Nepal & Bhutan

  Nepal & Bhutan
November 1st - 15th, 2019

 with optional

3-Night Post-Trip Dubai Stopover: November 15-17, 2019

or add on a

5-Day India Post-trip Extension: November 15-19, 2019

plus an optional

2-Night Dubai Stopover after India tour: November 19-21, 2019

Day 1 | November 1, 2019 | Depart Florida

Departure from Orlando MCO Airport, Florida to Kathmandu, Nepal
Inclusions: international flight

Day 2 | November 2, 2019 | Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1400m)

Upon arrivlal, a OneSeed Rep will escort you to our hotel in Kathmandu and receive a trip briefing. Catch up on sleep or venture out to explore. This evening, join your OneSeed guides for a welcome dinner in Kathmandu.

Inclusions: international flight, airport transportation, dinner, accommodations

Proposed hotel accommodations: Gokarna Forest Resort- 4 Star hotel

Day 3 | November 3, 2019 | Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1400m)

Visit three UNESCO sites: Swayambhunath Stupa (the ‘Monkey Temple’), Patan Durbar Square and Pashupatinath temple. Discover the history of the Kathmandu valley, the ancient architecture, and understand the cultural differences between the two most sacred holy places of the Hindu and Buddhist followers.

Inclusion: breakfast, lunch, guided tour, ground transportation, all entrance permits, dinner,

accommodation; Proposed hotel accommodations: Gokarna Forest Resort- - 4 Star hotel

Day 4 | November 4, 2019 | Kathmandu to Nagarkot (7,136ft / 2175m)

Drive 1 hour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur, one of Kathmandu’s great ancient kingdoms. This city can only be explored by foot winding through alleyways and temples. Visit a local market and learn about the artisans that built the city and produce beautiful pottery, wood carvings and metalworks. Continue on for an hour to Nagarkot, known for its views of the Himalyas.  Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore on your own.

Inclusion: breakfast, lunch, guided tour, ground transportation, all entrance permits, dinner,

accommodation; Proposed hotel accommodations: Club Himalaya - 4 Star hotel

Day 5 | November 5, 2019 | Nagarkot to Pokhara (2,900ft / 884m)

Head to Kathmandu International airport for a morning flight to Pokhara (45 min.).  Get settled into the hotel before exploring the Lakeside area of the city with your guide. Take a boat out on the Phewa Tal and marvel at the sacred unclimbed peak of Machhapuchre above you. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Inclusion: breakfast, lunch, domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, ground transportation, boat excursion, guiding services, all entrance permits, dinner, accommodation; Proposed hotel

accommodations: Temple Tree Resort- 3.5 Star hotel

Day 6 | November 6, 2019 | Pokhara (2,900ft / 884m)

Get an early start about 5:00am to take a 1.5 hour drive to Sarangkot, a viewpoint where you will enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the city of Pokhara. Head back to hotel for breakfast for full day of sightseeing. Head to David Falls and the Gupteshwor Cave. Take a 1 hour hike to the World Peace Pagoda for more spectacular views of the Annapurna Mountains and Pokhara. For those that decide not to take the hike, visit the International Mountain Museum and Bindhyabasini Temple.

Inclusion: breakfast, lunch, ground transportation, guiding services, dinner and accommodation;

Proposed hotel accommodations: Temple Tree Resort- 3.5 Star hotel

Day 7 | November 7, 2019 | Pokhara to Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1400m)

After a leisurely morning, head to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Spend one last afternoon on your own in the city, explore or buying that last minute souvenir on your own. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Garden of Dreams.

Inclusion: breakfast, lunch, ground transportation, domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu,

farewell dinner, accommodation; Proposed hotel accommodations: Dwarika’s Hotel  - 5 Star hotel

Day 8 | November 8, 2019 | Kathmandu to Paro to Thimphu (7,612ft / 2320m)

Time to head to the Kingdom of Bhutan with your flight to Paro. Keep an eye out for glimpses of Mount Everest. After arrival, a OneSeed rep will greet you. Take a 1-2 hour drive to the capital city of Thimphu. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valley and the Pa Chhu river. You will visit a Takin preserve, the national animal of Bhutan. Next, view the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government, and the Memorial Chorten, a memorial monument. Visit Bhutanese markets, the National Institute of Traditional Medicines, and the Folk Heritage Museum.

Inclusions: breakfast, private airport transportation, international flight from Kathmandu to

Paro, transportation, city tour of Thimphu, all entry fees, guiding services, lunch, dinner, accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: Hotel Druk- 3 Star hotel

Day 9 | November 9, 2019 | Thimphu to Punakha (4,300ft / 1310m)

After breakfast, head to Punakha, a 3 hour drive from Thimphu. The drive will take you up the mountain road to Dochu La Pass at 10,300ft commanding a wonderful panorama of the. Eastern Himalayas. From the Docha La Pass, begin descending through forest before finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, The Divine Madm an’. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress located at the junction of the Pho-chu and Mo Chu Rivers.

