Adventure Through Nepal and Bhutan

Start your day with a visit to Swayambhunath, often referred to as the Monkey Temple, renowned for its spiritual significance and stunning views. Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers panoramic vistas of the Kathmandu Valley. As you ascend the steep steps, you’ll encounter various shrines and monasteries that reflect both Buddhist and Hindu influences.

The site is a harmonious blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements, reflecting the syncretic spiritual landscape of Nepal.

Next, explore Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can observe pilgrims spinning prayer wheels. to the river. The area around Boudhanath is bustling with Tibetan culture, filled with monasteries, shops, and eateries. Visitors often participate in the kora, a ritual circumambulation of the stupa, which is believed to accumulate merit. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the rhythmic spinning of prayer wheels and chanting of monks create a deeply meditative environment.

Evening: Observing the Aarati ceremony at Pashupatinath is one of the most moving experiences. This nightly rite, carried out at sunset, is a colourful and poignant event. During Aarati, the deity is offered various things through lamps that are lit with ghee, or clarified butter, and are accompanied by drumming and chanting. The ceremony, which is a visual, auditory, and devotional extravaganza, is held at the Ghats of the main temple, which are stairs that descend to the river.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Begin your day by delving into the historical charm of Bhaktapur, one of the ancient cities in the Kathmandu Valley renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. Spend your time wandering through the cobbled streets and marvelling at the intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards. Bhaktapur is known for its traditional Newari architecture, and each corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich history.

Midday: Pottery Square

Visit Pottery Square (Kumha Tole), where traditional pottery thrives. Observe skilled artisans creating clay wares and local grains. Explore shrines like the Ganesh shrine, Vishnu temple, and Jetha Ganesh temple within this vibrant square.

Afternoon: Drive to Patan

In the afternoon, venture to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and artistic mastery. This historic square is surrounded by intricately carved temples, ancient palaces, and courtyards that reflect the grandeur of the Malla era. Marvel at the detailed woodwork and stone carvings that adorn the buildings, each telling its own story of the city’s illustrious past.

Return to your hotel in the evening with a deep appreciation of Patan’s cultural and architectural splendor, preparing for more adventures in the days to come.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. 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. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left 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.

Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Afterwards visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). 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.

King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea 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 to 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.

Overnight at Thimphu

After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). 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.

After checking into hotel, proceed to 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.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is a total of about 1 1⁄2 hour walk, including both ways). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually 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

Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Later visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara

(Chenrigzig      chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious training, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

On the seventh day of your journey, the transition from Punakha to Paro unfolds with a scenic 3-hour drive covering approximately 110 km. The morning begins with a visit to Punakha Dzong (30 mins drive from Hotel, 15 kms away), an architectural marvel situated amidst the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. The historic Punakha Dzong invites exploration of its courtyards and intricate details, providing a deep dive into Bhutanese history and cultural significance. Next on the itinerary is Chimi Lakhang (13.6 kms, 30 mins drive from Punakha Dzong), the Temple of the Divine Madman. Renowned for its fertility blessings and vibrant artwork, the temple offers a serene environment for a leisurely stroll and reflection. After a morning of cultural exploration, proceed to Paro (3 hours’ drive, 110 kms). Upon arrival, check in at your chosen hotel, allowing for some relaxation and refreshment. In the afternoon, the historical richness of Paro unfolds with visits to Ta Dzong (10 mins drive from hotel, 4 kms from Paro) and Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) (10 mins drive from Ta Dzong, 3-4 kms). Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, now serves as the National Museum of Bhutan, showcasing the country’s art, artifacts, and cultural heritage.

Continue to Rinpung Dzong, an imposing fortress-monastery that stands as a testament to Bhutanese architecture and plays a central role in religious and administrative affairs. The evening in Paro is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore local markets, indulge in traditional Bhutanese cuisine, or simply revel in the tranquillity of Paro, the flexibility of the evening allows for a personalized experience.

Overnight at Paro.

Early Morning: After an early breakfast at your hotel in Paro, transfer to Paro Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon: Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning architecture, historic temples, and vibrant atmosphere. Explore the ancient palaces and courtyards, and take in the rich cultural heritage of the area.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on your memorable journey.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your onward departure. Our representative will assist you with the exit formalities and ensure a smooth check-in process.