In search of Shangri La

Introduction

The following illustration is an example of the many exciting and varied activities that we can arrange for you for your adventure in searching for Shangri La.  It is not intended to provide the details for a specific booking, since our aim is to create a holiday tailored to your particular wishes.

The crescent of the Greater Himalaya, 1500 miles long, is home to the world's highest mountains, rising up between the vast barren plateau of Tibet to the North, and the more verdant countries of Nepal and Bhutan to the South. The ranges stretch beyond to Northern India, Pakistan and Kazakhstan in the West, and Burma to the East. While the Himalayas conjure up images of lost kingdoms, and colourful religions, the region has been considered by many, wrongly, as a remote inaccessible destination.

When visiting the Himalayas, you have the option of easy access via air from Kathmandu in Nepal to other attractive neighbouring regions such as Tibet and Bhutan. An itinerary that includes these destinations will offer you a truly remarkable and a spectacular Himalayan holiday.

With our select tour specialists, we are able to bring this lesser known part of our earth within your reach...

Overview

Tibet

Tibet, the once forbidden kingdom of the Dalai Lama, is hidden in the heart of Asia and has perhaps captured your imagination with beliefs of a Shangri La somewhere in the snowy realms of the Roof of the World (aptly nicknamed as it is the highest region in the world.)

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including flying above Mount Everest. Lhasa, which translates from Tibetan as ‘Palace of Gods', is the earthly representation of the Buddha of Infinite Compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama.

The huge country is renowned for its unique flora and fauna. This has led to the development of herbal medicines that help with various health problems. Many of these medicines have histories dating back thousands of years. There are an extremely wide choice of tours you can enjoy during your visit here, to take in all the sights and activities you wish for.

Tibet has around 50 peaks, which are above 7000 meters in height. The southern part of Tibet is in the Himalayas, which has many of the world's highest summits, including the world's most famous and highest peak, Mount Everest (8848m). Tibet's land is known to be isolated and mysterious, with vast mountain ranges separated by flat valleys, large and small lakes and hot springs.

Nepal

Although Nepal is said to be the "hub of the Himalayas", it was not until the early 1950's that tourism in Nepal became apparent. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, now offers visitors a fair share on international-class hotels and surface transportation of a good standard. Access to the more remote regions of Nepal is much more possible, owing to the intricate domestic flight networks with aircraft and helicopters.

When arriving in Nepal, you will instantly fall under its magical spell. Wherever you look there are vistas to delight and enchant, from magnificent Durbar squares with stunning wood carvings and architecture, to timeless Hindu and Buddhist Temples, as well as The Chitwan National Park, home to the rare Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino.

All are brought together with snow-capped mountains, lush deep valleys and sparkling rivers.

Nepal is a major destination for trekking and mountaineering, with over 50% of the country a territory for such activity. This area offers experiences such as the Classic Everest Trek up to the base camp of the world's highest peak which can take around a month to complete. For the less-experienced trekker, there are a few minor peaks for exploration, also.

Other adventures open for your enjoyment in Nepal include white water rafting along the many rivers formed by the melting Himalayan glaciers and Mountain Biking across the rough but scenic mountain trails, plus Paragliding, Power gliding, Canyoning and Bungee Jumping.

 

Bhutan

Out of all the Himalayan kingdoms,, Bhutan is well known as the most magical. A small country set in the east end of the Himalayas, Bhutan seeks to preserve its culture, colourful religions and social traditions by limiting the amount of tourism and modernization that takes place.

As large as Switzerland in size, the population falls well below one million people, and is inhabited mainly by hills and mountains. Within the valleys, life has not seen much change in centuries and the focus of the communities are the ‘dzongs' - fortress-like monasteries that hug incredibly steep mountain slopes and ravines overlooking crystal clear rivers.

Bhutan is a land-locked country with no access to the sea. You can fly into Paro from Kathmandu - a stunning journey covering half of the length of the Himalayas. From Paro, you can reach Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, in around two hours by road. Here, you can experience a true taste of Bhutanese culture, with a wander around the bazaar area where you can purchase traditional handicrafts such as Bhutan's famous hand-woven cloth.

Adventures in Bhutan include relaxing tours such as the Grand Walking Tour of Dragon Kingdom, cultural tours and treks in the unspoiled habitat with a huge variety of flora and fauna. With steep mountain streams, thickly forested mountains and small rice paddies, this Himalayan gem will provide you expanses of trekking territory to explore.

Bhutan has a rich biodiversity because of the variety of climatic conditions created by variations of altitude. Rare fauna found here includes the takin, snow leopard and the blue sheep up in the high mountains, and tigers and elephants in the lowlands. Bhutan has more than 50 species of rhododendron, and 770 species of birds.

 

Prices for holidays to Nepal start from around £1549.00 and to Bhutan from around £3200.00.

Essential Information

Weather

The best time of year to visit Tibet is between May to September, whilst the optimal months for travel to Bhutan and Nepal is between October and April (as monsoons are frequent between May and September.)

Passports and Visas

When you travel to Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, you will be required to hold a tourist visa for the duration of your stay, along with a valid passport. We can assist with organising your visas through our consular service.

Health

Whilst no inoculations are required, Hepatitis A, typhoid and meningitis jabs are recommended - please consult your Doctor for up-to-date information.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this -  please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System