Nepal and Bhutan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Departure from Paris by Air India

  – Flight not included – to be booked with our partner or at your convenience.

• day 2

  Arrival in Delhi early in the morning.

  Arrival in Delhi, welcome at the airport by your driver, who is waiting for you with your personal car. Transfer and check-in at BB Villasam, guest rooms in our Residence for a French-speaking welcome. Raghu, Véronique, and Chealsy will receive you. A short immersion in Old Delhi, as much as time and weather allow. It will be hot to very, very hot… Then, departure for a visit of the capital of several Indian empires. Delhi was an important city, located on the ancient trade routes between the northwest and the plains of the Ganges. The Mughals established their capital in the part of the city now known as Old Delhi. At the beginning of the 20th century, during the British Raj, a new city was built to the south of the old city and was made the capital of the British Empire in India in 1911. In 1947, independent India confirmed New Delhi as the capital of the new country. Opposite the Red Fort stands the Jama Masjid, a huge red sandstone mosque, built between 1644 and 1658 next to Chandni Chowk, the main artery where the pulse of Old Delhi, the former Shahjahanabad, beats. Next, visit the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), and Qutub Minar. Then, return to the guest house for the night.

• day 3

  Domestic flight Delhi-Guwahati. Departure at 07:55, arrival at 10:20, then drive to Samdrup Jongkhar.

  Breakfast, then transfer to the airport for the flight to Guwahati. Welcome, then transfer to Samdrup Jongkar. Border crossing formalities and welcome by our Bhutanese team. Check-in at the hotel. Free time. Your guide will take the time to introduce you to the customs and traditions, things to know, what to do and not to do for a smooth trip. Dinner and overnight stay. WELCOME TO BHUTAN

• day 4

  Samdrup Jongkhar - Trashigang: 182 km - About 8 hours

  Breakfast. Quite a busy day, in terms of kilometers and travel time. On the way, a short stop in Khaling to visit an institute for people with visual or other impairments, as well as a handicraft development project by the Bhutan Women’s Association. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 5

  Trashigang - Mongar: 91 km - About 4 hours

  Breakfast. This day will be an opportunity to visit Drametse Gompa. Drametse is one of the largest and most important Nyingma monasteries in eastern Bhutan. From the highway between Trashigang and Mongar, it takes about 18 km / 1 hour of driving on a dirt road to gain about 1350 m. Drametse Monastery was founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, granddaughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), who named this place Drametse, which means there is no hostile place or summit. It is the home of the Drametse Choje family, which has produced many religious figures, including three Shabdrung incarnations and the seventh Gangtey Tulku. The current spiritual leader of Drametse is Sungtrul Rinpoche, who is said to be the eleventh incarnation of Pema Lingpa. There are more than 50 Gomchens (lay or married monks) living here. The monastery is famous for being the origin of the Dramtse Nga Cham (Drametse drum dance), recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage as a masterpiece of oral and intangible culture. The monastery contains many ancient manuscripts or manuals. It has recently been repainted and many parts of the monastery have been added over time. On the way here and to the monastery, very beautiful viewpoints can be admired in all directions. If time allows us... after lunch and if we are not yet tired... We suggest you take an excursion to Naktsang... Altitude: 1853 m at Naktsang. After lunch, on the way to Mongar, your guide (depending on the time) will take you to the famous NAKTSANG (a private Lhakang, home of famous or noble owners) and to the Lhakhang community. The owner, Tenzin Dendup, aged 41, is the 13th generation of noble family members to live in Naktsang. Unfortunately, his father died when he was still young and never managed to pass on much of the local traditions. The following is the story as he knows it. The founding lama, originally from Yongphula, crossed the forest to find a new place to settle. He was wearing a hat that got caught by the thorns of a cane plant. Unable to free it from the thorns, he thought it was an omen prophesying that he would settle here – which he did – naming the region Tsakaling, which means "hat" in the local dialect. Return and overnight in Mongar.

