Nepal Bhutan Tour 9 Days - 9 Days

A Himalayan Trekkers’ representative will welcome you at the airport with a garland or a silk scarf called ‘Khadak’ and escort you to the hotel. After completing all the formalities to check-in at the hotel, you can spend the rest of the day on your own. Later, we might have a short pre-discussion regarding the trip at our office or your hotel lobby. 

In case of early arrival, you can have the guided sightseeing of the Kathmandu Valley’s historical and cultural landmarks such as the famous Boudhanath Stupa, the country’s largest Buddhist pilgrim site. As we enter the main gate of the site, the giant white dome with big Buddha eyes greet us and offer us peacefulness. 

Then, you will be transferred to the Pashupatinath temple on the Bagmati River's bank to observe the evening aarti ceremony. The temple is one of the most famous and important temples in the world, serving as the seat of a deity named Shiva. Open cremations of Hindus are done on the banks of the Bagmati River here.
In the evening, you can stroll around the Thamel and Thaity area and discover small temples at every corner. 

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel for the full-day Kathmandu tour. We will visit 3-4 out of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.  
The first stop is Boudhanath Stupa, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most revered pilgrimage sites. It is also Nepal's largest and one of the world's largest stupas that offers a spiritual vibe along with an awe-inspiring area. 

Despite the fact that it is a Buddhist holy site, many individuals of other cultures can be seen worshipping at the stupa. The site, which stands 36 meters tall, is extremely beautiful, with symbols and unique energies hidden around every corner. The streets and tiny alleyways around Boudhanath Stupa are lined with colorful residences, monasteries, and street sellers. Around the stupa, there are a variety of restaurants, cafes, Tibetan art, and craft shops, Buddha statue shops, and so on making it one the most visited place by domestics. 

We will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in the world. It is a Hindu architectural masterpiece located on the western bank of the Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple, but all of the other structures are open to every visitor. The great temple can be viewed in all of its glory from the river's eastern side. Numerous platforms for funeral pyres have been constructed along the Bagmati's right bank where open cremations are performed. Monkeys and deer roam the temple complex on both banks of the Bagmati, as Shiva is regarded as the patron of animals and all living beings.

After lunch, we go to Patan in the Lalitpur region to see Patan Durbar Square, which is known for its metal, wood, and stone carvings. Patan is the oldest of the Kathmandu Valley's three cities. It is most famous for its artistic legacy. It is brimming with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments, each with bronze gateways, guardian deities, and intricate sculptures. The main attractions in Patan include the Golden Window, Mahabouddha Temple, Golden Temple, and Krishna Temple.
By the evening, we will return to Thamel and prepare for the trip to Bhutan. 

You will be transferred to the airport for your trip to Paro today. The flight to Paro is one of the most incredible journeys you will ever take. During this flight, you will be able to see beautiful vistas of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and other mountains.

Our Bhutanese representative who will be guiding you throughout your stay in Bhutan will greet you at the airport with the white Khadak and drive you to your hotel. 
We will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, Ta Dzong, after lunch and a quick rest at the hotel. It houses about 3,000 items of art including a vast collection of contemporary and modern Thangkas (Buddhist artworks). From the Dzong, we get the best view of Paro Chu, as well as the settlement of Paro. There are idols depicting Bhutan's spiritual teachers, as well as things that have shaped Bhutanese culture over time.

Then we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple and the most revered shrine in Bhutan. The statue is from the 7th century and is inspired by a painting of Gautama Buddha in a meditative state that was created during Gautama's era.

We will also make a visit to Paro Rinpung Dzong later. It was created to safeguard Paro Valley in the 17th century. A hike to the top of the stronghold rewards you with a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. The dzong also hosts the vibrant yearly festival Paro Tshechu, which adds to its already great reputation.

After breakfast, we will begin our hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. It is said to be Bhutan's holiest temple, and it appears to be perched on the edge of a 900 meters high cliff. According to legend, the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated for three months in a cave. A panoramic view of Paro Valley is also available from the monastery.

