Nepal and Bhutan are two landlocked Himalayan countries located in the Indian subcontinent. There is no better journey than to combine the two significant Buddhist countries. Visit the land where Buddha was born and explore its cultural and natural beauty in Nepal. Then in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, experience Buddhist culture in its remote kingdom’s untouched landscape.

The tour will begin in the stunning Kathmandu Valley, where you get to explore the ancient city’s outstanding temples, bustling marketplaces and exquisite cuisines. Then you will go to Chitwan, the natural gem of Nepal with its rare animals and stunning, vast jungles. Get a chance to spot tigers, rhinos and water buffaloes during your time here. After this, we go to Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal. Watch the stunning mountains at a close range, experience some thrilling adventure sports and walk leisurely around the Phewa Lake.

Then, we will fly to Bhutan via Kathmandu to reach the truly Buddhist kingdom. Experience the unique culture of the Bhutanese, enjoy stunning landscapes and visit old monasteries over a hundred years old.

Highlights:

-   Visit the UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley
-   Spot tigers and rhinos in Chitwan National Park
-   Watch stunning views of the Himalayas from Pokhara
-   Watch sunrise over the mountains from Sarangkot hill
-   Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
-   Sightseeing tours of Thimpu, capital of Bhutan
-   Visit the Taktshang Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest monastery which is located 900m above ground on the edge of a cliff
-   Visit ChimiLhakhang temple, Gangtey valley and other natural wonders of Bhutan

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and half day sightseeing tour
Day 2: Full day sightseeing of UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Fly to Bharatpur, Chitwan and full jungle plan
Day 4: Full day sightseeing in and around Chitwan National Park
Day 5: Fly from Bharatpur to Pokhara and full day sightseeing at Pokhara
Day 6: Drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view and Bindhyabasini temple visit
Day 7: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Full day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Day 8: Depart from Kathmandu to Bhutan
Day 9: Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu - Gangtey
Day 11: Gangtey to Punakha
Day 12: Punakha to Paro
Day 13: Paro
Day 14: Depart Paro by air.

Included Flights

-   Kathmandu to Chitwan
-   Chitwan to Pokhara
-   Pokhara to Kathmandu
-   Kathmandu to Paro
-   Paro to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and half day sightseeing tour

Airport pickup and drop

We will pick you up from the airport upon arrival and then transfer you to the hotel.
Today, you will have a half day tour with sightseeing of places such as Pashupatinath and Guheswori temple.
The Pashupatinath temple is a famous temple constructed in 1696 AD. This temple is visited by Hindus from all over the world and it is also a part of the destinations that are visited on a pilgrimage. The temple complex is surrounded by many shrines built in several different time periods.
Here, you will get to see Hindu rituals taking place, holy ascetics meditating and offering blessings as well as watch the daily worshippers and devotees visiting the area.

Guheswari temple is a temple which is located at the back area of Pashupatinath. This temple was built in the 17th century by King Prithvi Malla. Many Hindus visit this site as it is known as a Shakti Peeth, dedicated to Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva.

Day 2: Full day sightseeing of UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley

Full Day Sightseeing

Your day starts with breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you will take a full day sightseeing tour of Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Square as well as Swayambhunath temple.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Go back in time with a tour of Kathmandu’s temples, old markets and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Here, you will experience wonders, eccentricities and diverse Nepali ethnicities and temples. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace-turned-museum and observe the residential quarters of the past rulers of Nepal such as the Malla Dynasty (1200 - 1769 A.D.) and the area where Nepal’s past kings were crowned.

Patan Durbar Square

Visit the artistically beautiful Patan Durbar Square which serves as a living museum. Here, you will visit the Patan museum, walk through alleys showcasing handicrafts made by locals and visit old shops that are older than 100 years.
Swayambhu
After this, we head to Swayambhu stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal. The white-domed stupa with the all seeing eyes of the Buddha in four directions beckons you. Watch the panoramic view of Kathmandu valley from this hillock while watching the mischievous monkeys swing from the temple roofs. You can also watch religious harmony as both Hindus and Buddhists visit and worship at the stupa.

Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Bharatpur, Chitwan and full jungle plan

Kathmandu To Bharatpur

Today, after breakfast, we will take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur to visit Chitwan National Park. After landing at Bharatpur airport, you will transfer to the hotel, check-in and have lunch at the hotel. After lunch, we visit the popular destinations of Chitwan.

Visit Tharu Village And Visitor Centre

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of an authentic Tharu village. Tharu is the indigenous ethnic tribe that dwells around Chitwan National Park. They have a unique culture and traditions which we will get to observe today. Learn about their way of life, food and culture.

Sunset View From Bank Of Rapti River

After the visit, relax by the banks of Rapti river as you watch the sunset over the trees of Chitwan National Park. The glowing red sun sets a beautiful scene unlike anywhere in Nepal.

Tharu Dance Presentation

After sunset, we head for dinner while enjoying a traditional Tharu cultural dance. The dance will feature Tharu songs, traditional fire dancing, stick dance and musical storytelling. You might also get invited to try a few steps of the dance by the performers.

After dinner, you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Full day sightseeing in and around Chitwan National Park

Today’s day will be filled with adventure as we will explore Chitwan National Park. Your guide will help you to get the necessary entrance permits so make sure to inquire accordingly.
Get up early for breakfast then get ready for the day.

Jungle Walk and Bird Watching

You will begin with a jungle walk through Chitwan National Park. Follow the forest ranger as they guide you through the jungle and spot wildlife in their natural habitat. You will be required to wear green or dark colors that camouflage better in the jungle and no bright colors. Walk silently through the jungle with your group and wait for the guide’s signal as they spot birds and animals. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the walk.

