Bhutan Nepal Tibet Tour - 14 Days

The flight to Paro is nothing short of spectacular. You fly above the mountains and enter into a valley surrounded by green hills. At the airport terminal meet your guide and drive to your hotel. Check in and have lunch before your sightseeing tour begins. Later hop onto a private vehicle and begin your sightseeing tour. Head to Ta Dzong – an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum. Buddhist scroll paintings (Thangkas) dating back to several hundreds of years, armours of Bhutanese warriors, masks used by monks during festivals etc. are displayed at the museum.  Fun fact - ‘Little Buddha’ a Hollywood movie by Bernardo Bertolucci was filmed here. Next make your way Rinpung Dzong. Also known as the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’, this impressive dzong was used to defend Paro from Tibetan invaders. The wide courtyard of the dzong comes alive during Paro Tsechu when the monastic community perform masked dances and skits.

Later head to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The temple was built by the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo and dates back to the 7^th century. Kichu Lhakhang houses some of Bhutan’s oldest and priceless religious relics. After your sightseeing tour, return to your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Start early and hit the trailhead well before it becomes crowded. It is an uphill ascent on a rough track, filled with pine trees. If you are a brisk walker you can complete the hike (climb up and walk down) in around five hours. If you are not used to walking uphill it is better to keep it slow and walk at your own pace. Ponies are available for hire till the cafeteria. Please note the cost of pony ride is not included in the package and you may have to pay extra if you wish to book a ride. The cafeteria offers mesmerizing views of the monastery and the Paro Valley. To reach the monastery from the cafeteria, you need to walk down a steep staircase on the side of the cliff and then take an uphill ascent. Hanging precariously on a rocky cliff 3000 feet above Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery is among the 13 monasteries or ‘tiger’s lairs’ (Taktsangs) where Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche (Second Buddha) meditated. According to local legend, Padmasambhava flew to this place to meditate on the back of a tigress, that’s why it’s called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Though the hike may be tough, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Paro valley and mountains. Blessed by Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, this dramatic landmark is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bhutan. Later head back to the cafeteria and walk down the hillside covered with colourful prayer flags and drive to Thimphu, the country’s capital. Overnight in Thimphu

Drive to the base of a hill (BBS Tower) and take the trail to Wangditse Gompa. After walking for about one hour you reach the gompa. The monastery houses the statues of Bhutan’s guardian deities- Yeshey Goenpo, Tsheringma and Palden Lhamo. From the monastery’s ground savour amazing views of Samtenling Palace, Tashicho Dzong and a meditation retreat. Walk down to the highway and return to Thimphu. Stop en route at the mini zoo and meet the ‘Takin’, Bhutan’s national animal.

Once you arrive in Thimphu your sightseeing tour begins. Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten. This large white chorten was built in honor of the third Bhutanese king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Later head to Tashichho Dzong, an ancient traditional fortress that houses the secretariat of the Bhutan royal government. This grand building also houses the king’s throne room. Also visit the National Textile Museum and Handicraft Emporium. If you are not too tired you can explore the local market and buy souvenirs (Thanka paintings, traditional textiles or wooden items). Just ask your guide where you can get the best bargains for local handicraft items. Overnight in Thimphu.

From Thimphu drive to Punakha. En route stops at a high mountain pass (Dochu La Pass) and enjoy panoramic views of mountains and pine forests. The pass is decorated with 108 traditional chortens built by the Queen Mother in memory of slain Bhutanese soldiers. From Dochu La, take the trail to Lungchutse Monastery. Hike up a forested trail filled with rhododendron and pine trees. From the top, you can enjoy amazing views of Himalayan peaks and a green valley.  Hike down to the highway and resume your journey towards Punakha. Once you arrive at Punakha check into your hotel and take rest. Overnight in Punakha.

After having a hearty breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong, an old fortress dating back to the 17^th century. This grand structure lies at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (silent mother) and Pho Chhu (noisy father) rivers. Walk across a quaint traditional wooden cantilever bridge to enter the dzong. An iconic landmark, the Punakha Dzong houses a monastery and a government office. The coronation ceremonies of all the Bhutanese kings were held here. After exploring the dzong, take a drive to Paro past a picturesque countryside. En route stop at the bottom of a hill and follow the trail to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.The hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chortentakes around an hour. Walk  past a verdant trail  snaking past paddy fields and pine and rhododendron trees. The magnificent Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits on top of a ridge. Built by the Queen Mother to ward off negative forces, the three-storied chorten is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. One can enjoy majestic views of Punakha Valley and surrounding mountains from the ridge. Later descend to the highway and continue your journey to Paro. On reaching Paro head to your hotel and check in. Take rest because you have a long day tomorrow.  Next you tour Nepal Tibet. Overnight in Paro.