Inclusions: breakfast, transport, tour of the Punakha valley, entry fees, guiding services, lunch, dinner, accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: RKPO Green Resort- 3 Star hotel

Day 10 | November 10, 2019 | Punakha (4,300ft / 1310m)

After an early breakfast, head to Mo Chhu valley to begin your whitewater rafting adventure. Enjoy class 2 and 3 rapids along the Mo Chhu river just below the Punakha Dzong fortress, visited yesterday. Have a relaxing picnic lunch by the river before trying a round or two of archery on the near field, the national sport of Bhutan. Then, you will take a drive to Talo for a short 1.5 hour downhill walk following a beautiful path that link the villages of Talo and Nobgang.

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, whitewater rafting, lunch, archery, guiding services, dinner,

accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: RKPO Green Resort- 3 Star hotel

Day 11 | November 11, 2019 | Punakha to Gangtey (9,842ft / 3000m)

Head to the Wangdue district and the Wangduephodrang Dzong, another impressive fortress. Wangdue is famous for its bamboo work, stone carvings and slate, which is mined in the area. Then drive up a winding mountain road through the forest and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, a high altitude glacial valley in Bhutan. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2 hour hike on the Gangtey nature trail through the forest before emerging and visit the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery to complete the day.

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, entry fees, lunch, guiding services, dinner, accommodations;

Proposed hotel accommodations: Dewachen Hotel and Spa - 3 Star hotel

Day 12 | November 12, 2019 | Gangtey to Paro (7,200ft / 2195m)

After a leisurely breakfast, we retrace the journey back to Paro, about a 5-6 hour journey. You will re-cross the Dochu La Pass with a stop for lunch. Arrive to Paro in the afternoon and the rest of the day is yours to explore on your own.

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, lunch, guiding services, dinner, accommodations

Proposed hotel accommodations: Raven’s Nest Resort- 3 Star hotel

Day 13 | November 13, 2019 | Paro (7,200ft / 2195m)

Head out for a moderate 1.5 hour hike to the 15th century Zurig Lhakhang, a fortress above Paro. Visit the iconic 17th century Rinpung Dzong, ‘The Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’. Descend to a covered bridge lined with giant stupas. If not interested in the hike, visit Rimpung Dzong and the Ta Dzong. Following, see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong.  Continue with views of the snow-capped Mt Chomolhari, the third highest mountain in Bhutan. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the ruins. Now it’s time for an archery shootout and traditional dart game. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, lunch, archery and darts, guiding services, dinner, accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: Raven’s Nest Resort- 3 Star hotel

Day 14 | November 14, 2019 | Paro (7,200ft / 2195m)

This morning, head out of an excursion to Taktshang Monastery, better known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The monastery has become the most famous icon in Bhutan located in one of the most beautiful places. Set on a vertical cliff face at 10,000ft, it defies all engineering logic. Hike 3 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. The hike demands a higher level of fitness. The hike involves a climb on a steep footpath through pine forest festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. The views are well worth the effort. For those not interested in the hike to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan.  Take in a home stay to interact with local people and experience their daily lives.

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, entry fees, lunch, guiding services, dinner, accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: Raven’s Nest Resort- 3 Star hotel

Day 15 | November 15, 2019 | Paro to Kathmandu (4,593ft / 1400m)

After breakfast, say goodbye to the legendary Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan and your OneSeed Bhutan team.

Inclusions: breakfast, airport transportation, international flight Paro to Kathmandu, guiding service

PLANNED INTERNATIONAL AIR FROM FLORIDA - Emirates Airlines

Package cost includes round trip airfare from Orlando (MCO) to Kathmandu (KTM) with connection in Dubai (DXB). The estimated trip package price is based on 2017 international air pricing. International air prices can change up to day of ticketing which is expected to be completed approximately 120 days prior to travel. The SCSTC is not responsible if the trip operator needs to change airlines or the air carriers deletes or modifies the currently planned international flight schedules.

• Additional costs may apply for departures from other Florida cities
  
• Additional costs will apply to business and flight class air seat upgrades (as available)
  
• Additional $150 per person fee for Dubai Stopover ticket (as available)
  

INCLUSIONS

• medical/evacuation insurance for all participants confirmed 30 days or more prior to expedition start date
  
• international round trip flight to Kathmandu from MCO
  
• international round trip flight to Paro
  
• domestic round trip flight to Pokhara
  
• 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu
  
• 1 night accommodations in Nagarkot
  
• 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara
  
• 1 night accommodation in Thimphu
  
• 2 nights accommodation in Punakha
  
• 1 night accommodation in Gangtey
  
• 3 nights accommodation in Paro
  
• breakfast, lunch and dinner Day 3-14
  
• permits and entry fees
  
• guide services
  
• all ground transportation
  
• visa arrangements and fee for Bhutan
  
• most gratuities for group activities
  

NOT INCLUDED

• personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
  
• trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
  
• snacks during trek
  
• beverages outside of designated meals
  
• Nepal Visa fee. (30-day Visa purchased on arrival in Kathmandu. Requires 4 passport size photos)
  

Optional Trip Extension to INDIA: 

Delhi & Agra - 5 days / 4 nights

Estimated* Advertised price per person (12 Travelers): $1,465 based on double occupancy