• day 6

  Mongar About 150 km

  Approx. 2 to 3 hours on paved road, then on track, in local vehicles and on foot if necessary… EXCLUSIVE: Excursion to Dangling Village and prayer at Rawabe Lhakhang / Lunch with monks and villagers The monks dressed in red live in temples called dzong, and are called gelong, under the authority of lamas, religious leaders and masters bearing the honorary title of Lopen (e.g. Lopen Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche). Each monastery is led by an abbot who is a lama, although the titles are distinct. The highest monk in the country is the chief abbot of Bhutan, whose title is Je Khenpo. He is theoretically equivalent in authority to the king. The Dorje Lopen and the Je Khenpo, the religious leader of the province, are the highest authorities, followed by the Darpe Lopen (master of grammar and letters), the Yangé Lopen (master of chant and liturgy), the Tsenyi Lopen (master of philosophy), the Khilkhor Lopen (master of arts), the Tsipe Lopen (master of astrology), the Umzé (the choir master) and the Kundzu (master of discipline). Young monks enter the monastery at the age of six to nine and are immediately placed under the tutelage of a principal. They learn to read chokey, the sacred language of ancient texts, as well as dzongkha and English. Eventually, they will have to choose between two possible paths: studying theology and Buddhist theory, or taking the more common path of serving in rituals and personal practices of the faith. The daily life of the monk is austere, especially if they are stationed in one of the monasteries located in the heart of the mountains. In these monasteries, food is often scarce and must be prepared by the monks or their visitors. The monks are poorly dressed for winter and the monasteries are not heated. Having a son or brother serving in such a monastery is recognized as very good "karma" for the whole family. The monk's spiritual training continues throughout his life. In addition to serving the community in sacramental roles, he may undertake several extended silent retreats. A common duration for a retreat is three years, three months, three weeks and three days. During the retreat, there will be time to meet regularly with his spiritual master, who tests him on his development to ensure that the retreat time is not wasted. Being received at RAWABE Lhakhang is an honor that few foreigners have had, as it has only recently become accessible by road. You have to take the time to stay in this remote region to be able to experience such a moment, and this is what we offer you. Your presence will be like a celebration, so naturally a lunch prepared by the villagers and monks will be offered to you and you will be able to share the life of everyone for a few hours… Druk Zangri Khamar Lhakang – RAWABE Lhakang – owes its name to the construction of the second temple. The seat of the Machig lineage in Bhutan takes its name from the seat of Machig in Tibet, Zangri Khamar. Their lineage comes from the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje and continues through the Karmapas and the great mistress Shugsep Jetsun Rinpoche (1852-1953), venerated as one of the best-known teachers of the last century, who died in Tibet. It was introduced to Bhutan and established at Druk Zangri Khagmar, in the village of Rawabi, in Lhuentse, in eastern Bhutan by Trulshik Rigzin Lingpa Rinpoche and his heart student Togden Tsewang Choephel.

• day 7

  Mongar - Bumthang: 198 km - About 8 hours

  Breakfast. This day will be an opportunity to visit Ura and the Thrumshingla Pass. Thrumshingla La, also called Thrumshingla Pass and Donga Pass (Dzongkha: ཤིང་ ; Wylie: khrums-shing la; "Thrumshing Pass"), is the second highest pass in Bhutan. It connects the center of the country and the eastern regions of the otherwise impassable Donga range, which has separated populations for centuries. It is located at a bend in the lateral road, on the border of Bumthang district (Ura Gewog, leaving Ura heading south) and Mongar district (Saling Gewog, towards Sengor), along the border with Lhuntse district. The lateral road crosses Thrumshingla National Park, named after the pass. The World Wide Fund for Nature is also active in the park.

• day 8

  Bumthang

  

