qatar Air Depart London arr Doha 07.25  / depart Doha 08.00 arr 15.15 Sat. Kathmandu.

Nepal

Sat 25th – Kathmandu (1527 metres) 15.15 Arrived Kathmandu. Flying into Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a clear day is in itself an unforgettable experience, with the entire Nepalese Himalaya sprawling out below you. Sun 26th – Kathmandu (The Everest Hotel) Half day sightseeing tour to Swayambhunath Stupa, Durbar Square and Kamari-ghar, the temple of the Kumari, Living Goddess.

Bhutan

Mon 27th – Fly to Paro, Bhutan (2100 metres) Druk Air (the national carrier of Bhutan) to Paro in Bhutan (1hr 30 min). Flew over the beautiful southern plains and the Great Himalaya in the north with fantastic views of the Himalaya including Mt. Everest, then up the narrow valleys into Paro. Tues, 28th – Sightseeing in Paro Took a steep, 1½-hour hike to a teahouse, where we enjoyed a great view of Takstang Monastery (its name means “tiger’s nest”), perched on a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. Visited the ruined ramparts of Drukyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakang 7th century temple, Ta Dzong that houses the National Museum of Bhutan, and ended at the village of our guide, Dorji Tshering, where we had tea with his family. Wed, 29th – Trek to Jele Dzong (8Km, 4hr) After breakfast we started our trek on the Druk Path trek that leads from Paro to Thimpu, following the traditional high route crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route crosses several passes, including the Phume La (4210m) and is still used by local yak herders. Overnight camp. Thurs, 30th – Jele Dzong to Tsaluna  (11km, 4hr) After breakfast explored the Jele Dzong. Our day’s walk begins with a climb through thick rhododendron forest to cross the Jele La (3490m) and onto a saddle at 3590 metres. Overnight camp. Fri, 31st – Tsaluna via Mottithang to Thimpu (2350m)  (20Km, 9hrs) Today was a longer trekking day so we started a little earlier. The trail followed the ridge past the Jimilangtsho lakes (3880m), which are famous for their giant sized trout and up to our highest point 4,250m. Passing Motithang, we arrived in Thimpu late afternoon. Overnight hotel. Sat, 1st – Thimpu Sightseeing. Our sightseeing included visiting Tashichhodzong, the seat of the government, the Memorial Stupa, built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King, he zoo, the nunnery, the market and emporium with a lunch stop at Dochu La Pass (3100m).where a large monument and a forest of colourful prayer flags signal the top of the pass. (On a clear day the views of the Himalaya to the north are tremendous including Gangkar Punsum, the highest unclimbed peak (over 24,000 feet) in the world but sadly it was in cloud for us).

Nepal

Sun, 2nd - Paro to Kathmandu Early breakfast in the hotel before our drive to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Mon, 3rd – Bhaktapur, Bodnath and Patan A day of sightseeing by taxi cars to Bhaktapur, Boudhanath and Patan Tues, 4th – Kathmandu Sightseeing especially around Durbar Square, with its many temples, remains of an ancient palace, and intricate Sun Dhoka (“Golden Gate”), a gilded copper gate crafted in 1753.

Chitwan

Wed, 5th  – Chitwan Morning flight from the domestic airport to Bharatpur (30mins), then transferred to the Temple Tiger Wildlife Lodge. After lunch, elephant ride in the tall elephant grass. Thurs, 6th  to 8th November – Chitwan 8th November – Chitwan to Kathmandu Morning wildlife activities then transfer to Bharatpur airport for a 30 min flight back to Kathmandu 9th November – To London 08.15am flight arr Doha 10.25. / Doha 13.00 arrive London 17.50