Estimated* Advertised price per person (6 to 11 Travelers): $1,565 based on double occupancy

Single Supplement: $400 per person (limit: 5 single occupancy rooms)

*Estimated price based on 2017 International Airfare; Subject to change up to date of ticketing

Day 15 | November 15th | Kathmandu to Delhi

Head to the Kathmandu Airport and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, meet an ‘Open Eyes’ representative and taken to the hotel. Delhi is a historical and vibrant city, now divided into two zones: Old Delhi, which consists of mogul construction, and New Delhi, the city built by the English in colonial times. Begin touring New Delhi through the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (Residence of the President) and the Indian Parliament. The visit is made by vehicle and walking along the Rajpat Avenue, the royal road.  Experience a walk through the narrow streets of Nizamuddin, the Sufi and sacred area in Delhi. The tour is guided by local youth who are trained to help you uncover the traditions, monuments and its’ history which is a vibrant mix of old and new, upscale residences and ancient tombs.

Inclusions: breakfast, airport transportation, guiding services, one way flight from Kathmandu to Delhi,

Day 16 | November 16th | Delhi

In the morning, we visit the tallest minaret in India “Qutub Minar”. We will take a city walk through the old part of Delhi to visit Gandhi’s grave located near the lively district of Chandni Chowk, famous for its gold and silver merchants.

In the afternoon, we will see the magical philosophy of Sijism in a Sikh Temple. Explore the culinary culture of India's most focused city with a cooking course with a local. Visit a local market to refresh the senses with the fragrance of fresh spices & vegetables. Follow up with a full hands on cooking class & a meal (3-4h).

Inclusions: breakfast, transportation, guiding services, cooking class, dinner, accommodations Proposed hotel accommodations: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida - 5 Star hotel accommodations; Proposed accommodations: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida - 5 Star hotel

Day 17 | November 17th | Delhi to Agra

In the morning, we head to Agra. Along the way, we visit an authentic elephant rescue centre, and learn about rescued elephants. You may even have a chance to walk with them and bath them. Arrive Agra and transfer to Hotel. Inclusions: breakfast, guiding services, transportation, accommodations; Proposed hotel accommodations: Crystal Sarovar Premiere - 5 Star hotel

Day 18 | November 18th | Agra to Delhi

Your dreams will come true when you visit the world-famous monument to love, the Taj Mahal, at sunrise. Visiting early will make for spectacular views and will give you enough time to soak in its beauty. Later visit Agra Fort. In the afternoon, we will stop at a café run by survivors of an acid attack and interact with the women entrepreneurs. In the afternoon, head towards Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to Hotel.

Inclusions: breakfast, guiding services, transportation, accommodations

Proposed hotel accommodations: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida - 5 Star hotel

Day 19 | November 19th | Delhi

After breakfast, head to the airport for your international flight back home.
Inclusions: breakfast, airport transportation, international flight home from Delhi.

INCLUSIONS

• international one way flight to Delhi
  
• 3 nights accommodation in Delhi
  
• 1 night accommodations in Agra
  
• meals as indicated on itinerary
  
• permits and entry fees
  
• guide services
  
• excursions mentioned in itinerary
  
• all ground transportation
  

NOT INCLUDED

• personal items (laundry, clothing, snacks, etc.)
  
• trip cancellation insurance
  
• beverages outside of designated meals
  
• alterations to itinerary

Optional Trip Extension to DUBAI:

A 3-night stopover in Dubai following Nepal & Bhutan basic trip or a 2-night Dubai stopover  following the India tour has been finalized.  The Dubai packages INCLUDE:

-- 2 or 3-nights lodging at the Dusit D2 Kenz Hotel (4-Star)

-- Outbound and return Dubai airport transfers

-- Daily buffet breakfast in the hotel

-- Dubai City Tour and lunch on a private transfer

-- City VAT and Hotel Tourism Dirham fee

-- Emirates Air Ticket Stopover Charge Fee (non-refundable)

-- Gratuities for airport shuttle driver and city tour guide & driver 

NOT INCLUDED:  $40 per person Dubai Tourist Exit Fee  (Paid by each traveler at departure from the Dubai Airport) 

PRICING: 

          3-night Dubai trip extension = $495 Double or $680 Single Occupancy

 0r      2-night Dubai trip extension after India Tour = $435 Double or $565 Single Occupancy 

All itineraries (Nepal, Bhutan, India and Dubai) are subject to change based on local conditions and the judgment of the guide. The trip operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations or the ability of participants as judged by the guide.

*Final payment will depend on any optional departure airports, air seat upgrades, Dubai stopovers, etc...

Trip Cancellation Penalties

Penalties for individuals withdrawing from this trip will depend on the date that the written notice of cancellation is received by the SCSTC Trip Leader and the number of days remaining to trip departure. The trip withdrawal cancellation dates and penalties are as follows:

Note 1: Plus any other non-refundable charges the tour operator has incurred for airlines, hotels and suppliers. No refund for unused accommodations or services will be made. Individual traveler trip insurance is highly recommended to protect against these penalties.