The Best of Nepal and Bhutan

breakfast

Wake up in early morning to witness beautiful sunrise over Himalaya. Nagarkot is famous as the best viewing point of Himalaya, here you will catch the remarkable view of towering snow-capped mountains.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in. The rest of time if free at leisure. In the evening, you can walk around the tourist area of lake side and experience the nightlife of Pokhara.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Nagarkot

breakfast and lunch

Get up early in the morning and drive to Sarangkot to enjoy stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Sarangkot is a beautiful village located on a mountainside ridge with panoramic Himalayan views. (Optional: Self-paying activity like paraglider can be available in Sarangkot)

Then, proceed to see the Devis Fall, a stream from Phewa Lake falls straight down and vanishes underground through a natural cave. Then walk across the Devis Fall area and pay a visit to Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. It is one of the longest caves in Nepal at 2950 meters and is a sacred cave enshrined Hindu gods.

Next, take a short hike to World Peace Stupa that situated at an altitude of almost 1000 meters on the southwest of Pokhara. Once reach the top, you can enjoy the wide panoramic view of stretching towering mountains. While seeing the stunning natural sights around, you will immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience.

Afterwards, you will take a relaxing journey on Fewa Lake. Take a beautiful painted boat around the lakeshore, you will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake and mountains. Besides, the most important religious monument of Pokhara, Barahi Temple, is located on an island at the center of Fewa Lake.

Overnight in Pokhara.

Fewa Lake

breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, we will drive to Chitwan (Approx. 5 hours). Chitwan National Park is home to the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. You have chance to come across numerous of wildlife, such as one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, wild bison, etc.

Upon arrival at your resort, check-in. In the late afternoon, we will move near the Rapti River to enjoy a wonderful sunset.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Rapti River Beach

breakfast and lunch

You will participate in full day jungle activities like bird watching, elephant safari (or jeep safari ) canoe ride and nature walk.

Wake up in the morning and take a nature walk to discover various birds. Then you will start jungle safari on elephant back to see different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, leopard and many other smaller animals. Afterwards, proceeds for Dugout canoe riding along the Rapti River to see rare species of crocodile.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tharu village by an ox-drawn cart. The village itself is comprised of several mud and reed huts. You can see the domestic and farm animals roam around. And there’s a small museum which displays the tools and traditional clothes people use out in the field.

Overnight in Chitwan.

Chitwan National Park

breakfast

Today, you will drive back to Kathmandu(5 hours). After checking in, the rest of the day is free. You can relax or explore the surroundings.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

breakfast and lunch and dinner

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to airport for a flight to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit and welcome you with warm welcome. Then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route, you can walk across the long standing Tachhogang Bridge. After reaching Thimphu, lunch will be planned for you at a traditional restaurant with authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

In the afternoon, you will start your happiness trip in beautiful Bhutan. You will first make a visit to the Memorial Chorten. This beautiful Tibetan style chorten was built in 1974 to honor the Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is regarded as the most conspicuous landmark in Thimphu and is also the center of daily worship for Bhutanese.

Next, you will head to the Zilukha Nunnery. It boasts tranquil and harmonious atmosphere like all temples in Bhutan, and offers a wonderful perspective overlooking the Thimphu fortress. You can stroll around the nunnery and meet the nuns.

In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion". It is initially built in 1641 and now is the office of Majesty the king and the government. This magnificent architecture is adorned with many traditional delicate patterns. It is at its most splendid and elegant appearance from outside when the lights come on at dusk. After the tour, return to hotel.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Tashichhoe Dzong

breakfast and lunch and dinner

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel. You will first visit the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is the largest statue in the country with 51.5 meters high. Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).

We then visit the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century. It is a fortress and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. From the temple courtyard, you can catch the fascinating views of Thimphu valley. Have lunch in local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum. This institute, also known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses of Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in each skill, such as painting, sculpturing, wood carving, embroidery, weaving, etc. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.

Afterwards, we will visit Bhutan Post Office to personalize your own Bhutan stamps. Nowadays, Barehutan is still the world leader in stamp design, printing and material diversity. You can use your own images to customize your Bhutan stamps and send it with postcards and letters to your friends and family. Afterwards, take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, which offers good shops, city bars and the Craft Bazaar.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Changangkha Lhakhang

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Today we will drive to Phobjikha valley via Dochula Pass(4 hours). Dochula Pass(3150m) offers splendid views of the distant snow-capped Himalayas in clear day. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains while sipping your tea or coffee at the cafeteria where we will stop.

