Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek

Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek

26 Views
17 Days From

$1800

Langtang, Gosainkund and Helambu Trek

17 Days

Visiting: Kathmandu, Syabrubesi, Kathmandu Valley, Sherpagaon, Langtang Valley, Langtang Khola, Ghora Tabela, Langtang Lirung, Kyangin Gompa, Langtang, Langtang Lirung Glacier, Gyangchempo, Tsergo Ri, Yala, Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma, Langshisa Kharka, Nubamatang, Langshisa Ri, Lama Hotel, Mundu, Thulo Syabru, Sing Gompa, Ganesh Himal, Gosainkund, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh, Gopte, Gobie Char, Llaurebena Pass, Helambu, Annapurnas, Langtang Himal, Mangengoth, Thadepati Pass, Soli Danda, Gul Bhanjyang, Helambu Valley, Chisapani, Pati Bhanjyang, Sundirajal

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

138

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

12-75

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1800

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Often overlooked, Langtang treks in the Langtang and Helambu region to the north of Kathmandu provide some of Nepal's most spectacular scenery, and trekking in this area is as good as anywhere in the country. The soaring, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, the beautiful glacial lakes at Gosainkund and the friendly Tamang villages combine to make this a perfect trekking alternative to the better known Everest and Annapurnas treks.

You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free evening to explore this bustling city. There's also time for any last minute purchases to take on your trek.

Following the Trisuli River north out of Kathmandu, we drive you to Syabrubesi, a Sherpa village located at the very edge of the Langtang National Park where your trek begins and you spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges allows you to spend more time meeting and talking with other trekkers and guides in the evenings, as well as enjoying a little more comfort at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy.

From Syabrubesi, you then swing east into the Langtang valley, crossing the river several times as you travel up along the gorge-like, lower section of the valley. You pass through oak and rhododendron forests and trek across glacial moraine on your way to the Tamang village of Langtang which was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake.

A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time to explore the local area. You can do several day-walks such as continuing up through Nubamatang, nestled in a hidden valley, on your way up to view the glaciers which mark the gateway into Tibet.

After backtracking briefly, you then travel through Syabru and Sing Gompa to a high plateau, where the sacred lake Gosainkund is located. Crossing the Llaurebena Pass (4,610m), you continue south, leaving the Langtang region behind as you travel through the scenic Helambu valley to Gul Bhanjyang. From here it's just a few days trek and a bus ride back to Kathmandu.

Once back in Kathmandu you'll have a free evening to explore this interesting and colourful city. Options are also available to do a mountain flight up to view Mt. Everest, or to add extensions to the tour to try some white water rafting, or visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park.

Highlights

  • Kathmandu, trek into the Langtang Valley, cross Laurebena Pass (4,610m), views of Langsisa & Ganesh Himal, beautiful panorama of the Langtang peaks, sacred lake at Gosainkund, walk through the Helambu Valley.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel

We welcome you to the airport and take you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounters Travel agent welcomes you, helps you settle in and explains the agenda for the rest of your trip.

Day 2 : Drive To Syabrubesi (1462M)

Location: Syabrubesi, Kathmandu Valley

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Syabrubesi trekking lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will leave the Kathmandu Valley this morning and take a private car / minivan with your guide and porter(s) to the north through the hills and farmland to the town of Syabrubesi (1,462 m), where you will launch your trek (approx. 6 hours' drive). Syabrubesi is situated at the junction of Trisuli Khola and Bhote Khosi, both well-known rafting rivers.

Day 3 : Trek To Sherpagaon (2490M)

Location: Sherpagaon, Langtang Valley, Langtang Khola

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Sherpagaon trekking lodge

From Syabrubensi, head east towards the Langtang Valley and follow the route along the northern slopes of the valley above the Langtang Khola through the Rhododendron and Oak forests. Various forms of wildlife are present here, and it is not uncommon for Langur monkeys to be seen. We're going to spend the night in the village of Sherpagaon.

Day 4 : Trek To Ghora Tabela (3035M)

Location: Ghora Tabela, Langtang Lirung

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Ghora Tabela trekking lodge

Continue climbing through lush forested areas, following the valley of the river, and steadily gaining altitude before reaching Ghora Tabela (3.005 m). Here you get a sight of Langtang Lirung, ahead of you.

