YANTRA TOURS & TRAVELS

14 DAYS EVEREST & GOKYO TREK

10 DAYS MUKTINATH THE TEMPLE OF LIBRATION

DETAIL ITINERARY DAY 01: (1350 meter): Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350M), meeting at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. After a short break, you will visit the Kopan monastery and stupa Baudhanath, which was believed to be built in 5 AD. This stupa is considered as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, visiting monasteries seeing devotees making the circle, praying, offering a butter lamp to Buddha is a common practice of Buddhism. DAY 02: (2280 meter): Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu: Departure to Bhutan, the flight would be an hour-long to Paro (Altitude 2280 m) – our Bhutan representative will receive you at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. On the way, view Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century. Dinner and overnight in Hotel. DAY 03: (2320 m): Thimpu: The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built-in honor of our 3rd King, Tallest Statue of Buddha, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve center, Sangaygang viewpoint, and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. After lunch, we then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Dinner and overnight in Hotel. DAY 04: (1310 meter): Thimpu-Punakha: After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (76 Km, 3 hrs. drive). We stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. Drive further down and visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi. On the way, view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Popularly known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). In the evening, excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Punasangchu Cottages. DAY 05: Punakha - Gangtey (3120 meter): (66 km, 3 hrs) After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (razed by fire in 2012), & under construction (from outside) built-in 1638. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey. After lunch, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the Rare Black-necked Cranes in winter, and visit the Crane Information center. Dinner and overnight in Theckchen Phodrang Guesthouse or similar. DAY 06: Gangtey - Thimphu: (Altitude 2320 m) (143 km – 6 hrs.): After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Lunch will be served on the way. In the evening, free for shopping and photography in the town. Dinner and overnight in a Hotel. DAY 07: Thimphu – Paro: (Altitude 2280 m, Distance 58 km, Drive Time 1 hour): After breakfast, drive to Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery: a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2-hour walk till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. Dinner and overnight in a Resort. DAY 08: (4500 meter): Paro Sightseeing: (Altitude 2280 m): After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. After lunch, visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in a Resort. DAY 09: Departure from Bhutan: (Altitude 2280 m). Early flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, after a short break guided tour to Kathmandu Durbar square and the Patan, the city situated next to Kathmandu on its south, and finally the stupa Svayambhunath famous as the “monkey temple”. At 19:00 in the evening-Farewell dinner with Nepali cuisine and dancing in traditional Nepali kitchen. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 10: (1350M): Departure from Nepal: Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Checkout time for room at noon. Transfer to the airport for departure from Nepal.

PRE-TRIP ESSENTIALS: IMPORTANT: Visiting Kingdom of BHUTAN PRACTICALITIES the royal government of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to the development of tourism in the kingdom to avoid its negative impacts on the culture and the environment. In 2014, the number of tourists who visited Bhutan was approximately 133,480. Visitors must either be guests of the government or travelers on an approved travel program. THE MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE COVERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: • A MINIMUM OF 3 STAR ACCOMMODATION (4- & 5-STAR MAY REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL PREMIUM). • ALL MEALS. • A LICENSED BHUTANESE TOUR GUIDE FOR THE EXTENT OF YOUR STAY. • ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT (EXCLUDING INTERNAL FLIGHTS). • CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND HAULAGE FOR TREKKING TOURS. IT ALSO INCLUDES: • ALL INTERNAL TAXES AND CHARGES • A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ROYALTY OF $65. THIS ROYALTY GOES TOWARDS FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTHCARE, POVERTY ALLEVIATION, ALONG WITH THE BUILDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE: A floor of minimum cost per person per night during the different seasons has been set up by the government of Bhutan. The minimum Daly package for the tourists traveling in a group of 3 persons or more is fixed. They are based on the season. January, February, June, July, August & December. The high season months are March, April, May, September, October, and November. INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS AND SMALLER GROUPS OF LESS THAN THREE PERSONS ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING SURCHARGES, OVER AND ABOVE THE MINIMUM DAILY. PACKAGE TARIFF: • FIT SURCHARGE FOR 01 PERSON - US $40/ PER NIGHT • FIT SURCHARGE FOR 02 PEOPLE - US$ 30/ PER PERSON PER NIGHT SMOKING IN BHUTAN: The Royal Government of Bhutan discourages smoking within the kingdom and smoking is prohibited by law, but still there are certain consideration exists for the traveler who smokes. Every visitor who smokes can carry a certain number of cigarettes and should be stated on arrival during the customs process and this luxury cost a certain amount of government tax. Likewise, all the public areas are prohibited areas for smokers. On the other hand, chewing tobaccos is not illegal, it is rather welcoming. PRE-TRIP ESSENTIALS: HEALTH:Visit of Nepal or Bhutan does not require special vaccination; however, we recommend consulting with the attending physician and to stock up with necessary drugs before you depart Medical services limited in mountainous areas. If you wear glasses, it is better to have at itself a spare couple. MOUNTAIN SICKNESS: Any person traveling above 2500m can get easy symptoms of a mountain illness. The first signs are headache, increased fatigue, sleeplessness, appetite loss, liquid loss by an organism and puffiness. At the emergence of such signs, it is necessary to remain at this height before full acclimatization of an organism. It is necessary to use from 2nd to 4 liters of liquid a day. If symptoms don't pass and the state worsens, it is necessary to go down immediately. Sometimes even 300m can play a crucial role. Planning the travel, leave spare days on acclimatization at height 3700m and 4300m. After 4000m try not to rise more than 500m in one day. You can inadequately estimate the condition therefore always follow the advice of the accompanying guide or locals. WEATHER: Weather conditions on the mountain are unpredictable. It might be sunny during the day and cold as well as windy at night, especially at the high altitudes. Sudden rainstorms or snow flurries are always a possibility. Better be prepared! PACKING: Choosing the right clothing for your trip is very important. You always want to pack everything, but that could make a hassle. Keep in mind that almost every mountain region in Nepal the days are warm and nights are cool. Usually, we recommend people to bring warm jackets either fleece or down, long underwear and worm shocks. Pair of pants and comfortable boot for a long day while sport-shoes/sandals for hiking or during the less active period. The boots are another important factor while on trek make sure that they are waterproof. The basic principle of packing is comfort not luxury. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara you can get any necessary gear at a very comfortable price. But if you just enquire before you start packing things, we provide you better advice depending upon present weather conditions. Do not pack unnecessary things like hairdryers, lots of and lots of cosmetics and electronics, while a battery power bank (Backup) for your mobile phone, iPod is recommended. Another important factor is that porter/supports you hire for the trip has a certain limitation of how much weight he will carry on his back. THINGS THAT YOU BEAR: Baggage, backpack you give to a porter shouldn't exceed 15 kg. Your small backpack for day transitions must be designed for the most necessary in the way: the camera, water, additional clothes on a case of rain or a cold snap, cream from suntan, toilet paper, and other personal accessories if any. EMERGENCY AND YOUR SUPPORT TEAM: All our guide is well trained in first aid and can handle most of the basic illness that occurs at high altitude or in the jungle. Every group equipped with a basic first aid kit; every traveler must have full travel insurance before coming to Nepal. And should make available a copy of the policy at our office in Kathmandu. If an emergency occurs, we will evacuate you from mountain to one of the internationally recognized hospitals/ clinics in Kathmandu and contact your insurance company.

