Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, AlpineTrav Treks will arrange to pick you up from the airport. You will then be transferred to your hotel. During the late afternoon, you can take a rest at your hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by AlpineTrav Treks. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s rich food culture.

Maximum Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Shanker)
Meals: Dinner

Today you'll 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. Spend night at Kathmandu.

Maximum Elevation: 1,350m/4,429ft
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Shanker)
Meals: Dinner

As the flight approaches Bhutan, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the Paro airport, you will be greeted by a representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions who will transfer you to your booked hotel. After lunch, you will visit Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘Fort of a Pile of Gems’. Next, visit the oldest temple in the country, Kichu Lakhang. From here, you will be taken to Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders in the 1600s. On a clear day, you can see Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain at 7,314 meters. Overnight in Paro.

Duration: 1 hour (flight)
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you will trek to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan and is located at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have climbed on the back of a tiger and flown to meditate in the cave where Taktsang Monastery is now located. Lunch will be served at a cafeteria restaurant located about halfway up the mountain. The monastery is located on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. After exploring the monastery, you will depart for Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Driving time: 1 hour- Distance: 54 km
Walking distance: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, you will drive to the BBS Tower and then hike for 1 hour on a flat path to reach Wangditse Gompa with a great view of Tashicho Dzong. From here, you will have a wonderful view of Samtenling Palace, home to the 4th King and Dorje Drak meditation retreat on the hill above. After visiting the gompa, you will return to Thimphu. On the way, visit the mini zoo to see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. And after lunch, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the Nunnery, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. You can also visit the Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium, Traditional Paper Factory and the magnificent Tashicho Dzong. In the evening, you can enjoy strolling through the streets of Thimphu and observing the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.

Hiking: 1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a good breakfast, you will drive to Dochula Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day you can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. You will take a 2-hour hike from 108 Chortens to Lungchutse Monastery. The route will pass through rhododendron forests. The walk over the high mountains covered with colorful Buddhist prayer flags will provide you'll amazing views of the Himalayas, as well as incredible views of the valleys below the pass. Return to Dochula Pass. After lunch, drive downhill through rhododendron, cedar and hemlock forests. On the way, you'll stop at Metshina village and take a 20-minute hike through rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, a fertility visit the monastery dedicated to the divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenli, and spend the night in Punakha.

Distance: 76 km - Driving: 2-3 hours - Walking: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel (Meri Puensum Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you will drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin a 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yule Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful mountain called Ngezergang and has elaborate paintings dedicated to an ancient sect of Buddhism. You will then proceed to Punakha. On your way back, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637. It is also the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In the afternoon, you will proceed to Paro and spend the night there.

Distance: 130 km - Driving: 4 hrs Walking: 2 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro to Kathmandu flight Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative of AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel, and transfer you to the hotel. After freshening up, you will start your tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For example; Patan Durbar Square is rich in ancient art and architecture, while Bhaktapur is an irresistible city with an authentic local lifestyle that has been isolated from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu for centuries. While in the city square of Bhaktapur, we will be able to admire the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, the Water Fountains and the 55-window Durbar, which together provide visitors with a magical outdoor theater atmosphere. And you will also be able to indulge in the authentic delicacies of the locals of Bhaktapur. . Then you will drive to Nagarkot, a village famous for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas, and enjoy the spectacular sunset views amidst the Himalayas. Where you will spend the night in Nagarkot.

Flight: 1 hour - Driving time: 2 hrs
Accommodation: Hotel (Country Villa)
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast and on the last day of your Nepal and Bhutan tour in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be ready to take you to the international airport three hours before your scheduled flight. It is a great honor to meet you on this Nepal and Bhutan tour, and we pray for your safe journey home. We will remember the wonderful times we spent together. Have a nice trip!!! We hope to see you again someday. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast