10 Days Nepal and Bhutan

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU

Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, with spectacular views of the world’s highest glacial peaks. After you clear customs and immigration at the airport, transfer to Hotel, located in the business district.

Overnight at Hotel  [-/-/D]

DAY 02: IN KATHMANDU

After breakfast start our day with sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath and Bhaktapur city.

Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by a Living Goddess and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. These religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities.

Vegetable & spice markets: We visit the vegetable & spice market in Ason, and see its many courtyards and bustling bazaars.

The Temple of the Living Goddess: The Kumari Devi is the most important of several living goddesses in Nepal. She is seen on the temple’s balcony regularly.

Durbar Square: ‘Durbar’ means ‘palace’, and takes its name from the old Royal Palace. This is the centre of the old city, and there are a number of interesting temples including Kasthamandap, the House of Wood, which gives the city its name.

Swyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple is a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. It rests on a hillock 3 km towards the western edge of Kathmandu and is one of the most important and the most sacred Buddhist shrines of Nepal. Legend has it that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the center of the lake. When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Thus Swyambhunath is also known as a Self-Created stupa.

This stupa is the most ancient and the perhaps the most enigmatic of all holy shrines in Kathmandu. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with smaller chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects. There are many small shrines with statues of Tantric and shamanistic deities, prayer wheels for the Tibetan Buddhists, Shiva lingams and a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Harati, the Goddess of smallpox and other epidemics.

 Later we drive to ancient medieval city of Bhaktapur.

Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur lies 12 km east of the Kathmandu city on the Arniko Highway that leads to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively.

The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty.

Among the three durbar squares, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is by far the most elegant with its large open space facing south. The extraordinary Durbar Square with its extraordinary monuments reflects the glory days of the Malla dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley

Transfer to Hotel for overnight.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

DAY 03: IN KATHMANDU

Continue our sightseeing tour by visiting Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanatha stupa and Patan city.

We continue of tour with a visit to the magnificent temple of Pashupatinath with its astonishing architectural beauty is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. This temple is regarded as the most sacred temple of all Lord Shiva temples and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also Nepal's most renowned Hindu cremation site.

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is built on a massive three level mandala style platform and is 36 meters (118 feet) in height said to be one of the biggest stupas in the world. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the DhyaniAmitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards we will drive to city of fine arts “Patan city” famous for its arts & crafts.

Patan also known as Lalitpur, the city of artisans is a paradise of fine arts and one of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Located 5 miles southeast from the Kathmandu City, Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved such ancient techniques as the repoussé and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of its old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. The predominant sound in Patan is that of the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other, and the religious harmony is exemplary.

The city of Patan offers visitors the chance to see an abundance of exquisite works of religious art and architecture. Patan is enclosed within four stupas, built in the 3^rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka. Each stupa is symbolic of the Buddhist Wheel of Righteousness (‘Dharma Chakra’). In the heart of Patan, amidst the Patan marketplace lays the Patan Durbar Square, an area filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings and bronze cravings. The Palace of the Malla Kings is one of the highlights of Patan. The palace complex lays the stone temple of Lord Krishna, which was built in the 16^th century A.D. The Royal Bath (known as 'Tushahity') is another showpiece of fine stone and bronze carving in the palace complex.

Patan Durbar Square is one of seven monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley that together have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also located in the square is the Patan Museum, formerly a Malla palace, which houses bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to the 11th century.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

DAY 04: FLY TO PARO

Transfer to Kathmandu airport to fly to Paro, Fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline. The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it.

Upon arrival at Paro airport, receive by our representative and transfer to Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Paro. [B/LD]

DAY 05: PARO/HAA VALLEY/ THIMPU

After early morning breakfast drive 35 km to Chele La Pass. It makes an interesting road excursion and is an excellent jumping-off point for day walks. Chele La separates Haa and Paro Valley and at around 3810 m, it is the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. If weather permits, this place offers spectacular views of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake. At the peak celebrate the ascent by hanging prayer flags.

Later, bike the winding roads to Haa Valley Thimphu. Haa Valley which is often known as “Hidden-Land Rice Valley” is one of the most picturesque places in Bhutan. According to the legend, the Haa valley, before the 8th century, was wrapped up in animist tradition. Some elements of this belief system still exist in form of festivals and rituals. The tantric master Padmasambhava visited the valley in the 8th century and transformed some blood sacrificing animist beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions. Ap Chundu and several other deities, once hostile animist forces, were subdued and made the guardians of the land.

Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in at Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Thimpu. [B/LD]

DAY 06: THIMPU/ PUNAKHA

After early morning breakfast, visit the National Library of Bhutan, first established in 1967 under the patronage of HM Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden (1911–2003), with a small collection of precious texts. The library was initially housed within the central tower (utse) of Tashichodzong. Later, due to its growing collection, it had to move to a building in the Changgangkha area of Thimphu. The National Archives is responsible for collecting and preserving important past, present and future documents on Bhutan for future generations. The library also holds a representative collection of English and western language books mainly related to the Himalayas, Bhutan and Buddhism.

