Overview Itinerary Inclusive/Exclusive

OverView

Overview:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Swayambunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Bodhnath)
Day 03: Flight to Paro
Day 04: Paro - Hike to Taktsang Monastery, drive to Thimphu 
Day 05: Thimpu - Full day sightseeing 
Day 06: Thimphu - Excursion to Tango Goemba
Day 07: Drive to Punakha, Local Sightseeing
Day 08: Punakha Exploration
Day 09: Drive to Bumthang, En route visit Trongsa Dzong
Day 10: Bumthang - Full day exploration
Day 11: Bumthang – Wangdue/Punakha
Day 12: Drive to Paro, on the way sightseeing at different places 
Day 13: Paro Departure and flight to Kathmandu and Transfer to Bhaktapur
Day 14: Full day sightseeing in Bhaktapur
Day 15: Departure
 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu +

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport our representative welcomes you and transfers you in your hotel in Boudha. After time to get refreshed the trek leader will meet the group and give you a detailed briefing on the trek, so that you are well prepared for the trip and any last-minute question will be answered. 

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1335 meters). +

Today you will visit the most important Sightseeing locations of Kathmandu. After breakfeast you will drive to Swayambunath, the "Monkey Temple" of Kathmandu, a buddhist pilgrimage place for buddhist with a small Stupa. After that you will Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square with its pagodes, the home of the living goddess Kumari.
Then you will drive further to Pashupatinath. It is an important pilgrimage place for Hindus and a lot believers from India come there every week. There are lots of temples and at the shore of the holy Bagmati River, the believers burn there dead relatives. Then you will go back to the big stupa of Boudha, which is also known as little Tibet and enjoy your dinner at the rooftop of the hotel with view of the Stupa.

Day 3: Flight to Paro +

Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival, once you have cleared any airport formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Paro valley.
 
Afternoon at leisure and stroll around the small town of Paro.
Overnight at Hotel, Paro. (-/lunch/Dinner)

Day 4: Paro-Hike to Taktsang Monastery, Drive to Thimphu +

In the cool of morning you will drive 12km out of town towards Takstang, or the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The monastery is possibly the most famous in Bhutan, having been founded in the late 1600’s, and perched on a high rocky ledge 900m above the valley floor allegedly at a place where Guru Rinpoche rested, travelling on a flying tiger. The monastery suffered a disastrous fire in April 1998, but great efforts are being made to repair the extensive damage. From the parking area it is a two hour walk, mostly through coniferous forest, up a steep path to the view point from where there are spectacular views of the monastery.
The walk to a viewpoint and small café takes around 2 hours each way. The route is steep in places but straightforward. Some areas of the track are exposed to the sun so make sure to wear a hat. At the café, you can rest and a buffet lunch will be served. From this point, there is a superb view of the cliff face and monastery. For an even better view, there is a further one hour walk up a steepish track to a point closer to the monastery.
In the evening you will make the 1½ hour drive to Thimphu, the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals.
This is a lovely drive through spectacular mountain views and peaceful countryside. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. All houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. 
Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 5: THIMPHU- Full day Sightseeing +

The capital of Bhutan is situated on west bank of the river Thimpu, (Thimphu Chhu) in a wooded valley at an elevation of 2320m. Prior to 1961 Thimpu was only an insignificant village, but since the country emerged from isolation its importance has grown and it has many official buildings. The Secretariat, King's offices and some ministries are housed in the Tashichho Dzong, next to which one of the world's highest golf courses (9 hole) has been made. With a population of not more than 65,000, Thimpu is an easy place to wander around, and will enable the visitor to appreciate the detail of Bhutanese architecture. A few miles south of the capital is Simtokha, one of the oldest complete Dzongs in the country, dating from the early 1600’s, a period when Shabdrungs, the line of religious rulers originally from Tibet, ruled the country.
Places to visit:
King's Memorial Chorten - every day many Bhutanese come to this Tibetan-style chorten to honour the memory of the third king. Inside there are numerous religious paintings and statues of different Buddhist deities.
Tashichho Dzong - suffering damage from both fires and earthquakes the king ordered the restoration of the dzong in the 1960s. It is the summer residence of the central monk body and ministries and as such entrance is not always permitted.
Folk Heritage Museum - an outdoor museum which gives an insight into rural life is centred around a mud and timber farm house.
Mini Zoo - this large grassy and treed enclosure holds several takins, the unusual-looking national animal that normally migrates to high alpine valleys in summer.
National Textile Museum - a brief introductory video explains the complexities of Bhutanese dress before entering the exhibition of dress and textiles from around the country.
Semtokha Dzong – This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It also houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Drubthob nunnery at Zilukha.
Pangri Zampa Monastery - situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km. from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung, built it during the first quarter of the 16th century.
Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the varieties of  textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewellery etc. on display.
Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6: Thimphu-Excursion to Tango Goemba +

A wonderful outing and a soft trek from Thimphu is a visit to Tango Monastery to the north of Thimphu town. This monastery can be reached by road but many Thimphu residents go up to the monastery for a day trip by foot. Hike to the premises of Tango Goemba.  This is a gentle leg-stretching day that also allows us to see the countryside and villages of Thimphu Valley
Tango Goemba is the site of the only Buddhist College in the country. The complex was built in the 17th century by the 4th Desi- Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (Spiritual and Temporal Ruler of Bhutan). It is usually possible to enter Tango courtyard, but not the temples. We have arranged for special permit allowing you to enter and see the temples inside.
Descend to the bridge (30 mins) and drive back to Thimphu.
Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 7: Drive to Punakha, Local Sightseeing +

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,150m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.  On arrival in Punakha check into your hotel.
In the afternoon you can walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, otherwise known as the divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan's favourite saints. It is a beautiful walk across rice paddies and through a small village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site.
Overnight at Hotel, Punakha. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 8: Punakha Exploration +

In the morning make a short walk to visit Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten (King's father in law's lhakhang) and nearby villages. A pleasant drive north following Mochu river for about an hour. At Kabesa, bear right and take the path up through paddy after crossing the suspension bridge. Climb steeply for abouot 45 minutes to the base of the hill where Nazagang Lhakhang is sited. The lhakhang was consecrated in December 1999 and contains sacred relics donated from Punakha Dzong. Round trip of 4-5 hours.
In the afternoon, you may also be able to visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) rivers. The large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel, Punakha. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 9: Drive to Bumthang, En route visit Trongsa Dzong +

This is a long day's drive of 6-7 hours depending on road conditions but it is a journey you are not likely to forget.  The scenery is certainly stunning. Leaving Gangety, the road winds its way up to the Pele La at 3,300m/10,830ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
In the afternoon, arrive in the town of Tongsa, the site of the largest Dzong in Bhutan and certainly one of the most impressive ones. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of this century.
Time permitting, wander around Tongsa township and visit the huge and historical Trongsa Dzong and the watchtower above the main Dzong. It has a fine temple at the top containing original Mongol Armour and a large prayer wheel outside.
From Trongsa drive to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel, Jakar. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 10: BUMTHANG- Full day Exploration +

The region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. The Dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Choskhor valley, commonly referred to as Bumthang valley. There are two versions of the origin of the name Bumthang. The valley is supposed to be shaped like a Bumpa, a vessel that contains holy water, and Thang meaning ‘field’ or ‘flat place.’ The religious connotation of the name aptly applies to the sacred character of the region. The less respectful translation relates to the particularly beautiful women who live here – bum means girl. It would be difficult to find so many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere else in Bhutan.
Your sightseeing in Jakar includes:
Jakar Dzong is in a picturesque location overlooking the Choskhor Valley. The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than 1500 m. Its official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, in honour of the victory over the troops of Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal.
 
