Trip Code
TTN-1281
Trip Type
Group
Difficulty Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest house
Group Size
1-12
Trip Highlights
- Sightseeing tour in Paro and Thimphu.
- Enjoy the magnificent views of Himalayan peaks.
- Pay a visit to Chimi Lhakhang Temple.
- Go to see Trongsa Dzong fortress.
- Look in on Swiss farm.
- Explore Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest)
- Stop by Bumthang village for shopping.
Trip Overview
Bhutan Cultural Heartland tour 10 days trip offers an opportunity to experience the rich oral and cultural heritage of Bhutan at its best. Bhutan, often referred as the Last Shangri La, is a beautiful country overlooking the Himalayan peaks.
The country’s rich biodiversity, high surrounding mountains, rich traditional architecture, temples and monasteries all contributed to the uniqueness of this mystical country.
This trip offers an immersive experience of cultural sightseeing around the most popular destinations of Paro,Thimphu, Phobjikha, Bumthang, Punakha and Tiger Nest Monastery for visitors. Along the journey, it takes you to the stunning Dzongs, monasteries and offers magnificent landscape views of Bhutan Kingdom.
Bhutan Cultural Heartland tour, you will explore the diverse flora and fauna through the country’s lush valleys. The beauty of the region with an abundance of diverse vegetation ranging from tropical to lush meadows offers visitors to enjoy the natural environment.
The unique landscape consists of forest which is a home to exotic animals such as Takin, Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger and several bird species such as Himalayan Black Eagle, Parrotbill, Boreal Owl to name a few.
Come and explore Bhutan with us.
- Detail Itinerary
- Price & Departures
- FAQs
- Equipment List
- Terms
Detail Itinerary
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Day 01
Arrival at Paro Airport
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Day 02
Sightseeing around Paro then evening drive to Thimphu
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Day 03
Sightseeing in and around Thimphu
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Day 04
Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha
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Day 05
Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang
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Day 06
Sightseeing in and around Bumthang
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Day 07
Drive to Punakha
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Day 08
Sightseeing in Punakha with overnight accommodation in Paro
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Day 09
Sightseeing in and around Paro
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Day 10
Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
Price & Departures
- All
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
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Price Includes
- Pick up and drop off to and from the airport/hotel on a tourist car/van/minibus.
- Standard government-approved accommodation (on twin sharing basis).
- Full-board meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks - for the duration of your stay.
- Drinking water for the duration of the tour.
- Country presentation and tour briefing on the evening of Day 01 with welcome drinks.
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides.
- Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations, if required.
- Monument and museums entrance fees at all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary.Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.
- Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country's health and education projects.
- All route access and monument entry permits and fees.
- All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.
Price Doesn't Include
- International airfare and airport departure tax. (Please see the Druk Air flight info below)
- Your travel insurance (mandatory for the trip).
- Tips for tour guides, porters, driver, hotel lobby and in restaurants. (Tipping is expected)
- Alcoholic beverages, hot and cold drinks.
- Personal trekking equipment (Click on the Equipment tab).
- Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the “Price Includes” section
FAQs
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How fit do I have to be and is this tour for me?
This tour is suitable for any kind of person, and no previous experience is required. If you are a fit and healthy person, then you can do this tour.
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Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
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What sort of accommodation conveniences can I expect on this tour?
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What kind of food can I expect on this tour?
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What mode of transportation do you use?
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What is the best time for this tour?
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What is the weather and temperature like on the tour?
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Can I charge my electronic gadgets during this trip?
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Are there any Photography restrictions?
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Are there any means of communication and internet access during this tour?
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Can I use credit cards in the places I visit during the tour?
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How much spending money do I need per day?
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What is the weight limit for Druk Air flights?
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Do your guides have certificates from the Hotel Management and Tourism Center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
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Do I need to obtain Visas for Bhutan?
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Do we book our international flights and Druk Air flights?
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Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
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Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filters?
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Are Trekking to Nepal’s staff insured?
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What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?
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Can I add extra days to my trip?
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I would like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?
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Is there a minimum number and a maximum number for your groups?
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Are there any laundry services available on this trip?
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What immunizations will I need?
Equipment List
For the Bhutan Cultural Heartland Tour for 10 days, you should bring comfortable clothes. You should consider the time of the year you are travelling to choose the right clothing and equipment for this trip.
Packing Suggestions
- If you are going to Bhutan from Kathmandu, we provide you a complimentary duffel bag in Kathmandu, where you can pack the essential equipment and use it for shopping purposes.
