Nepal Bhutan Tours

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu International airport. Transfer to hotel. Orientation program. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

Day 2: Bhaktapur sightseeing and drive to Nagarkot. Evening sunset view from Nagarkot hill. Overnight at Nagarkot hotel

After breakfast, we will pick up from your hotel for an hour drive to Nagarkot. On the way to Nagarkot, you will visit Bhaktapur which is 13km away from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is the oldest city of Nepal known as ‘city of devotees’ retains the charm of the 15th century. You can see the 55 window palace and its ancient art & architecture of different temple and surrounding. After Bhaktapur sightseeing, drive through the green fields and climb through terraced fields to Nagarkot. The drive is scenic with the green valley views and the fabulous Himalayas. Nagarkot is where your hike starts the day after and furthermore, enjoy the evening sunset view from your hotel. For the best view, you can also view through the tower located at the highest point (2175m) in Nagarkot. It is one of the best places to enjoy a sunset with a 360° panoramic view, which includes major peaks in the western Himalayan range: Annapurna, Manaslu. Himchuli, Ganesh Himal, and eastern Himalayan range: Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Sankar, Choyu, Sishaphangma, including Mt. Everest on a clear day. You can also have a view of a nice landscape and village.

Day 3: Early morning sunrise view. Hike to Changunarayan. Drive to Kathmandu. O/N at Kathmandu hotel

Early morning, you can observe the sunrise view of the Himalayas from your hotel. After breakfast, your hike starts to Chagunarayan. The hiking trail from Nagarkot to Chagunarayan gradually descends through the terraced fields through the ‘Tamang Village.’ The walking is easy with gradual downhill and fairly level paths. It will take about 4 hours to reach Changunarayan, the oldest pagoda style Hindu temple in Nepal. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have your lunch and finally drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 4: Fly to Paro airport. 1hr drive Paro to Thimpu. Thimphu sightseeing. O/N at Thimphu hotel.

You will be received by our representative at the Airport. Paro – Thimphu1 hour Drive Distance– 54 Kms Check into hotel – refreshments/lunch Local Thimphu Tour Tashichhoe Dzong- a fortress of the glorious past. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Takin Preserve – which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. National Textile Museum – Witness Art of traditional weaving, good collection of old textiles Kuenselphodrang Nature Park – where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on the hillock overlooking the Magnificent Thimphu Valley. Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu - Punakha 2 hrs 30 mins Drive Distance – 71 Km. Overnight at Punakha

Dochula Pass, 10,130 ft above seal level, enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain rangeson one side and the beautiful 108 chortensbuilt on a hillock by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. Druk Wangyal Monastery was also built to honor His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple) that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future. Light refreshment at Dochula Resort and then drive towards punakha. On the way, visit the Chhimi Lhakhang also known as the Devine Madman’s Monastery – , famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. After Lunch in Punakha visit – Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan in the Past. Punakha Dzong – A fort Built on an island of the Pho Chu(Male river) and Mo Chu( Female river) in the year 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrativeseat of the region. The entrance of the Fort is grand, with a ethnic cantilever Bridge. Punakha Dzong has the Highest standards in woodwork. The dzong holds the Coronation hall of all theBhutanese Kings.In the evening visit the local market and enjoy conversations with the locals.Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha

Day 6: Punakha to Paro 3 hrs 30 mins Drive Distance - 125 Km. O/N at Paro

After Breakfast Drive to Paro via Dochula pass and the southern part of the Capital. Check intoyour hotel in Paro. After a quick rest and Lunch, you will visit the following places :Paro Dzong also known as the RinpungDzong, which means “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels”.It was built by Guru Rimpoche in the 16th This imposing dzong located above the Paro River is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture with its inward sloping walls that rise to an impressive height. A fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. National Museumalso Known as the Ta Dzong(watch Tower). You will see an intriguing collections of artifacts, which will provide a magnificent introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. In the evening stroll through Paro town and visit local handicraft shops.

Day 7: Hike to Tigers Nest. Paro sightseeing. O/N at Paro

Paro Hike to the Paro Taktsang Monastery also known internationally as the Tigers Nest Estimated time of hike: 2 Hrs 30 Mins to 3 Hrs After breakfast you will be Driven to the base. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point. On the way back to the Hotel visit – Kyichu temple – one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century bythe Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body.

Day 8: Depart from Paro to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, travel to the Paro International Airport and your tour guide from Access BhutanTours will see you off at the Paro Airport for your flight to your onward destinations. Arrival in Kathmandu international airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel Kathmandu.

Day 9: Extra day in Kathmandu. Leisure. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.

Day 10: Fly to Pokhara. Pokhara valley sightseeing. O/N at Pokhara

Phewa Lake Phewa is the second largest lake in Nepal and lying at an altitude of 784 m (2,572 ft) it covers an area of about 4.43 square km (1.7 sq mi). Annapurna looms in the distance from the lake and the lake is famous for the reflection of Mount Machapuchare on its surface. Barahi Temple: The Holy Barahi Temple is situated on an island of Phewa lake. Barahi is one of the Asta matrices, a group eight mother goddesses in the Hindu religion. Davis Falls: It was named after Mrs Davi, a Swiss tourist which her husband overflow the waters swept his wife down the waterfall. An interesting aspect of the falls is that the water travels through a natural tunnel prior. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: It is a beautiful cave just opposite to David Fall. A giant stalagmite within this cave is honoured as a Shiva lingam and the devout flock here to pray. Bindhya Basini Temple: It is most sacred temples in Pokhara city. It was built during the 17th century. This temple is consecrated to Durga. The devotees worship the saligram or ammonite fossil placed here in her name. World Peace Stupa: On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) and can observe Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchare (Fishtail, which is named from its shape) and Dhaulagiri Himal. Seti River Gorge: It carved by Seti – Gandaki is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. KI Singh Bridge perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water like milk.

Day 11: Early drive to Sarankot for sunrise view. Pokhara sightseeing. O/N at Pokhara

Early in the morning drive to Sarankot to view sunrise in Annapurna Mountain range. The Sarangkot is a famous Hill station nearby Pokhara city at an altitude of 1600 meter from sea level. From Sarangkot you can observe beautiful sunrise over Annapruna mountains. This is also one of the best view points of Mt. Annapurna Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Lamjung to the north. On the southern direction of this hill overlooks the Pokhara city and Phewa lake on the north western outskirts. Afternoon Pokhara valley sightseeing. Davis Falls: It was named after Mrs Davi, a Swiss tourist which her husband overflow the waters swept his wife down the waterfall. An interesting aspect of the falls is that the water travels through a natural tunnel prior. Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: It is a beautiful cave just opposite to David Fall. A giant stalagmite within this cave is honoured as a Shiva lingam and the devout flock here to pray. World Peace Stupa: On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) and can observe Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchare (Fishtail, which is named from its shape) and Dhaulagiri Himal. International Mountain Museum : Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), established on 1 Nov 1973, initiated the establishment of International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara. The basic objective for its establishment was made to record, document and chronicle the past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world in general and to preserve the saga of the momentous feats in the history of mountaineering in the Himalayan peaks in particular. The foundation stone of IMM was laid on 1 Dec, 1995. The soft opening of IMM took place on 29 May, 2002 where it was officially opened on 5 Feb, 2004. Overnight at hotel in Pokhra.

Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu. Shopping / Leisure. Evening fare well diner. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 13: Extra day in Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 14: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for final departure.