Your guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight to Kathmandu. Bid farewell to Bhutan and say hello to another wonderful Himalayan destination, Nepal. The flight from Paro to Kathmandu offers mesmerizing aerial views of Himalayan peaks. Feast your eyes on the majestic views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Cho Oyu and other Himalayan giants sprawling across the horizon. After flying for about an hour and a half, you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Make your way to the airport terminal where you meet your guide. Board a vehicle and visit some of the city’s ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Drive to Patan, one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu. This city is also called Lalitpur - the 'City of Artisans'. Explore Patan Durbar Square, a palace square built by the Malla kings. This medieval palace square is dotted with ancient pagoda-roofed temples and a royal palace now converted into a museum. Golden Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, Krishna Temple and Patan Palace Museum are some of the cultural gems adorning this beautiful square.

Later head to Bhaktapur or the ‘City of Devotees’.  A medieval city, Bhaktapur is one of the best preserved heritage site in Kathmandu Valley. In order to preserve the old buildings no heavy vehicles are allowed inside the old city.  The nine-storied Nyatapole Temple, Palace of 55 Windows, Datteraya Temple, Golden Gate and Bhiravnath Temple are some of the architectural wonders of this medieval kingdom. Spend sometime at Potter’s Square observing the local potters moulding artifacts from lumps of clay.  Before leaving Bhaktapur don’t forget to have Juju Dhau (‘King’s Curd’, yoghurt made from buffalo milk and honey). Later drive back to your hotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy your first evening in Nepal with a welcome dinner.  One of our satff will accompany you at an authentic Nepali restaurant.Overnight in Kathmandu.

Take an early flight to Pokhara. Set beside the serene Phewa Lake and surrounded by snowy Himalayan peaks, beautiful Pokhara is sure to take your breath away.  Drive to your hotel and check-in. Get refreshed and afterward begin your sightseeing tour.  Drive to the International Mountain Museum and view some of the original gear used by the first expedition groups to the Nepal Himalaya. The museum also has information about the culture, history, flora and fauna of the region. Later take a boat ride across the Phewa Lake to the island temple of Tal Barahi. Dating back to the 18th century, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, ‘mother of the universe’. After spending an hour or boating around Pokhara and enjoying the enchanting views of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu, you head back to your hotel. Overnight in Pokhara.

Today you have an exciting, activity packed day! Wake up early and head to Sarangkot Hill. It takes a little more than 30 minutes from lakeside to drive to the hill. From the highway, it takes a few minutes` walks to reach the viewpoint. Witness a glorious Himalayan sunrise. Watch the sun rising from behind white snowy peaks colouring the hillside in golden hues. 360 degree panorama of the snow covered Machhapuchhre(Fishtail peak), Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Lamjung Himal and Hiunchuli can be enjoyed from the vantage point. Later head down to your hotel, have breakfast and get ready for hiking.

A short drive of about 20 minutes will bring you to Fewa Power House, from where you begin your hike. From the power house begin your hike to Damsadi, a traditional village that is separated from Pokhara Valley by the Fushre Khola(river). The longest metal suspension bridge in Pokhara connects this small hillside village with the valley. The bridge is 276 meters long and 90 meters high. Walk on the swaying bridge enjoying inspiring views of the Fushre river gorge. There are waterfalls cascading down the hills and green plateaus with traditional houses. Take a gentle walk past paddy fields and rural homesteads. Observe the villagers doing their daily chores. Interact with them and click pictures. Get awed by the amazing panorama of Annapurna and Manaslu mountains. Later cross another bridge and head back to the highway. Board the vehicle and drive down to Pokhara for a quick tour of the valley's natural wonders.

Visit Davis Falls and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave. Davis Falls, which is locally known as Patale Chhango (Underground Waterfall), is an amazing waterfall that flows down and disappears into an underground tunnel to the Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, the longest cave in Nepal(2950 meters).  Walk to the Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave and explore the cave.  If you climb down to the bottom of the cave you will see a portion of the Davis Falls from a crack of the cave’s wall.  Gupteshwar Cave is regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Later head to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and visit the monastery. Stroll down the settlement and buy hand-made souvenirs made by the Tibetans living in the camp. Drive back to your hotel. Overnight in Pokhara. 

If bad weather ruined your Sarangkot sunrise plans yesteday you can head to Sarangkot this morning. You need to wake up early to get to the hill before sunrise. Wake up early and head to Sarangkot Hill. It takes a little more than 30 minutes from lakeside to drive to the hill. From the highway, it takes a few minutes` walk to reach the viewpoint. Witness a glorious Himalayan sunrise. Watch the sun rising from behind white snowy peaks colouring the hillside in golden hues. Later, return to your hotel, have breakfast and fly to Kathmandu.

