Nepal Bhutan and Tibet Tour

Day details

Upon your arrival at the Paro International Airport, one of the company representatives will receive you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Paro. You will be given some time to refresh, following which you will be taken to visit Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress that now houses the government administrative offices and district Monastic Body of Paro Dzongkhang, situated on the other side of the Paro Cho (river). We will cross the traditional cantilever bridge and walk for about half kilometers to reach the Dzong. After Rinpung Dzong, we will now visit Kiychu Lhakhang built in the 7th century, the oldest and the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan located about 5 km from the Paro town on the way to Taksang. From Kiychu Lakhang, we will head north of the Paro city to visit  the Drugyal Dzong, the Victory Fort built in 1649, located 14Kms north of Paro city. We will then get back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day:Traditional cantilever bridge; some beautiful artwork on the way to the dzong; a large courtyard surrounded by huge fortress that exhibit magnificent sculpture and architecture; 14 shrines and chapels inside the Dzong and the Deyangkha Temple outside the Dzong; a beautiful view of Ta Dzong- a seven storied watch tower fortress, which is also known as the Bhutan National Museum; Kiychu Lakhang one of the oldest monasteries surrounded by beautiful Chortens and prayer wheels; experience of peaceful and spiritual atmosphere inside the Lakhang; the ruins of Drugyal Dzong built in the year 1649 to honor the victory over an invasion of Tibet.)

Day details

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will go for a half day excursion to Taktsang Palphug Monastery, (also referred to as Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang), a truly spiritual place beautifully perched on the edge of the cliff at the altitude of 3,120m from the sea level and 900 meters above Paro. We will hike all the way up to the monastery. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria on the way to Taktsang. It takes 2-3 hours to reach the top and about 1.5 hours to come down. After returning from the monastery, we will drive to Thimpu, the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The remaining time will be spent exploring the city. The night will be spent at a hotel in Thimpu. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day:The entire temple complex of Taktsang- four main temples and residential shelters designed by adapting the rock ledges, the cave and the rocky terrain, in which one can enjoy a dozen images of Bodhisattvas, and elegant image of Avalokitesvara with a sacred scripture in an adjoining cell. Taktshang Zangdo Pari, Peak of Urgyan, and a lovely view of the Paro Valley; a trail accompanied by a temple of Urgyan Tsemo located on a rocky plateau with a precipitous projection of several hundred feet over the valley, silence breaking waterfall, blue pine trees, prayer flags and booths selling paraphernalia used while worshipping, Guru Rinpoche’s cave and the colorful paintings and an insight on the lifestyle of people in Thimpu.)

Day details

After breakfast at the hotel, we will now start on our journey to Punakha. It’s a scenic ride on a curved narrow street on steep slopes. On our way to Punakha we will stop at Dochu La Pass (3,100m) to enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas, drive downhill through the forest of Fir and Rhododendron and then the rice field along the river bank to reach Punakha. In Punakha we will visit Punakha Dzong (the Palace of Great Happiness), which is the second oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan located at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chu and Mo Chu. Overnight in a hotel in Punakha. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Spectacular view of the Himalayas and 108 chortens from Dochula pass; lovely view of well preserved farm house and Puna Tsang river; the company of rhododendron and fir trees; the majestic structure of the Dzong; notable images, Thangkas, statues, murals depicting life story of Buddha, gilded statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpooche and Zhabdrung dating back to mid 18th century and gilded panels on pillars, the relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred remains of Ngawang  Namgyal, inside the dzong; traditional cantilever bridge and the memorial of 23 people who lost their life in the glacial floods in 1994, outside the dzong.)

Day details

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our journey towards Paro via Dochula Pass. On our way we will stop to visit Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple devoted to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. We will then have our lunch in Thimpu, and visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Tashichhodzong – the fortress of the glorious religion erected in 1641, which was rebuilt by King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck in the 1960s. After visiting these sites in Thimpu, we continue our journey to Paro. Overnight in a hotel in Paro. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Rich alluvial paddy field on the way to Chimi Lakhang, chorten and prayer flags and the architecture of Chimi Lakhang; the library dating back to 1616 and the institute museum showcasing ingredients that include herbs, mineral, precious metals, gems and animal parts having healing ability; the majestic architecture of Bhutanese material culture, way of life in folk Heritage and National Museums and wide collection of colorful hand-woven textiles and other craft products in the handicraft shops around Tashichodzong.)