  Breakfast, on the program for this day: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakang, Tamshing Lhakhang… and the making of Panda Beer and Swiss cheese… The Jampa temple (Tibetan: པ་ ལྷ་ ཁང, Wylie: octets, THL Jampé Lhakhang) or Maitreya temple is located in Bumthang (Jakar) in Bhutan. King Songtsen Gampo, in 659 CE, had this temple built in a single day to imprison an ogress on earth forever. It was believed that the supine demoness was hindering the spread of Buddhism, and temples were built on the parts of her body that stretched across Tibet, Bhutan, and the border regions. [1] The best known of these temples are the Jokhang in Lhasa, Kichu in Paro (Bhutan), and Jambay Lhakhang in the Bumthang district of Bhutan. Other lesser-known temples in Bhutan have been destroyed, but it is thought in particular that Kongchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse, and two temples in the Haa district might contain a part of her. Jambay Lhakhang was visited by Padmasambhava and restored by King Sindhu Raja after the former had restored his life force. It has been repaired and rebuilt several times over the years. Kurjey Lhakhang is named after the site of sacred power where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body (kurjey) on a solid rock visible from inside the sanctuary. The complex consists of three large temples surrounded by a perimeter of 108 stupas. Upon entering, the first temple on the right is Guru Lhakhang (which houses the cave), dating from 1652. The middle temple, Sampalundrup, was built by the first king Ugyen Wangchuk in 1900, during his tenure as Trongsa Penlop. The third temple was recently built under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk. The Tamzhing Lhündrup Monastery (Wylie: gtam zhing lhun grub chos gling), in the Bumthang district, in central Bhutan, is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan. Its temple and monastery are remarkable for their direct link with the Bhutanese tertön and saint, Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), and his tulkus. It is now the seat of Sungtrul Rinpoche, the current incarnation of the speech of Pema Lingpa. Tamzhing consists of a deteriorating temple. It supports a body of more than 95 Buddhist monks. In March 2012, the monastery was submitted for inscription on the list of World Heritage Sites. The Red Panda Brewery and the Swiss Cheese Shop offer an interesting story. In the 1960s, a young Swiss man, Fritz Maurer, settled in Bumthang and created a small cheese production, making Emmenthal and Gouda using state-of-the-art cheese-making machines. Next door is the brewery, the Red Panda, which produces pale straw-colored Hefeweizen. Then visit to Jakar Dzong. Jakar Dzong or Jakar Yugyal Dzong is the dzong of the Bumthang district, in central Bhutan. It is located on a ridge above the town of Jakar, in the Chamkhar valley, in Bumthang. It is built on the site of an ancient temple established by the hierarch of Ralung, Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517-1554), when he came to Bhutan. Jakar Dzong is perhaps the largest dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). The name Jakar is derived from the word bjakhab, which means "white bird", in reference to the founding myth of Jakar, according to which a nesting white bird indicated the auspicious place to found a monastery around 1549.

• day 9

  Bumthang with trek to Membertsho

  Breakfast. This day will be an opportunity to visit Ugyencholing Palace, Kunzangdrak Monastery, Anim Dratsang (nunnery) and Membertsho – the burning lake…

• day 10

  Bumthang Phobjika Gangtey 150 km, about 6 hours 30 minutes.

  Breakfast. On the program for this day: driving and, along the way, visiting Trongsa Dzong and Chendbji Chorten. Trongsa, formerly Tongsa (Dzongkha: གསར་, Wylie: krong gsar), is a town and the capital of Trongsa District, in central Bhutan. The name means "new village" in Dzongkha. The first temple was built in 1543 by the Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuck, great-grandfather of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, unifier of Bhutan. Chendebji Chöten, built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chöten of Nepal, was erected by Tshering Wangchuk, son of Yon-Say, and the Mahasiddha Zhidag, in accordance with the prophecy of the Second Gangteng Tulku Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup, with the aim of subduing demons harmful to the religion. It is located 41 km west of Trongsa, in Bhutan, at an altitude of 2,430 meters.

• day 11

  Gangtey – Punakha, 70 km, about 3 hours.

  Discovery day of the surroundings… including notably the RSPN Crane, the protection center for this endangered species. But also exploration of villages and traditional houses during a little climb to Gangtey Gompa. The Gangteng Monastery, or simply Gangtey Gonpa Monastery, is located on a hill in the middle of the village of Gangtey, with a striking view over the Phobjika valley below. This monastery was founded by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of the great Bhutanese treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, in 1613. It is led by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. The vast complex includes the central gonpa, the monks' quarters, and the meditation centers.

