Nepal & Bhutan

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the Kathmandu Airport, and then transfer you to the hotel. After a short rest, we will start from Durbar Square, one of the most visited attractions in Kathmandu. There are numerous historic monuments, exquisite sculptures, and mysterious temples scattered around the square, which imbue the city with an air of antiquity. Pigeon flocks, galloping motorcycles, and vender stalls make it a bustling market, where you can delve into the real side of local life. Then we will go to Swayambhunath with its 2,500 years old Buddhist pagoda. Erecting atop a hill, it is a significant pilgrimage spot with images of Sakyamuni's eyes painted on all sides of the pagoda.

Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

Today's itinerary begins with a morning excursion to the icon of Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa, a UNSECO World Heritage Site. It is the largest dome-shaped Buddhist stupa in the world, with pilgrims coming to pray and worship every day. Then we will proceed to Patan Durbar Square, famed as an open-air architecture museum. The square is densely covered with Newar buildings mostly constructed in the 16th century, including an ancient imperial palace and numerous sacred temples. Follow your guide and indulge yourself in these exquisite monuments to trace the past of Nepal. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Nagarkot and check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: The Fort Resort

Nagarkot is a destination favored by photographers for spectacular scenes of the snow-capped Himalayas. Today, you need to get up early, as our guide will lead you to a perfect spot to capture the splendid sunrise view over the majestic Himalayas. Afterwards, we travel to Bhaktapur Valley, where you can immerse yourself in time-honored Buddhist cultural ambience by exploring a number of temple attractions. Then we drive to another World Heritage Site, the renowned Pashupatinath Temple. As the largest Hindu Temple dedicated to Shiva in Nepal, only Hindus are allowed to enter. However, you can take pictures of sadhu monks outside and witness the holy cremation ceremonies from a distance. Finally, you will be taken to the hotel in Kathmandu where you can have a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

Today's sightseeing starts with a visit to the Dakshankali Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, the most terrifying incarnation of Shiva's spouse Parvati. If you happen to visit the temple on Saturday or Tuesday, you may glimpse the shocking sacrificial scene with chickens, ducks and sheep offerings to the goddess. Afterwards, we proceed to Kirtipur Village. Nestled on a mountain ridge, it is one of the oldest villages in Kathmandu Valley and a fantastic photography destination. Next, we head to the mighty Chobhar Gorge, which some say was made when a Tibetan Buddha split it with a sword. Finally, we will take you to a fancy restaurant in downtown area to enjoy a hearty dinner and dancing shows performed by local Nepalese.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

This morning we will continue with a flight to Paro in Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will be met by our private guide at the airport and escorted to the hotel to deposit your luggage. Your tour starts with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue erected on a hilltop and can be seen from every corner of the city. After that we will visit the Takin Sanctuary, where you can see Bhutan's national treasure, takins, and other animals like reindeers and antelopes. Then we head to the tranquil Zilukha Nunnery for a leisurely walk. As we return to the downtown we will drop by the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters. Our final stop for today will be to wonder at the Tashichho Dzong, the magnificent political and religious center of Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar

Today, we will head for Punakha by car, traveling through the Dochula Pass with an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 feet). There you can appreciate the splendid cloud-capped Himalayas, and glance at 108 grand stupas. Go on the ride to Chimi Lhakhang, a famous shrine where locals pray for children. Then we stop at Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest castles of Bhutan. Characterized by its unrivaled murals, this monastery was reportedly modeled after temples in the heaven. Finally, you can wander leisurely across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and enjoy the fascinating views of the Mo Chhu River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lobesa Lodge or similar

In the morning, we return to Paro by an air-conditioned vehicle. Upon arrival, we will first visit Paro Dzong, one of Bhutan's most renowned temples built in 1644. You can roam around to admire the delicate Buddhist paintings and woodcarvings or capture a panoramic view of Paro Town from the top. Then we head to Ta Dzong, also known as the National Museum of Bhutan, with more than 3,000 cultural relics on display, including utensils, weapons, musical instruments, Buddhist carvings, Tangka paintings and stamps. Our next stop is Kyichu Lhakhang, an age-old temple of Bhutan. Finally, you will be escorted to a local hotel for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Today we will take a full day hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery) and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Taktsang, the holiest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, hangs on a cliff more than 900 meters (2,950 feet) high. Built in 1692, the temple is a sacred shrine for Bhutanese followers. The trek to the temple is a bit challenging and usually takes about two hours. On the way you will see the spectacular scenery of the Paro Valley. Afterwards, the hike continues to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fort burned down by a fire. Although the wooded buildings no longer exist, you can still see the stone foundations and collapsed fortress lying in the tranquil valley and surrounded by mighty snow-capped mountains. Then we stop by a local farmhouse to experience their traditional lifestyle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Your memorable Nepal Bhutan tour concludes today. Our guide and driver will escort you to the airport in Paro for your departure flight and see you off. In addition to Nepal and Bhutan, people often like to combine a trip to India too. In just over two hours by plane, you can travel from Paro to New Delhi, the capital of India. India is a country with long history and profound culture, and there are many World heritage sites worth visiting. The three most recommended cities are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which takes about 6 days to visit. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us to arrange.

Meals: Breakfast