Kathmandu Bhutan Tour

You will be received at Kathmandu airport by our representative holding your name plate. After formal meeting,and welcome with a traditional flower garland and transferred to your hotel. There is an option of familiarization walk to the old Kathmandu in the suburb of tourist center of Thamel.

Join your fellow travelers and Tour Guide at a morning orientation meeting outlining the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. Then, a spiritual visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. This temple, celebrated for its magnificent architecture is the site of Kathmandu’s funeral ghats, a series of cremation platforms spread along the river.

Next, on to Boudhanath, the largest stupa of its kind in the world, with its hundreds of prayer wheels and images of Buddha set into the niches around this mesmerizing 5th century structure.

After breakfast, we travel to hilltop Kirtipur, an ancient town with a proud and courageous history and commanding views of the valley, once part of the Kingdom of Patan. View the splendid temples scattered around the city and stroll the quaint streets of the Old City lined with artist’s homes. After lunch at a popular restaurant, on to ancient Patan, ‘the city of fine arts,’ with its graceful old Royal Palace and concentrated maze of temples, the most visually stunning display of Newari architecture in Nepal.

We drive along roads dotted with terraced rice fields to Chitwan National Park. Meet your naturalist guide for a briefing about the park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can look forward to an incredible stay and memorable experience in the midst of one of the world’s most beautiful nature centers. Time to settle in and enjoy a leisurely lunch before this afternoon’s Rapti River Cruise. We’ll float down this picturesque river surrounded by magnificent views of the Himalayan foothills and unique species of birdlife. At sunset, return to the river for a ‘Sundowner’ followed by a fabulous Dinner. As we dine on fine Nepali cuisine, the stunning natural setting is brilliantly illuminated by over 100 lamps. Tarot card readers, palmists and traditional Tharu stick dances will be there to make your evening even more special.

Today is full with wondrous explorations, beginning with a morning Elephat Safari led by our naturalist guides. We’re in search of sighting the rare one-horned Rhino, deer, monkeys, and perhaps even leopard, wild elephant, or sloth bear. There is also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot a majestic royal Bengal tiger! This reserve with its huge forests, marshlands and grasslands makes it one of the best national parks for viewing wildlife in all of Asia. A stop for lunch at the renowned Bada Ghar restaurant in the park known for its continental, Himalayan and Tibetan specialties such as Yak cheese pizza. Continue to a nearby village for an interesting walk to observe the daily lifestyle and activities of the Tharu community and their traditional culture and customs.

An early morning jungle walk gives us time to bid farewell to magnificent Chitwan before drive/flight back to Kathmandu. Here, after lunch, a rickshaw transports us to Durbar Square, an impressive cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and winding lanes. Stop at sprawling Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty and the Temple of Kumari, home to Nepal’s most important living goddess. See the stone-carved statue of ferocious KalBhairav, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of destruction, followed by a visit to the magnificent Temple of the Goddess Taleju. Walk through the bustling bazaars and winding streets of the Old City before arriving at Swayambhunath, a 2000-year-old Buddhist stupa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All four sides of this majestic structure crowning the hilltop are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings clustered in this area before free time.

A morning flight takes us from Kathmandu to the tiny mystical mountain kingdom of Bhutan with its striking monasteries and magnificent mountain scenery in the heart of the Himalayas.Your guide welcomes you with a traditional khadar greeting, symbolizing purity and goodness. On our drive, see traditional dzongs dotting the landscape, a distinctive type of fortress architecture with towering exterior walls surrounding complexes of courtyards, temples, and monks' accommodations. Bhutan remains a uniquely distinct country. As we arrive in the small charming capital city of Thimphu, observe a remarkable blend of ‘old and new’ painted in traditional Bhutanese style. Time to settle in before this afternoon’s stroll through the main square.

