Discovering Nepal & Bhutan

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. You’ll then be introduced to your private guide and local driver in the arrivals hall, then be transferred privately to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

This morning you’ll be dropped back at Kathmandu Airport to board your short flight up and over the Himayalas into Bhutan. The flight lasts around one hour and offers spectacular views of the world’s highest peaks.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide who will accompany you on your journey through Bhutan. You will immediately set off on a drive through the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, located at 7,610 feet.

En route, stop to admire the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the ancestral worship site for Bhutan’s renowned iron bridge builder. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, explore busy shops, and see locals dressed in traditional attire.

After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. There is a lot to see here and the schedule can be mapped out locally with your guide, but a typical day includes visits to the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, and the massive Buddha Dordenma statue that offers a commanding view of the Thimphu valley. The statue houses several chapels and 125,000 smaller Buddha statues.

On the way back, visit Changangkha Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the town, where devotees come to turn prayer wheels and admire beautiful wall paintings and religious scriptures. Next, visit the Takin Reserve to see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin. In the afternoon, explore the School of Traditional Arts, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the National Textile Museum, which features a striking collection of intricate textiles. For Bhutanese handicrafts, stroll through the Craft Bazaar, where stalls offer exclusively homemade items.

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, a picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites. En route, stop at the Dochu la Pass, located at an elevation of 10,000ft, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You will then drop down into the Punakha Valley below, descending into a verdant landscape of green rice fields and rolling hills.

On arrival, take a pleasant walk through the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.”

Finish the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong – the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Punakha Dzong is one of the most historically significant and arguably the most beautiful in Bhutan.

After breakfast, set out to explore more of Punakha’s natural and cultural attractions. Take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the valley. Start from the suspension bridge below the chorten and hike gently for about 10 minutes through paddy fields, then continue for 40-50 minutes up to the temple. While mostly gentle, the hike includes some steeper sections. Enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding villages from the top. The 100-foot-tall temple is dedicated to the fifth king. Descend for about 30 minutes to the suspension bridge, where your car will pick you up.

The afternoon is then free to relax at the hotel, or discuss further exploration with your guide. Options include a leisurely rafting trip along the Mo Chhu River, further countryside walks, or visits to local homes and markets.

After breakfast, you will be returned by road to Paro, a drive of about four hours.

Your guide can drop you at your hotel to relax, or take you into Paro town to see some of the shops and markets. If you are there on a weekend don’t miss the Paro Weekend Market which offers a wide array of local produce, handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Bhutanese goods. It’s an excellent place to experience the local culture, interact with friendly vendors, and try Bhutanese delicacies.

Today you will explore the Paro Valley with your guide. Typically, a day will involve a visit to the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built to protect the Paro Valley. The museum features an extensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including costumes, religious paintings, weapons, textiles, and stamps.

You will also visit Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery that stands as a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Take a leisurely walk across the traditional cantilever bridge, capturing stunning views of the dzong and the surrounding landscapes as you go. If time permits, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred shrines.

After an early breakfast, set out to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It clings to a cliff 2,950 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress and meditated there for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s holiest sites, attracting pilgrims from Bhutan and neighboring Buddhist countries.

This sacred site is perched on a cliffside, and the hike to reach it offers forest walks interspersed with breathtaking views. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is challenging but rewarding, and it is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. Enjoy lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery.

Most visitors return from the hike in the early afternoon. After that, you can spend your last few hours in Bhutan relaxing at your hotel or ask your guide to suggest some further sightseeing or shopping opportunities.

Sadly it is time to say ‘Tashi Delek’ (goodbye and good luck) to your Bhutanese companions, who will drop you back at Paro International Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu.

On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met by a private guide for a short tour of Bhaktapur: a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its stunningly well-preserved medieval architecture and famed for its arts and crafts.

You’ll then be driven further out into the Kathmandu Valley and dropped at Nagarkot, a tiny hill village renowned for its stunning sunrise and sunset views. After checking in the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the views.

If you can pull yourself out of bed, an early start is highly recommended to witness the spectacular sunrise over the majestic Himalayas. Then after breakfast, it’s possible to take a hike to one of the region’s best viewpoints on a trail that will take you through hill villages, terraced fields, and beautiful forests. Don’t forget to visit the Nagarkot View Tower, your gateway to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including the final chance to view Mount Everest.

Alternatively, spend the whole day relaxing in your hill retreat, enjoying the pool or spa, or simply relaxing on your balcony and drinking in the views.

Sadly, your Himalayan adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.