Colombo

Explore the key attractions in and around Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, many of them World Heritage Sites, including temples, royal cities and other architectural treasures.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Due to the amount of walking, at times on uneven surfaces, this program is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulty or if a cane, walker or wheelchair are used.

Day 1

Disembark the ship in Colombo and meet our local representative that will accompany you to the airport. Check in for a flight to Delhi. Lunch will be arranged at the airport prior to your departure.

Upon arrival in Delhi, complete Indian immigration and customs formalities and baggage collection and then proceed to your nearby hotel dinner and overnight.

Day 2

It’s an early morning so breakfast will be via room service should you wish.

Meet your group leader in the lobby and transfer to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu.

Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks, the tiny kingdom of Nepal is ringed by the Himalayas. It is a land of contrasts, harboring a wealth of Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Nepal’s colorful capital city Kathmandu reflects 2,000 years of peaceful co-existence and exudes a unique blend of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is distinctly Nepalese in character.

On arrival In Kathmandu, you will be assisted with visa issuance and baggage collection.

NOTE: Please have on hand at least 1 passport sized photo for the Nepal Visa - Your tour manager will collect this from you in flight.

Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the city of Bhaktapur and the other for the Dwarika’s Hotel, where you will spend the evening.

Described as a “living, breathing museum, displaying Nepal’s best craftsmanship from the 13th century,” the hotel rooms and public areas at Dwarika’s Hotel reflect medieval architectural traditions. Every brick is handmade, every piece of wood original and centuries old.

After some time to freshen up at the hotel, drive to the outskirts of the city to the World Heritage city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur.

Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, is revered for its medieval art and architecture. As you meander around Durbar Square, you will see the 55 Window Palace and Nyatapola temple, considered to be the finest example of Pagoda-style architecture.

Following your visit, return to Kathmandu and the Dwarika’s for a late lunch and check-in.

In the early evening, visit the great Stupa at Boudhnath, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Constructed in the 14th century, the stupa is built on an octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels. Boudhnath is also a center of the Tibetan community in Nepal, where you will visit a monastery.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail at one of the cafes around Boudhanath then proceed to visit Pashupatinath Temple, a World Heritage site situated near Dwarika’s. Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage place dedicated to the god Shiva. Situated amidst a natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors may view from the east bank, as only Hindus are permitted to enter.

Return to the Dwarika’s for dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Early in the morning, you will transfer to the airport for a flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting), soaring over glacier-clad, cloud-shrouded peaks and other landscapes around Mount Everest. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, you will visit Patan, one of three royal cities in the valley. Commissioned by India’s great emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century, this World Heritage Site within four stupas is known as the City of Fine Arts.

The temples around the main square are impressive as is the Patan Museum, which is housed within a picturesque palace setting. In an international campaign by UNESCO for safeguarding monuments in Kathmandu Valley, the Austrian government joined hands with Nepal to restore and preserve Patan.

Newari architectural style blossomed in the form of temples, palaces, residences and squares between the 12th and 18th centuries, representing a timelessness in Nepalese architecture and its definitive characteristics, often guided by religious and socio-cultural norms.

Next, you will see Patan’s Living Goddess, who typically acknowledges greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Known as kumaris, Nepal’s living goddesses live in seclusion and rarely speak in public.

After a private audience with the Goddess, you will stop for lunch at “The Lawn” or similar venue.

Following lunch proceed to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square located in the heart of the city. It is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square, after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, who acts as a protector via a huge stone impression next to the main entrance.

Kathmandu valley has three Durbar Squares, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This ancient seat of Nepalese royalty displays spectacular architecture, reflecting the skill of the Newari artists over several centuries. There’s a great variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess, mainly constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Later, there’s time for individual exploration at Asan Bazar, a great local scene, before boarding trishaws for a ride through the narrow lanes of the old city to “Thamel”, Kathmandu’s hip street. Pulsating Thamel has become a world address for international trekkers, mountaineers and curio shoppers looking for a bargain.

To get a flavor of the local scene, enjoy cocktails and dinner at the famous ‘One Tree Sam’s bar’ and then head back to your hotel for the night.

