Cultures of Bhutan & Nepal
Spectacular flight brings us to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan where we will feel time has moved back. Explore the pastoral back roads of Bhutan, a true bastion of tradition in an uncertain world, where we find an independent people who have not rejected their ancient spiritual heritage for modern ways. We’ll visit the Shangri-La setting of the Paro Valley, and the capital city of Thimphu.
Fly to Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu, an unforgettable melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. In the local markets and bazaars, we’ll rub shoulders with some of Nepal’s very diverse people; explore its wealth of Hindu and Buddhist sites, as well as charming valley towns like Bhaktapur, with its well-preserved 17th-Century architecture.
- Explore the fascinating culture of Bhutan.
- Visit the Shang-ri La.
- Experience the Hindu and Buddhist cultures in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Day 1
Arrive Paro / Thimpu (L/D)
Arrive at Paro International Airport to be met by your guide and drive to the Capital city. En-route stop over Chunzom and enjoy the breath taking views of the landscape, rivers and look out for three different styles of building stupas here in Bhutan. After reaching Wang Simu, take a short walk down the rice fields where you will be able to visit one of the oldest Bhutanese home probably about 900 years old, which stand still after the massive recent earthquake. Check in hotel at Thimpu and take rest.
Day 2
Thimpu (B/L/D)
Begin your day visiting the thirteen arts and craft school, Bhutan National Library to witness the world’s largest book. Fold heritage museum, textile museum & National memorial stupa, National textile museum and National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Evening take a leisure walk for more interacting with the locals and visiting coal store for souvenirs. Transfer back to Paro for overnight.
Day 3
Paro (B/L/D)
Hike up about 3-4 hours to the legendary “Tiger’s Nest.”
Afternoon visit a farm house, Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be the one of the best natural and historical museum and walk down hill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). Overnight in Paro.
Day 4
Paro / Kathmandu (B/D)
Our guide transfer to airport and we fly over the sea of snow capped mountains. Meet Nepal guide at the airport and drive to Nagarkot 1.5 hours. En route visit Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval Malla Principality. Bhaktapur served as the capital of United Nepal before it split in to three (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur) in the mid 14th century. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Day 5
Kathmandu (B)
Explore Patan, the city of arts and crafts! We visit Patan Durbar Square with former Royal Palace and several temples we will visit Golden Temples, Kumbheshwara Temple, Mahaboudha Temple etc. We will drive to the traditional Newari Village of Bungamati where we feel that time has stood still! We walk through the cobbled street, poke into the private houses and visit the main temple of the village. Afternoon, we will visit Swayambhunath Studpa, the 2000 year old Buddhist shrine situated on the hillock overlooking the valley. We will also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with former Royal Palace complex. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 6
Kathmandu (B)
Morning visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of hoody Bagmati River, one of the principal tributaries of Ganges. Admission to temple courtyard is reserved for Hindus only but you would have a very good close up form the other side of the river. The temple is vibrant with the activities of the devotees. You will also get to see the Hindu Cremation Services on the bank of the River.
The giant Boudhanath stupa lies in 10 minutes distance. This has the game as the largest Stupa in the world and one of the ‘must visit’ site for Tibetal Buddhists in their lifetime and the area is inhabited by Tibetan refugees. Pilgrams circumambulate the stupa with spinning prayer wheels or counting beads and uttering sacred mantra Om Mani PAdme Hum. Surrounded around the stupa are monasteries associated with different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Free afternoon to pursue your own interest. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 7
Kathmandu (B)
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for departure flight to final destination.
- Meet and greet on arrival at Airport.
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
- Entrance fees where applicable.
- Tours as indicated in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver guide.
- Transfers
- Travel Protection is offered on all packages at an additional cost.
