Spirit of Nepal and Bhutan tour

Today after breakfast we will check out from hotel and we will take you tour of  Syambhunath Stupa on hill top ( have lots of monkeys here also known as Monkey Temple) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . For many centuries Tibetan and Nepali merchants have rested here and offered prayers. After exploring the Stupa and seeing great view of Kathmandu valley  we drive to Patan (or Lalitpur, ‘city of fine arts) today it is a part of greater Kathmandu, was once the capital of a powerful independent kingdom. You’ll notice as we explore this area, a calmer vibe – the craftspeople here, many of whom are Buddhist, have created exquisite temples and other works of art which give the area a distinct artisan feel. After lunch, we’ll drive on a classic Nepali road northeast to Nagarkot a hill station. It’s refreshing to once again leave the bustling Kathmandu Valley behind on our way to a Mountain Resort town. We’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to check into our rooms and relax next to the pool, with views of the Himalayas.

Elevation: Nagarkot – 2195 meters (7,200 feet) – Resort in Nagarkot  (Breakfast, Dinner)

An early wake-up for epic sunrise and panoramic Mountain View. Sip coffee and an excellent breakfast, then we will hike  through a stunning ridgeline, village and jungle path to Nala. Mostly descending, typical villages learning about their living and the challenges. You will be greeted with beaming smiles around every corner. After hike take a short drive to Bhaktapur for lunch, and a chance to explore another of the medieval city-states of the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll see here in the ‘City of  Devotee” including many pagodas, shrines, carved wood columns and temples. After lunch on the way to our hotel we will visit one of the largest shiva Temple Pashupati Nath – where many Hindu death body are cremated in the Ghats of Bagmati River.

Stay in Kathmandu. Elevation: Kathmandu – 1400 meters (4,600 feet)  (Breakfast)

Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 115 meters (380 feet) / – 310 meters (1020 feet)

Now after breakfast we check out and drive to Kathmandu airport to Fly east to Kingdom of Bhutan.

Flight to Paro International Airport, on a clear day the panoramic view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest are sensational but particular exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and few steep turns before landing.

Upon arrival and completing your visa formalities, you will be greeted and received by your tour guide.

Drive to Thimphu, which is about 1 and half hour.

Places to be visited in Thimphu:
1. Tashicho Dzong – built as a fortress in the 17th century, now used as the “Seat of the Royal Government”.

And some free time in Capital town of the Himalayan Kingdom, to stroll around.

Overnight: Thimphu . Elevation: Thimphu – 2334 meters (7,657 feet) .  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast we will go for sightseeing :

1. Visit the Takin Preservation Center, Golden Takin is the national animal of Bhutan

2. Hike to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha point) from Changangkha, the hike takes about 2 hours and you can get beautiful view of Thimphu Valley.
Lunch at a local restaurant

3. Drive to Punakha, the road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3050m) with its (weather permitting) spectacular views of the snowcapped Eastern Himalayas. We make a tea/coffee break at the Dochula Cafeteria, you can also make rounds of the 108 stupas. Continue your drive, the road from Dochula Pass to Punakha gradually descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.

Overnight: Punakha , Elevation: Punakha – 1242 meters (4,075 feet). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Places to visit in Punakha :

1. Punakha Dzong – Most impressive Dzong in the country built in the 17th century and is located between the 2 rivers (male and female river).

2. Take a 45 minutes hike from the Dzong to Gasothang Farm, the hike offers good view and pictures of the valley with paddy fields and farm houses. Lunch at Gasothang Farm House

3. Visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of the Divine Mad Man

4. Drive to Paro once again over the Dochula Pass, drive will take about 4 hours. And free afternoon.

Overnight: Paro Elevation: Paro – 2200 meters (7,218 feet). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

1. Taktsang Monastery – drive to the foothill of Taktsang Monastery, start you hike which is uphill which will take about 2 ½ hour to the monastery. We have an option of pony ride from the road end till cafeteria on extra payment. Cafeteria will be half way to the monastery but one can have a good view of the Tiger’s Nest. Please note that we have to walk down even if you take the pony ride up.

2. Leisure time to walk around the town of Paro – some free time (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Overnight: Paro

Places to visit at Paro:

1. Ta Dzong – An ancient watchtower, which has now been converted into national museum.

2. Rinpung Dzong – Also known as Paro Dzong was also built in the 17th century and it now serves as the center of civil and religious authority of the district.

3. Farm house – Later in the evening you can visit traditional farm house, you can experience traditional Bhutanese dinner with local wine. If one is interested you can also try the traditional stone bath at the farm house (extra payment of USD 15 per head).

Overnight: Paro . (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Generally we take morning flight back to Nepal, if we are lucky can see spectacular Himalayan views out of the right-hand side of the plane. Upon arrival transfer to hotel and Free time.

But for those who are keen after lunch, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.

Elevation: Kathmandu – 1400 meters (4,600 feet)

– if people have flight after 4 PM this day they can depart home . (Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast we check out and drive to Kathmandu airport to Fly Home or you can extend the trip.

Namaste!

(Breakfast)