Day 4

This morning a continental breakfast will be served in the hotel courtyard prior to checking out and transferring to the airport for your flight to Goa via Delhi. Breakfast will be served during the flight.

Upon arrival into Delhi, complete immigration and customs formalities and baggage collection and then check in for a connecting flight Goa. Lunch will be served during the flight.

Upon arrival into Goa, transfer to the pier and re-board the ship.

Overland Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations beyond our control. All program details, including timings and flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Destination Services will provide a final itinerary with up-to-date details once you board the ship. Please review the final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once

confirmed

10:30am Disembark in Colombo, Sri Lanka and after clearing immigration and custom formalities, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi

11:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

Lunch is arranged at the Colombo airport

2:10pm Flight from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Delhi, India (flight details TBA and subject to change)

5:45pm Arrive in Delhi and transfer to a nearby hotel

7:00pm Arrive at the hotel and check-in

From 7:30pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel

DAY 2

4:00am Breakfast via room service

5:00am Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu

5:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

7:50am Flight from Delhi, India to Kathmandu, Nepal (Flight TBA and subject to change)

Light breakfast served onboard

9:50am You are met and assisted with visa issuance, baggage handling and customs

10:45am Transfer to Dwarika’s hotel to freshen up, light snacks are served

11:15am Depart to the outskirts of the city and visit Bhaktapur

12:00pm Arrive and visit

1:30pm Depart Bhaktapur

2:15pm Return to your hotel lunch and check in

3:45pm Depart for Boudhnath

4:00pm Arrive and visit Boudhnath

4:30pm Visit the Thangka painting school

5:00pm Enjoy coffee or a cocktail at a café

5:30pm Depart for Pashupatinath

5:45pm Arrive at and visit Pashupatinath

6:45pm Depart Pashupatinath

7:00pm Return to your hotel

From 7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Dwarika’s Hotel or similar

DAY 3

6:30am Early morning tea and coffee and then transfer to the domestic air terminal for a Mountain Flightseeing trip

6:45am Arrive at Kathmandu domestic terminal

7:15am Mountain flightseeing departs (weather permitting)

8:15am Flight returns to Kathmandu

8:30am Return to your hotel for breakfast

10:00am Depart for Patan

Visit Patan followed by a private audience with the Living Goddess

1:30pm Lunch is served at `The Lawn.’ Or similar venue

3:00pm Depart for Kathmandu Durbar Square

3:30pm Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Asan Bazar

5:00pm Trishaw ride to Thamel and walk the narrow streets

6:30pm Enjoy cocktails and dinner at ‘One Tree’ or similar venue

Overnight at the Dwarika’s hotel or similar

DAY 4 - timings below are for reference only and are subject to change based on flight details once

confirmed

From 4:30am Continental breakfast served in the hotel’s courtyard

5:45am Transfer to the Airport for a flight to Delhi

6:00am Arrive at the airport and check in

8:00am Flight from Kathmandu to Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Breakfast served on the flight

9:40am Arrive Delhi, pass through immigration customs and connect to a flight to Goa

Refreshments served at the Delhi airport

12:45pm Flight from Delhi to Goa (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Lunch served on the flight

2:50pm Arrive in Goa, India and transfer to the pier

3:45pm Arrive at the pier and re-board the ship

Expected Weather:

April is the summer season with the temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) in the day and 12°C (54°C) at night.

What to Bring:

Nepal has a range of climates, so it is best to pack so that you are prepared for adventures in alpine climates but also sub-tropical humid regions.

It is best to layer your clothes, especially when you are walking or trekking. Mornings are cool but the sharp sun¬shine will make you hot as you walk through the hills and mountains. Wearing a t-shirt and jumper over a sleeveless t-shirt, and carrying a fleece, or a wind and rain proof jack¬et will ensure you are prepared for all kinds of weather.

Comfortable shoes are a must. You should bring sunglasses, sunblock, swimsuits, a hat, and insect repellent. All of these can be purchased in Kathmandu, in the Thamel area, if anything is forgotten.

Note: Drinking bottled water is advised at all times, including when you brush your teeth.