At the same time, you can also admire the 108 stupas located here. It is called the "Chukwangye Monument" and was established in 2005 by the Bhutanese government to honor the victory of the war. The stupas are surrounded by colorful prayer flags flying in the wind.

Continue the journey, you can enjoy the peaceful villages and lush paddy fields and may come across wild yaks. When you walk into the hinterland of the Phobjikha valley, you will surely immerse yourself in the beauty of tranquility and harmony. It is a breathtaking valley and the home of the endangered black necked crane during the winter months. Take a trek follow your guide through jungles, streams, swamps and villages, and you will get the best views of Phobjikha valley.

Dinner will be planned for you at a farmhouse with a family, which will be a wonderful experience for you.

Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha Valley

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Wake up in the morning to embrace the tranquil ambience. Then, we will visit the Gangtey Monastery. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of Bhutan. As a magnificent Buddhist architectures, Gangtey Monastery not only offers a stunning view of the surrounding sceneries, but collect a large number of wonderful thangkas, Buddhist statues and Buddhist scriptures, etc.

We then drive to the lush Punakha Valley (1300m). Punakha is served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Along the way you will explore Rinchengang Village.The village consists of beautiful adobe houses, with little clusters all attached to each other.

Upon arrival at Punakha, you will visit the Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, it is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as "Divine Madman", who lived in the late 15th century. He was the representative of strong fecundity. Chimi Lhakhang impresses tourists more with the phallus belief which can be easily seen in every corner of the surrounding villages and the temple. Now the Temple is known to be a sacred place to pray for having a baby. You will then have lunch at a local restaurant near the fields.

We will continue to visit the Punakha Dzong (The Palace of Great Happiness). The most beautiful fortress in Bhutan was strategically built at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River) in 1637. You will marvel at the majestic architecture and the wonderful murals, as well as its numerous precious relics. The ancient Dzong, clear river and beautiful purple-blue flowers compose a peaceful and romantic picture.

In nearby, you can take a walk in a magnificent suspension bridge connecting the villages. You may come across the locals walking home via the bridge.

Overnight in Punakha.

Punakha Dzong

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Today we return to Paro with 3 hours driving. Paro owns scenic and fertile valley producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

After checking in, you can relax or explore Paro Town by your own.

Overnight in Paro.

Dochula Pass

breakfast and lunch and dinner

After breakfast at hotel, we will spend the most of the day hiking to the Taktsang Lhakhan. Taktsang Lhakhang, known as Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. It is also one of the most prestigious holy places of Guru Padmasambhava in Bhutan. Your trip in Bhutan would be incomplete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

It miraculously clings to a sheer cliff nearly 1,000 meters above the Paro Valley. You need to follow a steep trail to reach the temple for around 2 hours. It could make you exhausted but the spectacular view along the way definitely well-worth your try. You may come across many locals who are exhausted but full of strength and pious expression.

There is a viewpoint halfway to the Tigers Nest. On the way up, you can stop for a coffee break and on the way down have lunch at the same cafeteria. After the hike, it is the best choice to enjoy the unique local traditional hot water bath to wash away your tiredness.

Overnight in Paro.

Taktsang Lhakhan

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Begin your day by visiting the National Museum. It was once the watch tower built to defend Rinpung fortress below during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is served as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and exquisite postage stamps.

Then you will visit Paro Fortress. Located on the bank of the Paro Chhu (river), a place of strategic importance, Paro Dzong was used as a fort to protect the Paro Valley from the invasions by Tibet. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the the stunning architectures and the beautiful scenery around.

Your next destination is Kyichu Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage temples in Bhutan. It is also the oldest temples of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.

Later, you can explore Paro town with your guide and spend some time visiting the little cafes and shops. In the evening, cultural performances and dinner will be prepared for you.

Overnight in Paro.

Rinpung Dzong

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Today is a free day. You can relax at hotel or explore by your own.

breakfast

About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, your guide will pick you up to the airport for your departure flight.