Kurjey Lhakhang is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, which is preserved in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the temple complex. The first temple is the oldest and was built in 1652 by Mingyur Tenpa, when he was Penlop of Trongsa. The second temple was built by Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan in 1900 when he was still Penlop of Trongsa. The third building in the complex is an elaborate three-storey lhakhang built by Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, in 1984 under the guidance of Diglo Khyentse Rimpoche
 
Jambay Lhakhang which dates back to 7th century built by Tibetan King Songtsen gompo and houses the sanctuary dedicated to future Buddha Jampa.
 
Tamshing Goemba (also known as Tamsing lhendup Tsholing, literally ‘temple of the good message’) was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa Goemba in the kingdom. Pema Lingpa built the structure himself, with the help of Khandroms (female celestial beings) who made many of his statues.
A short distance below Tamsing is a small rural-looking town Konchogsum Lhakhang – the source of many interesting stories. The history of this temple dates back to the 6th century, however the current structure dates from 15th century, when Pema Lingpa restored it. The small statues of the 3 Buddhas (past, present & future) in the sanctuary are said to have flown straight from Khaine Lhakhang in Kurtoe. Hence the name of this Lhakhang is Konchogsum – Konchog (divine being), sum (three)
 
Note: Most places in Jakar can be covered on foot, which involves gentle walks along the village path and across the suspension bridge. This is usually carried out to make the sightseeing more interesting.
Overnight at Hotel, Jakar. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 11: Bumthang – Wangdue/Punakha +

Leaving Jakar, we return west for some 7-8 hours, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La pass we come to Wangdi where we take a short break for tea and snacks. From Wangdi, it’s a short drive to your hotel (approx. 20 minutes drive).
Overnight at Hotel, Punakha. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 12: Drive to Paro +

After breakfast, drive to Dochu La pass for morning views over the Eastern Himalayas. After a short break over tea/coffee and snacks, we travel through blossoming hills and pine forests to reach Paro in time for lunch.
After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum and then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
 
Afterwards, we drive up the valley to visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. En route, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Also visit a traditional farm house which offers deep insight into lifestyle of local people.
Overnight at Hotel, Paro. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 13: Paro Departure and Flight to Kathmandu +

You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport. After your Arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to Bhaktapur. Today you have free time.

Day 14: Full day Sightseeing in Bhaktapur +

After having breakfast you will go for Sightseeing in Bhaktapur which is located in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. It is an ancient Newar city abought 8 miles far from the capital city Kathmandu. Bhaktapur was the largest of the three Newa kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, and was the capital of Nepal during the great "Malla" Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century. It is famous for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. Because of this it is also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In the evening you will have a farewell dinner with the guide of your tour because it will be the last evening all together.

Day 15: Departure +

Today you will be transferred to the airport and fly back home - with lots of great memories!

Inclusive

- Std Room at Tourist class hotels on twin sharing basis
- 3-star hotel in Bhaktapur: Sweet Home Bhaktapur 
- Hotel in Kathmandu: 3 star standard hotel 
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Visa processing
- All government taxes and office expenses
- All inland travel permits
- All transfers written in the program by private transportation
- Entrance fees for trekking and sightseeing
- English speaking Trekking Guide (german speaking guide on request)
- Complimentary bottled water in car
- Welcome and farewell dinner in a typical nepali restaurant
- Insurance of Staff


Exclusive

- International flights
- Visa for Nepal (EUR 35,- or USD 40,-)
- Sightseeing which is not described in the program
- Personal expenditure: e.g. drinks, souvenirs, laundry, snacks, communication charges, tips
- Vaccination and travel insurance
- Extra payment in case of illness, rescue, changes of the program because of acts of nature beyond control, and additional expenses for overnight accommodations, etc. resulting from this 


Trip Quick Overview

Duration: 15 Days
Seasons :
Type:
Activities : Sightseeing in Bhutan and Kathmandu (Nepal)
No. of Pax : 2+
Maximum Access :
Starts From : Kathmandu
Ends at : Kathmandu




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