• day 12

  Punakha via Chimi Lhakhang, Thimphu, 77 kms, about 3 hours

  Breakfast, on the program for this day: the local market of fruits, vegetables, and flowers... then the Dzong before hitting the road... PUNAKHA Dzong. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first king of Bhutan was crowned there in 1907. It looks like a large ship perched at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu. A suspension bridge now connects the village to the dzong. A flight of very steep steps leads under its porch. The monks' assembly hall is spectacular, adorned with pillars, terracotta statues, and magnificent paintings depicting the life of the Buddha. Punakha is very pleasant to explore on your own... You're starting to get used to it... Then, an excursion to the Chime Lakhang sanctuary, a place of pilgrimage for women who cannot have children... You understand why afterwards, it gets better, the walls of the houses serve as "educational cartoons"! He he he he After lunch at your hotel, departure by road before starting the ascent to the Dochu La pass (3048 m). Its 108 Chorten and a forest of prayer flags. In clear weather, exceptional view of the Himalayan peaks: Gangkar Puensum (over 7300 m), Ganchenta, Teri Gang. The road descends through temperate forests blooming with rhododendrons and magnolias down to the subtropical valley with orange trees, banana trees, and cacti.

• day 13

  Thimphu: Excursion to Tango

  Breakfast, on the program for this day – the excursion to Tango before the visit of the capital city… The capital is expanding very rapidly, but by royal directive, all buildings must retain the Bhutanese style. The Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the last king, Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk, adorned with golden spirals and bells ringing in the wind, abounds with terrifying statues from the Buddhist pantheon. The Textile Museum, under the patronage of Queen Ashi, displays this traditional art of Bhutan. The school of traditional arts: Thangka painting, wood or clay sculptures, leatherwork, are being revived by the government. Children learn ancestral techniques there. Museum of Popular Culture (traditional objects and beautiful masks) The hospital of indigenous medicine has inherited from Tibet the ancient use of medicinal plants and acupuncture. Visit to the 15th-century Changangkha temple, adorned with remarkable paintings and sculptures of deities, and the Drubthrob nunnery. The view over the valley is splendid. The giant golden statue of Buddha Dordemna dominates the entire Thimphu valley. It contains 125,000 statuettes of the Buddha. The view is impressive. The Thimphu dzong and its grand courtyards. The splendid Tashichhodzong, seat of the royal government. This "fortress of the auspicious religion," which dates back to the 13th century, features majestic proportions and rich decorations around the king's throne. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 14

  Thimphu - Paro: 65 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

  

  Breakfast... end of the visit to the sites of interest in Thimphu... It will also be up to you to say YES or NO, depending on your interests. As you go along, the Dzongs start to look alike and no longer offer the same appeal. The Textile or Folklore museums may interest you more and deserve more time than yet another Dzong. On the road, visit to the Tachogang Lhakhang temple, "the hill of the excellent horse," founded by a saint who had a vision of a horse, a divine emanation. In a barren gorge, at Chuzom (the confluence), three chortens protect the place from evil spirits. They are built in the three architectural styles of Bhutan: Nepalese, Tibetan, and Bhutanese. Arrival. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in. The Paro valley (alt. 2250 m) has a rural appearance, with beautiful, highly decorated traditional houses. The air is pure and clear, the road runs along a stream lined with willows. People work singing in the rice fields... the NATIONAL MUSEUM? and/or the Ringpung Tzong... or just a bit of rest... IF FESTIVAL DATES: please consult us START of immersion in the festivities of the PARO FESTIVAL at the Ringpung Dzong.

• day 15

  Paro

  Morning: visit to Kichu Lhakang and the National Museum, then continuation of the festival activities… IF FESTIVAL - Please consult us.

• day 16

  Paro: excursion to the Tiger Nest (for once, not to be missed under any circumstances!).

