Bhutan & Nepal Encompassed

Day 01: Arrive Paro (Saturday) and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Lunch & Dinner)

Day 2: Paro – Thimphu

This morning we set off for a guided tour of the National Museum, housed within the old watch tower Ta Dzong perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. We continue our journey to the impressive Rinphung Dzong, the backdrop for the Hollywood film “Little Buddha”, and later this afternoon, we drive to Thimphu to visit the weekend market. The weekend market starts on Friday through to Sunday. Vendors from all over the surrounding villages come to showcase their produce and products and of course make some sales. Overnight in Thimphu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3: Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital is a fascinating fusion of old traditions and modernity where you are drawn back in time and be part of an experience quite surreal. So it’s a full day of sightseeing to discover this intriguing culture, and of course the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa dedicated to memor Bhutan’s third King. We visit the Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum and the Takin Preserve where you can spot Bhutan’s national animal. We also visit the National Library with its vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. And of course, we stop at the Handicrafts Emporium and at various workshops to see the local craftsmen at work where we observe their skills and creativity. Overnight in Thimphu (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha Valley

It’s an early start this morning and our journey takes us on the road to Punakha, driving through some spectacular scenery as we finally reach Dochu La Pass where we have short break to enjoy these wonders of nature, and continue our journey to the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a picturesque walk, it’s a trek really, around 1.5-2hours, up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Mad Monk. We then visit the imposing Punakha Dzong monastery, a colossal structural masterpiece, built on the merging point of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. And after this adventure we set off for our campsite, for a little time to relax or explore the surroundings. And early in the evening, how about a hot stone bath accompanied with local drinks, followed by dinner! Overnight in Punakha Valley (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Punakha Valley – Paro

Hikes, rice fields, rivers and temples are on the programme today, so after an early breakfast, we hike for around 2 – 2.5 hours, up through rice fields and along the banks of the Mo Chu river to reach Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent temple situated on a hill, with stunning views of the valley below. We continue our discovery journey and drive to some beautiful villages scattered along the Punakha Valley. We enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, where nuns not only practice the religious training but are also taught some handicraft skills, all very practical skills such as tailoring and embroidery and statue making. We return to Paro in late afternoon. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Paro – Taktshang Pelphung Monastery

Taktshang Pelphung Monastery best known as “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”, is one of the most famous and revered of Bhutan’s monasteries. Precariously located on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the base of Paro Valley, the monastery is only accessible on foot or you can ride a pony part of the way (to be arranged in advance by our guide). And so, we begin on a scenic hike (4 – 6 hours), to enjoy this spectacularly awesome sight.

From the trail (2600m) we take a steep one hour walk up to a cafeteria where you can enjoy refreshments and rest for a while. The views from up here are just breaktaking, and for those who wish to continue and not stop, must travel on foot. The trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where we find a “Chorten” (stupa).This is a real “Indiana Jones” journey as we continuing down a some cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail where we reach a beautiful waterfall that rushes down the deep ravine. And our final climb is up a flight of steep steps to the monastery. The journey up to the top of the monastery is an extraordinary experience and extremely rewarding, of course, anyone that finds this trek too difficult, they can turn back at any point they feel uncomfortable continuing.

As we reach the monastery, there is so much to see and explore, various temples and shines, and we will see a few monks around going about their daily duties. After our exploring of the monastery we head back to the cafeteria for lunch before repeating our steps to return and get back on the road to return to Paro. This evening we have the chance to really discover local cultures as we are treated to a traditional and authentic Bhutanese dinner at a farm house where we can interact with the family and get to know their traditions and tips on their cuisine. Overnight in Paro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Paro – Kathmandu

We bid farewell to Bhutan as after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu in Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 8: Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and this morning we visit Boudhanath stupa, one of largest spherical stupas in Nepal and characterised the many spinning prayer wheels, and of course the “eyes of Buddha”. We then travel to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, a World Heritage site and Durbar Square renowned for its art and architecture. So, we get involved, at least watching local families prepare the unique Ju Ju dhau, yoghurt in other words, and we do engage, try our skill on pottery making!!  We have a final stop to visit the old Newari city of Patan, which has its own Durbar Square and we end the evening with dinner and a traditional Nepali dance performance. Overnight in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Days 9 & 10: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park

Straight after breakfast we set off for Chitwan National Park, where we arrive just in time for lunch.Chitwan National Park is recognised as one of Asia’s finest game parks, and is home to more than 500 species including the vulnerable one horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile, Indian elephant, sambar deer, bison, striped hyenas and vultures and the elusive Bengal tiger, if we get lucky to get a glimpse of this magnificent creature. Afternoon (day 9 or 10), we take a jeep safari through the buffer zone that adjoins the national park. There is plenty of free time for us to choose from the various optional activities available in Chitwan National Park. More safaris within the park or buffer zone, we take part in a nature walk or journey in a dugout canoe and admire the scenery. Overnight in Chitwan National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11: Chitwan National Park – Pokhara

This morning we continue to Pokhara, the lakeside city at the gates of the famous mountain range of Annapurna which consists of five mountains. One of these, the Machhapuchara Mountain, considered so sacred by locals that off limits to climbers. Day is left at leisure for to explore and wonder around the city or simply enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 12: Pokhara

Boating on Lake Phewa and we are up early to watch the sunrise from the Pokhara World Peace Pagoda is an impressive spectacle and the views of the Annapurna range from its hilltop location is quite a sight! We take a walk, around 2 hours, and wander through Raniban forest as we reach Lake Phewa to enjoy a little cruise around the lake.In the afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee camp and a local school, and we get the chance to observe daily prayers at Matepani Monastery. Overnight in Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 13: Pokhara

Day is leisure so you can explore and enjoy the city or relax down by the lake. If you are feeling more energetic, there are plenty of optional activities on offer, such as bungy jump, paragliding, mountain biking, cycling or horse riding. Overnight in Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 14: Pokhara – Kathmandu

This morning after breakfast we prepare a short flight back to Kathmandu. We continue exploring the city in the afternoon including Swayambhunath stupa and back to Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to over 50 incredible temples and shrines. And rickshaw ride, from Hanuman Dhaka to Thamel, is the only way to fully engage in Kathmandu’s daily life and our tour comes to an end with an evening walk around the vibrant Thamel Market. Overnight: Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 15: Kathmandu – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to airport for onward journey.