Nepal and Bhutan: Culture, Nature and Spiritual World of the Himalayas
chief locations :
This journey heads to the heart of Asia, between great mountains, with a fusion of colors, prayers, spiritual music and sacred dances.
This journey heads to the heart of Asia, between great mountains, with a fusion of colors, prayers, spiritual music and sacred dances. This experience will also offer you the opportunity to learn about Nepal and Bhutan from many aspects: there will be time to explore nature and wilderness, to learn about history and local culture, to experience adventure activities, to enlarge our vision about other spiritual traditions and their sacred places.
Highlights
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Nath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, Kasthamandup Temple, Chitwan National Park, rafting on the Trishuli River, Sarangot Mountain view, Paro, Thimpu, Wangdi-Trongsa-Bumthang
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu
Days 3-4: Chitwan
Day 5: Pokhara
Day 6: Kathmandu
Day 7: Paro
Day 8: Thimphu
Day 9: Wangdi
Day 10: Trongsa-Bumthang
Day 11: Bumthang
Day 12: Thimphu
Day 13: Paro-Kathmandu
Day 14: Kathmandu-Departure
Price
Pricing depends on choice of accommodations, travel dates, and number of travelers. Please call us for pricing details.
Dates
Departures are available all throughout the year. Please call us for more information.
Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu (dinner included)
Nepal and Bhutan Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet with our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Hotel in Kathmandu. (dinner included)
Day 2 — Kathmandu
From 9:30 a.m., Kathmandu sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple, the world’s largest stupa; a sight of great veneration to Buddhists. Swayambhunath Temple, the oldest Buddhist shrine; looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu Valley spread out below. Lunch break in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, site of the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Finally, visit Kasthamandup, a temple built from a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name. Transfer to hotel for overnight in Kathmandu. (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 3 — Kathmandu–Rafting–Chitawan National Park
After breakfast, leave hotel at 7:00 a.m., for 2-hour drive to the raft put-in point. Whitewater rafting in Trishuli River for 3 hours, over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Then proceed to Chitawan National Park for an exclusive jungle safari. Upon arrival we meet with the naturalist and transfer to the jungle resort. The manager will brief the guests about activities. In late afternoon, guests will be taken for a jungle safari on elephant back so that they can penetrate deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife; alternatively a jungle walk is organized to experience the abundant bird life and the flora and fauna of the park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger on both the nature walk as well as on elephant safari. A hearty meal of continental or Nepalese cuisine will be served in the evening around the campfire. Overnight at jungle resort. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 4 — Chitwan National Park
In early morning guests will be mounted on elephant back and taken for another jungle exploration, 2-3 hours penetrating through dense grassland to view wildlife. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18-20 ft. It is the favorite habitat of the rhinoceros and other mammals. After breakfast, the guests are taken to our elephant stables where the senior naturalists will give a talk about the habitats of the elephant. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephant at bath. Afternoon free to relax. Evening dinner served around the campfire followed by Tharu stick dance. Overnight at jungle lodge. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 5 — Chitawan–Pokhara
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara, one of the most picturesque valleys in Nepal, 125 miles west from Kathmandu and under the shadow of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. A rare combination of snow-clad mountains, crystal clear lakes, streams, and villages inhabited by ethnic tribes. Pokhara sightseeing of Phewa Lake, the second biggest lake in Nepal. On an island in the middle of the lake is a shrine for Goddess Barahi, Seti River with breathtaking rapids and the bridge over it. We also visit Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall) known as Devi's Fall and Mahendra Cave, a large limestone cave full of stalactites Overnight at hotel in Pokhara. (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6 — Pokhara–Kathmandu
Early morning visit to Sarangkot, a popular mountain view point. Back to hotel and breakfast. Walking tour around lakeside market and enjoying lake view. And later around 1:00 p.m. flight to Kathmandu; reception and drive to hotel. Later sightseeing tour of the Patan, a city of architecture and fine arts. Visit Tibetan Handicraft center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving. Bhaktapur City, Kathmandu Valley’s most medieval city also known as Bhadgaon and one of the three Kingdoms of Mallas. It is famous for Lion Gate, the picture gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Lunch break in Bhaktapur before sightseeing and finally transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 7 —Kathmandu–Paro ( Bhutan)
After breakfast, drive to airport for flight to Paro, Bhutan. Arrive by Druk Air, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful views of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by one of our representative and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Paro. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 8 —Paro–Thimphu
Paro sightseeing. Hike to the Taktsanga Monastery. Late afternoon 2-hour drive to Thimphu (65 km) which is the capital of Bhutan. Evening free time. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 9 — Thimphu–Wangdi
Morning for Thimphu sightseeing. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a 15th century Changangkha monastery and the new Drupthob nunnery temple. Afternoon 3-hour drive to Wangduephodrang, crossing the Dochula Pass at 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Gangar Punsum at 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys [plural?] of lobesa. Visit the Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at hotel in Wangdi. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 11 — Wangdi–Trongsa–Bumthang
Today will be a long drive almost 6–7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes through scattered hamlets and forests of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18th century Chendebji Chorten. After one and half hours arrive at a small town known as Trongsa, meaning new village. The town mainly consists of Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid-17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 11 — Bumthang
Bumthang, at an altitude 2600 meters has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation, known as Tertons, still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing: Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum Monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip and it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 12 — Bumthang–Thimphu.
Drive back to Thimphu (9-10 hours). Overnight at hotel. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 13 — Paro–Kathmandu
Drive two hours to Paro for departure to Kathmandu. Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and rest of the day is free. (breakfast and dinner included)
Day 14 — Kathmandu–departure
Early morning we enjoy mountain view/sunrise and later after breakfast we drive to airport for our flight back home. (breakfast included)
Pricing depends on choice of accommodations, travel dates, and number of travelers. Please call us for pricing details.
Dates
Departures are available all throughout the year. Please call us for more information.
Price includes (Nepal) :
Hotel accommodation (3/4 stars hotel)
Meal as per program
Transportation on private coach as per program
English speaking guides
Entrance fees
Air ticket Pokhara-Kathmandu
Price includes (Bhutan) :
Hotel accommodation 3 stars (4 stars upon request)
Full board
Entrance fees
Private coach as per itinerary
English speaking guide
Bhutan travel permit
Bhutan visa fee
Air ticket Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu.
Price does not include:
International flights. However we will be happy to assist you with flight quotations as soon as they are available. Please let us know your departure city.
Insurance for medical assistance, loss or damage of baggage, cancellation fees. However we are able to offer medical, luggage and cancellation insurance upon request.
Emergency expenses
Beverages
Personal expenses
Anything that is not mentioned in the price includes