Day 5 : Trek To Kyangin Gompa (3849M)

Location: Kyangin Gompa, Langtang, Langtang Lirung Glacier, Gyangchempo

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge

You continue to climb today, passing the ruins of the village of Langtang, which was severely damaged by the earthquake of 2015. On the way, look out for a mani wall (dry stone walls inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates. It's probably one of the longest walls in Nepal. You should follow the Buddhist tradition and walk to the left of the wall). As you ascend, you're rewarded with a clear view of the Langtang Lirung Glacier flow to your left, and the ice fluted Gyangchempo to your right. The valley starts to broaden as you cross the glacial moraine and descend into Kyangjin Gompa (3,849 m). Once here, you're surrounded by stunning high peaks. Kyangjin has a small monastery and is well known for its delicious cheeses made from local Yak herds.

Day 6 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Hiking Day To Tsergo Ri (4984M)

Location: Kyangin Gompa, Tsergo Ri, Langtang, Yala, Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge

You're here for the next two days, and there's a lot of excursions so keep you busy. If you feel that you have the option of spending a day climbing Tsergo Ri (4984 m) and being rewarded with an amazing view of the snow-capped peaks. Renowned as one of the best spots for hiking in the Himalayas, you can see Langtang (7227 m) to the west, Yala (5500 m) to the north and Dorje Lakpa (6966 m) and Shisha Pangma (8027 m) to the east. The hike up to the top is not too difficult, although there are some boulders to cross, and any snow and ice parts should be taken with care. Overall, the climb to the top and back will take about four-five hours depending on your speed and the high altitude you find. There are also simpler things to do, including shorter hikes to the base of the Lirung Glacier, visits to the Gompa and cheese factory, and not forgetting the German bakery in town!

Day 7 : Kyangin Gompa. Optional Hike Day To Langshisa Kharka (4285M)

Location: Kyangin Gompa, Langshisa Kharka, Nubamatang, Langshisa Ri, Shisha Pangma

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Kyangin Gompa trekking lodge

You have a full day free to enjoy more optional treks or just relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds Kyangin Gompa. One alternative is a reasonably level walk up the valley to the secret Nubamatang valley (3,940 m) and Langshisha Kharka valley (4,285 m) where the Salbachum, Lanshisha and Langtang glacial moraines all converge. On the way to Tibet, the real terminal ice of the glaciers remains considerably higher, albeit visible in places. Langshisa Ri lies just ahead of you, but at 6,427 m, it's not the highest peak in sight, as numerous other snow-capped peaks can be seen all around, including Shisha Pangma, the only 8,000-metre high in Tibet. Trekking time of 6-7 hours

Day 8 : Trek To The Lama Hotel (2500M)

Location: Lama Hotel, Kyangin Gompa, Mundu

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Lama Hotel trekking lodge

Even though you're going to be on your feet for most of today, this is a pretty simple day, with the journey mostly a fairly steady downhill as you begin to follow the Langtang Khola to Lama Hotel. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the mountain from a different point of view to your trek up the valley. Our route from Kyangin Gompa takes us through the small village of Mundu, which will give you an idea of how most of the houses in this area once looked.

Day 9 : Travel To Thulu Syabru (2260M)

Location: Thulo Syabru, Langtang

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Thulo Syabru trekking lodge

Today you proceed along the valley of Langtang, covering a new ground after passing the junction with the path that you descended from Sherpagaon. You will continue to follow the Langtang Khola along the base of the valley, passing by the corn fields, before heading south and climbing up the side of the valley to the village of Thulo Syabru.

Day 10 : Trek To Sing Gompa (3300M)

Location: Sing Gompa, Thulo Syabru, Ganesh Himal

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Sing Gompa trekking lodge

Departing early from Thulo Syabru, you follow a slow zigzag path up the forest and past several small lodges. It's a long, slow climb with excellent views of Ganesh Himal and other Langtang peaks that make these views so unique in this area. As you follow this route, you pass through the fir tree forests full of Rhododendrons. Shortly after you hit Sing Gompa (3300m).

Day 11 : Trek To Gosainkund (4361M)

Location: Gosainkund, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Gosainkund trekking lodge

The path follows a ridge with stunning panoramic views of Himalchuli, Manaslu and Ganesh to the west and the high Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then descends to Gosainkund (4,361 m) (one of many sacred lakes that serve as major pilgrimage sites to Hindus from all over southern Asia). This region is a major destination in the summer months of July and August when Hindus flock to the full moon festival of Janai-Purnima. You stay in a lodge near this lake tonight. Legend has it that Shiva, who had saved the world by drinking poison, hit this land with his fork and formed this lake to quench his thirst.