- The duffel bag is carried by the vehicles during the tour.
- You need to carry your own backpack (with waterproof cover) where you can carry your daily essential items. For instance: money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
- The total luggage allotment is 20 kg per person for Druk Air flight.
- You can store your luggage at the Hotel lockers, if not required during the tour.
We advise you to bring the following equipment for the Bhutan Cultural Heartland Tour 10 days.
- Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary duffel bag that is yours to keep.)
- Daypack
- Goggles or sunglasses for sunbeam, dust and wind.
- T-shirts (2).
- 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis), 1 pair shorts.
- 2 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
- 1 pair light camping shoes or sneakers.
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket (preferable if you are travelling in the rainy season from June to September.)
If you are travelling in the cold season (January, February and December)
Warm wool or synthetic hats that cover your ears.
- A neck warmer.
- 1 pair warm gloves.
- 2 pairs of lightweight long underwear/thermals.
Medicines and First Aid Kit
Note: Our guide will bring the first-aid kit bag during the tour. However we still recommend you to bring a personal medical kit.
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments etc.
Other essential important items
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
- Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours).
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
- Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat (We provide you a complimentary sunhat)
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Other essential important items
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)
Medicines and First Aid Kit
Please Note: Our guide will bring the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring personal medical kit.
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snacks (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player.
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and batteries)
- Pee bottle for man and pee funnel for woman.
Terms and Conditions
Trekking to Nepal is owned and operated by Ace the Himalaya, a reputed trekking and tour company based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
These booking terms and conditions mentioned here establish a legally binding contract between Ace the Himalaya and you (Client) for our services. Please read our terms and conditions carefully prior to booking a trip with us.
Bookings (Nepal and India Trips)
You can process a booking via our website, our third-party websites or email us at info@trekkingtonepal.com.
Our trip prices are in USD. If you are booking the trip with us and making payment in your local currency, then the same day exchange rate set by Nepal’s Central Bank is applicable when converting your local currency into USD.
- You should provide us a completed booking form, a copy of your passport along with a 30% deposit of the total trip cost.
- THE 30% DEPOSIT IS NONREFUNDABLE.
- For Nepal trips, the remaining amount can be paid in USD/Credit card on your arrival day or pre-trip meeting at our office or hotel.
- While for an India trip, the remaining balance should be paid in USD by bank transfer or Credit card at least 20 days prior to the trip departure date.
Bookings (Bhutan and Tibet Trips)
- You should provide us a completed booking form, a copy of your passport along with a 50% deposit of the total trip cost.
- THE 50% DEPOSIT IS NONREFUNDABLE.
- The remaining balance should be paid in USD/Credit card a minimum of 20 days before the trip departure date.
Last Minute Booking
- For Nepal and India trips, we accept the last minute booking 10 days prior to the trip departure date, only if we have space available for the trip and full payment is then required.
- For Bhutan and Tibet trips, we will accept your last minute booking 20 days prior to the tour departure date; full payment is then required.
Payment Method (Applicable for all trips)
You can pay via wire transfer or credit card payment.
Swift/ Wire Transfer in USD
Account number: 01901576560029
Bank Name: Himalayan Bank Limited
Bank Address: KSK Building Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bank P.O. Box: 20590
Phone: 00977-1-4227749, 450201
Fax: 00977-1-4222800
Telex No: 2789 HIBA NP
SWIFT: HIMANPKA
Account Holder Name: Ace the Himalaya Trekking Pvt Ltd
Swift/ Wire Transfer in NPR
Account number: 01901576560018
Bank Name: Himalayan Bank Limited
Bank Address: KSK Building Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bank P.O. Box: 20590
Phone: 00977-1-4227749, 450201
Fax: 00977-1-4222800
Telex No: 2789 HIBA NP
SWIFT: HIMANPKA
Account Holder Name: Ace the Himalaya Trekking Pvt Ltd
Note: We are not liable for the bank transaction fee and should be paid by the customer.
Credit Card Payment
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express Card, and a 3.5% levy will be added as a card processing fee. We are not liable for those 3.5% bank transaction fee and is not affiliated with the total cost of the trip.
For secure and quick payment by credit card, you can fill up our direct payment form.
Cancellation and Refund Policy (Nepal and India Trips)
- You should provide us a valid written notice via email a minimum of 20 days prior to the trip departure date. Cancellation is valid with approval only after receiving the notice.
- Cancellation of the trip 20 days prior to the trip departure date, then 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid and the remaining amount after the deduction would be refunded.
