Bhutan and Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya - A Luxury Small Group Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive day in Kathmandu 
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. At the evening you'll transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with the cultural & musical programs in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel (Heritage Deluxe Room)

Day 02: Fly to Paro and Transfer Thimphu (2,350M) | Among the Towering Peaks
Today we fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Our representatives will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. After refreshed at your hotel we visit the National Memorial Chorten, a graceful landmark with golden spires and bells. Later, see the Tashichho Dzong, a 13th century Buddhist monastery and fortress, for an insight into Bhutanese spirituality. Overnight at Taj Tashi 

Day 03: Sightseeing Thimphu | Fine Weavers at Work
Today after breakfast we get the opportunity to glimpse into rural Bhutanese life this morning when you visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which replicates a traditional farmhouse furnished as it would have been a century ago. Our next stop is the National Textile museum which showcases a wide range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles including the crowns and attire used by the monarchs and members of the Royal Family. It is also a wonderful introduction to the country’s major weaving techniques and local style of dress. Lastly today you visit the National Library which is an important repository of ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Overnight at Taj Tashi 

Day 04: Drive to Punakha (1,300M) | The Divine Madman
Today after breakfast we drive over the Dochula Pass (3,100m), with its stunning 360-degree views and admire the colorful prayer flags en-route to Punakha. Stop at historic Punakha Dzong, where the first king of modern Bhutan was crowned and continue to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman) known as a fertility temple. Return to Thimphu for dinner.  Overnight Taj Tashi 

Day 05: Paro (1,295M) | Monasteries, Rivers & Relics
Today’s our journey is to Paro, stopping en-route in Chuzom, located at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Once in Paro, view the religious thankga (scroll) paintings and the natural history collection at the conch-shaped National Museum. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a monastery and fortress along a mountain river. Then, we visit local farmers at their farmhouse to better understand their traditional way of life.  Overnight at Zhiwa Ling Hotel 

Day 06: Paro | Ascent to the Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”)
This morning after breakfast, you have an opportunity to climb to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”), which clings to the cliff 900 meters above the valley. This hike is a 6.5 kilometer round trip reaching heights of 2,800m. It is intentionally difficult, intended as an arduous pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees. You may hike all or part of the way. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred shrines.  Overnight at Zhiwa Ling Hotel

Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal (1,400M) | Historic Durbar Square
Today we say farewell to Bhutan and fly onwards to Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After refreshed we visit the Nepalese capital, like a local by rickshaw to Durbar Square where the magnificent Taleju Temple, the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari), a temple built in 1757 known both for its magnificent carvings as well as its divine inhabitant. Later on, there is time to stroll through the colorful bazaar and the bustling old city with its narrow alleyways and temples. Continue to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), one of the most sacred shrines for Buddhists. Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel 

Day 08: Kathmandu | The Nepalese countryside
This morning after breakfast we explore Patan to see its Durbar Square and the former royal palace. It remains the finest collection of temples and palaces in the whole country. Afterwards, we continue to the well-preserved hilltop town of Kirtipur and visit the temple of Adinath, the Chilancho Stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav. Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel

Day 09: Kathmandu | Hindu Temples & Buddhist Stupas
This morning after breakfast we proceed to Bhaktapur, a ninth century town in the Kathmandu Valley celebrated for its glorious architecture and renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and the indigenous lifestyle of its Newari community. Today we also visit Pashupatinath Temple, a very sacred Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River, an important cremation site for Hindus. After this we continue our visit to Boudhanath, home to one the world’s largest Buddhist shrines. Tonight, gather for your farewell dinner and toast your unforgettable time in the Himalaya.   Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel 

Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu 
As your journey ends, shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination. 
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