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| SACRED SUMMITS' STUDENT PROGRAM |
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BHUTAN - "The Dragon Kingdom"
Bhutan - a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its
scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom shares with Nepal the world's
greatest concentration of Mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. Nestling
in the heart of the great Himalayas, it remained in self-imposed isolation for
centuries, aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously
opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerized: the environment is pristine, the
scenery and architecture are awesome, the people are hospitable and charming,
and the culture unique in its purity.
Due to the Royal Government's policy of controlled selective tourism, Bhutan
has been receiving less than 5000 tourists annually.
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Best of the Dragon : 11 nights / 12 days tour [Cost Details]
Best of the Dragon tour offers visitors an opportunity to experience this
unique culture, extraordinary architecture and magnificent landscapes. It is an
extraordinary place hardly touched by the hands of time and a paradise for
tourists interested in Buddhist culture and philosophy, flora and fauna,
trekking and mountaineering. Tours to Bhutan are planned to commence on Mondays
and Thursdays from Kathmandu. There are direct flights from Delhi and Calcutta
bi-weekly and Bangkok weekly and tours can be planned accordingly. The fifty
minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro offers first hand close up view of Mt.
Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and many other famous Peaks.
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Itinerary
| Day |
Program |
Accommodations |
| 01
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Arrive Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet, assist and
transfer to the hotel by a representative from Sacred Summits. At the hotel
lobby there will be a short briefing about the trip whilst the guest are having
welcome drinks. Later the guest can retire to the allocated rooms for much
deserved shower and rest.
Eve: Welcome Dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
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Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu
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| 02
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Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
City,Swayambhunath and Patan City
09:30 Hrs - After breakfast, meet at the lobby and proceed for
the sightseeing tour of the ancient Kathmandu city with its many beautiful
temples and shopping courtyards. As one crosses from the modern area of New
Road into the Durbar Square, the one time Freak Street, one is suddenly in the
midst of Kathmandu's famed medieval architecture. The major tourist attractions
on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which
takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace
of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and it
is still retained as a ceremonial palace of the present Shah dynasty. Important
traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal are
still conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of
the Living Goddess Kumari - Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions
stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living
Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.
Also visit "Kasthamandap", a temple built from the wood of a single
tree from Where Kathmandu city derived its name.
Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa - one of the protected monument
sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4
kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark
is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu - a lake than -
by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of
this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as
the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.
The Stupa of Swayambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is
built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the
four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire
symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation.
The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim's progress to
Swayambhunath's holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps.
The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues
of Buddha adorn the four corners of the Stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and
Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery)
and innumerable chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal
for viewing the entire valley spread out below.
There are five images of Panchadhyani Buddha around the main Stupa of the
Swayambhu. They are Achhyobhya in east, Ratna Sambhava in
south, Amitabh in the west, Amoghasiddhi in the north and Vairochana
in the south-east just by the side of Achhyobhya. Two Sikhara temples known as,
Pratappur and Anantpur are standing on either side of the main stupa. To the
right of this temple is a monastery called Swayambhu Vahi. It is one of the
oldest monasteries of the Swayambhu area. On the west of the main stupa is the
monastery called Devadharma Gumba. Similarly there is a temple of Vayapura in
southwest corner along with chaitya known as Mangal Vahudwara chaitya near by.
It is a unique style of Chaitya found in the Kathmandu Valley.
Noon: Break for lunch
14:30 Hrs - Sightseeing tour of the ancient Patan City,
Patan also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five Kilometers
southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist
monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are the Durbar Square
situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor's
attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted
for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or
courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Chowk. The Sundari
Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath
called Tushahity.
Also visit, Krishna Mandir, built in the seventeenth century and
dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex
of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having
21spire and completely made of stone. Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar,
located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the
twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda,
are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
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Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu
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| 03
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Fly Kathmandu / Paro and drive to Thimpu
Transfer to airport and Fly Katmandu / Paro by Druk air BA 146-100 series, the
only national carrier. The flight offers beautiful mountain views and
landscape. On arrival and after visa formalities, met by representatives and
drive 2 hours to Thimphu which is pleasant one mainly due to the luxurious
Japanese transportation and well maintained road through out Bhutan.
Thimphu , perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling
town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own
valley. A regal town. Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and
to several foreign missions and development projects. The capital city has a
population of 45,000, five miles from the Thimphu stands the Simtokha Dzong on
a lofty ridge and is the first Dzong built by the Shabdrung in 1629. The
Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of
His Majesty the king of Bhutan and it is the country administrative headquaters
and houses of the legislative body. The National Assembly lies deep in the
valley in all its grandeur.
Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view.
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Dinner and Overnight in Hotel Druk or River
View.
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| 04
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Full day sightseeing of Thimpu
Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, Painting School and the Tashichho Dzong 15th century Changangkha
monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan
and drive further down with good views of the Thimphu valley. Also visit the
new Drupthob nunnery temple and some free time can be spent in the market.
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Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Druk or River view
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| 05
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Thimpu / Wangdue via Dochula pass (3100 meters)
Drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass at 3100 meters. On a
clear day, the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in
Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters can be seen. The drive from the pass is
downhill all the way, dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Upon
arrival at Wangdi, check into the Wangdi Kichu Resort.
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Dinner and Overnight at Wnagdi Kichu Resort
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| 06
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Excursion Wangdue / Gangtey / Wangdue home to
the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes and visit the only Nyingmapa
monastery in western Bhutan
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The
only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful
valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan
plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes
residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN)
is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes
reside in the winter valley for 4 to 5 months, the village folks are not
allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley.
Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.