Currency:

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Most places in Kathmandu and mainstream tourist desti¬nations will accept major credit cards but it is advisable to carry some Nepali currency with you at all times. Hotels have exchange facilities.

Electricity:

Nepal has a 230-volt, 50-hertz cycle power supply and 2-pin cylindrical sockets and plugs. The power supply is not continuous, and the power-cut schedule is published for each area. However, most hotels, guesthouses, and facili¬ties have power backup so their service is not interrupted. If you are bringing electronic devices, we recommend bringing your own travel adaptors.

Aircraft type – economy class seats (subject to change):

Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus A330

Indigo Airlines – Airbus A 320

Mountain Flightseeing – Buddha Air

Nepal Airlines – Airbus A320

Luggage information:

Guests are permitted to check-in one piece of luggage no more than 30kg (66 lbs) and can bring one small carry-ons with a maximum of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Guests are responsible for any overweight or excess luggage fees which will be payable to the airline directly.

Note:

Power banks and electronic equipment must be carried in hand luggage, not permitted in checked luggage

No sharp items are permitted in hand luggage i.e. scissor, nail cutter/file, razors

Liquids more than 100 ml are not permitted in hand luggage

Satellite phones and E-cigarettes are banned in India and need to be left on board the ship

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights in India (as per Airline regulations):

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least 1 month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

This program takes place between the countries of Sri Lanka, Nepal and India.

Please check with your local embassies for any particular visa requirements for your nationality.

A passport that is valid for at least six months after travel is required.

Indian Visa - It is essential to have a multiple entry valid Indian Visa for the trip obtained in advance.

Nepal Visa - Will be issued on arrival – all guests will be required to have one passport photo for this Visa and having a spare photo is recommended just in case. A blank page is also required in your passport for Visa issuance.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport, and ANY visas, if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required.

Failure to have the required and correct documents ahead of time could result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program or guests may need to purchase new flight tickets at their own cost.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

Accommodation:

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

Asset Area 4 - Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity, New Delhi, India, 110037

Phone: +91-11-45212121

Dwarikas Hotel

Battisputali Kathmandu, Nepal, P.O. Box: 459,

Phone: (977-1) 4479488

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If a similar hotel is required, it will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program includes:

•1 night at the JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel (deluxe room)

•2 nights at the Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu or similar (Heritage deluxe room)

•All meals with lunches and dinners inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas

•Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys in Nepal

•Mineral water and sodas in the vehicles

•Economy-class international flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed

•Meet and greet service at Immigration in Kathmandu, assistance with visa issuance

•Entrance fees and camera charges at monuments

•Mountain flightseeing (weather permitting)

•Nepal visa

•The services of a local tour manager to accompany the group from Colombo to Goa

Program excludes:

•Valid multiple entry tourist visa for India

•Gratuities to drivers, guides and tour manager

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Meals or beverages not indicated in the itinerary

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces, which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

Discover the once-isolated Kingdom of Bhutan by exploring landmarks such as Buddhist shrines, monasteries and fortresses and by dining with esteemed scholars that will offer cultural insights.

Important Visa Note: To participate on this program, guests must have a valid India Multiple Tourist Entry Visa in advance of the program start date. Details on Visa requirements are also shown further below.

**Guests will need to send a colour scan of their passport to our Reservation Team when booking this program for the Bhutan Visa. Cel phone photos cannot be accepted.

Special Note: Guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. This program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulty or those who utilize walkers, canes, wheelchairs or scooters.

DAY 1 – Thursday April 14, 2022

After disembarking the ship, you will transfer to the Colombo airport for a flight to Delhi.

Upon arriving, you will attend to immigration and customs formalities and then transfer to the Marriott Hotel or similar in nearby Aerocity. Dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 2 - Friday April 15, 2022

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Bhutan’s Paro Valley via Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The flight to Bhutan will be visually spectacular as you will pass over the Himalayan mountain range.

As recently as 1961 all entry into Bhutan was still on horseback. Known as Druk-yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon in Bhutanese, the country is only just emerging from the mists of its self-imposed isolation. Bhutan is a pristine, exotic land of high mountains with snow-clad peaks and lush valleys and a wealth of wildlife.

