Nepal, a diverse gem, fulfills every traveler’s desire. In Kathmandu, a living museum showcases towering pagodas, captivating architecture, and former King’s palaces, appealing to culture enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Bhutan, the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon,” features a picturesque landscape of forests, monasteries, and fortresses with green valleys, rivers, trefoil-shaped houses, and imposing Dzongs. Bhutan’s hardworking, vibrant, and religious people enhance its pristine nature, while alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes, and flowers form a paradise, attracting rare, black-necked cranes annually.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative. You will then be transferred to the hotel.
After breakfast we will do a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. Our sightseeing includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.
Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Visit the vegetable & spice market in Ason and see its many courtyards and bustling bazaars. Also visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience Rickshaw ride around Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site and known as a Self-Created stupa.
Transfer to Patan, also known as Lalitpur – the city of artisans and a paradise of fine arts. Best known for its cultural heritage, the city retains much of its old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pokhara which takes approx. 25 minutes.
Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty. Pokhara Valley is the end of the famous Annapurna Circuit and a gateway to some of the most famous long-distance treks in Nepal.
Visit the Davis Fall, a lovely waterfall that marks the point where a stream from Phewa Lake vanishes underground through a natural tunnel. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, across the Davis Fall, is one of the longest caves in Nepal. Visit Pokhara’s traditional Old Bazaar.
Enjoy boating at the PhewaTaal, the second largest lake in Nepal. The lake is stream fed but a dam regulates the water reserve, therefore, it is classified as semi-natural freshwater lake. Visit Barahi Temple – the island temple situated in a small island in the Phewa Lake surrounded by marvelous views.
Spend the day indulging in various hikes in Pokhara or go for adventure sports such as paragliding, ultralight flights, river rafting, etc.
Today you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Later, we will visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
The magnificent Pashupatinath temple with its astonishing architectural beauty is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. Dedicated to the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva, this temple is regarded as the most sacred of all Lord Shiva temples. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple comprises of a richly ornamented pagoda that houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva.
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arriving at Paro, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Later we will visit National Museum and Paro Dzong.
The National Museum of Bhutan is a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong which is an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. This unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell. The original building was constructed in 1656 but the building was converted into a museum in 1968.
Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means “Fortress on a heap of jewels.” This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro.
Today we will do a day excursion to Thimphu. Our sightseeing will include following places:
While driving to Thimphu, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, which is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.
In Thimphu, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the first structure to incorporate both monastic and administrative facilities. Its students are both monks and ordinary people. Visit the Memorial Chorten, National Library of Bhutan and Tashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu.
Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
After sightseeing, drive back to Paro and transfer to the hotel.
Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, hike for about an hour to the beautiful Taktsang Monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.
Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
This sample itinerary can be modified according to the client's interests. While all the information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, changes to our trips can and do occur. These changes may be due to our efforts to improve the program or for logistical reasons such as alterations in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Dharma Adventures will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any modifications made to the published itinerary.
Nepal Portion
Bhutan Portion
Copyright 2023 Dharma Adventure. All Rights Reserved.