Day 12 : Trek To Gopte/Gobie Char (3530M) Via Llaurebena Pass (4610M)

Location: Gopte, Gobie Char, Llaurebena Pass, Helambu, Annapurnas, Manaslu, Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Gopte/Dobie Char trekking lodge

You ascend from Gosainkund Lake, passing a few smaller lakes before crossing Llaurebena Pass (4,610 m), the highest point of your trek. This pass marks the western border of the valley of Helambu. Your trail takes you along a path that provides breathtaking views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. As soon as you cross the pass, you descend in a south-easterly direction and make your way to Gopte / Dobie Char.

Day 13 : Trek To Mangengoth (3390M)

Location: Mangengoth, Thadepati Pass, Soli Danda

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Mangengoth trekking lodge

Today our path passes through a thick forest, including a lot of rhododendron, bringing us to the Thadepati Pass and a good view of Soli Danda. A further ridge hike, some terraced farmland, broad oak forests and a gradual descent will lead you to the lodge and military checkpoint at Mangengoth.

Day 14 : Trek To Gul Bhanjyang (2130M)

Location: Gul Bhanjyang, Helambu Valley

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Gul Bhanjyang trekking lodge

Today you're going south, leaving the Langtang area behind and losing a lot of altitude as you pass through the Helambu Valley to the Tamang village of Gul Bhanjyang (2130m).

Day 15 : Trek To Chisapani (2194M)

Location: Chisapani, Pati Bhanjyang

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Chisapani trekking lodge

From Gul you have a short ascent before heading down to the village of Pati Bhanjyang and then to Chisopani (2,194 m), where you stay for the night. If you wish, you could cut the trek short and go back to Kathmandu.

Day 16 : Trek To Sundirajal (1460M) And Drive To Kathmandu

Location: Sundirajal, Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel

From Chisopani you walk a few hours through the forested areas with a view of the Kathmandu basin ahead and below. It's a short walk from here to Sundaria, where we'll pick you up and drive you back to Kathmandu for a short distance.

Day 17 : Tour Ends

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.

What's Included

What's Not Included

More Info

Often ignored, Langtang treks in the Langtang and Helambu regions to the north of Kathmandu provide some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal, and hiking in this area is as good as anywhere in the world. The steep, snow-capped mountains at the head of the Langtang valley, the stunning glacial lakes of Gosainkund and the friendly villages of Tamang combine to make this a great trekking alternative to the well-known Everest and Annapurnas treks. The Nepal tour starts in Kathmandu with an introduction to your trekking guide and a walking tour of this bustling area. There is still time for any last-minute purchases to be made on your trek. Following the Trisuli River north from Kathmandu, we'll drive you to Syabrubesi, a village in Sherpa, located at the very edge of Langtang National Park, where your trek begins and you'll spend the first night in a trekking lodge. Staying in lodges helps you to spend more time meeting and talking to other trekkers and guides at night, as well as getting a little more warmth at the end of each day and contributing to the local economy. From Syabrubesi, turn east into the valley of Langtang, cross the river many times as you walk along the gorge-like lower part of the valley. You pass through the oak and rhododendron forests and trek through the glacial moraine on your way to the Tamang village of Langtang, which was hard hit by the earthquake of 2015. A little further up the valley is Kyangin Gompa, where you spend 3 nights and have plenty of time exploring the local area. You can take a few day-walks, such as going up via Nubamatang, nestled in a secret valley, on your way up to see the glaciers that mark the gateway to Tibet. After a brief backtracking, you can fly through Syabru and Sing Gompa to the high plateau, where the sacred lake of Gosainkund is located. Crossing the Llaurebena Pass (4,610 m), proceed south, leaving the Langtang area behind as you ride through the scenic Helambu Valley to Gul Bhanjyang. It's just a few days of hiking and a bus trip back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu, you have a free day to explore this fascinating and colourful area. Alternatively, you may venture out into the nearby valley, where there are many fun places to explore. The itinerary shown below is very versatile and can be greatly shortened or extended depending on the time available. Options are also possible to make a mountain flight to Mt. Everest, or to add extensions to the trip to try some white-water rafting, or to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Park.

Mode of Transport

A/C minibus

Accommodation

Boutique hotel & trekking lodges

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Fully trained English-speaking Nepalese trekking guides are provided on this tour and many of our travellers consider them a highlight of their tour. For parties of 1-6 travellers we provide one trekking guide plus porters, and for groups of 7 to 12, two guides are provided plus porters.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.



