Bhutan Nepal Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Hotel

Arrive in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. We will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for independent exploration of the city and walk through the local market. Note: It is also possible that we can do one some sightseeing (like Swoyambhunath Stupa or Kathmandu Durbar Square) but that all depend on your arrival time in Nepal. Most of the flights are coming late evening so; it is not possible to include sightseeing on first day. But if there is enough time, we can accommodate it.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Tribhuvan Museum, Mahendra Museum & Swayambhunath Temple including the National Museum at Chaunni and the Museum of Natural History in Swayambhunath. Kathmandu Durbar square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries used to be the seat of Malla kings of Kathmandu. The Durbar square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. Swoyambhunath stupa (Monkey temple): This is considered as the oldest Buddhist stupa that watches over the valley from the top of hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites of Nepal. It' establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of primordial lake. It's listed in World Heritage site. Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Patan. Ashupatinath Temple: It is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. It is situated 5km east from city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva.Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple also a World Heritage Sites. The Patan Museum and Tibetan Refugee Patan Durbar Square: Durbar Square like its counter part in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace building, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal place complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna built entirely of stone. It is listed on World Heritage site list.

Day 3: Kathmandu - Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, board the bus for a four hour journey to Chitwan National Park. On arrival, you will be received by a representative from Rhino Residency Resort, a comfortable and moderate standard resort. Royal Chitwan National Park is synonymous with some of the most rewarding and stimulating wildlife activities in Nepal. The Park is approximately 1,000 sq. km. of sub-tropical lowland area, heavily forested hills bordering India on the south. It is a wildlife and cultural haven, with a unique flora and fauna, a home to a multitude of wild animals such as Royal Bengal Tiger, Deer, Rhino, Bear, Elephant, Wild boar, leopard and more than 420 species of birds recorded inside the Park, as well as the fascinating Tharu tribe whose lifestyle has remained unchanged for several hundred of years. There is opportunity for elephant safaris for wildlife viewing, canoeing and nature walks/bird watching with highly trained resident naturalist.

Day 4: Full Day Jungle Activity

Activities include elephant safaris, dugout canoeing, bird watching and nature or jungle walks and even a jungle trek for those staying for a longer period. A visit to Chitwan allows the opportunity to fully experience the contrasts of Nepal.

Day 5: Chitwan - Kathmandu - Nagarkot

After breakfast, drive for 30 minutes to the nearest airport called Bharatpur and a 25 minutes flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received at the airport and we drive to Nagarkot. Afternoon, walk around/enjoy sunset view of Nagarkot.

Day 6: Kathmandu - Nagarkot via Bhaktapur Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur. As you walk into Bkaktapur, you can't but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The Palace entrance, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the Palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. There are more things to see in Bhaktapur, they are Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, Potters' Square etc.

Day 7: Fly to Bhutan, Transfer to Thimpu

Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. In Paro you will be received by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to the capital town of Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimpu Sightseeing

In the capital of Bhutan, there are many things to see which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small having a population of approximately 45,000 people and the streets are wide and tree lined. You will almost certainly visit the Late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum, the handmade paper factory, the school of arts and crafts where young students learn the traditional arts and crafts (Zo Rig Chusum - the thirteen crafts), Gold and the Silver Smiths workshop, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, and the Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the weavers at work and also varieties of textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewelery.

Day 9: Drive to Paro, Sightseeing

Today we drive along the winding mountain road to Paro. In the afternoon, we tour Bhutan's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Then, we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet. A spectacular view of Mount. Jumolhari (23,996ft /7314m) can be seen from here. Also visit Rinpung Dzong and a typical Bhutanese farm house.

Day 10: Paro - Excursion to Taktsang

Today we visit the Paro valley, site of the famous Tiger's Nest, the Taktsang Monastery where the legendary Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat the demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The walk is long (approx. 2 hrs walk uphill), and can be steep in places, but the views are stunning. After lunch at the cafeteria, return to Paro; the walk is all the way downhill to your car (approx. 1 & half hours). Evening will be at leisure and you may stroll around the small township of Paro.

Day 11: Paro - Kathmandu

This morning we will make our way to the airport for the spectacular Himalayan flight past Chomolhari, (Bhutan's second highest peak) and Everest, back to Kathmandu. Rest of the day: Free for independent activities or shopping.

Day 12: Transfer to the Airport for flight

Depending on flight time, we will transfer you to the airport to fly back home.