13telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comB hutan and Tibet are linked by their Buddhist culture but are scenically very different. In Bhutan we attend a festival and visit some of the finest monasteries in the country, including impressive Taksang Temple (the Tiger's Nest), clinging to the side of a cliff, and the magnificent riverside Dzong at Punakha. As we travel over high passes we will also enjoy some spectacular Himalayan mountain vistas. In Tibet we visit Samye Monastery, Tsedang and the 'Valley of the Kings', the cradle of Tibetan civilisation, before continuing to busy Lhasa. Here we might join pilgrims on a 'kora' around the Potala Palace or join the throng visiting the ancient Jokhang Temple. Added to these treats is the spectacular return flight past Everest and other Himalayan giants and then time to explore Kathmandu from the fabulous Dwarika's hotel. T his cultural tour of all the major towns and sights in western Bhutan utilises some of the more upmarket hotels that now exist in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Tastefully designed and traditionally furnished, these properties provide a level of sophisticated refinement that will add that extra pizzazz to your stay. Our journey through picturesque western Bhutan visits grand monastery-fortresses and explore off-the-beaten-track villages. Everywhere we go we will be welcomed by the friendly Bhutanese people. We will attend the impressive Buddhist festival at Thimphu Dzong, one of the most important events of the year and a never to be forgotten experience. Our time in Bhutan concludes with a relaxing traditional 'hot stone' bath in the stylish converted nobleman's house that is Uma Paro Hotel. Returning to Kathmandu we stay at the delightful Dwarika's hotel whilst we explore this ancient city and take a special flight into the high Himalaya for a close-up look at Everest. Private departures We can also offer this trip as a private holiday for a minimum of two people sharing for £2,555 per person, Land Only. International flights available from £700.Cultural Highlights of Bhutan & Tibet This trip really does have it all - three Himalayan capitals, important cultural sites and unforgettable high mountain landscapes. First Class Tour of Bhutan Why not treat yourself to something truly special and explore Bhutan in style?View over Thimphu, Andi HarrisonGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients£2,450£3,085Land OnlyFlight IncludedThu 29 Sep - Tue 11 Oct 11Local Leader Accommodation (nts): Hotels: 9 Lodges: 2Optional: Single Room £345Insurance: £77Cultural Tour | Duration: 13 DaysFestivalAppointed Leader Ann Sainsbury?John Yost?Accommodation (nts): Hotels: 14/15Optional: Single Room £295Insurance: £132Cultural Tour | Duration: 16/17 DaysOther Cultural Tours - see pages 12, 20, 26, 41, 42, 43, 47, 50, 51, 53, 58Other Cultural Tours - see pages 12, 20, 26, 41, 42, 43, 47, 50, 51, 53, 58£3,450£3,495£4,150£4,150Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedTue 15 Mar - Wed 30 Mar 11?Fri 30 Sep - Sun 16 Oct 11?FestivalGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comThe Himalaya Bhutan

14Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comT rekking in the Himalaya does not always have to involve long distance treks and nights under canvas. Our many years of experience in Bhutan led us to create this excellent combination of interesting day walks and comfortable accommodation. From the major towns of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, we will walk out through lovely scenery to visit unspoilt villages, old palaces and hermits' nests. We also stay in central Tongsa en route to the lesser known Bumthang region, from where we explore the holiest valley in the Kingdom. Each night we'll be able to relax in comfortable accommodation and there's plenty of time to see some of the country's most celebrated sights including the impressive dzongs and the fairytale Tiger's Nest Monastery. Whenever possible we include visits to some of Bhutan's most important festivals enjoying their spectacular music and masked dances. The holiday concludes in bustling Kathmandu with time to explore, shop or simply relax and enjoy the delights of Dwarika's - a fabulous world heritage hotel.Private departures We can also offer this trip as a 16-day private holiday for a minimum of two people sharing for £2,495 per person, Land Only. International flights available from £700.Gentle Trekking, Lodges & Hotels in Bhutan Gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation; the best way to explore this remarkable Himalayan kingdom.Day Walks: 8/9 Local Leader Accommodation (nts): Hotels: 12/13 Lodges/Guesthouses: 2Optional: Single Room £290Insurance: £95Trek | Duration: 16/17 Days£2,295£2,295£2,395£2,295£2,395£2,295£2,895£2,995£3,035£2,935£3,125£3,175Land OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedThu 06 Jan - Sat 22 Jan 11Sun 18 Dec 11 - Mon 02 Jan 12Thu 03 Nov - Sat 19 Nov 11Fri 21 Oct - Sat 05 Nov 11Fri 28 Oct - Sat 12 Nov 11Sun 02 Oct - Tue 18 Oct 11Fri 04 Mar - Sat 19 Mar 11Fri 15 Apr - Sat 30 Apr 11FestivalMar, 02 Oct & Nov departures onlyDVD availableGrade: Gentle Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comBhutan The HimalayaThimphu Festival, Bunty Stallion