This morning in Thimphu, observe throngs of monks strolling serenely in their bright crimson robes and workers wearing traditional ghos and kiras. After a visit to the indigenous Medical Hospital, we travel north for a private visit to the Choki Painting School where students learn thirteen different Bhutanese crafts over a six-year course that includes papermaking, painting, sculpting, embroidery and more. Return to the city for lunch followed by a visit to the Royal Textile museum with its unique displays of innovative designs and fascinating multimedia presentation. Afterwards, ascend Sangaygang Hill for commanding views of the entire valley; pause and reflect away from the hustle and bustle of the town. On our return to Thimphu, a visit to the Takin Zoo dedicated to caring for sick animals. You’ll get to meet a Takin, the rare national animal of Bhutan. Leisure time before this evening’s delightful private tea with nuns from the Zilukha Temple; listen to their unique spiritual chants before returning to the hotel for dinner.

An early start this morning as we drive along the high winding mountain roads to the stunning Dochula Pass overlooking the Himalayas. Here, we pause to see astonishing views accented by snow-clad peaks and more than 100 chortens (stupas) built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed in battle. Driving further, we reach the peaceful and colorful Royal Botanical Garden. A lakeside lunch in the center of the garden is followed by a short tour with forest officials. Before leaving, opportunity to hang traditional prayer flags for world peace, or for people who are hungry or ill (in Buddhism, a prayer flag is considered a blessing). Return to Thimpu for dinner together.

Join Buddhists this morning performing their daily ritual of turning the giant red prayer wheels at the whitewashed Chorten National Memorial, with its shining golden finial. Then, on to Buddha Point at Kuenselphodrang; marvel at the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue that houses over a 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each made of bronze and gilded in gold. Along the way, we stop for a private Bhutanese lunch served in the courtyard of the legendary 300-year-old Sisina Heritage Farmhouse, served by hosts in the family’s original earthenware. Afterwards, on our drive to Paro we stop to see the iron chains made in the 16th century, collected from all the damaged iron-chain bridges across the country. Arriving in Paro, enjoy views of striking hanging cliffside temples on the orientation walk through town. Dinner and overnight is in Paro.

This morning, a visit to Paro's National Museum, housed in an old hilltop watchtower shaped like a conch shell. Here, we’re guided by a local historian who interprets the museum's valuable collection of antique paintings, festival masks, religious statues and stone carvings. Afterwards, on to Rimpung Dzong, one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture called the “fortress of a heap of jewels” by the locals. Inside, don’t miss the unique frescoes and painting of Milarepa, considered the master of meditation by Buddhists. Walk down to the cantilevered wooden covered bridge to enjoy lunch in a scenic setting along with a private archery demo. You’ll be invited to join the game, or, participate in local folk dances. Towards evening, visit to the 7th century Temple of Kyichu, a reservoir of peace; private time with a senior monk and opportunity to light butter-lamps for world peace before dinner.

Your choice! If you are adventurous and physically fit, get ready for a memorable hike to the world-famous Tiger's Nest or Taktshang Palphung Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. This not to be missed site is accessible only by walking or, on a mule or pony (optional and prearranged only). The mystical belief is that it was at this sacred pilgrimage site that the great mystic Padmasambhava flew on the back of the tiger and brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. Return to the hotel for a late lunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation. You may choose to pamper yourself at the spa or have a private astrology session before dinner.

Depart Bhutan on a flight back to Nepal. Upon arrival, lunch at the hotel in Kathmandu before driving to the medieval ancient city of Bhaktapur, the ‘City Of Devotees’, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the maze of winding streets lined with temples dating back to the 13th century. Marvel at the intricately carved deities of the richly molded Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows with its exquisite woodcarvings. See Lion’s Gate with its guarding lion statues and Nyatapola, the 17th century temple in Taumadhi Square as well as the astonishing Bhairab Temple. At the Pottery Center, skilled potters teach us the secrets of their craft. Leisure time before tonight’s festivities. Celebrate the last night of your journey with an elegant Farewell Dinner at Bhaktapur, welcomed by hosts in traditional Jyapuni dress. Enjoy superb Nepalese food while Newari musicians and dancers serenade you. Bid goodbye to newfound friends and your Tour guide. A perfect ending to our journey in Nepal and Bhutan.

Leisure time until the late afternoon transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Upon departure from the hotel, a khada ceremonial scarf is presented to you, symbolizing a safe journey back home.