Nepal & Bhutan Highlights Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Kathmandu

  Namaste! As soon as you arrive, the representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. Your tour guide will assist with the check-in and brief about the following tours. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You might relax and recover from jet lag at the hotel or wander into the streets.

  • Kathmandu

• Day 2: Kathmandu - Patan (Lalitpur) - Kathmandu

  You'll explore Kathmandu Valley from Ason Tole Vegetable and Spice Market where you'll see how the Nepali people go about their everyday life. Proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square where you'll visit the Kumari Temple that houses the "living Goddess" and have an external view of Taleju Temple and Kal Bhairav, one of the largest stone statues in Kathmandu.

  In the afternoon, transfer to Patan to explore the Panta Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Later at dusk, visit Swayambhunath, a stupa on the top of hill offering a panoramic view of the Kathmandu City. 

  Optional: If weather is favorable, you can take a mountain flight to see the Mt Everest and Himalaya this morning. The trip is about one hour and costs around USD200 per person with all seats set by the window. 

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 3: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

  After breakfast, visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's largest Buddhist shrines, followed by a visit to Pashupatinath, Nepal's best-known Hindu temple.

  In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Bhaktapur City where you will explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the seven UNESCO's World Heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, proceed to Changu Narayan Temple which is the oldest temple in the valley and offers a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 4: Kathmandu - Pokhara

  We'll have a road trip today. After you finish breakfast, you'll be escorted to Pokhara by private car(around 4.5 hours). You'll expect to see a hilltop village in Tanahu District, Bandipur, which is famed for its rich Newari culture. After arrival in Pokhara, you're free at leisure to explore Pokhara Bazaar on your own.

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  • Pokhara

• Day 5: Pokhara

  Today you'll tour Pokhara, a lake city in central Nepal surrounded by the spectacular snow mountains of the Annapurna Range. It is a paradise for travelers seeking adventure and leisure alike.

  This morning, take a private boat trip to experience the tranquil Phewa Lake. Next, climb up to the World Peace Pagoda, a perfect spot to get a bird's eye view of the city. Next, see Devi's Fall, the most famous water in Pokhara whose water comes from Phewa Lake, from there you will explore the intriguing Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, one of the longest caves in Nepal, and visit International Mountain Museum to gain some knowledge of Nepal's mountains, mountaineering and its people.

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  • Pokhara

• Day 6: Pokhara - Kathmandu

  This morning, you'll need to get up a bit earlier than usual to capture the spectacular sunrise over snow mountain peaks at Sarangkot viewpoint.

  Next, take a flight back to Kathmandu.In the afternoon, you'll explore the famous Thamel district on foot. Here you'll discover narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors.

  Optional: An evening cultural feast of Nepali traditional dinner and dancing is recommended as your dinner tonight.

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  • Kathmandu

• Day 7: Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu

  This morning, you'll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. As soon as you arrive in Paro, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to Thimphu. You'll see the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge on the way. After checking in to hotel, visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third Dragon King of Bhutan; gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve for takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

  Today's trip ends in Thimphu Dzong(Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the seat of the central government.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 8: Thimphu - Punakha

  Today you'll set out for Punakha. En route, make a stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy a coffee break while admiring the grand 108 Stupas arrayed in a triangle formation. Weather permitting, you can take in the fantastic views of Mt. Himalaya.

  Continue heading for Punakha and have lunch at a local restaurant along the way before a 1.5-hour walking tour to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a popular place for people to pray for pregnancy. Next comes today's highlight, Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful dzong of the country. You will also have the chance to see the nearby Suspension Bridge, the longest bridge in Bhutan, offering different angles to view the elegant Punakha Dzong.

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  • Punakha

• Day 9: Punakha - Paro

  Take a 4-hour drive back to Paro and start today's tour with Paro Dzong, possibly the best example of Bhutanese architecture. Explore Ta Dzong, a historic watchtower that houses the National Museum, which boasts many culture relics. Next, head for one of Bhutan's oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang. Your tour ends at a local farm house which offers you the chance to talk with the local people, learn about their daily life and even try some homemade wine.

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  • Paro

• Day 10: Paro

  This morning, take a trek to the sacred Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), a monastery on the rocky cliff where you'll be rewarded with splendid views of Paro Valley. Proceed to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong which was built to celebrate the victory of Bhutan's independence. If weather permits, you'll get a nice view of Mt. Chomolhari, the second highest peak in Bhutan.

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  • Paro

• Day 11: Departure

  Having seen all the highlights of Nepal and Bhutan, it's time for to end your memorable 11-day tour of these two fascinating Himalayan nations. After enjoying your breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.

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