Jeep Safari Optional

If you would like to opt for a jeep safari instead of a walk, you can let your guide know and they will arrange it for you. Instead of walking through the jungle, you will be riding a jeep and going to the deep parts of the jungle.

Canoeing

You will return for lunch, then head over to the Rapti river for canoeing. It is one of the best ways to spot aquatic lifestyle and crocodiles that bask in the sandy banks of the river. You will also witness many aquatic birds.
Return to hotel for overnight
Transportation: Hotel to Chitwan National Park entrance and back. Jeep safari is optional for those who are interested.

Day 5: Fly from Bharatpur to Pokhara and full day sightseeing at Pokhara

Today we will leave Chitwan and fly from Bharatpur to Pokhara. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will take a direct flight to Pokhara.

Gupteshwor Cave

Once we reach here, you will visit Gupteshwor cave, an underground cave rumored to be the longest cave in Nepal (2950 meters). This cave is located right next to Davis fall. Inside the cave, there is a temple of Shiva and Parvati.

Davis Fall

Right across the street from Gupteshwor Cave is Davis Fall. Also known as Patale Chhango in Nepali, this is a mysterious waterfall where the Pardi Khola vanishes underground. Till date, nobody knows where the water comes out from. Here, you can witness the rage of mother nature. The stream is at full bore during monsoon rains and the sound of the falls is deafening.

Taal Barahi Darshan

Afterwards, you will visit the Taal Barahi temple located on a small islet on Phewa lake. You can spend some time boating around the lake and also walk around the lakeside where there are a myriad of souvenir shops and restaurants.
Then you will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view and Bindhyabasini temple visit

Today we start the day by visiting Sarangkot hilltop. This place is a famous spot to watch the early morning sunrise. Witness the golden sun rise and illuminate the mountain peaks to the north. After that you will visit the Bindhyabasini temple in the morning. This temple sits atop a hill and calmly looks over the bustling city of Pokhara.

Free time at Pokhara

As this is the final day in Pokhara, you can spend some free time around the city and do activities on your own. Visit the lakeside, go cycling around the city, or experience some adventure activities. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Full day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today, we return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. After landing in Kathmandu, you will go to the hotel to leave your bags then head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the cultural capital of Nepal. Bhaktapur has a lot of ancient temples and shrines but it is also rich in culture and still follows the traditional way of life.

Changu Narayan temple and Bhaktapur Area Walk

Visit the oldest temple of Nepal which is believed to be over 3000 years old. The Changu Narayan temple is an important heritage site in terms of religious and architectural history. This temple is dedicated to the Narayan god and lies on a hilltop close to Bhaktapur. The temple is surrounded by a Champak tree forest and there is also a small village called Changu. After visiting the temple, you will walk through the streets of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Here, you can visit famous sites like the Nyatapola temple, 55 Window palace, Siddha Pokhari, Golden Gate temple etc. You can also visit Pottery Square and watch the local artisans at work.

Evening Dinner with Live Cultural Show

In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic Nepali dinner with a live cultural show. Enjoy Nepali folk music and dance performances along with a tasty dinner of daal bhat tarkari. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Depart from Kathmandu to Bhutan

Flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan

ARRIVE IN PARO BY AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KM / 1½ HRS DRIVE)

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to the airport for your international flight departure.

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular ones in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft, will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. You will notice three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.Shortly before reaching Chuzom, on your left, you will see Tachogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

On arrival in Thimphu, you will check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.Enjoy an exploratory evening walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. You can also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other interesting items made from local materials. Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 9: Thimphu

After breakfast, you will head out for a sightseeing tour in Thimphu valley including a visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Textile Museum, which provides insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms, and visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

After lunch take a short drive (15 km) to PangriZampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 16th century, located just north of Thimphu. There is a monastic school here where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Afterwards you will visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

We will also visit King's Memorial Chorten which is continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. This landmark was the vision of Bhutan’s third king His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Later visit Tashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu - Gangtey

After breakfast, we check-out from the hotel and then drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha) enroute visiting Dochula Pass (Altitude 3080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. And also via WangduePhodrang, where you can visit the local market and explore newly developed towns. The district of WangduePhodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Further ahead, you will pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees before reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).

The valley of Gangtey is one of 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, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. After lunch, take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountainous Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Later, we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Gangtey.

Day 11: Gangtey to Punakha

After an early breakfast, enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail (Distance: 5.5 km, Time: approx. 2 hours, Difficulty level: Easy). This pleasurable walk provides an opportunity to get a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Gompa, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into an open valley. The trail ends at the local community school after passing a chorten and Khewal Lhakhang. Later, continue the drive to Punakha, upon arrival; check into the hotel. Later, you will visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 12: Punakha - Paro (120 kms/ 4 and a half hours’ drive)

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and proceed for a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, from the hotel, it is about 15 mins drive to the motorable road, and then the walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is a total of about 1 and a half hour’s walk (including both ways). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, pray at this temple, to be blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Continue to drive to Paro along the scenic highway, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong's visit is immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandalas.

Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 13: Paro

After breakfast, we head out for an excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, and now it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. In the evening, you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Return to the hotel for Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 14: Depart Paro by air to Kathmandu
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the airport to return to Kathmandu, Nepal and onward to your next destination or for a flight back home. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell on your journey back.

References

IATA Auditor ICF SH&E

Pratt & Whitney Canada

ATR Company

IFC World Bank