What our guest are saying
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The attraction of Bhutan is chance to see a way of life that exists no where else in the world; a way of life that belongs to a distant past yet manages to thrive in modern times. The Bhutanese still wear traditional robes: knee-length \”ghos\” for the men and elegant ankle-length \”kiras\” for the women. Even the children on their way to and from school wear miniature versions of this national dress.
The Breath taking view of Mount Everest as you arrive is a mere appetizer to the splendor that is Bhutan.
After landing in Para, and a brief rest, your tour starts with a visit to the National Museum, originally the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. We will take you on a guided tour of the massive fortress of Rinpung Dzong and from a vintage point, show you the beauty of Mount Jomulhari peaks.
In Thimphu the capital of Bhutan, we shall show you the Memorial Chorten, the Painting and Wood Craft school where traditional art and craft is still kept alive, and take you on a guided tour of the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. We also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles artifacts can be purchased.
We also take you to the nearby Simtokha Dzong – one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. No trip to Bhutan is complete without visiting the Tashichho Dzong a massive fortress that houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King, and the Throne Room.
We recommend a journey extension of one day to cover Dechencholing where you can view the beautiful palace of the Queen Mother, visit a beautiful private monastery nearby and then a drive to Satsam Chorten for a view of the picturesque Taktsang Monastery.
Day 1: Traditional welcome at airport upon arrival & transfer to hotel.
We start early evening with a visit to the National Museum ( Ta-Dzong ). Followed by a guided tour of the Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. On the way back from the Museum, take a leisurely stroll in the Paro market and along the beautiful Paro river.
Day 2: Drive to Drugyal Dzong and stop at a vintage point to view the beautiful Mt. Jomulhari.
We visit the Rinpung Dzong – a massive fortress that houses the Administrative seat of the district of Paro. The central tower ( Utse ) of the fortress, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan.
Afternoon : Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and check into a hotel.
Day 3: Morning :
Visit the Memorial Chorten
( A huge stupa ) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the country from 1952-1972. We visit the Painting and Wood Craft school where traditional art and craft is still kept alive. We also visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. We also schedule a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.
Afternoon : Visit Simtokha Dzong.
This is one of the oldest Monastic fortresses in Bhutan. We visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive fortress houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the office and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
Day 4: Early morning breakfast and then drive to Paro airport for your flight home.
OR
If you opt for one day journey extension (add $200):
Thimphu/Paro – Sightseeing: After an early breakfast, drive up to Dochula pass. From the pass, you can enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Drive up to Dechencholing ( 5 Kms. from Thimphu town ). At Dechencholing, we view the palace of the Queen Mother where all the luncheons and banquets for the Head of the States and other important guests are hosted. Also, visit a beautiful private monastery on top of the hill.
Afternoon: Drive to Paro. Check in at the hotel. Drive up to Satsam Chorten ( 10 Kms. from Paro town ). From there, you can view the picturesque Taktsang Monastery \” Tigers Nest \”perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 ft.
Remember, Bhutan is also one of the most physically beautiful countries in the world. The distant Himalayas make an imposing backdrop. In the spring, rhododendron trees that reach 30 or 40 feet in height are covered with blossoms. Terraced fields are still plowed by animals (yaks or dzos). And the houses are built in a sturdy timber-frame style that is somewhat reminiscent of Swiss chalets.
Day 5: Early morning breakfast and then drive to Paro 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,