Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will transfer you from the airport to your hotel and you can relax at the hotel for the rest of the day or time. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by AlpineTrav. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepali cuisine that will introduce you to the Nepali culture. Spend the night in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you begin your sightseeing by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. Swayambhunath Temple is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of river Bagmati and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva. The Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.

As your flight nears Bhutan you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our who will take you to your hotel. After lunch, you visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’. Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From here you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, at 7,314meters. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, you hike for around 3-4 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor and leave for Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will drive to BBS Tower and then hike for 1 hour to Wangditse Gompa on leveled trail with great view of Tashichho Dzong. From here, you will get an amazing view of the Samtenling Palace, home to the fourth King and Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hillside above. After touring the Gompa, you return to Thimphu. On the way, visit the mini Zoo to see the Takin, national animal of Bhutan. After lunch, you visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. You may also visit the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, you enjoy strolling in the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Dochula pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. You will begin 2 hours hike to Lungchutse Monastery from 108 chortens. The trail passes through rhododendron forests. Walking along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers you stunning views of Himalayas, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Hike back to Dochu La Pass. After lunch, drive downhill through the rhododendron, fir and hemlock forests. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha.

At dawn, you will drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin your 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. You hike further towards Punakha. On the way back, you will visit the Punakha Dzong which was built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. In the afternoon, you drive to Paro and spend the night there.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will transfer you from the airport to your hotel. After freshening up, you will begin your tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Patan Durbar Square Rich in ancient art and architecture, Bhaktapur is an incomparable city with an authentic local lifestyle that has been separated from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu for centuries. While in Bhaktapur’s city square, you will get to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, the water fountain and the 55-windowed palace, which offers visitors a magical outdoor theater atmosphere. You will also indulge in authentic delicacies of the locals of Bhaktapur. Next, you will drive to Nagarkot, a village famous for its Himalayan sunrise and sunset views, and enjoy the spectacular sunset views amidst the Himalayas. Spend the night in Nagarkot.

Your tour of Nepal and Bhutan ends today. There is nothing left to do except shop for souvenirs or relax. An AlpineTrav representative will drop you off at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight.