I. Tibet - Roof of the world


Tibet an exotic and mysterious land and also called rooftop of the world sits on the highest plateau in the world. This mysterious & once forbidden land appeals to so many explorers, scholars, pilgrims and adventurers in the past, hoping to find probably a real “SHANGRI-LA” on the earth. Tibet’s deep relationship with Buddhism has shaped its cultural traditions for over 1,300 years. Tibet, the very name evokes feelings of awe and mystery. A mystic, mysterious land of ancient Buddhist culture, awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries and centuries-old caravan trails. Spiritual tradition, temples and monasteries, pre Buddhist Bon culture, alpine lakes, rivers, and mighty snow clad peaks are just a few of the intoxicating wonders to be found in Tibet.

Himaland organizes package tours/treks in Tibet to & fro Kathmandu like –

(A) Lhasa Tour, drive-in & fly- out
7 nights/ 8 days

Best Months: March, April, May, June, July, August and September, October, November

Day 01 :	Drive KTM Zhangmu, 2300m (123km)
Day 02 :	Drive Nyalam – Shegar, 4050m (244km)
Day 03 :	Drive Shigatse, 3900 m (244km)
Day 04 :	Sight-seeing and drive Gyantse, 3950m (90km)
Day 05 :	Sight-seeing and drive to Lhasa, 3650 m (261km)
Day 06 :	Sight-seeing in Lhasa
Day 07 :	Sight-seeing in Lhasa
Day 08 :	Fly back to KTM, 1300m.

(B) Lhasa and Everest Base Camp, Fly-in & Drive-out
9 nights/10 days

Best Months: March, April, May, June, July, August and September, October,

Day 01 :	Flight KATHMANDU (1,300m) - LHASA (3650m).
Day 02 :	LHASA: Sight-seeing - Drepung / Norbulinka
Day 03 :	LHASA: Sight-seeing - Potala palace, Sera, Jokhang temple & Barkhor
Day 04 :	LHASA to GYANTSE (3950m), 261 Km - but on the road some hours at the Yamdrok Tso lake.
Day 05 :	GYANTSE sight seeing
Day 06 :	GYANTSE - XIGATSE (3900m), Tashilumpo. Night in Xigatze.
Day 07 :	Xigatse.
Day 08 :	XIGATSE/Everest Base Camp (Rongbuk Monastery). Then back to sleep nearby (at lower altitude) or in Tingri (XEGAR DZONG).
Day 09 :	TINGRI to Shakya Monastery.
Day 10 :	Nyalam to ZHANG-MU (2300m), to Kathmandu

(C) Simikot - Mt. Kailash – Manasrovar, 17 days
Trans Boarder Trek-in & Drive-out

Best Months: April, May, June, July, August, September and October,

Day 01 :	Flight to Nepalgunj.
Day 02 :	Flight to Simikot (2856m)and trek to Dharapari (2400m).
Day 03 :	Trek to Kermi (2550m)
Day 04 :	Trek to Yalbang (2950m)
Day 05 :	Trek to Tumkot Khola (2800m)
Day 06 :	Trek to Thado Dunga (3800m)
Day 07 :	Trek over Nara La Pass (4325 m) to camp at Hilsa (3500m)
Day 08 :	Drive to Lake Manasaravar and one night Camp (4450m)
Day 09 :	Morning at Manasaravar after Lunch half day drive to Darchen and one night Guesthouse(4500m)
Day 10 :	Trek to Diraphuk Gompa and one night Camp (4800m)
Day 11 :	Trek over Dolma La pass (5650m) and one night Camp at Khandhu Shanglham.
Day 12 :	Trek to Darchen and one night Guesthouse.
Day 13 :	Excursion to Seralung and Gyangtang gompa back to Darchen.
Day 14 :	Drive to Paryang (4400m)
Day 15 :	Drive to Saga (4300m)
Day 16 :	Drive to Nyalam (3600m)
Day 17 :	Drive to Kathmandu (1300m)

II. Bhutan– Shangri La Kingdom
 

The land of the Thunder Dragon and also know as Himalayan Shangri La is perhaps the world's most exclusive destination due to kingdom's farsighted policy to preserve the country's pristine environment and its culture through controlled tourism. Bhutan with its unspoiled countryside, majestic virgin peaks, and unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries and a land full of warm hearted and friendly people make this small Himalayan Kingdom very special. The sight of some of the most beautiful peaks in the world makes the trip an amazing experience.

(A) BHUTAN EXPERIENCE
Paro – Thimpu – Wandue - Paro, 6 days

Best Months: February, March, April, May and September, October, November.

(B) GOM-KORA PILGRIMAGE TOUR” [East Bhutan] , 13 days

Best Months: February, March, April, May and September, October, November

Day 01 :	Arrival - Paro
Day 02 :	Paro - Thimphu Visit - Simtokha Dzong, the largest monastic schools in the country, Memorial Chorten - a huge Stupa, Painting School where traditional art - Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Also visit the Handicrafts Emporium, Tashichho Dzong - the main secretariat building.
Day 03 :	Thimphu Sightseeing Visit - National Library, the Painting and wood craft school, Drive up to Dechencholing to view the palace of the Queen Mother.
Day 04 :	Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~ Punakha On the way, halt at Dochula Pass (26 km) for a hot tea/coffee, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayas. Visit - Punakha Dzong (fortress) lying between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers.
Day 05 :	Punakha ~ Trongsa Drive to Trongsa (142 km). The journey takes about 6 hrs, with lunch stop en route.
Day 06 :	Trongsa ~ Bumthang Visit - Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family and its watch tower and drive for 3 hours (68 km) to reach Bumthang.
Day 07 :	Bumthang Sightseeing Visit - the historical Jakar Dzong, the third Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler). ancient and sacred monasteries such as the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs, Member Tso "The flaming Lake." A trip to the Bumthang Swiss farm is also interesting.
Day 08 :	Ura Valley Exploration A full day excursion to Ura Valley 65 km from Bumthang. Visitors can drive upto Ura and take a leisurely stroll through the quaint and clustered village. Ura also has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. Return to Bumthang in the evening.
Day 09 :	Bumthang ~ Gangtey Drive to Gangtey (174 km)., is a beautiful meadow situated at an altitude of 3000 m. It promises breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range. Phobjikha, the valley stretching boundlessly from below Gangtey, is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes.
Day 10 :	Gangtey ~ Paro Drive to Paro (190 km)
Day 11 :	Paro Sightseeing Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away) meaning "The Victorious Bhutanese." This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329m). Also visit - National Museum (Ta-Dzong), Paro Rinpung Dzong.
Day 12 :	Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery] A short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) meaning "Tiger's Nest', said to be built in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambbava alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Casual evening stroll through Paro Town for shopping or visit some village homes.
Day 13 :	Departure

III. India – Incredible Mosaic


Geographically, spiritually and culturally India is one of the most multi-faceted and fascinating colorful countries in the world. It is the country of high mountains of the Himalaya, vast golden deserts, tropical forests with abundant wildlife, white sand beaches & emerald oceans, sacred rivers & lakes. More contrasting are bustling big cities & small remote villages, maharajas and royal families living side by side with diverse tribal cultures. It is home to the great religions like; Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Christianity, as well as countless other regional and local regions. India boasts great Islamic monuments like the Taj Mahal, spectacular temples of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, fortress like Buddhist Monasteries of Ladakh, and even colonial era European style Churches. Whether you wish to hop through Ladakh or Sikkim, visit the palaces of Rajasthan and ride camels out into the desert, hike through the canyon ridden arid mountains of Ladakh, or the lush forests of Sikkim, Himaland can make your dream comes true.

(A) Classic India: Delhi - Rajasthan – Varanasi, 13 days

Best Months: January, February, March, April and September, October,
November, December.

Day 01 :	ARRIVAL: DELHI
Day 02 :	DELHI: Full day combined sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.
Day 03 :	DELHI / MANDAWA - Leave Delhi for Mandawa by surface,
Day 04 :	MANDAWA / BIKANER (188 Km) Leave Mandawa for Bikaner by surface, Afternoon city tour of Bikaner.
Day 05 :	BIKANER / JAISALMER (333 Km) Leave early morning Bikaner for Jaisalmer by surface,
Day 06 :	JAISALMER Morning city tour of Jaisalmer.
Day 07 :	JAISALMER / JODHPUR ( 308 Km) Leave Jaisalmer for Jodhpur by surface, Afternoon sightseeing tour of JODHPUR CITY
Day 08 :	JODHPUR / JAIPUR (332 Km) Leave Jodhpur for Jaipur by surface,
Day 09 :	JAIPUR Sight-seeing of AMBER FORT in the morning. Afternoon visit JAIPUR CITY.
Day 10 :	JAIPUR / AGRA (232 Km) Leave Jaipur for Agra by surface en route visiting FATEHPUR SIKRI and city tour + visit Taj Mahal.
Day 11 :	AGRA / JHANSI / ORCHHA / KHAJURAHO. Transfer by train and sight-seeing.
Day 12 :	KHAJURAHO / VARANASI Morning KHAJURAHO CITY tour and by air  to Varanasi.
Day 13 :	DEPARTURE: Early morning boat ride on holy river Ganges before leaving for onward journey.

(B) Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit, Nepal – India, 16 days


Best Months: January, February, March, April and September, October, November, December.

Day 01 :	Visit Boudha Stupa (a stupa is a large dome or pyramid-like structure containing religious relics and represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha), temples, monasteries and village. Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the most powerful in the world, is also the religious center. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, another huge holy Stupa.
Day 02 :	Visit the village of Pharping with many shrines, monasteries and temples perched on a hillside. It is a powerful place of the female Buddha Vajra Yogini, and many yogis meditate here. We will see "the self-emanating" Tara and Padmasambhava's cave. On the way back, visit Manjushri's Gorge, as well as ancient statues of Chenrezig and Tara in the center of Kathmandu.
Day 03 :	LUMBINI. Fly (30 minutes) to Bhairahawa airport and drive to Lumbini (20 minutes). Visit the birth place of Lord Buddha, Ahokan Pillar with readable inscription of King Ashoka of 250 BC, sacred pond, ruins of the ancient monasteries, Stupas and temple of Mayadevi (prince Siddartha's mother). After lunch drive 17 miles to Kapilvastu the home of prince Siddartha, King Suddodhana and queen Mayadevi, where prince Siddartha had spent his child and youth before renouncing the secular life.
Day 04 :	LUMBINI TO BALRAMPUR. Leave Lumbini and drive to Sanauli, the Nepal/India border in about an hour then to Balrampur (129 miles).
Day 05 :	BALRAMPUR. After breakfast visit Jeta Vana for puja and meditation where Lord Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons in retreat. It is still extremely peaceful, clean and totally conducive for deep meditation. Visit Angulimaal's Cave. This is where a dreaded bandit used to live. After meeting Lord Buddha he calmed down and embraced Buddhism.
Day 06 :	BALRAMPUR TO KUSHNIGAR. Drive 150 miles to Kushnigar. Kushinagar is the place of Buddha's death. His last word's were said to be, "Decay is inherent in all component things. Be diligent in your practice." Visit the Mahaparnirvana Temple in the evening.
Day 07 :	KUSHNIGAR. Visit Rambhar Stupa where Buddha was cremated and his relics were divided into ten parts to be distributed to the different kingdoms of that time.
Day 08 :	KUSHINAGAR to PATNA (168 miles). En route visit Vaishali, the place where Buddha gave his last teaching. There is an Ashoka pillar and a couple of stupas, one of which contains some of Buddha's ashes.
Day 09 :	PATNA TO RAJGIR. Drive 72 miles to Nalanda. From the fifth to the 12th century Nalanda was an important Buddhist university with 10,000 monks and students in residence. Buddha spent 12 years in Rajgir and held the first Buddhist council here after obtaining enlightenment.
Day 10 :	RAJGIR. Here Buddha spent twelve years and held the first Buddhist council after obtaining enlightenment. After an early breakfast a leisurely walk up to Vulture peak for meditation and teachings, where Buddha taught the Heart Sutra.
Day 11 :	RAJGUR to Bodhgaya, 48 miles away. This is the site of Buddha's enlightenment. Tour of Root Institute, a meditation center set in tranquil gardens, Maitri Leprosy Centre, Maitreya Project and School.
Day 12 :	BODHGAYA. Meditation and prayers at Mahabodhi Stupa.
Day 13 :	BODHGAYA to Varanasi (167 miles).
Day 14 :	SARNATH. This is where Lord Buddha turned the wheel of Dharma for the first time, teaching on the four noble truths and the eightfold path to the five ascetics. These five ascetics were the first disciples of the Lord. Sarnath, eight miles from Varanasi possesses Dhammekha Stupa (the place where Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma), Deer Park, Mulgandha Kuti Vihar and the ruins of ancient monasteries.
Day 15 :	SARNATH AND VARANASI. After breakfast, visit Sarnath once again to visit the excellent archaeological museum with Buddhist images dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
Day 16 :	VARANASI to onwards flight.

(c) LHADAK: LAMAYURU - MARTSELANG TREK, 16 DAYS

Highlights:

A very interesting trek beginning at Lamayuru you walk up the less traveled Ripchar valley with its small villages, nomadic settlements and pastures where you see a wide variety of flowers from end of July to end of August and birds too. You cross some high passes with excellent views of the Karakorams and Zanskar mountains. The initial part of the trek till Chilling is less traveled. The region is considered one of the best valleys in Ladakh region.

It is not very difficult but it can be fairly demanding due to the harsh terrain.

Elevation ~ : lowest - 3500m highest - 5050m

Best Months: March, April, May, June and September, October, November

Day 01 :	Arrival - Leh (3500m) Overnight in a hotel.
Day 02 :	Half day acclimatization sightseeing around Indus valley, evening at leisure.
Day 03 :	Full day acclimatization tour of Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Overnight hotel at Leh.
Day 04 :	Drive from Leh to Lamayuru, enroute visit Alchi, Liker and Basgo. Overnight camp at Lamayuru.
Day 05 :	BEGIN THE TREK: The trails heads down the valley before turning east to the Prinkiti-La (3506 m.) Descend from the pass to the scenic village of Wanla where you camp.
Day 06 :	Wanla - Hinju: Follow a nice wide path till the village of Penji. From where you leave the main trail and head up the Ripcha valley to Hinju.
Day 07 :	Hinju - Konzela Base: Continue up the valley to grazing areas which support the village summer. Camp at the west base of Kongke la pass.
Day 08 :	Kongske la Pass Base to west base of Lanak la pass: Begin a short but steep climb to Konzela (4950 m.) for wonderful views of the Zanskar Mountains. A long and steep descent brings you to camp by the river at Lanak la pass base.
Day 09 :	Lanak la – Chilling village: Up the ridge to another pass, Dun-Dun chan la, pass (4435 mtr.) and descend to camp near the village of Chilling (3390 mtr.), the inhabitants of whome are the only ones who are the main metal workers making Ladakhi copper utensils.
Day 10 :	Chilling-Sku: Cross the Zanskar river by trolley. Today the horses have to be changed on the other side of the river with additional fresh supplies for rest of the trip. After crossing the river a lovely trail to camp at Sku.
Day 11 :	Sku - Markha (3810): Cross the Markha river at two places, once at Chalak and other just 1 k.m. before Markha.
Day 12 :	Markha -Thachungtse: The main trail passing the monastery at Umlung to the village of Hankar is followed. We now go away from the wide valley and go up a narrow valley to the pastures at Thachungtse.
Day 13 :	Thachungtse -Nimaling (4700 mtr.): from Thachungtse, the trail climbs steeply to the plateau and pastures of Nimaling with Impressive views of Kangyatsey peak.
Day 14 :	Nimaling - Sumdo: A short but steep climb of about one and half hours from camp takes us over the Kongmaru-La pass (5030mtr.), the highest point on the trek with excellent views of Stok range of mountains and of the Karakorams. Descend to the of Sumda visit the Shang Monastry nearby.
Day 15 :	Sumdo - Martselang: Trek to the village of Martselang. Trek ends. Drive to Leh via Hemis Monastry. Overnight hotel at Leh.
Day 16 :	Departure: transfer to Leh airport.