Home BhutanHimalayan cultural tour, Bhutan and Nepal

Himalayan cultural tour, Bhutan and Nepal

Duration : 13 day(s)

Set between Tibet to the north and India to the south, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has unlocked its doors to travellers to provide a unique glimpse at life in the mountains where Buddhism, happiness and harmony with nature form the bedrock of a nation's cultural enlightenment.

From precariously placed mountain monasteries to agricultural landscapes stretching for as far as the eye can see this Himalayan cultural tour encapsulates the essence of Bhutan and Nepal with a short flight from Kathmandu making short shrift of distances between highlights.

Guided sightseeing tours, daily drives and a two hour uphill trek to Taktsang Monastery (well worth the leg work) allow this cultural tour to gently progress as you find your feet in the Himalayan kingdom and get to experience life amongst Asia’s lesser-seen temples and palatial properties.

 

Fixed Departure  2024: 02 Jan,13Jan ,20 Jan, 26 Jan, 02 Feb,10 Feb,24  Feb, 02 Mar, 10 Mar, 17 Mar,26 Mar, 06 April,15  April, 22 April ,29  April, 05   may,15 May  , 27 May, 9 June, 16 June, 25  June, 03 July, 14 Jul, 29 July, 05 Aug, 15 Aug ,27 Aug, 4 Sep ,19 Sep ,25 Sep,04 Oct ,16 Oct,21  Oct , 28 Oct , 05 Nov , 14 Nov, 24 Nov, 03 Dec, 13 Dec , 22 Dec , 27 Dec 

 

 

 

 

Day 1:    Prior to landing in Kathmandu airport, you could have some excellent views of snow capped mountains, after custom clearance, meet with tour coordinator at the airport with traditional garland welcome. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2:    Visit of old Kathmandu city with its stone-paved lanes, colorful bazaars, the House of the living Goddess-Kumarai who is considered to be the incarnation of the "Virgin Goddess". The old Durbar Square consists of innumerable temples of different architecture. Continue to Swoyambhunath stupa, situated west of Kathmandu. It is a 2500 years old Buddhist stupa located at a top of green hillock with the eyes of Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking righteous behaviour of the valley inhabitants. Then drive to the temple of Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, temple of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof and silver doors, is famous for its superb architecture. Then drive to Bodhnath, the largest Stupa. This Stupa, set in a pattern of Mandala is encircled by houses and monasteries where Rinpoches reside. Around the base of this is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing the prayer wheels. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3:    Bhutan: Fly to Bhutan. Arrive Paro. Drive Paro-Thimpu (65Km, 2hrs). Morning free. Late morning, check out of the hotel. Transfer to a local restaurant for early lunch. After lunch, transfer to Kathmandu airport to fly to Paro.Traditional Khada welcome. Drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimpu is today the nation's bustling capital city. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Thimpu.

Day 4:    After breakfast drive from Thimpu to Punakha After breakfast sightseeing on Thimpu includes visiting National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop for tea / coffee at Dochula pass (3050m), La in Bhutanese means pass, enjoy with mountain scenery. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century. And later take a stroll around market area. Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 5:    Drive From Punakha To Gangtey (Phobjikha): Drive through dense forests of Oak and Rhododendron trees, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha) walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Kingdom. Overnight stay at Guest House.

Day 6:    Drive From Gangtey To Trongsa: After breakfast, explore Phobjikha valley, which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate from Tibetan Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Then drive to Trongsa crossing 3300 m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight stay at lodge in Trongsa

Day 7:    Drive From Trongsa To Bumthang: After breakfasts visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Taa Dzong, the watch tower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Overnight stay at lodge in Bumthang.

Day 8:    Drive from Bhumtang to Wangdu Phodrang: It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1639 which situated on a hill. Wangdue means to bring under one’spower. It provides wonderful views of valley. Visit Wangdi Dzong and local village houses and offering good insight life styles of people. Overnight stay at Guest house in Wangdi.

Day 9:    After breakfast drive from Wangdue to Paro and check into hotel.

Day 10:                 In the morning, take an excursion (2 hrs hike uphill) to Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger's Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on a back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang Monastery was damaged severely by fire in 1998 and the present restoration work is almost completed. On return, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that Bhutanese repelled several Tibetan-invading armies during 17th century. Thereafter, visit Kichu Lakhang. Free or possibility of visiting the local farm houses (if not hiking to Taktsang monastery) Lunch, Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 11:                 Sightseeing in Paro: Visit to Ta- Dzong, built in 17th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antiques like thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century, which now houses Paro monastic school and an office for civil administration. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 12:                 Fly From Paro To Kathmandu: Departs from hotel to Paro airport for the flight to onward destination. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13:                 Departure to Kathamndu airport.

Cost Includes:

During the Nepal tour twin-sharing accommodation on B/B basis at  3* categories hotel as per itinerary, sightseeing tour with English speaking tour guide, and Deluxe  private Delux Car/Van land transport as per itinerary. During the Bhutan tour Twin-sharing accommodation in the best tourist standard hotel on full board basis, land transfer as per itinerary, cultural show, entrance fees.

  • All kind of personal nature expenses such as liquors, tips, telephone calls, laundry charges, airport taxes, insurance, excess baggage charges, $ 50 Bhutan visa fees. Any loss arising and expenses due to unforeseen circumstances etc.
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Trip Code

48


From precariously placed mountain monasteries to agricultural landscapes stretching for as far as the eye can see this Himalayan cultural tour encapsulates the essence of Bhutan and Nepal with a short flight from Kathmandu making short shrift of distances between highlights.

Fixed Departure  2024: 02 Jan,13Jan ,20 Jan, 26 Jan, 02 Feb,10 Feb,24  Feb, 02 Mar, 10 Mar, 17 Mar,26 Mar, 06 April,15  April, 22 April ,29  April, 05   may,15 May  , 27 May, 9 June, 16 June, 25  June, 03 July, 14 Jul, 29 July, 05 Aug, 15 Aug ,27 Aug, 4 Sep ,19 Sep ,25 Sep,04 Oct ,16 Oct,21  Oct , 28 Oct , 05 Nov , 14 Nov, 24 Nov, 03 Dec, 13 Dec , 22 Dec , 27 Dec 

 

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