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Dinner and Overnight at Wnagdi Kichu Resort
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| 07
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Wangdue / Punakha / Thimpu with a visit to the
remarkable Punakha Dzong.
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Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Druk or River view
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| 08
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Thimpu - Paro and visit Ta-Dzong and Rinpung
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Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Druk or River view
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| 09
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Full day Hiking excursion to Taksang "Tiger's
Nest" monastery and also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built by the Tibetan King
Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century.
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Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Druk or River view
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| 10
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Fly Paro / Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath
Temple and Boudhnath Stupa.
After and early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to
Katmandu. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the Hotel. After checking in at
the hotel, meet at lobby and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath
Temple and Boudhnath Stupa. The word 'Pashupatinath' literally
means 'lord of the animals' and Shiva is capable of destroying all the evil
forces with his 'trident' or the 'third eye'. Whether for seeking material
gains or desperately seeking release from the cycle of mortal existence, Lord
Pashupatinath's temple is a must on the itinerary of every Hindu visiting
Kathmandu for work or on holiday, and many times only for paying obeisance to
the Shiva's lingam.
Only Hindus can go for darshans and no leather goods are allowed inside the
pristine precincts. This, however, does not limit the diversity of devotees.
The temple is one of the most ancient places of worship, and the worshippers
could be Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, Brahmin priests, turbaned Sikhs or lay
Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus.
The Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination
in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and
temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. The old temple and the
original lingas were destroyed by the Islam invasion in the middle of the 14th
century, and a new modern Shiva Linga was donated by a powerful personality of
the time, Jaya Simheran Vardhan. The main god or the linga of Pashupatinath is
carved on a blackish stone, with four faces engraved on the four sides of the
linga. As the array of lamps light up in the evening, an air of serenity blends
into the atmosphere. A separate area has 500-plus lamps placed in a
labyrinthine manner, a complete round of which is supposed to wash away all
sins committed in this and the past seven lives.
A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. However, King
Bhupatindra Malla built the present temple in 1679. A gold- plated roof, silver
doors and wood - carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda
construction. Guheswari temple represents the female force. It is dedicated to
Satidevi, Shiva's first wife, who gave up her life in the flames of her
father's fire ritual. From here one can see the burning ghats too, with
separate platforms for members of the royal family and ordinary citizens. Puja
ceremonies can be performed at the sanctum sanctorum as well as near the river,
where throwing five rudraksha beads in a small kund is said to bring harmony,
health, peace and wisdom in life. But beware of the high monkey population
there. They may not actually harm the devotee but, yes, they do lunge for the
"Prasad" or any edible item, which attracts their attention.
Continue on to Boudhnath Stupa. This stupa lies about 6 Km to the east
of downtown Kathmandu and a five minutes drive from Pashupatinath Temple.
It is built on a flat surface and is the largest stupa in the valley. It is in
various levels of terraces, and is painted in pastel, and is adorned with
prayer flags. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating
specimens of Stupa design. The design in specific is called 'mandala".
Altogether 108 Buddha images and 147 insets of prayer wheels adorn the base of
the huge circular edifice.
Boudhnath, a World Heritage Site, is also known as Khasti. There are more than
45 Buddhist monasteries in the Area and also has the largest community of
Tibetans-12, 000 (approx.) in all.
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Dinner and Overnight at Camp
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| 11
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Free for optional tour
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| 12
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Day free until final departure transfer to the
airport for onward flight.
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COST FOR KANCHENJUNGA TRAIL
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The cost stated below is net cost per person on twin sharing basis, based in US
Dollars and valid till 30th June 2008
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| No of Person |
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15+1 |
| Net cost per person |
US Dollar |
2468.00 |
| Single Supplement |
US Dollar |
300.00 |
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| The cost includes:- |
| 1. |
All airport transfers in Kathmandu to and from the International airport in a
deluxe a/c coach accompanied by an English-speaking representative / guide. |
| 2. |
All sightseeing tours in Kathmandu as per itinerary in a deluxe a/c coach
accompanied by an English speaking guide
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| 3. |
All entrance fees wherever applicable for all the sightseeing tours in
Kathmandu.
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| 4. |
Welcome dinner at "Bhancha Ghar" a typical Nepali Restaurant with transfers.
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| 5. |
04 nights stay in The Malla Hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis |
| 6. |
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu |
| 7. |
7 nights / 8 days Bhutan tour inclusive of accommodations on twin room sharing
basis at the hotels and resorts as mentioned in the itinerary as above on full
board basis, all transfers, sightseeing tours and drives in a private deluxe
coach accompanied by English speaking guide.
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| 8. |
Airfare for sector Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu of US$440.00 per person.
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| 9. |
Bhutan Visa Fee (US$ 20.00) and Tourism Development Fee (US$ 10.00) per person
payable in cash upon arrival at the Paro airport. |
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| The cost excludes:- |
| 1. |
Visa fees as applicable for Nepal. |
| 2. |
Airport Departure taxes at the airports of Katmandu and at Paro.
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| 3. |
International flights and airport tax as applicable.
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| 4. |
Personal insurance, evacuation and medical expenses if applicable.
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| 5. |
Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, telephone calls, laundry, extra
mileage soft drinks, mineral waters, etc.
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| 6. |
Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in trip program
due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, sickness, natural
disasters, land slides, strikes, etc.
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| 7. |
Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of
goods.
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| 8. |
Tips to the staffs and guide.
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| 9. |
Any item not mentioned in the above "cost includes".
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Sacred Summits (P) Ltd.
GPO Box 13236
Kathmandu, Nepal |
Tel : 977-1-4426695, 4415769
Fax : 0977-1-4415872
Email : info@sacredsummits.com |
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