Nepal & Bhutan

Welcome to Nepal and the start of your holiday! Pick up and complete a landing card on the plane or in the airport before you go through customs. Upon arrival you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your hotel where you will receive a welcome drink and a briefing about your trip.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. Our first port of call is Swayambhunath - believed to be 25 centuries old it is one of the world’s oldest Buddhist Chaityas and a World Heritage site. It is a sacred shrine and worshipped by all the Buddhists around the world. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square - the Royal Palace complex built during the 17th century. We may also visit the special living Goddess “Kumari”. Many local festivals take place in this area, you may be lucky enough to witness one!

After lunch drive to Pashupatinath, on the banks of The Bagmati River. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and is also a World Heritage site.

After exploring the area drive northeast to Bodhnath stupa, another World Heritage site. You can see many artistic monasteries here which provide an excellent insight into Tibetan culture. In the evening, Buddhists walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, praying, or prostrating as they pray to Buddha. Many butter lamps provide a unique feeling of Nirvana. We drive back to the hotel to freshen up. In the evening enjoy an authentic Nepali meal with unique cultural dances depicting the various religions of Nepal at a typical Nepali restaurant.

Kathmandu – Paro. This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival at Bhutan/Paro airport you will be met by our local representative and transfered to your hotel. Check in to the hotel and freshen up.

On arrival visit the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings.

In the evening visit the auspicious Kichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century.

In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.

Paro - Thimphu. After an early breakfast, drive for approx 1.5 hours to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, located in a narrower valley than Paro and more crowded. It is a modern city but still preserves traditional architecture and traditions.

A tour of Thimphu includes Kuensel Phodrang, offering panoramic views and housing Bhutan's largest Buddha statue, and the National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to world peace and the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visitors can explore the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, where ceremonial textiles are woven, and the Zilukha Nunnery, Bhutan's largest, known for its serene atmosphere and prayer rituals. Later, Tashichho Dzong, a majestic fortress rebuilt in the 1960s, reveals Bhutanese governance and culture.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the Thimphu market.

Thimphu - Punakha. After breakfast drive on to Punakha. Punakha is a 2.5 hour drive from Thimphu. We head over the high mountain passes of Docho la, where if the weather permits you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

En-route we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. The temple is very sacred for the Bhutanese and thousands of people who visit Chimi Lhakhang do so to pray for children - either people with no children seeking fertility or those who have children, seek protection for them. Upon your arrival at Punakha and having lunch at the hotel, you will then visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region.

Punakha - Paro. After breakfast we begin with a hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. The temple is located on a hill with stunning views of the valley, paddy fields and the Mo Chu River that gently meanders through the valley floor. It is an hour walk through rice fields and forest.

Continue to Paro once again crossing over Dochula Pass, approximately a 4-hour drive. On arrival visit the National Museum where an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

After breakfast continue your tour with a hike up one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba or more commonly known as “Tigers Nest “ until you reach the sacred monastery perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor. In the evening enjoy a traditional butter tea with a Bhutanese family in the farm house.

Paro - Kathmandu. On day 8 fly back to Kathmandu where you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Nepal's colourful capital. The following day visit Bhaktapur and enjoy a guided tour of the Durbar square, ancient Royal Palace and the local town, which is very cultural and traditional.

Arrangements end after breakfast today with an included transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight home. Alternatively consider extending your stay and take a spectacular scenic flight over Everest and the majestic Himalayas!