  The unfolding of the Thongdrel takes place early in the morning. IF FESTIVAL - Please contact us for the dates Then return for breakfast, approach to the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger's Nest). For those not used to the altitude, it takes about three hours to reach the temples and an hour and a half to descend, which is hardly possible. In one hour, for those who wish, a path climbs through meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, up to the Taktsang inn, a wooden hut, from where there is an extraordinary view of the temples. Possibility to go up by pony. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world, and it contains 13 holy places. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang in a miraculous way, flying on the back of a tigress. He meditated for three months in a cave and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Plan for the whole day, and if you feel physically up to it, take your time, buy your prayer flags at the bottom and have them blessed by the monks at the Monastery. Back at home, you will surely find a little spot on your balcony, in your garden, on your roof, to spread a little Peace from the Land of Happiness – GNH of Bhutan, the Land of Gross National Happiness!!! You start early in the morning, it is there, not far, in the clouds, the mist... The task still looks "hard". And then, little by little, you climb... make sure you have good shoes... We met people who were poorly equipped, but this is not recommended at all! And then finally, the first stage... There are still 350 steps to go down, but also to climb to reach it, before considering the return... Allow at least 6 hours, lunch included. Return – Free time... Dinner and overnight.

• day 17

  Departure from Paro to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu.

  Upon your arrival at the airport, find the sign with your name... You are there... All you have to do is follow... Traditional welcome, transfer to your vehicle then to your hotel. A short briefing of your program is planned... Start of the visit of Kathmandu The capital of Nepal is nestled in a valley rich in historical sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages to discover. Mingle with the locals and their animals wandering among the monuments of Durbar Square, or join a group of high mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel district. Explore the small local craft shops where you will discover refined and beautiful creations: carpets and printed stationery are among the region's specialties.

• day 18

  Kathmandu: continuation of visits

  Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists since the country opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influences in the valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two main neighboring cities, hold significant historical, cultural, and religious importance. There will be a guided tour of the famous and largest Hindu sanctuary of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath, as well as the Monkey Temple, or Swoyambhunath.

• day 19

  Kathmandu-Nepalganj by plane, 1h flight, then 2h drive to Bardia.

  Racy Shade Resort The Racy Shade team has 15 years of experience in welcoming foreigners and offering them unforgettable experiences in Bardia National Park and with the Tharu people. It is located near the entrance of Bardia National Park, in the small village of Bethani (Takurdwara). This lodge was created by the locals in the traditional Tharu style. 12 double rooms with private bathroom, thatched roof, and mud walls. Cleanliness is our motto. Each room is equipped with electricity, a mosquito net, a table, and a closet. The atmosphere is local, warm, and friendly. Just a few steps from the gate, you can cool off in a small stream. The flowers and fruit trees in our garden will provide you with a peaceful environment. The bar and restaurant will offer you local and international cuisine, in compliance with the strictest hygiene standards. Our team is made up of natives from the region and all our guides are qualified by the Nepalese NGO "National Trust for Nature Conservation", which works closely with the national park authorities. Our passionate naturalists, extremely attentive to your safety, will offer you an unforgettable experience. In addition to jungle activities, we offer you the opportunity to discover the village and the local Tharu culture.

• day 20

  Bardia Safaris by jeep and on foot

  After an early breakfast, you will go into the national park by jeep with a local naturalist guide. This is an excellent excursion to discover the geography of the park and the different ecosystems. After the picnic, walking safari in the national park. You will be in a small group of 4 to 5 people with 2 guides specialized in this activity. You will walk to observation towers or waiting spots to admire the local wildlife and flora. If you are lucky, tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and birds may appear. Don't be afraid, all these animals are scared of people and none of them have a human on the menu. Nepal is one of the few countries to allow walking safaris. This practice has existed for more than 15 years and no tourist has ever been put in danger.

• day 21

  Floating Safari

  After breakfast, we will drive for one hour to Chisapani, passing by the Karnali bridge, where we will have a typical lunch (with local fish) in a traditional restaurant. After lunch, we will start the floating safari (on a raft). There are no big rapids on the river and this excursion offers great opportunities to admire beautiful landscapes and observe birds, among other animals. (Note: the floating safari is subject to water level conditions) Tharu cultural dance,

• day 22

  Back to Kathmandu: 2 hours by road to the airport, then 1 hour by plane and road to Bandipur.

  Bandipur, a typical medieval village of the Newar ethnic group, is maintained in its original state thanks to very strict regulations. It represents an example of cultural preservation and sustainable development through tourism. A walk in the village allows you to discover its authenticity.