YANTRA TOURS & TRAVELS

14 DAYS EVEREST & GOKYO TREK

10 DAYS MUKTINATH THE TEMPLE OF LIBRATION

DETAIL ITINERARY DAY 01: (1350 meter): Kathmandu: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350M), meeting at the airport, and transfer to the hotel. After a short break, you will visit the Kopan monastery and stupa Baudhanath, which was believed to be built in 5 AD. This stupa is considered as the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, visiting monasteries seeing devotees making the circle, praying, offering a butter lamp to Buddha is a common practice of Buddhism. DAY 02: (2280 meter): Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu: Departure to Bhutan, the flight would be an hour- long to Paro (Altitude 2280 m) – our Bhutan representative will receive you at the Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. On the way, view Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century. Dinner and overnight in Hotel. DAY 03: (2320 m): Thimpu: The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built-in honor of our 3rd King, Tallest Statue of Buddha, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve center, Sangaygang viewpoint, and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. After lunch, we then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Dinner and overnight in Hotel. DAY 04: (1310 meter): Thimpu-Punakha: After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (76 Km, 3 hrs. drive). We stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. Drive further down and visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi. On the way, view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Popularly known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). In the evening, excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Punasangchu Cottages. DAY 05: Punakha - Gangtey (3120 meter): (66 km, 3 hrs) After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (razed by fire in 2012), & under construction (from outside) built-in 1638. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey. After lunch, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the Rare Black-necked Cranes in winter, and visit the Crane Information center. Dinner and overnight in Theckchen Phodrang Guesthouse or similar. DAY 06: Gangtey - Thimphu: (Altitude 2320 m) (143 km – 6 hrs.): After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Lunch will be served on the way. In the evening, free for shopping and photography in the town. Dinner and overnight in a Hotel. DAY 07: Thimphu – Paro: (Altitude 2280 m, Distance 58 km, Drive Time 1 hour): After breakfast, drive to Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery: a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2-hour walk till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. Dinner and overnight in a Resort. DAY 08: (4500 meter): Paro Sightseeing: (Altitude 2280 m): After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the center of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. After lunch, visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in a Resort. DAY 09: Departure from Bhutan: (Altitude 2280 m). Early flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, after a short break guided tour to Kathmandu Durbar square and the Patan, the city situated next to Kathmandu on its south, and finally the stupa Svayambhunath famous as the “monkey temple”. At 19:00 in the evening-Farewell dinner with Nepali cuisine and dancing in traditional Nepali kitchen. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 10: (1350M): Departure from Nepal: Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Checkout time for room at noon. Transfer to the airport for departure from Nepal.