Take an early flight to Kathmandu. Our representative and tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport. Drive towards Boudha and visit the largest stupa in Nepal and South Asia - Boudhanath Stupa. This anicent stupa is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism. The huge white dome of the stupa rests on a tiered plinth which is designed like a mandala(representation of the cosmos). It is believed the remains of the Kasyapa Buddha(a previous incarnation of Lord Buddha) are buried beneath the stupa. Circumumbulate around the stupa with the pilgrims while turning the prayer wheels. Ligt a butter lamp and pray for a safe and successful journey. Though a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monument like other heritage sites in Kathmandu are active and living cultural sites. It is an important part of the locals' socio-religious and cultural life. Monasteries, museums, souvnir shops and cafes surround this age old monument.

Later head to your hotel and check in. Late afternoon there will be a Rickshaw  Ride from Thamel to Kathmandu Square. As your rickshaw driver negotiates the rickshaw down the crowded and busy lanes of Ason Bazaar (the oldest  market in Kathmandu) you get to see locals purchasing goods, shops selling brassware, spices, clothes and hawkers selling fresh produce. It is a heady experience and it is natural for some of you to get overwhelmed. You drive past the historic Indra Chowk with the temple of Akash Bhairav and through Makhan Tole to enter the medieval palace square of Basantapur. Known as Kathmandu Durbar Square, the palace square was built by the Malla kings and houses a collection of temples, palaces and courtyards. Though most of the buildings were damaged and destroyed during the 2015 earthquake much of it has been restored. 

The House of the Living Goddess Kumari is still intact and stands gracefully overlooking the durbar square. Kumari, the Living Goddess is worshipped by Hindus as the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju Bhawani. She is a prepubescent girl from a high caste clan of the Newari community.When she reaches puberty the goddess is believed to leave her body and enter the body of another young girl who is chosen to take her place.  If you are lucky you may find the little Kumari sitting by her window, gazing out at the Durbar Square. She leaves the sanctum of the Kumari Bahal(house) only 15 times a year, during important festivals.  Later return to your hotel on foot, absorbing the delightful local sights and stopping at local shops to buy souvenirs.. At your hotel prepare for your Tibet trip and take rest. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Take an early flight to Lhasa. This is a spectacular journey. From the comfort of your plane, you can savour incredible views of the Himalayan peaks. The flight lasts for about an hour and a half. Once you reach Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, your guide will meet you at the terminal. From the airport, it takes another hour and a half to reach the centre of Lhasa. Drive to your hotel and take rest. No activities have been planned for the day as it is advisable to let your body get used to the rarefied air. Remember you are now at an altitude of 3,656 metres. It is important that you let your body rest and get used to the thin Lhasa air. Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated as the body gets easily dehydrated at high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Commence your Tibetan journey today by visiting some of Lhasa’s popular sites- Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace. Located over a high ridge overlooking Lhasa, Potala Palace looks magnificent. This grand palace was once the winter residence of Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan government. Inside the palace are several chapels, memorials of the former Dalai Lamas, living quarters of the 13^th and 14^th Dalai Lamas etc. The palace is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Built in the eighteenth century, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and chapels. Later head to the sacred Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Square in downtown Lhasa. Jokhang Temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Tibet. The temple was built by Tibetan emperor Songsten Gampo to house an idol of Buddha brought by his Nepalese queen Bhrikuti. Later another Buddha statue (Jowo Sakyamuni) brought by the emperor’s Chinese queen Wenchen was placed at the altar. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk around the busy Barkhor Square and observe Tibetan locals trading their wares and pilgrims walking around the temple. You can also shop for souvenirs at many of the souvenir shops lining the square. Overnight in Lhasa.

Leave the city of Lhasa and head towards Ganden Monastery. The monastery lies about 50 km from the city centre, on top of the Wangbur mountain (3800m). Ganden Monastery is one of the three important Gelugpa Monasteries in Tibet (the other two are Drepung and Sera). The monastery was established by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) order, in 1409 AD. Explore the large assembly halls and debating courtyards. The monastery has a vast collection of Buddhist relics and paintings. Many monks residing at this monastery receive higher education from learned monks. Later hike to the Drayerpa Cave. A sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, this cave is located on a hillside. One has to be climb a flight of stairs to reach the meditation cave. Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche and Emperor Songsten Gampo are said to have meditated at this cave. Overnight in Lhasa.

Step inside two of the most sacred and active monasteries in Lhasa, Drepung and Sera monasteries. Drepung Monastery is the largest monastery in Tibet. In the distant past it was the largest Buddhist monastery in the world. Explore its large prayer halls and shrines. This monastery was built in 1416 and was the residence of the Dalai Lamas before Potala Palace was built. Afterwards, head to Sera Monastery. Sera’ means ‘rose’ in Tibetan. The monastery was so named because of the abundance of rose bushes on the hillside adjoining the monastery. Observe the monks debating at the monastery grounds. The debates are part of their training sessions to become senior monks. Later return to your hotel. This is the last day of your Tibet Bhutan tour. Overnight in Lhasa.

Your travel to Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan officially ends here. Our representative will drive you to the airport well on time to catch your international flight.