We will return down after sightseeing and stop halfway for lunch at the restaurant there. We will drive to Thimpu, Bhutan's capital after we arrive in the city. Once in Thimpu, you're on your own.

Following breakfast, we will go to Bhutan's oldest monastery, Pangri Zampa. It is a Buddhist monastic institution where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy, built in the 16th century. Continue your sightseeing in Thimphu valley with a visit to the Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum, which features a superb collection of old Bhutanese architecture. A visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum is made later. The Institute, also known as the Arts & Crafts School or the Painting School, offers a six-year study in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, where students can be seen learning diverse skills.

After lunch, we visit Kuenselphodrang, also known as Big Buddha Point. It is home to Bhutan's largest statue of Lord Buddha, which is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Thimpu Valley. In the Bhutan Preservation Center, we may witness Takin, the country's national animal. Then, we will go to Memorial Stupa, a massive Tibetan-style Chorten. It is referred to as the most noticeable religious landmark of Bhutan which was built in 1974 and renovated in 2008. 

The journey will conclude with a visit to Thimpu Dzong. It is the most beautiful dzong in the country and serves as the seat of the Bhutanese government. 

We drive back to Paro after saying our goodbyes to Thimpu.
Following lunch, you will be accompanied on a half-day sightseeing tour of Paro. We go to the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against invading Tibetan armies. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1957, but it was left in ruins as a memorial of Bhutan's heroic military successes in the past. From here, the snow-capped peak of Chomolhari can be seen on clear days.

Check into the hotel when you arrive in Paro. The picturesque Paro valley is home to a rich culture, scenic splendor, and millennia of myths and stories. Many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries are located here.

After checking out of the hotel, you will be driven to the airport to catch a flight back to Kathmandu. We can organize a half-day city trip once you reach the capital, Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Durbar Square (former royal palace of the Malla Kings of Nepal), and the historic markets of Ason and Indrachowk are also worth seeing. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square, lying at the heart of Kathmandu city showcases the cultural and historical significance of the Nepalese people. The complex is divided into two quadrangles of the Durbar Square and has 50 temples. The Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple are located in the outer quadrangle, while the Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace are located in the inner quadrangle. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex is another significant landmark inside the area, where historic events such as the crowing of the Nepalese king were hosted. The King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum are housed in the palace, which is ornamented with wooden windows.

Ason Bazar, also known as Ason Market Place, is one of Kathmandu's oldest and most well-known markets. Shoppers have traditionally been drawn to Ason to purchase things from the shops. Indra Chowk is another oldest market town of Kathmandu packed with colorful stores and booths. A variety of markets provide vegetables, aromatic spices, and textiles, as well as a specialized market that sells beads, bangles, and decorations. 

Today is a free day to rest, relax and explore more of the Kathmandu valley’s landmarks. You can visit one of the massage centers or spas in the Thamel area and get refreshed. You can also go shopping at the markets to purchase gifts for your friends and family or yourself. Unexplored heritage sites listed by UNESCO like Swoyambhunath Stupa, also popular as ‘Monkey Temple’ among the foreigners, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a medieval Newari town can be discovered today. 

Swoyambhunath Temple is one of the important Hindu and Buddhist sites situated at the hilltop the northwest of Kathmandu valley offering a picturesque view of the entire valley and the surrounding lush green hills. It is also one of the oldest in Nepal with numerous shrines and temples on its premises. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated in the eastern of the valley where numerous monuments and temples are representing the medieval history and culture of Nepal. Taleju Bhawani Temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhawani built by the Malla Kings to repel the evils is among the most auspicious and stunning attractions there. 55 windows palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Lion’s Gate, etc. are some of the key highlights of Bhaktapur. 

In the evening, we gather at an authentic Nepali restaurant for the farewell dinner where you will get to taste the traditional Nepali meal along with the cultural program. After dinner, you will be dropped off at your hotel. 

The trip to these mystical countries comes to an end today. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you will have another chance to take a stroll around the streets. Then, you will be transferred to the airport 3 hours before your flight back to your home.