Nepal – Bhutan Tours

Arrival in Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport. Welcome at airport and transfer to hotel. Check-in and remaining day for relaxation on your own.

Morning breakfast, after then tour guide will pick you up from hotel. Then starts your sightseeing tour to Soyambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pasupatinath & Patan. During your sightseeing tours, you will be exploring one of the well known popular Buddhists stupa called Soyambhunath also knows as Monkey Temple, one of the holiest and largest ancient stupa in the world Buddhist sites Boudhanath, one of the Hindu holiest temple Pasupatinath and popular stone carved Krishna Temple in Patan. After sightseeing you will be dropped at your hotel.

Early morning breakfast at your hotel and drive to Chitwan National Park. Welcome drink at Lodge and check in. After then your lunch will be ready, take the lunch and rest. At 15 PM, your tour guide will you to explore typical Tharu village where you will be exploring the Tharu life style. At evening back to Lodge and proceed for Tharu Culture dance show. Later on return to Lodge and overnight.

Breakfast, Canoe ride along the river. An excellent opportunity to Birds Watching and seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating - Gharial. Then Jungle Walk, on the way back, you can visit the Elephant breeding centre. After Lunch: Elephant ride jungle Safari to National Park. An excellent opportunity to see four different kind of Deer, Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Monkey, Leopard, Sloth Bear and the Royal Bengal Tiger (If you are lucky). At evening dinner at Lodge and rest.

Wake-up call and breakfast. Then, journey heads toward the Pokhara. You will be driving around 3 and half hour from Chitwan to Pokhara. Check-in at hotel, remaining day boating at Phewa Lake and walking around the Lake on your own.

Early morning wake-up and drive to Sarangkot (1,592M) where you can see beautiful sunrise. on a clear day you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan mountains of Annapurna rang, Dhauligiri, Fishtail. Another main attraction to Sarangkot is to spend hours in the sky paragliding with fantastic views of the mountains and the city below. Later on drive back to hotel, have breakfast and we shall continue our sightseeing of Pokhara town. You will be sightseeing Bindebashini Temple, Seti Gorge, Old Bazar, Regional Museum, Davis Fall ( water fall) , Gupteshwor Cave and back to the Lakeside.

Morning breakfast at hotel and start the journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu which will take 6 hours 30 minutes drive from Pokhara. An alternative will be to fly by flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu which will be just 20 minutes fight in an additional price. Arrival in Kathmandu and check-in at hotel.

Morning breakfast at your hotel and departure from at 07:15 from your hotel to Kathmandu International airport to take your flight to Paro scheduled at 10 AM. Flying in to the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, our representative will receive you and transfer you to the hotel in Paro where we’ ll relax for the whole morning ahead. Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes visit to the following places: Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a Dzong is always called a “Ta Dzong”). On account of their function, watchtowers are always round in shape. In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection. Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls and central keep remain an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Altitude at Paro: 2300m Overnight- Tenzinling Resort in Paro. Accommodation: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, we hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan in 8th century. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track, further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for their life! To go down, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses.

No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for their life! To go down, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses. Approximate walking time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m.

We will take a drive to Thimphu which is perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government, home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil servants, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects. Today’s sightseeing in Thimphu includes visit to the following places; National Memorial Chorten; the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. During your sightseeing tours you will be seeing following places: (and many more) . School of Traditional Arts and Crafts; the school offers a six-year course in the techniques of traditional art in religious and secular paintings, woodcarving, clay sculpture and traditional mask making. One can see students working through progressive levels practicing precise rules of Bhutanese art. The school also has a showroom from where student works are sold at very reasonable price compared to town for same quality of work. Folk Heritage Museum; established in 2001, this is an interesting museum housed in a very old traditional house. The museum is a walk through the fast changing rural tradition, habits and skills, and those of the past. They organize special exhibitions annually on select subject pertaining to Bhutanese heritage. Tashichhodzong; the “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. While other governments around the world ensconce themselves in fortresses of stone and steel, the seat of Bhutan's Royal Government is in a building that mirrors the country's culture and its people. The building we see today is largely a modern affair, built in 1962 when His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk moved the government to Thimphu after a fire at its original location. The complex's central tower is original. Tashichhodzong houses the main secretariat building, throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. During the warmer summer months the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong. Later, you can have free time on your own to walk along the street to see the people and the local stores. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way. Approximate driving time: 01 hour. Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m. Approximate walking time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m.

