BHUTAN & NEPAL TOUR

DAY 01 / FLY TO PARO, BHUTAN / DRIVE TO THIMPHU (52 KMS – 01 HR)

Today 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.

Then drive to Thimphu (approx. 01 hr), the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). En-route, visit Simtokha Dzong, officially known as ‘Sangkak Zabdhon Phodrang’ or the Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras. Built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is often said to be the first Dzong built in Bhutan and is a gateway to Thimphu Valley. The name Simtokha is derived from the name Sinmo (demoness) and do (stone), the site is said to have been chosen to guard over a demon that had vanished into the rock nearby. It is the first structure that incorporated both monastic and administrative facilities.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity. The whitewashed chorten was built in 1974 and is dedicated to the memory of Bhutan’s popular third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It features elaborate carvings and rich decorations and is one of the most visible structures in Thimphu. An important part of daily worship, people constantly shuffle in and out to spin the prayer wheel or pray at the small shrine.

Overnight at Hotel [-/L/D]

DAY 02 THIMPHU

After your breakfast your touring in Bhutan will start at around approx. around 0800 – 0900. Explore the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum for an in-depth look into a Bhutanese culture and art form. See examples of weaving techniques from different areas of Bhutan, as well as styles of traditional dress and textiles. A small group of weavers usually works their looms inside the shop, giving you the chance to observe weaving firsthand. Later, visit the National Library to view its extensive collection of Buddhist literature.

Also, visit majestic Tashichho Dzong which was originally built in 1661. Rebuilt in 1961, it houses the main government, the National Assembly, the king’s throne room and the summer headquarters of the monastic body. (Visits can be made in the evenings only.)

Today’s tour will end at around 1700 hrs.

 Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

DAY 03 / Hotel: DAY EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA

Drive over the 10,500-foot-high Dochula Pass in the stunning Himalaya. You’ll notice lots of colorful prayer flags on the pass. The elevation drops when you arrive in sub-tropical Punakha. Stop at the 17th-century Punakha Dzong; damaged over the centuries by catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been restored in recent years by the present monarch.

Later drive back to Chime Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. It was named after a beloved saint and teacher from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The site of the imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong stretches along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Return to Thimphu and your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

DAY 04 /: THIMPHU / PARO

Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest and most important temples. En route, visit Chuzom at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers. On arrival in Paro, you are taken to the Uma Resort Paro.

Explore the National Museum, housing a collection of relics, religious thankga (scroll) paintings and a natural history collection. Afterward, head to the 17th-century Ringpung Dzong known as “the fortress of the heap of jewels”, built in 1646. 

“Learn about the lifestyle of local farmers this evening when you visit a local farmhouse.”

 Overnight at Hotel) [B/L/D]

DAY 05 / PARO

Hike to the picturesque Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. You hike on a wide trail and the round-trip journey covers a little over 4 miles and reaches heights of 9,184 feet above sea level. (You may choose to hike all the way to the monastery or stop after two hours at a cafeteria and make your way back.) Spend the day among the monks at this sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan.

Late this afternoon also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. 

Overnight at Hotel, Paro [B/L/D]

DAY 06 /: FLY PARO TO  KATHMANDU, NEPAL

After breakfast, you will fly to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. On arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the medieval city of Bhaktapur and the other for Dwarika's Hotel. The magnificence of Dwarika's is its buildings of intricate carved wood and terracotta work that must have taken 10 million hours of the best craftsmen in Nepal.  Every brick is handmade and every piece of woodwork is centuries old original, however Dwarika's is also about intimate luxury and the spirit and hospitality of the Nepali people. Each of the rooms has its own character and individuality. 

Later, start your sight-seeing with visit to Kathmandu City. The city’s rich and varied cultural legacy began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronized by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards which are a fascinating architectural history of the city.  Visit Durbar Square and Teleju Temple, with its gilded roofs.  Stop at the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari). Walk through the bazaar and labyrinthine back streets of the old city.

Next, visit Swayambhunath, the oldest shrine in the world, established more than 2,500 years ago. Swayambhunath commands a superb view of the Kathmandu Valley. The four sides of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha; between them, a mystical third eye symbolizes true wisdom.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/-]

DAY 07 /: IN KATHMANDU

 Take the Scenic Everest sightseeing on a scheduled fixed wing flight. The Optional Mountain Flight offers this rare, fascinating opportunity to embrace the legendary Himalayas and discover the ineffable beauty that is guaranteed to be one of the most mesmerizing experiences ever. The one-hour Mountain Flight takes off from the Kathmandu Airport to the Everest, a must-see landmark in Nepal and at 8848 m, the highest and most majestic peak in the world. The whole experience is a pure delight; soaring 25,000 ft. above ground, it offers a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas. Zipping above clouds, though the seemingly endless scintillating snowcapped peaks, over glaciers and gorges, this is the journey through the world’s highest peaks.

“Please note that the fixed wing flight will be a regular scheduled scenic flight in which the clients can experience the aerial view of the Himalayas. This flight does not land anywhere”

 Start your sight-seeing with visit to Kirtipur, one of the ancient cities in Nepal. Located about 5 km south west of the Kathmandu city, Kirtipur sits on a ridge with steep hillsides. Kirtipur translates as a city of glory; its name might have been derived from a queen named Kirti who ruled over this place.

Later afternoon explore the Patan city, known as the city of arts and architecture and famous for its fine bronze, silver and copper works. Visit Durbar Square, the Golden Temple and the Krishna Mandir. Continue with a stop at Patan Museum, with a collection spanning much of Nepal’s cultural history, primarily exhibiting metalwork sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Overnight at  Hotel [B/L/-]

DAY 08 / IN KATHMANDU

After your breakfast, visit Bouddhanath, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu. This ancient stupa is built on a massive three level mandala style platform and is the largest in the world. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels.

Then visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva).

Later, visit the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur, formerly known as Bhadgaon. The city was founded in the 9^th century and contains many impressive sights including the ancient gateway, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, the pottery center, the famous pagoda style, five storied temple of Nytapole and Thimi, a place famous for the manufacture of unusual masks. Bhaktapur is regarded as a showcase of “medieval” Nepalese town life

Later in the evening, enjoy the dinner with wine or beer.

Overnight at  Hotel [B/L/D]

DAY 09 /: FINAL DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for your flight onwards. [B/-/-]

THE COST INCLUDES:

Bhutan Portion

• Arrival / Departure transfers.
• Meet assistance at the airport
• 03 night’s hotel accommodation in Hotel– Thimphu sharing double room on full board basis.
• 02 night’s hotel accommodation in Hotel – Paro sharing double room on full board basis.
• All the sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with local English speaking guide in Bhutan.
• Bhutan Visa fee.
• Tourism development fee & Entrance fee in Bhutan

Nepal Portion

• Meet assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
• 03 night’s hotel accommodation at the Hotel - Kathmandu sharing double room on bed and breakfast basis.
• Services of an English speaking local Nepalese guide throughout the trip.
• 03 Lunch at selected local restaurant during sight-seeing.
• 01 Farewell Dinner including wine or beer at selected local restaurant.
• All the sightseeing tours, monuments entrance fees and transfers as per above itinerary by private vehicle.
• All the entrance and monument fees as indicated in the program.

THE ABOVE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare (Quoted Separately)
• Nepal Visa Fee
• Items of personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities as tips to guide, porters, drivers etc
• Personal insurance policy - suggested a comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents and hospitalization
• Excess baggage
• Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances
• Tipping
• Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions
• Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
• Refreshments, bottled drinks and photography charges in the monasteries and monuments.