Nepal & Bhutan Tour

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and relax. On arrival check into your hotel and relax.
 

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath stupa & Patan city.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Swayambhunath, the Buddhist temple is situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known as the monkey temple after the large tribe of monkeys which guards the hill. This huge stupa is surrounded by other famous temples and gompas. The great thunderbolt which is known as vajra is on the edge of the stupa was built during the Malla kings period. On the top of the stupa is a gold-colored square block from which the watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in each direction. The question mark-like nose is actually the Nepali number one is a symbol of unity.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a world heritage site. It's a complex of places, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th century, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. Kathamandap is one of Kathmandu's oldest buildings. It was constructed 800 years ago. From this ancient edifice Kathmandu derives its name. Basantapur is residential place of Living Virgin Goddess Kumari, where girl is chosen to be Living Goddess.

Patan City: Patan is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. It is also known as Lalitpur, which means city of beauty. Patan has a long Buddhist history and have stupas at four corners. Like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is also packed with temples. Most of these temples are built during the Malla kings period. As in Kathmandu, Patan also has an old royal palace built during the Malla kings period. There is a stone column holding up a statue of Sidhinarsimha Malla, King of Patan. Remarkable monument here is the 17th century temple of Krishna Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna, entirely built on stone. Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery with wall painting, 14th century statues and ancient scriptures. Mahabouddha, the 14th century Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta art form.

Overnight will be in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Pasupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa & Bhaktapur city.

Boudhanath Stupa was constructed in 5 c. AD. Boudhanath is one of the largest stupa in the world and the largest in Nepal. (It looms 36m high and 100m in diameter). It is surrounded with prayer wheels that content religious texts. There are many Tibetian Buddhist monasteries in vicinity of stupa.

Pashupati Nath: Pashupati Temple is one of the most important and world renowned Hindu temple stands on the banks of Bagmati River, between the airport and Boudha. This Shiva temple on the subcontinent draws numerous Devotees, sadhus and holy men from all around the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and creator of the Hindu religion and appears on many forms. Although Shiva is often bloodthirsty god, no animal sacrifices are made here. Outside the temple you will see numerous people selling flowers, incense and other offering materials. In-front of the temple there is a bull known as Nandi facing towards the temple. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and you are not allowed to take photographs of the Lord Shiva inside the temple. Bagmati River Bank on the side of Pashupati is also a popular place for cremation. Just beside this temple lies Guheyeshwari temple.

Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaon or the city of Devotees, is the third major town of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur was the capital of the whole valley during the 14th to 16th century. Much of the town's great architecture dates from the end of 17th century. This town is also well known as Newari Architecture town. Bhaktapur rises upon the northern bank of Hanumante River. Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site) the place of the famous Lion's and Golden gates, the palace of 55 windows (12th century) the magnificent Chowkot Palace and Bell of Barking Dogs. The Nyatapola Temple (17th century) stairway leading to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below. The Dattatreya Temple located nearby is dedicated to the three headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva.

Overnight will be in Kathmandu.

On your arrival in Paro, Our representative will welcome you at the airport and drive you through the fascinating valley of Paro to Thimpu, the capital. The distance from airport to Thimpu is 55kms and takes about 2 hours in car along the Pachu River and Wangchu River and through paddy fields, orchards and farms.

Overnight will be at Thimpu.

After breakfast, it is time for you to enjoy a full day sightseeing that includes visits to the: Memorial Chhorten (stupa), the most impressive stupa built in 1974 by the grand Queen Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden in the memory the Third King of Bhutan; National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books; Handicrafts Emporiums that displays wide range of beautifully woven fabrics for man & women, crafted products & other decorative items; Painting School, famous for traditional Thangkas paintings from where you can also buy if you like them; Institute of Traditional Medicine where rich herbal medicines abundant in the kingdom are prepared; Tashichhodzong, the fort that houses the King’s Throne Room and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Monk Body.

Overnight will be in Thimpu.

The drive passes through the Dochula pass at an altitude of 3050M. The pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Druk Wangyal Chhorten (108 stupas) and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) enchant the Dochula pass with the spectacular view that they offer. The road then descends a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in mid-March till May. Then you will enter into a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance. After your lunch at the hotel in Punakha, visit the outskirt of Punakha Dzong situated in the confluence of two rivers. Entering inside the courtyard of the Dzong can be permitted only if the Chief Abbot has moved to his summer residence in Thimpu.

Overnight will be in at Punakha.

After your breakfast, 35 minutes drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Visit the town and the Dzong area and drive back to Paro via the same road to Thimpu until the road bifurcates at Simtokha checkpoint.

Overnight will be in Paro.

After your breakfast visits to: Ta Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel, currently the National Museum that once served as the watchtower for Paro Dzong; Drukgyal Dzong (the Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas) built in 1647 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 which is now in ruins; Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan built in 636 AD by a Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo. It houses the Crowned Buddha (Jowo) and Padmasambhava. Taktshang which means the Tiger’s lair, a Buddhist Monastery perched on a steep cliff is another awe striking place to visit but it requires an extra day. Drive to hotel.

Overnight will be in Paro.

Drive to Airport for onward destination.