Day details

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Paro International airport to catch your flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted and received by one of the company representatives, who will transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu.  You will have enough time to relax at the hotel. Later in the evening, we will meet you at our head office to brief you regarding your remaining trip. In the same meeting we will also introduce you to your guide. After the meeting, we will take you to one of the most popular local restaurants for a welcome dinner hosted by the company. Here you will be introduced to Nepali food, cultural music and ethnic dance. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Nepali food, cultural music and ethnic dance.)

Day details

After breakfast, we will set off for an excursion of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. The sites include the Temple of Pashupatinath, Stupa of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. After spending a few hours observing these wonderful sites, we will be transferred back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like the Kathmandu Durbar Square – a historical structure offering architectural wonders; the temple of Pashupatinath – a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, who possesses the power of destruction; the Stupa of Swayambhunath  and Boudhanath – Buddhist shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha, who is also known as  ‘the Light of Asia’. Optional site: Another World Heritage site ‘Patan Durbar Square’ along with other historical masterpieces like Mahaboudha Temple, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple and Kumbeshwor Temple.)

Day details

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the tourist bus stand to catch a bus to Chitwan, which leaves at 7 in the morning. We will head west of the Kathmandu Valley and soon we are on the Prithvi Highway. Each turn in the highway offers enthralling scenery for you to capture with your camera. About 5 hours drive on a winding highway along the Trisuli River and we will reach the destination, Chitwan. We will be received and transferred to the hotel in Chitwan by one of the company representatives, where we will be welcomed with a welcome drink. We will then freshen up, have lunch at and set off to visit the Tharu (one of the ethnic groups of Nepal) Village, explore their lifestyle and even visit their museum. In the evening, we will enjoy the sunset view from the bank of the river and then entertain ourselves with the cultural show performed by the Tharu people. Overnight in a tourist standard hotel in Chitwan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Winding Prithvi Highway with some of the unforgettable views of the picturesque hamlet, terrace farms, green huge hills, Trisuli river meandering like a snake in the grass; the lifestyle of the people running motels, hotels and lodges along the highway; Tharu village and an insight on the lifestyle and culture of the Tharu people through their cultural program and the Tharu museum.)

Day details

Today, we start our day with an elephant ride. After about a-hour-and-a-half elephant ride in the community forest, we will come back to the accommodation for breakfast. After breakfast, we will set off for elephant bath, a dugout canoe trip down the Budhi Rapti River and jungle walk. We will then visit the elephant breeding center and elephant camp and if time permits, we will also visit the Bis Hajar Taal (lake). If you want to save time, instead of elephant ride you can also hire a jeep and enjoy jeep safari. The entire day will be spent exploring the attractions of the Chitwan National Park. Overnight in a hotel in Chitwan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Elephant ride, jungle safari, dugout canoe ride, and jungle walking; wide variety of birds and animals; a visit to elephant breeding center, elephant camp and Bis Hajar Taal.)

Day details

We will start this day with a bird watching trip in the woods of Chitwan National Parks. We will then get back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, leaving Chitwan we will head towards Pokhara. About 4 hour bus ride and we will enter the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara. We will check into the hotel, freshen up, rest for some time and then set off to explore the lake area in Pokhara; we enjoy boating around the Phewa Lake and Barahi Temple. Then, enjoying the night life of Pokhara, we return to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: A wide variety of birds in the bird watching trip in Chitwan; scenic drive from Chitwan to Pokhara; boating around the Phewa Lake and the night life in Pokhara.)

Day details

Today, early in the morning, we will drive to Sarangkot (located 5 kilometers from the lakeside and 45 mins drive from Pokhara), in order to enjoy the sunrise view. We will then drive down to the hotel, have breakfast and set off to visit the major attractions of the Pokhara city. We will visit Davi’s fall, Gupteswor Cave, Mahendra Cave, Binabasini temple, Gorkha museum and Fewa Lake. After excursion, we will get back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: Stunning sunrise view from Sarangkot; Davi’s Fall, Gupteswor and Mahendra Cave; interesting information about Gurkha army- history till date- in the Gurkha Museum; Fewa lake and  beautiful view of Mt. Machhapuchhre  from the Fewa Lake.)

Day details

Today we will drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast at the hotel. The tourist bus from Pokhara, for Kathmandu leaves around 8 in the morning. It’s a pleasant, scenic 7 hour drive on the highway along the river. The bus will stop twice for food along the highway. On reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel from the bus station. In the evening, we will conduct a short meeting at our office to brief you regarding the remaining trip and hand over the tickets, permits and other necessary documents required to visit Tibet. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: Pleasant bus ride on a scenic highway accompanied by river, hills, waterfalls, hamlets, hotels, motels, terrace farms and a variety of vegetation.)

Day details

Leaving Nepal, today we will fly to Lhasa, located at the altitude of 3,490 meters.  Upon our arrival at the Gonggar Airport in Lhasa, we will be received and transferred to the hotel booked for us in Lhasa, by one of the company representatives. The air at Lhasa only contains 68 percent of the oxygen compared to sea level; therefore, the remaining day will be spent resting and acclimatizing to the thinning air. Overnight at a hotel in Lhasa. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: A trans-Himalayan flight that presents the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas including, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga and many other peaks.)

Day details

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we will set out on a tour of different landmarks of Lhasa. We will first visit Sera monastery, one of the great three Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles north of Lhasa. We will then visit Norbulingka (the Jeweled Park), the UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lama until 1959. After visiting this wonderful site, we will visit Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual center of Lhasa that unravels the deep seated mysteries of the Tibetan Buddhism. Finally, we visit Barkhor, an area of narrow sacred streets and a public square located around the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa and get back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: Sera Monastery- an area of 28 acres with three main buildings: the Coqen Hall, Zhacang and Kamcun exhibiting scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals; 5 chapels that give honor to the Maitreya, Sakyamuni, Arhats, Tsong Khapa and KWAN-Yin with one thousand and eleven faces and the Gangyur of Tripitaka in Tibetan, presented by a Ming Dynasty Emperor as a gift to Jamchen Chojey protected inside the Coqen Hall; a well-preserved fresco in Me Zhacang and the display of Hayagriva in Je Zhacang; large Kamcun, the dormitory; Norbulingka- the world’s  largest, highest and best preserved ancient man- made horticultural garden in Tibet presenting the perfect blend of gardening with architecture and sculpture arts of several Tibetan ethnic groups; the blended architectural (Vihara, Nepalese, and Tang Dyansty) style of Jokhang temple, statue of the Jowo Shakyamuni,  Chenresig, Padmasambhava, king Songstsan Gambo, Princess Wen Cheng, Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and various other statues of Bodhisattva many in yab-yum pose in Jokhang temple and finally Muru Nyingba Monastery-the State Oracle in Lhasa, a number of nobels’ houses, including Tromzikhang and Jamkhang and four large incense burner in the four cardinal directions with incense burning constantly in the Barkhor street.)

Day details

Today, after breakfast without wasting time we will set off to visit the museum and World Heritage Site, which until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan uprising was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama, the 17th century’s ‘Potala Palace’.  It is built at an altitude of 3,700m on the side of Marpo RI in the center of Lhasa Valley. After spending a few hours enjoying the palace area, we will then visit Drepung Monastery built in the 14th century on the Gambo Utse Mountain and is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries. We will then get back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the days: Potala Palace- thirteen storied building rising more than 300m above the valley floor with over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and about 200,000 statues, displaying decorative painting with jeweled work, carving and other ornamentation; awesome view of the entire Lhasa city from the Potala Palace; portraits of various Dalai Lama, striking statue of Dalai Lama XIII, 15m tall statue of the 8-year old Matreya Buddha designed by Tsongkapa on the third floor of the main building, Buddhist scriptures, multiple Buddha statues with other decorations, a sacred mirror, which is believed to cure the facial disease of those who gaze into it and several courtyards, where  monks debate Buddhist scripture, in the Drepung Monastery.)

Day details

Today is the last day of the trip. Therefore, one of the company representatives will drive you to the airport as per your flight departure time. However, if you are getting back to Kathmandu, we can make further required arrangements, on request. Meals included: Breakfast