Nepal & Bhutan Itinerary

10 days

Day 1

ARRIVE KATHMANDU

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, your guide will meet you at the airport. If time allows, take a walking tour to the old part of Kathmandu including Ason, Indrachowk & Thamel. It is best described with five Cs: crazy, cool, colorful, crowded & captivating.

Day 2

KATHMANDU

Take a full day sightseeing Kathmandu. Visit Boudhanath: a 5th Century Buddhist stupa which is one of the largest stupa in the world; Patan Durbar Square: the city of fine arts and pagoda architecture; and Pashupatinath: the holiest hindu shrine of Nepal dating back to 200 years B.C.

Day 3

KATHMANDU > PARO > THIMPhU

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Later visit to Tashichhodzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion.”

Day 4

THIMPhU

Take a full day at Thimphu sightseeing including National Memorial Chorten, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), folk heritage and National Textile Museums.

Day 5

THIMPhU > PUNAKHA

Drive up the Dochula pass, visit 108 chortens (spiritual Stupa), mani wall (prayer slate covered stone wall), and prayer flags. On a clear day you will see a Himalayan panorama including Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,497 m.

Later, continue driving to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, strategically placed at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

Then visit Chimi Lhakhang: the fertility temple where the phallic symbol is associated.

Day 6

PUNAKHA > PARO

We return to Paro today where we visit Kichu Temple, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built during 7th century. Time permitting also visit Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Day 7

PARO > TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY HIKE ( 2 ½ HRS ONE WAY)

Drive to Satsam Chorten in the morning and from there commence a hike (2.5 hours one-way) to Taktsang Gompa, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest.

It is believed that in the early 7th century, Guru Padmasambhava, flew here on the back of a Tigress for meditation and continued to spread Buddhism in the region.

Day 8

PARO > KATHMANDU

Transfer to Paro Airport in time to connect your flight to Kathmandu. On the flight you’ll be able to see the Himalayas.

Upon arrival, visit Swayambhunath (monkey temple), and see 2,000 year-old Buddhist stupas.

Day 9

KATHMANDU

We drive to Bhaktapur, the heritage city of Kathmandu Valley, famous for its unique layout. You’ll catch famous sights including the 15th century palace of 55 windows, the Golden Gate, Mahadev temple, Vishnu Temple, Nyatapola temple, potters square, Dattatreya temple, Peacock window, and more.

At night you’ll attend a farewell dinner.

Day 10

DEPART KATHMANDU

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.