• day 23

  Destination Ghachowk and Annapurna, my village

  Scenic route

• day 24

  Ghachowk

  Free in the village Enjoy a stay in the heart of Ghachok, a typical Nepalese village spread out on a plateau overlooking the Seti River valley, 20 km north of the city of Pokhara. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. We offer accommodation in typical Nepalese stone houses and activities such as canyoning, mountain biking, hiking... Ghachok is the starting point for alternative hiking routes that offer a unique opportunity to discover cultural and natural sites away from the crowds.

• day 25

  Trek from Ghachowk to Lwang Village : 4 to 5 h of easy trek.

  Trek = Departure from Ghachowk to reach the village of Lwang Ghatel It goes down, then flat... and then we go up... Plan for 5 hours of walking, 8 hours at a relaxed pace, with a lunch stop and photo breaks here and there. The photos are in chronological order of the day. At the start, we have a choice on a rather steep, very scenic section. We go down, then back up, but you can choose the road. Here, it's the "steep" version: it lasts 1 hour, it's quite physical, because it was raining. Then, it's flat until the lunch point, then it climbs to reach the village. But it's done calmly, smoothly, easily. We are in the protected area of Annapurna, but not in the "Trek" zone, so no encounters with "tourists".

• day 26

  From Lwang Village to Australian Camp: 4 to 5 h of easy trek.

  Trek – Departure from Lwag Ghatel – Heading towards Dhampus… If ever it’s “too much”, you can take a break here, and the car can pick you up at this point… or continue and climb up to Australian Camp Departure from Lwag Ghatel – Heading towards Dhampus… If ever it’s “too much”, you can take a break at Dhampus, and the car can pick you up at this point… or continue and climb up to Australian Camp Count on 5 hours of walking… The last section is steep, but it’s worth it… It can be done in 8 hours without any problem… If you wish not to continue, this is where we can come pick you up by car. After this, it’s no longer possible: we enter the Annapurna Tourist Zone. We enter a protected and tourist area and we will meet tourists and/or traces of their passage!!! It climbs, it climbs towards the Australian Camp, it’s the steepest section… You have to take your time, go slowly, because it’s worth it up there… Between 1 and 2 hours depending on your ability. You have to take your time, go at your own pace, no breathing problems, it’s just that we’ve already been walking for a few hours, your feet might remind you if your shoes aren’t very comfortable… your legs too…

• day 27

  According to your wish:

  Return to Pokhara, in a long or quick version depending on The quick descent – 1h – to reach the road to Pokhara. It is quite steep, but manageable… If you go down around 8am, by 10am you are in Pokhara, for a day of discovering the city. Pokhara does not have major attractions, life is organized around the lake: restaurants, bars, boat rides on the lake… A real holiday atmosphere after the effort… Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. At a lower altitude than Kathmandu, it offers a much more tropical feel, a fact much appreciated by the beautiful diverse flowers that thrive in this environment. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an atmosphere of peace and magic. The valleys surrounding Pokhara are home to thick forest, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and, of course, the world-famous views of the Himalayas. The city is also known as the adventure center. Free afternoon to explore the bazaar or the lakeside.

• day 28

  Pokhara, Kathmandu, Namo Buddha Monastery

  After breakfast, return journey to the capital, then continuation to the Namo Buddha monastery. In case of impossibility (long-scheduled seminar), the stay can be planned at Namo Buddha Resort, very close by, allowing you access to the monastery and to discover monastic life.

• day 29

  Immersion day at Namo Buddha Monastery

  Namo Buddha is a beautiful place. There is no need to exaggerate this. The place is very calm and pure. Its environment is very clean, without pollution, and the natural air is so fresh, fresh, and healthy. It is also an ideal place for meditation and practice. In the morning, when you wake up, you can see a beautiful sunrise. In the evening, you can admire a magnificent sunset. You can enjoy the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, which appear incredibly pure and majestic. From a Buddhist point of view, Namo Buddha is one of the most important religious sites in Nepal. There are three main Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Boudha Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Namo Buddha. You can therefore organize your days on site as you wish: meditation time, walks in the surroundings. The monastery welcomes many foreigners all year round.

• day 30

  Immersion day at Namo Buddha Monastery

  Day according to your wishes

• day 31

  Departure from Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport according to the international flight schedule.

  Back to your home