Best of Bhutan with Nepal – 8 nights / 9 days

Day 01: Arrive in Kathamndu (1350m / 4430ft): On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After freshen up, walk around local area and enjoy the dinner in the evening.

Meal: Dinner

Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 02: Fly to Paro (2200m / 7200ft) – Drive to Thimpu (2320m / 7600ft), (55 kms / 1 ½ hour drive): After leisurely breakfast, you will be picked up at hotel and transfer to airport. Take a short and scenic flight alongside the Himalayan ranges to the Paro, Bhutan.  Upon arrival at airport in Paro, our representative will receive you and then escort to your hotel in Thimpu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.

After rest and freshen up, explore the city. Visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169 feet statue of Lord Buddha has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Then, then visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to world peace. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately constructed monument provide a deep insight into the Buddhist philosophy.

Meal: Breakfast & dinner

Overnight: At Hotel in Thimpu

Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimpu: Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Later, stroll at the Crafts Bazar in town

Day 04: Thimpu – Punakha (1240m / 4070ft) – Thimpu (140 kms / 5 hours round trip): Make your way to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoying the views from Dochu La Pass (3100m / 10,200ft). Take a short walk to the Chime Lhakhang known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely-adorned 15th century temple said to bless visiting couples for fertility.

Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Then, return to Thimpu.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: At Hotel in Thimpu

Day 05: Drive to Paro (55 kms / 1 ½ hours): After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way, stop at 15 century Iron Bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464) – a great yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering civil engineer.

Visit Drugyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan), Rimpung Dzong and traditional wooden cantilever bridge in Paro.

Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in 7th century.

Stroll around local area in the evening.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: At Hotel in Paro

Day 06: In Paro: Rise early to make the hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3120m / 10240 ft). The hike is about two miles and takes about 3 hours to reach the picturesque Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Tiger’s Nest is a sacred

pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist to Bhutan.

In the evening, experience a unique hot stone bath which will relieve all aches & pains followed by typical Bhutanese dinner.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overnight: At Hotel in Paro

Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be picked up at hotel to transfer to airport. On the way to airport, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in 7th century.

Take a scenic flight alongside the Himalayan ranges to Kathmandu. You will be picked up at Kathmandu airport, and then escort to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Yak & Yeti

Day 08: Guided tour to World Heritage sites in Kathmandu: The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu, representing elegant architecture, refined culture, colorful bazaars and simple hospitable people.

Visit the Soyambhunath stupa on a hillock overlooking Kathmandu valley. Well known as ‘Monkey Temple’ the golden spire crowning, Soyambhunath is the most ancient and mystical of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Then visit Patan – the first city of Nepal. The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur, meaning city of beauty. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples and palace courtyards. Patan is also famous for authentic Nepali metal crafts. Lastly, visit Boudhanath, possibly the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration and Tibetan culture. Visit Tibetan monastery and painting school.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 09: Depart from Kathmandu: After breakfast, transfer to airport. End of service.

Meal: Breakfast