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

15telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comT his exciting new itinerary in the eastern Himalaya offers many delights. In Darjeeling, a typical Indian hill station, we will enjoy great views of Mount Kangchenjunga and have the opportunity to ride the toy train. We then continue to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, an important centre of Buddhism, but as equally renowned for its orchids as for its architectural heritage with many fine and interesting monasteries. We then drive through tea plantations to cross the border into Bhutan, a beautiful and unspoiled country with a vibrant tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Here we marvel at the magnificent fortified dzongs and will visit the most important monasteries in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, as well as some more intimate, smaller temples. We will also enjoy some lovely gentle walks in both Darjeeling and Bhutan, such as the hike up to the dramatically situated Tiger's Nest Monastery. The spring departure attends the vibrant Paro festival in Bhutan.I n less than two weeks London to London we take in monasteries, markets and a three-day trek through classic Bhutanese countryside. We will attend either the Paro (spring) or Thimphu (autumn) festivals, both popular and lively events where monks perform masked dances in front of crowds of Bhutanese dressed in their festival finery. Our time in Bhutan starts in Paro, exploring the town, visiting the Dzong and walking up to the spectacular Tiger's Nest Monastery. We have plenty of time to visit the main sights of the three valleys which lie at the heart of Bhutan; Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. The Samtengang trek is a lovely low altitude trek, which passes through pristine pine, oak and rhododendron forest, and villages where centuries of tradition have been preserved. Weather permitting on the first day, there may be views of distant snow capped peaks, including Mount Chomolhari. Travels in Sikkim & BhutanVisit lively Darjeeling and dip a toe into the fascinating Buddhist cultures of Sikkim and Bhutan.Bhutan Festival Trek The ideal condensed trip to Bhutan for those who don't have weeks to spare.Paro Dzong, Steve HarbertGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients£1,745£1,745£2,450£2,395Land OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFri 11 Mar - Tue 22 Mar 11Fri 30 Sep - Tue 11 Oct 11On Trek: 4 days Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 7 Camping: 3Optional: Single Room £145 Single Tent £50Insurance: £95Trek | Duration: 12 DaysFestivalGrade: Gentle/Moderate Day Walks: 3Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 13Optional: Single Room £545Insurance: £95 Trek | Duration: 15 Days£2,375£2,825Land OnlyFlight IncludedFri 11 Mar - Fri 25 Mar 11Sat 15 Oct - Sat 29 Oct 11FestivalMar departure onlyGrade: GentleGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clientsFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comThe Himalaya Bhutan