Its architecture is striking, as the buildings are characterized by their Buddhist style. The 17th-century fortresses known as dzongs are particularly stunning as they were constructed without a single nail and feature patterns of rich colors throughout.

Nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, Bhutan is overwhelmingly rural with 90 percent of the people engaged in agriculture or raising livestock. The country is predominantly Buddhist, with most people practicing the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism.

Upon landing in the Paro Valley, you will pass through immigration and Customs and then meet your Bhutanese guide. An hour’s drive through the picturesque countryside will bring you to the capital of Thimphu, a city situated in a large valley, traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks.

Enjoy lunch at your hotel.

In the center of the city, you will find the golden-spired National Memorial Chorten. The royal grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Chagrin erected the stupa in 1974 in memory of her son. It contains a fine collection of Buddhist statues and is a center of Tantric Buddhism.

Continuing on, you will browse the Textile Museum that Melinda Gates co-founded. Its collection includes items and artifacts from various tribes around Bhutan.

Later, you will walk down Thimphu’s “high street” with its little shops of all description. You can expect to see a diversity of people that may include monks, businessmen and nomadic farmers that come to trade supplies.

Time will be allotted for you to relax at the hotel to refresh before attending dinner with the Venerable Mynak R. Tulku Rinpoche, Reincarnate, of the Lama of Mynak Rikhud Monastery in Tibet. A former Director of the National Library and Archives, he has represented Bhutan at many international conferences and written several books about the Bhutanese culture.

DAY 3 – Saturday, April 16, 2022

The day will begin with a moderate hike into the forested countryside through to the Tango Monastery that Lama Galway founded in the 12th century. Along the way, you will be treated to sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. The hike is approximately 1 hour on a well-maintained path with some inclines.

The monastery’s main structure is a three-story tower with surrounding buildings that serve as classrooms and living quarters for more than 150 monks. In 1616, the venerated lama Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is said to have meditated in a cave near this monastery.

You will return to the hotel around mid-day, after which you will drive to the Buddha Dordenma statue of Shakyamuni. From the elevated vantage point of this gold-gilded statute, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Afterwards, you will visit the Drubthob Goemba and Zilukha nunnery to observe female monks going about their daily routines. It will be a rare and fascinating look into their lives.

The day’s sightseeing will end at Trashichhodzong, a beautiful medieval fortress and the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. The king’s throne room and government offices are also located within this massive complex.

DAY 4 - Sunday, April 17, 2022

Following an early breakfast, you will have two options. You may choose to spend your day with light activity by visiting highlights around Thimphu and in Paro. Or you may enjoy a hike up to Tigers Nest Monastery, one of the most revered pilgrimage spots in the Buddhist world.

The monastery perches precariously on a sheer rock face 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The initial ascent is along a mule track that passes through pine forests colorfully festooned with prayer flags. After visiting the monastery, you will enjoy a hearty lunch at a restaurant with views of the monastery across the ravine. After lunch the group will make their way to Paro.

NOTE: As there are inclines and steps to reach the monastery, this option is not recommended for guests with walking difficulty.

If you choose the less strenuous sightseeing option, you will first drive to Dochula Pass, a gap in the mountains that offers stunning views of the Himalayas. You will also see Dochula Monastery, a cluster of more than 100 chortens or Buddhist shrines that serve as a tribute to the service and leadership of His Majesty. The queen inspired its design.

On the way to the Paro Valley, you will stop at Simtokha Dzong, a fortress built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who was responsible for the unification of Bhutan. It is now a school where scholars teach the national language of Dzongkha and English, as well.

Upon arriving in Paro, you will check into the Zhiwa Ling Hotel. Set amid 10 gorgeous acres, the hotel combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guest house with traditional architectural details such as hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework.

Following lunch, you will visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred shrines. The complex is composed of two temples. Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo built the first one in the 7th century. H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern much later.

You will then visit a typical farmhouse for an insight into the unique Bhutanese lifestyle and cultural practices, where little has changed over the years.

You will also visit Paro Dzong or Rinpong Dzong, the so-called Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. The central tower and galleries are among the most beautiful in Bhutan and feature superb woodwork and classical paintings of Buddhist cosmology representing the universe as seen by two different philosophic streams. The bridge you cross on the way out was typically removed during war time to protect the fortress.

Later, you can meander down Paro’s main street and interact with the local Bhutanese while browsing the shops that line the thoroughfare.

The last event of the day for both groups will be a dinner with Khenpo Tashi, Director of the Paro Museum and one of the kingdom’s foremost scholars. He will offer a fascinating discourse on the unusual aspects of Bhutan’s GNP or Gross National Happiness.

DAY 5 - Monday, April 18, 2022

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai via Delhi. Upon landing in Mumbai, you will transfer to the pier and re-board the ship.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

10:30am Disembark in Colombo, clear immigration and custom formalities and transfer to Colombo airport

11:30am Arrive at the airport, check in and proceed through security

2:10pm Depart Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines flight (flight details subject to change) Snacks with refreshments are served aloft

5:45pm Flight arrives Delhi. After clearing immigration and customs transfer to your hotel

6:30pm Arrive and check-in

7:30pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Marriott Hotel, Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel

Day 2

4:30am Continental breakfast erved in the lobby

5:00am Transfer to the airport

5:15am Arrive at the airport, check in and complete security formalities

7:40am Depart Delhi on a Bhutan Airlines flight (flight details subject to change) to Paro (via Kathmandu)

Breakfast is served aloft

11:15am Upon arrival into Paro clear Immigration and Customs and transfer to Thimphu

12:45pm Arrive Thimphu and check-into your hotel

1:00pm Lunch is served

2:30pm Visit Memorial Chorten

3:30pm Visit the nearby Textile Museum

4:30pm Walk down Thimphu’s `high street’

5:15pm Return to your hotel

6:30pm Cocktails are served during a lecture followed by dinner

Overnight at the Taj Tashi or similar hotel

Day 3

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

8:00am Drive to the base of Tango Monastery - moderate hike

8:45am Moderate hike to to reach the Tango Monastery (Goemba)

9:45am Visit the Monastery

10:15am Begin walking back to base

11:00am Drive back to Taj Tashi

12:00pm Lunch at your hotel

2:30pm Drive to visit Buddha Dordenma Statue

3:00pm Photo opportunity at the statue and view of Thimphu Valley

4:00pm Drive to Zilukha Nunnery and visit

4:45pm Transfer to Trashichhdzong the Secretariat, which houses the central Monk body

5:15pm Visit the Trashichhodzon

6:00pm Return to your hotel

7:00pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Taj Tashi or similar hotel

Day 4

5:30am Breakfast at your hotel

Option 1:

6:45am Check out and drive to Paro and onwards to Ramthanka base

8:15am Arrive at the base & begin the trek to Tiger’s Nest

10:30am Stop briefly at a local cafeteria for tea and crackers

11:45am Arrive and visit the monastery

1:30pm Return to the cafeteria for a hot lunch, before descending to Ramthanka base

3:30pm Transfer to the Zhiwa Ling Heritage hotel, Paro

4:00pm Arrive at the hotel and check-in

5:30pm Depart the hotel to take a walk down Paro’s main street

6:30pm Return to the hotel

Option 2:

7:00am Drive to the Dochula Pass and its Monastery.

8:00am Arrive and visit Monastery

8:30am Continue onto the Simtokha Dzong

10:15am Depart Thimphu for Paro

11:30am Arrive at your hotel and check-in

12:00pm Lunch served at Lingka Restaurant or similar venue

2:00pm Explore the Paro Valley with a visit to the Kyichu Lakhang and a typical Bhutanese farmhouse

3:30pm Continue to the Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpong Dzong

4:30pm Cross the traditional wooden covered bridge which spans the Paro river and return to your vehicle

4:45pm Transfer to Paro’s main street where you will have a short stroll through town

6:00pm Arrive at your hotel

ALL

7:00pm Cocktails, lecture and meeting with Khenpo Tashi followed by dinner

Overnight at the Zhiwa Ling Heritage or similar hotel

Day 5

6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

9:00am Transfer to Paro airport

9:30am Arrive at the airport, check in, pass through immigration and customs & proceed through security

