What our guest are saying
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The culture is deeply Buddhist. Unlike Tibet, the temples and monasteries have not become tourist attractions. The most remarkable feature of Bhutan we can mention here, is its view of life. Rather than striving to join the modern world, Bhutan is allowing it to enter only in measured doses, careful to preserve its underlying doctrine of promoting the country\’s \”gross national happiness.\” It revels in its isolation.
As you fly in, your discovery begins with breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and the sacred Mountains of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.
The next day we take you on a guided tour of Drugyal Dzong a fortress with a unique history. On the way we stop to admire the sacred Abode of the Goddess Chomo or Mount Chomolhari. We have also added a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.
You will be visiting the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), a massive fortress called Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong, the central tower (Utse) of the Dzong built in 1645 and renowned for its beautiful woodwork.
On day three we drive to the capital Thimpu and next day visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan. We also visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive, and visit the Handicrafts Emporium. We have also scheduled a visit to the King\’s throne room in the Tashichho Dzong.
We will take you on a guided tour of the Pangri Zampa Monastery which was built during the first quarter of the 16th century.
The next day we will visit a fortress called Punakha Dzong located in Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Apart from being the local administrative center, Punakha Dzong is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. The following morning we drive to Khotokha – one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Here we visit the Drajanchu monastery, a very sacred monastery to the locals. On our return to Thimpu, we visit the famous Taktsang Monastery.
Day 1: Traditional welcome at on arrival & airport transfers.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Paro.
Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a fortress) and on the way back, stop at a typical Bhutanese farm house.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We also visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and presently houses the Administrative seat of the district of Paro. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu.
This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering fabolous views at every turn. Overnight halt at Thimphu. En route visit Simthoka Dzong. Evening: Walking tour/at leisure
Day 4: Thimphu – Sightseeing
Morning : Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.
Afternoon: Visit Tashichho Dzong – the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km).
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Hotel arrangements at Zangtoe Pelri in Punakha/Government Guest House in Wangdi.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means \”Male River and Female River.\” It was built in 1637 AD. We also visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town perched on a hill between two rivers.
Day 6: Punakha – Khotokha.
After an early breakfast, drive to Chuzomsa and from there, to Khotokha. At Khotokha, we visit Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most sacred and important to the local people. Nearby is the Drupchu (spring water) believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel). The waters are supposed to have healing powers. Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains and landscape is breathtaking. We have a picnic lunch at Khotokha and return to Thimphu.
Evening: Visit Thimphu for shopping. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable market or just relax.
Day 7: Thimphu – Paro.
After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means \”Tiger\’s Nest\”. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro Valley and river.
Day 8: Paro – International Airport.
Transfers to airport for your flight home.
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Online Regional Permit System
In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.
What our guest are saying
In December 2011, my husband and I did a 3 trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal followed by 3 days at Chitwan National Park with Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd. (Kuman Gurung). We’re in our mid-sixties and began to question our decision when various friends and family members said that it’d be way too cold and difficult at that time of the year. Actually November and December are excellent months to trek in Nepal as it is normally dry and sunny. Kuman is an excellent choice as he did all the planning, gaining of licenses, arranging for lodging and planning of the length of our trekking days. We liked that he not only planned, but accompanied our group of 6, along with two other wonderful assistants (porter and guide). One needs to understand that Nepal is a third world country, and electricity and warm water become an issue all over the country. Our days were very warm---how I wished I’d brought a short sleeved shirt---and the nights are cold. We hadn’t anticipated that we’d spend much of our time climbing up or down----but Nepal translates to the Himalayas so that’s what you do. (much is rock steps which can be difficult for some) The vistas make stopping often to rest a treasure,----it is beautiful---so beautiful. You are remote and everything is packed into the area---your meals come mainly from the gardens and are delicious! Kuman is willing to tailor the trip’s destination and length to your ability and time frame. He provides one with a most memorable experience, and you come away with a true appreciation of the country and people. He also arranged our stays in Katmandu and 3 days in the Chitwan National Park. You begin and end your trek in Pokhara and we recommend the Temple Tree Resort and the Moon Dance restaurant as a great way to end your trek. Thank you Kuman for making our adventure in Nepal so perfect!Namaste to Kuman and Lokenra,
I write as the expedition leader of a team of 6 (3 Canadians and 3 Americans) who recently traveled for 1 month in Nepal and Bhutan using the guiding and coordinating services of Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd., in particular Kuman and Lokendra. This was the second expedition which these gentlemen looked after us, the first being in 2010, another month long expedition which featured trekking through the Everest region, a jungle adventure in Chitwan and an extended whitewater rafting trip on the reverred Sun Kosiriver. Our October- November2013 trip featured trekking the Annapurna region, trekking for a week in Bhutan and whitewater rafting 2 rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the BhotoKosi rivers.
Needless to say, the care and expert attention provided by Kuman and Lokendra was exceptional. Every aspect of our trip was handled flawlessly and with good humor and insight of the Nepalese culture and traditions. Over the last 15 years, I have lead many trekking and rafting expeditions around the world and without any qualification I give the highest marks to both Kuman and Lokendra. Not only did we get full value for our money, but it was done with genuine TLC by both these wonderful gentlemen. Even when things went off track ( which in the 3rd world - in truly remote environments - can happen in technicolor - in this case a National Strike of workers) alternate arrangements were undertaken with ease and care - maintaining our schedule and achieving our expedition objectives.
I obviously think highly of Kuman and Lokendra and strongly recommend Happy Holidays as 'the go to' trekking/expedition/rafting company in Nepal.
In this regard, if you require further amplification of my comments I would be pleased to endorse this recommendation via email or telephone. Clearly, if Nepal offers a Tourism Award for best guides/guiding companies, Happy Holidays would be a first prize winner!Dear Kuman,
Happy New Year and Namaste. It has been more than a month since the Team Tim returned home from the experience of a lifetime—organized by you and your company. It was such an amazing trip with so many different aspects to it. We started our adventure in Nepal where you and I first met, then quickly off to Bhutan, and eventually back to Nepal and home. The trip you organized for us contained so many different elements--- hiking, rafting and learning about the cultural aspects of the two countries. It was an organizational nightmare, but everything ran so smoothly under your direction. Tim, Viv and I commented about how smooth the transition was between each activity and country. It really was one of our best adventures.
I was so impressed with the way in which the guides took such very good care of us. They were all so happy to teach us about Buddhism, their country and their politics. I thought it very special how you joined us on the trekking part of the trip. You also went that extra mile when we rafted in Nepal. You followed our route and met us at each stop along the way to feed us, take pictures, carry our “stuff”, or whatever else our team of 6 needed. We all became family ----Lakendra, you, and the 3 Canadian and 3 American travellers.
I know that you and Tim had thousands of emails between you as you planned this extensive trip. Tim you knew from his last trip. He was thrilled that you had opened your own office and that he was able to have you and Lakenda organize and guide the trip respectively.
I would be privileged to serve as a reference for you if a potential client requests it. You receive a five start rating from me.
Thanks again,