Secrets of Bhutan and Nepal - 16 Days
Kathmandu –Paro – Thimpu – Trongsa – Wangduephodrang – Bumthang – Paro – Kathmandu
In this exciting, fun filled two week journey – you are sure to fall in love with exotica’s of Bhutan & Nepal! You will witness a lot of spiritual places like Pasupahinath & Baudhnath in Kathmandu, and Tangbi Goemba in Bumthang. And if you are a cameraholic then this trip is just meant for you because you will glide through the lap of Himalayan Mountain Ranges with lots of picturesque locations.
Day 1-2: Kathmandu
Our representative will receive you on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu and will take you to your hotel.
Kathmandu is the capital and one of the most beautiful places of Nepal! It is basically conglomeration of cities like Patan, Kritipus and thimi. Surrounded on all sides by major mountain ranges Kathmandu is a visual delight for hill lovers. Also Buddhist and Hindu Pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu’s religious sites such as Pasupathinath and Baudhnath.
The whole of Kathmandu offers a lively and unique atmosphere with myriad cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.
Activities: We will the visit the Durbar Square, the centerpiece, where temples, palaces and golden gates create a magical outdoor theatre; Baudhnath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple & Pasupathinath Temple.
Buddha wisdom eyes Kathmandu Nepal
Day 3-4: Kathmandu – Paro
By flight
Paro: This beautiful valley encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is also home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport.
Activities: Hike to the Taktshang Lhakhang also known as “Tigers Nest”, one of the most famous monasteries of Bhutan perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley. We will also visit Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, which one served as a watch tower to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, is now serving as the National Museum of Bhutan; Drukgyel Dzong, built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century.
Kathmandu valey Nepal
Day 5-6: Kathmandu – Thimpu
By flight
Thimpu: The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a unique city with usual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions and maintain a strong national character in its architectural styles.
Activities: During our city excursion we will visit Trashichhoedzong, also known as “fortress of the glorious religion”, which houses the main secretariat building and the throne room of the King of Bhutan; Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s third King Jigme Dorji Wnagchuk; Simtokha Dzong, a 16th century Dzong which now houses the Scholl for Buddhist Studies; National library and Arts & Crafts School. We will also visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and various handicraft emporiums.
Thimphu Bhutan
Day 7: Thimpu – Wangduephodrang
Wangduephodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. It is an enlarged village with few well provided shops.
Activities: While driving from Thimpu to Wangduephodrang we will stop at Dochula pass (alt. 3080m) to contemplate the magnificent view of the Himalayas; en route visit to Punakha Dzong, a fully restored Dzong which was damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake; Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. This temple is also known as the “temple of fertility”.
In Wangduephodrang, we will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, sitting on the top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers.
Lord Buddha
Day 8: Wangduephodrang – Gangtey – Trongsa
Gangtey: It is one the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through the dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.
Trongsa: Perched on steep slopes above a river gorge, Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.
Activities: En route visit to Gangtey where we will visit Gangtey Gompa, the only monastery of Nyingmapa in the west of Bhutan. In Trongsa, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, once a seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan; Chendbji Chorten, an 18th century temple built on pattern of Swayambhunath Temple of Kathmandu to cover the remains of an evil spirit; and Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five story’s is a classy museum.
Bodh Praying Wheels Paro Bhutan
Day 9: Trongsa – Bumthang
Comprising of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. It is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin.
Activities: We will visit Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th century monastery built by Tibetan King, Sontsen Gampo; Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche has left his bodu print on a rock inside the main old lhakhang; Jakar Dzong, built in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, is now used as the administrative center for Bumthang valley and also houses the regional monk body; Tangbi Goemba, a monastery of 14th century founded by Shamar Rinpoche; Tamshing Lhakhang monastery with very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddha’s and 21 Tara’s (female form of Bodhisattva).
Old buddhistic statues on Bhaktapur Square Kathmandu Nepal
Day 10: Bumthang – Wangduephodrang
Activities: The day is at leisure.
Day 11: Wangduephodrang – Paro
Activities: In the evening we will visit a traditional Bhutanese Farm.
Day 12-13: Paro – Kathmandu
By flight
Kathmandu is the capital and one of the most beautiful places of Nepal! It is basically conglomeration of cities like Patan, Kritipus and Thimi. Surrounded on all sides by major mountain ranges Kathmandu is a visual delight for hill lovers. Also Buddhist and Hindu Pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu’s religious sites such as Pasupathinath and Baudhnath.
Activities: On our arrival we will visit Bhaktapur - best preserved Palace courtyards in old city center in Nepal and is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO for its culture, temples and wood, metal and stone work; and Patan – famous for the Golden Temple monastery.
Durbar Square Bhaktapur
Day 14-15: Kathmandu – Pokhara
By road in 4 hr. (200 Km)
Pokhara is the most popular tourist destination of Nepal, with 3 out of the 10 highest mountains ranges of the world- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. Moreover there are many medieval era temples that are worth watching. And not to forget- there is “World Peace Pagoda” at the hill top from where you can have a panoramic view of the ranges.
At 20 min. drive from Pokhara lays Sarangkot with panoramic view of the Giant Hiamalayas, and is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations of Nepal. Aside from chilling out and taking in amazing views of the Himalaya and Phewa Lake on the other side, Sarangkot offers a nice glimpse into the peaceful, slow village life. You can also try adventurous stuffs like Paragliding, Zipping & Hiking.
Activities: We will start our day with an excursion to Sarangkot. Later we will Patale Chhango (Waterfall of Hell), an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport; Bindhyabasubu Temple; Seti Gandaki, a bustling river whose course is entirely underground; Mahindra Cave (House of Bats) and the Museum of Pokhara.
In the evening, we can a boat ride on the Phewa Lake.
Pokhara and Sarangkot are also very famous for trekking so if you wish you can take your trekking kit out of the closet and get ready to glide through the white carpets.
Nepal - Kathmandu-Valley
Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu
By flight
As per your flight schedule you will be transferred to airport for flight back to Kathmandu, where you will aboard you flight back home.
Tour ends!!