    Many nationals can obtain their Nepalese visa in Kathmandu airport upon arrival (including UK, EU, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA citizens). The costs for a single entry visa are currently:

    - up to 15 days - US$ 25

    - 16 to 30 days - US$ 40

    - 31 to 90 days - US$ 100

    An additional $20 fee is charged to convert these into a multiple entry visa which will be needed for any tours returning to Nepal after visiting Bhutan or Tibet.



    The visa is obtained in the immigration area at the point where your passport is stamped. Forms to fill in are available in this immigration hall and may also be given out on your flight (if so, do fill them in before you land as it will reduce your queuing time). You will also need to fill in an arrivals card. Once your paperwork is completed, head to the immigration desk and hand over your forms, 2 passport photos, your visa fee and passport. The visa fees are set in US Dollars, but you can also pay in other currencies, but don't rely on getting given change.



    Passport Photos: You will need two passport photos for your Nepal visa if you are obtaining it on arrival. If you are doing any trekking, rafting or visiting a National Park (i.e. on many of of our tours), you should bring extras, as some of the permits we may need to get require these. Please bring at least 4 passport photos with you - they will always come in useful later if you don't need them all.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    While an accepted part of the culture and customs in Nepal, tipping is always optional, and any amounts paid should reflect excellent service. Tipping in Tibet and Bhutan is less prevalent though it is still normal practice to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour.



    We support and follow international guidelines for the employment of any trekking porters we use, including those of the IPPG (International Porter Protection Group). We therefore pay all our porters a higher than average wage, but an additional tip is still normal practice at the end of your trek.



    It is normal and accepted for people to tip differently, and you should not feel under any pressure to tip any particular amount. We are often asked for advice on common amounts however, and suggest that you consider around US$ 5-10 per person per day for guides, US$ 3-7 p/p/day for assistant guides or tour leaders, and US$ 2-5 p/p/day for porters and drivers.



    Haggling or bargaining is also prevalent throughout Nepal and Tibet, particularly in Kathmandu, and is still done in markets in Bhutan though to a lesser extent in other shops. More often than not the start price is at least double the actual price the vendor will be happy to accept. Do not take offence, but be prepared to bargain if you want to, consider your budget (and what you'd be happy to pay for things at home), pay fairly and enjoy this as part of the experience. Note: if you do offer a price, then you are expected to purchase – do not start bargaining unless you really want to buy.



    While you are out in rural/hill areas, we recommend that you should stick to published price lists and pay fair prices for local food, accommodation and services, as this aids local economies (bear in mind that when you are trekking, nearly everything you eat or buy will have been carried there by porters or donkeys).

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.



    Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:



    Nepal: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.

    Bhutan: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.



    Tibet: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.



    Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the lowland regions Bhutan are considered malarial zones, while higher altitudes including central Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang are not. Nepal is considered mainly low risk with prophylactics not normally required.



    Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary. Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    The local currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NRs). There are a banks and several ATMs in Kathmandu where you can use a debit/credit card to withdraw cash (Visa, Mastercard), but these are not generally available out of Kathmandu or Pokhara. There are numerous money change shops in the main towns. Travellers cheques can be changed in some banks in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but not elsewhere.

    You should ensure you have all the Nepalese rupees you think you will need before you leave for any trekking or visiting any more remote areas (including Bardia National Park). Try to obtain as many small denomination notes as possible, as higher value notes can be very hard to change in remote areas. You can pay with US Dollars cash in some places but should not rely on this.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Libbylaird  

Nepal on a Shoestring - Truly fantastic

May 2018

I have just returned from the Nepal on a Shoestring Tour and I can highly recommend it. A fantastic, non-stop way to be introduced to Nepal; Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara in 8 days. I added on an additional day at the start which did mean I had some quiet time before the action began! Our guide, Dipesh, who escorted us for the trip entirety was brilliant and very patient with our relentless questions! The bus trips between locations were long but a fantastic way to see the Nepalese countryside, you do need to be patient with the Nepalese roadways! I loved every minute and would highly recommend Encounters Travel and this tour. Now looking at my next trip with Encounters Travel!