- Cancellation of the trip made less than 20 days notice prior to the trip departure date, there will be a 100% charge applicable (no refund policy). If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid.
Cancellation and Refund Policy (Bhutan and Tibet Trips)
- You should provide us a valid written notice via email a minimum of 30 days prior to the trip departure date. Cancellation is valid with approval only after receiving the notice.
- Cancellation of the trip 30 days prior to the trip departure date, then 50% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid and the remaining amount after the deduction would be refunded.
- Cancellation of the trip made less than 30 days notice prior to the trip departure date, there will be a 100% charge applicable (no refund policy). If you cancel the trip and need to submit a claim to your insurance company, we can help with the supporting documentation such as a receipt for monies paid.
Reschedule the Trip (Nepal, India and Bhutan)
- You should provide us with written notice including reasons that make you unable to travel via email 20 days prior to the trip departure date. If you are preponing the trip, you should notify us in writing 20 days prior to your new departure date.
- A FEE OF USD 200 PER PERSON WILL BE CHARGED IF YOU POSTPONE OR PREPONE OR TRANSFER YOUR TRIP TO ANOTHER PERSON NO LESS THAN 20 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP DEPARTURE DATE. THE CLIENT IS RESPONSIBLE TO FIND ANOTHER PERSON FOR TRANSFERRING HIS/HER TRIP.
Reschedule the Trip (Tibet)
- You should provide us with written notice including reasons that make you unable to travel via email 30 days prior to the trip departure date. If you are preponing the trip, you should notify us in writing 30 days prior to your new departure date.
- A FEE OF USD 200 PER PERSON WILL BE CHARGED IF YOU POSTPONE OR PREPONE OR TRANSFER YOUR TRIP TO ANOTHER PERSON NO LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE TRIP DEPARTURE DATE. THE CLIENT IS RESPONSIBLE TO FIND ANOTHER PERSON FOR TRANSFERRING HIS/HER TRIP.
INCOMPLETE TRIP
IN CASE OF ANY FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE TRIP, FOR WHATEVER REASON, BY THE CLIENTS, WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY REFUNDS FOR ANY MEALS, ACCOMMODATION OR ANY SERVICES NOT USED DURING THE TRIP. FURTHER, IF YOU COMMIT ANY UNLAWFUL ACT DURING THE TRIP AND ARE COMPELLED TO LEAVE NEPAL, WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY REFUNDS.
Passport and Visas (Nepal and India)
- A valid passport is needed with a minimum validity of 6 months from the return date.
- A Nepalese visa can be obtained from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visa costs are the sole responsibility of clients. For more details, please read this link about Nepalese Tourist Visa.
- You can fill in the Nepalese Tourist Visa form online. Here is a link- Department of Immigration. The online form will be valid for 15 days, which means you must fill it in less than 15 days before your arrival date. You will receive a receipt by your email after filling in the form. You should print the receipt and keep it with you as you need to produce it before the immigration authority.
- For Indian visas and cost, please contact the Indian embassy in your home/resident country. There is no on arrival visa facility for Indian visas.
Passport and Visas (Bhutan and Tibet)
- A valid passport is needed with a minimum validity of 6 months from the return date.
- As you are unable to obtain visas to Bhutan and Tibet directly, Bhutan as well as Tibet permit and visa will be organized by Ace the Himalaya. This cost is all included in the trip price.
- To facilitate this, you need to send a clear, color scanned copy of your passport to us via email at the time of booking.
RISK AND LIABILITIES
ALL OUR NEPAL, INDIA, BHUTAN AND TIBET TOURS ARE CONDUCTED BY FOLLOWING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE TOURISM BOARD OF THE RESPECTIVE COUNTRY. ACE THE HIMALAYA WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN ITINERARIES DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE BEYOND OUR CONTROL. FOR INSTANCE: LAST MINUTE CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT RULES, LOCAL POLITICS, GOVERNMENT RESTRICTION, BAD WEATHER, ILL HEALTH CONDITION OF TREKKERS, DEATH, ROAD BLOCKAGE, FLIGHT DELAY/CANCELLATION, NATURAL DISASTERS (EARTHQUAKE, LANDSLIDE, FLOOD, SNOWFALL, AVALANCHE, ETC) AND ANY OTHER THINGS BEYOND OUR CONTROL. ANY ADDITIONAL EXPENSES NECESSITATED BY SUCH AN EVENT WILL BE BORNE BY THE CLIENT/S. FURTHER, WE RECOMMEND YOU TO HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE WHILE TRAVELING IN NEPAL.
