Bhutan and Nepal Discovery

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Kathmandu

  Say hello to Nepal. Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, our representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. A brief introduction will be given to you as well as assistance with the hotel check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

  • Kathmandu

• Day 2: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu

  Be prepared for an energetic and inspiring day. Start with a morning departure for the Ason Tole Vegetable & Spice Market to feel the atmosphere of local daily life. Move to the Kathmandu Durbar Square and have an external view of the Taleju Temple and the nearby Kal Bhairav.

  In the afternoon, drive to Patan City, the oldest of all the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. At dusk, pay a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa on a hill where you can overlook the panorama of Kathmandu City.

  Optional: In good weather, you can choose to take a short morning flight for an up-close view of Mount Everest and the Himalayas.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

  After breakfast, head to admire the Boudhanath Stupa, which from the whitewashed dome to its gilded tower is painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Later, visit the Pashupatinath, Nepal's most important Hindu temple. After that, enjoy a private transfer to Bhaktapur City for a visit to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and afterward explore the beautiful and historic Changu Narayan Temple, which is a living museum of carvings from the Licchavi period. Return to Kathmandu.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 4: Kathmandu - Pokhara

  Today, be driven to Pokhara for experience nature and rich outdoor activities. It will take approximate 4.5 hours by car. On the way, stop at Bandipur, a hilltop settlement and a municipality in Tanahun District, to learn about Nawari culture. As soon as you arrive in Pokhara, check in and explore around Pokhara Bazaar by yourself.

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  • Pokhara

• Day 5: Pokhara

  This will be a relaxing and fun day in Pokhara, the paradise of adventure and leisure. Take a private boat ride on Phewa Lake with the splendid view of Annapurna Range. Later, climb up to the World Peace Pagoda which offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Phokara and Phewa Lake. Move to Devi's Fall afterward, and then the Gupteswor Mahadev Cave and the International Mountain Museum.

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  • Pokhara

• Day 6: Pokhara - Kathmandu

  Get up early in the morning and depart for the Sarangkot viewpoint for the stunning sunrise over the snowy mountain peaks. After that, fly back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the Thamel, a distinguished commercial neighborhood for tourists.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 7: Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu

  After breakfast, leave for Kathmandu airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan. Once arriving in Paro, your local guide will greet you and transfer you to Thimphu by private car with the driver. On the way, you will see the iron chain bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang across the river. On request, you can stop for a break or take photos.

  Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in and then visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Takin Sanctuary. The last stop is the Thimphu Dzong (Tashichho Dzong) which is the head of Bhutan's civil government.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 8: Thimphu - Punakha, Punakha Dzong

  Leave Thimphu for Punakha by car and make a stopover at the Dochula Pass, where you can have a break and see the 108 stupas built on the mountain in memory of Bhutanese soldiers on the mountain. Good weather will provide you a fascinating view of the Himalayas.

  Continue driving and then hike to the Chimi Lhakhang, widely renowned for its fertility blessings. Later, visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong sitting at the junction of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Walk to the wooden suspension bridge across the river for a view of the fortress from a different angle.

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  • Punakha

• Day 9: Punakha - Paro, Kyichu Lhakhang

  Today, it will take 4 hours to drive to Paro. On arrival, head for the Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, a watchtower built in the 17th century, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. After that, explore the Kyichu Lhakhang, located short distance north of Paro downtown. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples. Elderly pilgrims constantly walk around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels.

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  • Paro

• Day 10: Paro, Paro Taktsang

  On this day, you will take a trek to the famous Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest, which is located on the cliff 3,000 ft above the Paro Valley. You will first climb up to a viewpoint for a splendid view of the temple, and then continue to trek along the trails to its location and pay a further visit.

  Descend and head for the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong where you can see the spectacular view of Mt. Chomolhari, Bhutan's second highest peak.

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  • Paro

• Day 11: Paro, Departure

  Your 11-day Nepal and Bhutan tour comes to an end. After breakfast, be escorted to the airport for your flight back home.

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