BhutanEcoRetreat

• Explore the Kathmandu valley and the cultural traditions of the multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia.

• Visit temples, including the famous Tiger’s Lair, monasteries, nunneries, dzongs (fortress), art projects, schools and Kutira’s special projects

• Sample delicious and diverse local cuisine from street markets, fine dining, and family homes

• Explore the country’s Buddhist tradition and culture with the help of an expert guide

• Hike up stunning trails and enjoy the breath-taking architecture that Nepal and Bhutan has to offer

Trip Includes:

• Nepal:
  
  • All lodging accommodations and breakfast (no lunch or dinner)
    
  • All daily activities
    
  • Kutira’s cultural and spiritual immersion tour
• Bhutan:
  
  • All lodging accommodations and breakfast, lunch and dinner
    
  • All transportation
    
  • Our own English-speaking Bhutanese Guide
    
  • All daily activities
    
  • Kutira’s cultural and spiritual immersion tour
    

And of course, unexpected beautiful surprises!

Accommodations and Food
We will stay in beautiful and clean hotels and guest houses in Nepal and Bhutan with hot water and electricity. (Please note: Our hotels/guest houses will be rated 3 stars and any upgrades to 4/5 star accommodations are at additional cost. Requests need to be made early and may be only available at certain places.)

Nepal:
Breakfast will be provided. There are many wonderful restaurants with international food choices and recommendations can be provided by Kutira herself!

Bhutan:
Breakfast and most dinners will be in hotels. Lunches will often be in restaurants or picnic lunches during our hikes. Meals are typically served buffet style, with Bhutanese, Indian, and Chinese dishes as the usual offerings. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. A typical breakfast may include cereal and milk, pancakes (sometimes Buckwheat), omelets, fried potatoes, and fruits in season. Dinners will usually be in restaurants or even the homes of local families we have relationships with. Dinner may include rice, noodles, asparagus or cauliflower, a meat entrée (often chicken), and ema datse, the spicy chili cheese dish often considered as the national dish of Bhutan. Beer is typically available for purchase with lunch or dinner, but wine is limited- drinks are not included in the price.

Trip Difficulty
The trip consists of a mix of hiking, cultural and culinary touring. Anyone in good physical condition who is comfortable walking 2-3 hours on a hilly, rocky terrain should have no difficulty on the hikes. Some of the hikes begin at approximately 11,000 feet elevation and descend. It is important to view the trip as a group activity where the needs of the group may outweigh those of the individual. An open attitude and respect for the culture are important attributes that enhance participant’s enjoyment of the trip. Please feel free to call Kutira and discuss if this would be the perfect journey of your life. It is much easier than you think!

Equipment and Clothing
Hiking boots or trail shoes, rain jacket and pants, and a day-pack are highly recommended. Daytime temperatures will be moderate (approximately 55 to 75 degrees). Nighttime temperatures will be cool (30 to 40 degrees). Autumn, from September to late November follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright sunny days and some early snowfalls at higher elevations.

14 Day Journey Pricing

PLEASE NOTE: This price is based on 16 participants, if the group is below 16 people there will be an additional surcharge of $300.

Costs are based on double occupancy, ie. shared twin hotel accommodation.

Single room surcharge $60 per day, if requested and available.

The price does not cover:

• Airfare
• Airport visa fee upon arrival in Nepal (Bhutan included in price)
• Any extra days prior to or beyond the dates of the tour
• Excess baggage on the flight
• Phone calls/internet usage fees and faxes during the tour
• Any items of a personal nature ie: laundry, medical and travel insurance coverage.
• Lunches and dinner in Nepal (however they are very inexpensive and you will enjoy the many options you can choose from.)
• Taxi/Rikshaw rides in Nepal. These are very inexpensive

GRATUITIES
Gratuities to your guides, driver and behind the scene angels. We will collect $175 USD per person at the beginning of our journey. This amount is based on 16 people – any less than 16, the gratitude contribution will be $200. Please bring this in cash with you.

Optional monastery donations: It is customary when you enter a sacred place that you support the well-being of the space with a small contribution. When you exchange money, please get some small bills.

All prices in $US with a 5% surcharge paid with credit card, international wire fee $45 for each transfer, personal checks and cash are accepted.

For more information and to ensure this journey is for you, write to  info@BhutanEcoRetreat.com or call contact the office at 808-572-6020.

Once you have registered to this once in a lifetime adventure, our office will help to prepare you with detailed information. Step by step we will help you get ready.

ADDITIONAL OPTION

If this is your once in a lifetime journey to Bhutan and you would like to immerse yourself in seeing the East of this magical Kingdom from November 12th to the 28th, then you can extend your journey and explore another region of Bhutan where normally tourist don’t travel.  Click here for more information.