Travel Insurance
Having Travel Insurance is compulsory for all clients while traveling with us. The travel insurance must cover weather delays, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, air ambulance, trip cancellations, natural disasters, theft of baggage, loss of gear and equipment etc.
Domestic flight delay/Cancellation
Generally, due to bad weather conditions and poor visibility, flight delays or cancellation are likely to happen in mountain countries/regions. In such a case, we are not liable for any extra expenses or inconveniences. Since the weather of the mountain region is quite unpredictable, we suggest you arrange a minimum of 1 or 2 extra days (especially Everest region treks) so that you won’t miss your International flight. Further, we suggest you bring some extra cash to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
Changes to your trip and price due to natural disasters, flight delay etc.
In the event of cancellations/changes of the trip due to any unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters, flight delay etc., we will arrange another trip for you of the same price value. Also, you are free to reschedule the trip. While rescheduling the trip of either the same price value or higher value, you need to pay the amount of used services from your previously booked trip. Similarly, if the price increases for the rescheduled departure, you will pay the difference between new prices and old prices.
Most of our trip packages are based on twin-sharing accommodation. Furthermore, a single-room supplement charge will be imposed on the clients who don’t have another tour participant to share accommodation with.
Likewise, we reserve the right to revise pricing rates posted in our marketing material under any circumstances or on the pressure of various external factors like changes in exchange rate, government action, etc. which are far from our control.
Health and Fitness
You should be physically and mentally fit when trekking in high altitude regions. Therefore, we suggest you undergo a medical examination with a general practitioner (GP) regarding your health and fitness before traveling with us. If you have any preexisting medical conditions or disabilities, please notify us at the time of booking.
Children
A legal guardian/parent must accompany the participant below the age of sixteen.
Privacy
Ace the Himalaya is concerned to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information. No private or personal information that you provided to us when booking will be disclosed for any other purposes.
PUBLICITY
YOU AGREE THAT ACE THE HIMALAYA MAY USE IMAGES OF YOU TAKEN DURING THE TRIP WITHOUT RECOURSE TO YOU AND WITHOUT COMPENSATION TO YOU, FOR PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION PURPOSES THROUGH WHATEVER MEDIUM IT CHOOSES.
Complaints
Should you have a complaint about the trip, make it known to our staff at the earliest opportunity, so that s/he may take appropriate actions to resolve it. Your satisfaction is our top-notch priority.
Acceptance of Terms
These terms and conditions are valid only if you book the trip with us directly. If you book our trip through a third party or any agents, you are liable to their terms and conditions as well as our terms and conditions.
Applicable Law and Choice of Forum
Ace the Himalaya main office is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Nepal. Any dispute arising out of these terms and conditions shall be resolved exclusively by the District Court, Appellate Court, and Supreme Court located in Kathmandu, Nepal. There is no case in a foreign country, and the parties agree that the court of Nepal is the appropriate forum for any claim or proceeding commenced in relation to these terms and conditions.
Trip Notes
Druk air flight costs are not included in the trip price. Druk air flights cost are different as per the flights sectors that you are taking.
Druk air offers flights from the following location. We recommend you to book your flight to Bangkok as they have every day flights to and from Paro.
Please let us know which route is more convenient to you, the cost of the flights are as below. Please contact us for the up-to-date Druk air flight rate.
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok = US$890
New Delhi – Paro- New Delhi = US$875
Calcutta – Paro- Calcutta = US$510
Kathmandu – Paro- Kathmandu = US$520
Bangkok – Paro – Kathmandu = US$ 860
Bangkok – Paro – New Delhi = US$ 875
What makes this trip different ?
Trekking to Nepal is an online booking platform of Ace the Himalaya. Ace the Himalaya works closely with and is one of the main supporters of non-profit organization Sambhav Nepal.
Ace the Himalaya covers the administration cost of Sambhav Nepal as the staff working at Ace also help in admin work of Shambav Nepal. For instance: making proposals, collecting information for the related projects, visiting the project sites, coordinating the local governments/authorities etc. That’s why, Sambhav Nepal doesn't have their admin cost in the project it runs.
Furthermore, Sambhav Nepal provides support to people with needs such as education and health in villages of Gorkha through the children sponsorship program. We sponsor children for school which are conducted successfully in full collaboration with Ace the Himalaya and its sister organizations, Ace Holidays and Ace Xpeditions.