Nepal & Bhutan Essence

Welcome to Nepal! When you land at the Kathmandu Airport, our guide and driver will pick you up and drive you to the hotel. After a short break, your private Nepal Bhutan tour starts with a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nepal with a far-reaching history of over 2,500 years. At the top of the stupa, there is an awesome panoramic view of the whole Kathmandu City. Afterwards, we will take you to Durbar Square, the most popular site both for locals and tourists. You can wander leisurely to explore the historical monuments clustered around the square, including old royal palaces and temples. When you are finished, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Meals: No meals, advice freely available
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

Today's exploration begins with the Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu Temple in Nepal, where you will witness the special cremation tradition of locals. Afterwards, our guide will take you to the iconic structure of Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa with its enormous white dome. After that, we will go to Bhaktapur where we will roam around its Durbar Square. Here you can explore the old royal palaces and temples and admire the exquisite carvings inside the Dattatreya Temple, a Hindu temple built in 1427.

Next, we will head to Patan Durbar Square to see the historical monuments and visit the splendid Golden Temple with its lion sculptures and delicate mural paintings. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

After breakfast, we will drive you to Chandragiri Hill with an elevation of 2,551 meters where you can take a cable car ride to the mountaintop. From the top, you can see the amazing Kathmandu Valley and have a great view of the Himalayan range from Annapurna to Everest. The afternoon is free for your own arrangements. In the evening, you will experience an authentic Nepalese dinner with a fabulous dance show.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

Today, you will take a morning flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to the hotel. After you have settled in, we will take a dreamy boat cruise to view the serene and picturesque lake view of Phewa, which is regarded as a fascinating gem of Pokhara. After that, we will visit the tranquil Barahi Temple on an island of the lake and gaze at the snow covered mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Swiss International Hotel Sarowar

After viewing the spectacular sunrise of Machapuchare at Sarangkot, we will take you to the Bindabasini Temple to catch the special livestock slaughtering rituals. Then we will proceed to the World Peace Pagoda with its awesome bird's eye view of Pokhara cityscape and Phewa Lake. Descending, you will reach the mighty Devi's Fall and be humbled by the cascading rapids.

Afterwards, we will go to the Mahadev Cave to marvel at tens of thousands of Shiva statues enshrined inside, and then drop by the Pokhara Mountain Museum where you can get a better understanding of how the Himalayas were formed. Finally, you will be rewarded with a delightful sightseeing at the Lake Beganas, where you can become totally immersed in its breathtaking serenity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Swiss International Hotel Sarowar

The Seti River is a must-see site in Pokhara. It looks like a milky way flowing through the narrow valleys because of the unique limestone topography. You can take a delightful stroll at the Kalika Suspension Bridge to absorb the charming river views. After that, you will board a flight back to Kathmandu and return to the hotel for a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Himalaya

Today your Nepal Bhutan tour continues with a morning flight to Paro. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by our driver, and escorted to Thimphu about a one-hour ride. On the way, we will pass by the graceful Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge, and then see the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 and dedicated to world peace. Our guide will then show you the 50-meter-high majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue. Afterwards, we will proceed to the Motithang Takin Preserve to meet the lovely Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Finally, we will wonder at the Thimphu Dzong (Tashichho Dzong), an elegant palace for the king to handle the political affairs. Then you will be escorted to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Yoedling or similar

This morning we will explore the General Post Office and stand in awe of the most exquisite and precious stamps of Bhutan. Next, we will drop by a Hand Made Paper Factory to learn how paper is processed. Then we will drive for 3 hours to Punakha, with a stopover at Dochula Pass to view the fascinating Himalayas. After arrival in Punakha, your guide will take you to see Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular fortresses of Bhutan, housing an array of mural paintings, religious scriptures, and portraits of religious celebrities. Finally, our guide will take you for a leisurely walk on the Wooden Suspension Bridge to conclude the wonderful day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lobesa Lodge or similar

Today, we will head for Rinchengang Village which features a cluster of old traditional mud-houses built on a terraced hilltop and drop by the Punakha Nunnery towering on a ridge overlooking Toebesa, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Then we will take a trek to the Buddhist Fertility Temple and learn about the legendary tales behind the monastery.

A four-hour drive will take you back to Paro to visit the splendid Paro Dzong and explore the abundant collection of Bhutanese art, relics and religious Thankas in the National Museum. Then we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and stop by a farm house to get insights into the daily lives of the local people.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

This morning we will go to the renowned Tiger's Nest clinging to a vertical cliff about 900 meters (2,950 feet) above the ground. As the most sacred temple for all Bhutanese worshippers, it offers an amazing panoramic view of the entire Paro Valley. After that we will visit the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong to see the damaged fort. Then we will drive to Paro Town and take a relaxing stroll to discover the local people and customs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Your impressive Nepal and Bhutan tour itinerary draws to a close today. After checking out, you will be escorted to the Paro Airport for your homebound flight. Our guide will say goodbye to you at the airport. We wish you a nice journey home!

Meals: Breakfast