Also visit the three storied traditional building houses the Folk Heritage Museum. The earthen and timber building was renovated and restored few years ago to appear as it was century ago. Established in 2001 in Thimphu, the museum provides glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The artifacts, which are kept inside the house, remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today. This 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. One can come across typical household objects, tools and equipment.

Also visit the Takin Sanctuary located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, a wildlife reserve area for takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. It is said that Drukpa Kunley or Devine Madman, a popular 15th century saint is said to have created it with his magical power at a large congregation of devotees. It resembles a cow from back, a goat from the front, and it continues to befuddle taxonomists, who cannot quite relate to other animal.

Also visit the Dochula pass, located 30 km away from the capital, on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of Himalaya mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The 108 chortens that adorn the beauty of this place were built by Queen Mother to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003. The pass is also popular spiritual place for both locals and tourists because of an important temple that is located on the crest of Dochula pass.  Besides the spirituality of the place many Bhutanese families visit the pass during holidays and weekends to simply enjoy the scenery of the place with their pack lunch and hot tea. For tourists, the place is an ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalaya mountain range provided the weather permits.

Upon reaching Punakha, freshen up and afterwards visit the Punakha Dzong, The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’) is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Ngawang Namgyal on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is a six-storied structure with a central tower or Utse at an average elevation of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) with a scenic, mountainous background. The materials used in building the Dzong consisted of compacted earth, stones and timber in doors and windows.

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha [B/L/D]

DAY 07: ACTIVITIES IN PUNAKHA & DRIVE BACK TO PARO

After breakfast, spend your day hiking, biking and rafting through this mountainous region Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. An hour hike to the Chorten, through a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, this site offers beautiful view of the Punakha Valley. The Chorten built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. A fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. This 4-storey temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck as per the Holy Scriptures and took 9 years to complete it. This temple has been dedicated for the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.

Drive to the banks of the Mo Chhu River where you can raft. This is one of the most extreme sections of water rafted in Bhutan. This run takes you through some really interesting swifts.

Later drive back to Paro.

Overnight at Hotel  in Paro [B/L/D]

DAY 08: IN PARO

After early breakfast at hotel, drive north – east of Paro town across farmland, village houses & schools and will reach to start off expedition to The Scared Land of Mystery, Paro Chumbu Ney. The trail goes through the dense forest, and will meet various religious monuments. After reaching there, initially will visit the main monastery and will lit the butter lamp, get the blessing and pray for good fortune for forthcoming days for all sentient beings in this universe and one important thing is to get view of the statue laying on air, Dorji Phangmo (Vajra Varahi) in the alter room which is really amazing and mystery one.

After hot Bhutanese local dish for lunch, hike around and view the holy pond site. Later hike back down and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel  in Paro [B/L/D]

DAY 09: IN PARO

Hike to Taktsang Goemba also popularly known as 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery. The hike up to the view point will take about 2 hours and from the view point you will enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of a high cliff. Stop for a refreshment at the Cafe at the view point. Then hike further to the monastery which will take about 1 1/2 hours. It was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup, a cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for 3 months in the 8th century. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then performs meditation in one of the caves here and emerged in 8 incarnated forms (8 manifestations) and blessed the place. Subsequently, the place came to be known as 'Tiger's Nest'.

Later at evening visit the Drukgyel Dzong in Paro was built as one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). It was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over the allied Tibet-Mongol forces. Drukgyel means ‘the fortress of victory’. The Dzong sits on a trail that leads to the Paro Valley from Tibet. It was once a major trade route between Bhutan and the Tibetan town of Phari. The Dzong was used as an administrative centre till 1951 when a fire caused by a butter lamp engulfed the Dzong and completely destroyed it. All that remains of the Dzong now are tokens of a haunted house, still robust walls and charred remains of gigantic wooden posts and beams.

Transfer to Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Hotel  in Paro [B/L/D]

DAY 10: FINAL DEPARTURE

After breakfast you will be transferred to Paro airport to fly for your onward destination.

----End of Program----

The  cost includes:

Nepal Portion:

• All the necessary arrival and departure transfers
• 3 Nights twin share accommodation at either of the Hotels in Kathmandu with all meals.
• Sightseeing tours as mentioned in the program in a private vehicle with an English speaking guide.
• All the monuments entrance fees during sightseeing tour.

Bhutan Portion:

• Arrival/Departure transfers in a private vehicle.
• 4 Night twin share accommodation at either of the Hotels in Paro with all meals.
• 1 Night twin share accommodation at either of Hotel at Thimpu with all meals.
• 1 Night twin share accommodation at either of Hotel at Punakha with all meals.
• All the sightseeing tours and transfers as per the itinerary with an English speaking local guide in Bhutan.
• Rafting at Mo-chhu river as per the itinerary with necessary rafting equipment.
• A day Bicycling arrangement as per the itinerary.
• Bhutan visa fee
• Tourism development fee & entrance fee in Bhutan.

The  cost does not include:

• International, regional & domestic airfare.
• Insurance and rescue of any form.
• tipping
• Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
• Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, communication charges, laundry, tips etc. and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.