PRE-TRIP ESSENTIALS: IMPORTANT: Visiting Kingdom of BHUTAN PRACTICALITIES the royal government of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to the development of tourism in the kingdom to avoid its negative impacts on the culture and the environment. In 2014, the number of tourists who visited Bhutan was approximately 133,480. Visitors must either be guests of the government or travelers on an approved travel program. THE MINIMUM DAILY PACKAGE COVERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: • A MINIMUM OF 3 STAR ACCOMMODATION (4- & 5- STAR MAY REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL PREMIUM). • ALL MEALS. • A LICENSED BHUTANESE TOUR GUIDE FOR THE EXTENT OF YOUR STAY. • ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT (EXCLUDING INTERNAL FLIGHTS). • CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND HAULAGE FOR TREKKING TOURS. IT ALSO INCLUDES: • ALL INTERNAL TAXES AND CHARGES • A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM ROYALTY OF $65. THIS ROYALTY GOES TOWARDS FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTHCARE, POVERTY ALLEVIATION, ALONG WITH THE BUILDING OF INFRASTRUCTURE: A floor of minimum cost per person per night during the different seasons has been set up by the government of Bhutan. The minimum Daly package for the tourists traveling in a group of 3 persons or more is fixed. They are based on the season. January, February, June, July, August & December. The high season months are March, April, May, September, October, and November. INDIVIDUAL TOURISTS AND SMALLER GROUPS OF LESS THAN THREE PERSONS ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING SURCHARGES, OVER AND ABOVE THE MINIMUM DAILY. PACKAGE TARIFF: • FIT SURCHARGE FOR 01 PERSON - US $40/ PER NIGHT • FIT SURCHARGE FOR 02 PEOPLE - US$ 30/ PER PERSON PER NIGHT SMOKING IN BHUTAN: The Royal Government of Bhutan discourages smoking within the kingdom and smoking is prohibited by law, but still there are certain consideration exists for the traveler who smokes. Every visitor who smokes can carry a certain number of cigarettes and should be stated on arrival during the customs process and this luxury cost a certain amount of government tax. Likewise, all the public areas are prohibited areas for smokers. On the other hand, chewing tobaccos is not illegal, it is rather welcoming. PRE-TRIP ESSENTIALS: HEALTH:Visit of Nepal or Bhutan does not require special vaccination; however, we recommend consulting with the attending physician and to stock up with necessary drugs before you depart Medical services limited in mountainous areas. If you wear glasses, it is better to have at itself a spare couple. MOUNTAIN SICKNESS: Any person traveling above 2500m can get easy symptoms of a mountain illness. The first signs are headache, increased fatigue, sleeplessness, appetite loss, liquid loss by an organism and puffiness. At the emergence of such signs, it is necessary to remain at this height before full acclimatization of an organism. It is necessary to use from 2nd to 4 liters of liquid a day. If symptoms don't pass and the state worsens, it is necessary to go down immediately. Sometimes even 300m can play a crucial role. Planning the travel, leave spare days on acclimatization at height 3700m and 4300m. After 4000m try not to rise more than 500m in one day. You can inadequately estimate the condition therefore always follow the advice of the accompanying guide or locals. WEATHER: Weather conditions on the mountain are unpredictable. It might be sunny during the day and cold as well as windy at night, especially at the high altitudes. Sudden rainstorms or snow flurries are always a possibility. Better be prepared! PACKING: Choosing the right clothing for your trip is very important. You always want to pack everything, but that could make a hassle. Keep in mind that almost every mountain region in Nepal the days are warm and nights are cool. Usually, we recommend people to bring warm jackets either fleece or down, long underwear and worm shocks. Pair of pants and comfortable boot for a long day while sport- shoes/sandals for hiking or during the less active period. The boots are another important factor while on trek make sure that they are waterproof. The basic principle of packing is comfort not luxury. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara you can get any necessary gear at a very comfortable price. But if you just enquire before you start packing things, we provide you better advice depending upon present weather conditions. Do not pack unnecessary things like hairdryers, lots of and lots of cosmetics and electronics, while a battery power bank (Backup) for your mobile phone, iPod is recommended. Another important factor is that porter/supports you hire for the trip has a certain limitation of how much weight he will carry on his back. THINGS THAT YOU BEAR: Baggage, backpack you give to a porter shouldn't exceed 15 kg. Your small backpack for day transitions must be designed for the most necessary in the way: the camera, water, additional clothes on a case of rain or a cold snap, cream from suntan, toilet paper, and other personal accessories if any. EMERGENCY AND YOUR SUPPORT TEAM: All our guide is well trained in first aid and can handle most of the basic illness that occurs at high altitude or in the jungle. Every group equipped with a basic first aid kit; every traveler must have full travel insurance before coming to Nepal. And should make available a copy of the policy at our office in Kathmandu. If an emergency occurs, we will evacuate you from mountain to one of the internationally recognized hospitals/ clinics in Kathmandu and contact your insurance company.