yvonne12442  

10 Day Nepal Exposed Tour an Epic Experience!

October 2017

My husband and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Encounters Travel for giving us the opportunity to experience the 10 Day Nepal Exposed Tour. Encounters Travel was great from even before the trip began in planning the trip, answering all our inquiries and providing us information in a timely matter. We would like to say this trip was phenomenal and left us both with memories and adventures that will last a lifetime. We would like to give special recognition to our tour guide Ram Hari Aryal, who is a real professional and gave us individualized attention from the beginning of the trip when we arrived at the Kathmandu Airport to our departure back home. Ram really made this trip special for us and has such great knowledge of Nepal’s history, culture and geography. He also became a friend to us by the end of the tour. The driver that accompanied us throughout the entire trip and drove us through the country deserves praise as well. He is polite and got out to open the door for us every time we stopped somewhere. He is a very good driver and we felt safe throughout the entire journey through the countryside. In Kathmandu, we were assigned the same guide twice to show us through a few cities. His name was Prakash Luitel and he is wonderful and very knowledgeable of his country. The fellow who was our guide in Chitwan National Park was also very professional, energetic and friendly. The accommodations were fabulous. All the hotels that we stayed in were great. We especially were impressed by Apsara Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu for their splendid rooms and exceptional staff. Another favorite of ours was Gaun Ghar located in Bandipur. We loved the décor of the hotel with stone floors and walls it gave us the feel that we were back in the 19th century. Also, great manager and staff that really made you feel at home. Not to mention the view of the mountains from our room that made us feel like we were in heaven. We traveled through Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Bandipur and Nagarkot. My husband and I asked each other at the end of the trip which city did we like the best. The both us could not pick one. We liked all of them. They all had their unique and individual charm and beauty. These are a few of our many favorite highlights of the trip: 1. Everest Mountain Flight 2. Tour of Lalitpur aka Patan 3. Monkey Temple (Kathmandu) 4. Chitwan National Park wildlife safari 5. Boat ride on Phewa Lake (Chiwan) 6. World Peace Stupa (Pokhara) 7. Devi Falls (Pokhara) 8. Boudhanath Supa (Kathmandu) 9. Durbar Square (Kathmandu) 10. Pasupatinath (Kathmandu) Every day was wonderful on this tour and a real adventure. We would love to take another tour again in the future and we would recommend Encounters Travel to our family, friends and coworkers. Some (hopefully) constructive criticism: we recommend that you advertise to potential travelers the option of extra days in Kathmandu more prominently and frequently in your literature. We didn’t realize until much later that we could’ve extended our stay for such little cost. We would’ve done it if the option had emphasized. Under Day 12, the “upgrade to an [sic] domestic flight” is misleading. We assumed that if we took the flight we wouldn’t miss anything on the agenda. Big mistake! Thank God we called your office and clarified that we’d not see Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Pasupatinath and Boudhanath. What a loss that would’ve been! Nepali toilets are not up to Western standards. A tip to bring one’s own toilet paper (and lots of it), and to prepare for horrific sights and smells, would’ve been appreciated. We strongly urge you to include Lalitpur (Patan) in the Class Exposed itinerary. It doesn’t take so long to see and it’s well worth making time for. We also were a little disappointed that we couldn’t see Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace. Thank you again for an epic experience! Nicholas and Yvonne Towasser

Zimri-Lim  

Well organised trip to Nepal and Bhutan - thanks to Ant.

November 2016

Encounters Travel/Uncover the World in the UK organised a trip to Nepal and Bhutan for me during Nov 2016. When reviewing the various options out there I was impressed with their knowledge in the area and they were able to put together a good itinerary covering a good many sites across a number of regions. They organised hotels, transfers, guides and drivers as well as Bhutanese visas and flights between Nepal and Bhutan. Everything worked well and despite being a solo traveller I had a driver and guide during all my time in both countries. Hotels were good, comfortable, well located and entirely appropriate to this type of trip. The overall itinerary was excellent and I was able to see much of Bhutan - Thimpu, Paro and Punakha valleys - and some very interesting parts of Nepal - Kathmandu, Bhaktaput and Nagarkot - within some 11 days. I booked the major international routes myself and used Oman Air who had by far the best connections to Kathmandu and a reasonable business class fare and Ant at Encounters booked the rest. Not a particularly cheap visit - Bhutan is possibly the most expensive country in the world to visit - but I can't see how I could have done it better or cheaper. I'd certainly use these guys again for this type of trip - they really know their business.

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$1800

Saturday - Monday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025
$1855

Saturday - Monday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$1855

Saturday - Monday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$1855

Saturday - Monday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$1855

Saturday - Monday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$1855

Saturday - Monday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025
$1800

Saturday - Monday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$1800

Saturday - Monday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$2185

Saturday - Monday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
$2185

Saturday - Monday

Nov 15, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025
$2185

Saturday - Monday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
$2115

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026
$2115

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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