11:30am Depart Paro on a Druk Air flight (flight details subject to change) to Delhi. A light lunch is served aloft

1:40pm On arrival in Delhi, complete immigration and customs before proceeding to departures for an onward flight to Mumbai

5:45pm Vistara airlines scheduled flight (flight details subject to change) departs for Mumbai

8:10pm Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the pier

11:10pm Arrive at the pier and re-board the ship

Expected Weather:

Days are expected to be sunny and evenings pleasant. The average daytime temperatures are around 17°C or 62°F whereas the minimum temperatures are about 4°C or 39°F. However, the early mornings and evenings can sometimes get a bit chilly and recommend guests carry a light sweater or jacket.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can have an effect on some guests. AMS is caused by going too high too fast and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. It is important to take care and allow your body time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen. Acclimatization varies from person to person. Paro lies 2,300 meters above sea level.

What to Bring:

Casual clothing through the trip along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunglasses and sunblock. Don’t forget your cameras and chargers.

Currency:

Bhutanese ngultrum (approx. 70 ngultrum = 1 USD). The hotel has an exchange facility, however US Dollars are widely accepted.

Electricity:

220 – 240 volts. Hotel rooms are equipped with converters.

Luggage:

Light luggage would be most suited for this trip. 1 suitcase per person is permitted on the flights (maximum weight 15kg or 33lbs) and 1 carry-on (maximum weight 7kg or 15lbs).

Airline & type of aircraft that may be used (subject to change):

Sri Lankan Airlines – Airbus A319/320

Bhutan Airlines / Druk Air – Airbus 319

Vistara Airlines – Airbus A319/320

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has its own regulations).

1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate stating their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the neither cruise line nor our local ground operator will be responsible for.

Documents and visa requirements

Guests must bring their passports – valid for at least 6 months after travel - and it is essential to have a valid India Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. Please consult with your local India Embassy several months prior to travel for the most up to date requirements for your nationality and to secure the proper documentation that is valid for both the cruise and this land program.

A) A Multiple-entry India visa is required. This can be obtained at the nearest Indian Consulate or via the E. Visa Facility. These visas need to be secured before the cruise starts.

B) For Bhutan, visas are issued on arrival, for which the application process and approval is obtained in advance. Clear, scanned copies in colour of everyone’s passports will be requested in advance of travel. Cel phone photos of passports cannot be accepted.

VERY IMPORTANT. The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last names. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.

HOTELS

Marriott Hotel, Delhi Aerocity

Asset Area 4 - Hospitality District Delhi, Aerocity, New Delhi, Delhi 110037, India

Phone: +91 11 4521 2121

Taj Tashi, Thimphu

Samten Lam, Chubachu Thimpu, 11001, Bhutan

Phone: +975 2 336 699

Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro

Satsam Chorten, Paro, Bhutan

Phone: +44 20 3355 6302

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards, and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to departure, the hotels listed in this program will be used.

PROGRAM INCLUDES

•1 night at the Marriott Hotel, Delhi Aerocity or similar hotel in deluxe rooms

•2 nights at the Taj Tashi, Thimphu or similar hotel in deluxe rooms

•1 night at the Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro or similar hotel in junior suites

•Breakfast daily

•Lunches and dinners to include house wines, beer, bottled water and soft drinks

•Sightseeing and transfers between hotels and the airport in Bhutan using a Toyota Coaster with mineral water available at all times

•An accompanying Bhutanese guide

•Porterage at the airports and hotels

•All entrance and camera fees wherever applicable

•Visa fees for Bhutan

•The mandatory Bhutanese Tourism Development Tax

•Baggage van in Sri Lanka, India and Bhutan

•Local tour escort from Colombo until Mumbai

•Economy-class flights per the itinerary – direct flights not guaranteed

•Private lecture and cocktails with Venerable Mynak R. Tulku Rinpoche, Reincarnate in Thimphu and Khenpo Tashi, Director of the Paro Museum in Paro

PROGRAM EXCLUDES

•Any meals or beverages not listed in the itinerary

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Gratuities to drivers, guides and tour escort

•India Visa

•Excess or overweight luggage fees for flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.