Continuing our journey eastwards, we will take a drive to Punakha across Dochu La (3050m) from where one can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is clear. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha. Sometimes actual relics of the Buddha or revered monks are inserted into the dome of the stupa, but whether or not there are relics inside, the stupas mark the landscape with reminders of the Buddha’s teachings. It’s then a little more than hour’s drive down to sub-tropical Punakha Valley. In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton- During your sightseeing tours you will be seeing following places: (and many more)

Pema Lingpa is housed on the top floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987. Later, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple on the hillock at the periphery of fertile rice fields which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529) also known as “The Divine Madman”. He was a great accomplished master of Mahamudra Buddhist Tradition but he is remembered more for the outrageous nature of his teachings, often using strong sexual overtones and inclinations. In Bhutan, he is also a cultural icon around whom countless yarns of facts and fiction, and stories and legends have been spun. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on this site, on which a temple was built in 15th century. It is a pilgrim site, especially for childless couples. It is accessed by easy walk of 15 minutes each way, from near Mitsina at the intersection of Punakha and Wangdi road. Approximate driving time: 03 hours. Altitude at Punakha: 1300m.

This morning before we proceed back to Paro, we will take a drive to Talo - the native home town of the queens for our short downhill hike following the beautiful track that links the village of Talo and Nobgang where we will see village and the farmhouses to have intimate insight into the Bhutanese way of living. Approximate driving time: 04 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m.

This morning, we will take a drive to Chele La (3750m), the highest motor able pass in the country and hike up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m). Weather permitting; we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains while walking above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Ha valley. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa. Here the nuns, called anims, live a life of contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice. The temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves lie inside the rocky cliffs. The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated by tall firs. Sparkling mountain streams wind down the slopes, which are covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants. About 30 anims, or nuns, live here, ranging in age from about 20 to 80 years. The community is one of the oldest of seven nunneries in Bhutan, and was initially established in the early 9th century as a meditation site. After being destroyed by fire, the temple was rebuilt and officially established in 1986 as an anim dratshang (religious community of Buddhist nuns). Kila Gompa is historically significant as a sacred meditation site. Many renowned Buddhist saints have come here to find peace and seclusion. The main temple houses ancient statues of Chenrezig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) among others. Dur ing your sightseeing tours you will be seeing following places: (and many more) . Life here is simple. The day begins and ends with prayers. The anims arise at 3 AM and study Buddhist scripture until 8 AM when they go to the temple for prayers. The first simple meal of the day (rice, vegetables and tea) is eaten at 10 AM, after which studies continue until 9 PM when a simple supper is served. The nuns retire after a final session of prayer. Most of the nuns have given up properties and left their families to live with the bare minimum of material things. Their studies and subsistence are supported by the government. Some of the older nuns have retired into meditation, while many of the younger ones pursue basic Buddhist studies and perform religious ceremonies. The course takes 5-6 years, after which they begin meditation, which can range from four months to three years. One young nun, when asked why she had chosen this life, replied “There is peace in thinking about others, apart from you.” Another said “If I was given back my youth, I would still choose this life but I would start it earlier. I have never been more at peace with myself.” The walk down from here to the road is lined with small white chortens and it will take us about an hour. Approximate walking time: 05 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m.

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Excursions will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. Arrival in Kathmandu and our team will pick you up at Kathmandu international airport and transfer hotel. Enjoy your day, relax and over night.

Morning breakfast at your resort and our team will transfer you to International airport for your further international connection flight to home country