Tour Overview
It's tempting to compare the Kingdom of Bhutan to the fabled Shangri-la - that hidden Himalayan kingdom where time stood still. The tiny Buddhist nation has been revered by Westerners for years as a place of mystery and beauty uncorrupted by colonialism, industrial development and modern influences. Bhutan has a natural beauty and a distinctive culture that make it well worth a visit. Trekkers will find uncrowded trails and photographers will be impressed with the country's traditional architecture and abundant wildlife. Others can find pleasure in the elaborate tsechus (religious festivals) that are held throughout the year at various dzongs (fortress-monasteries). Nearly everyone who visits Bhutan will be awed by the unsurpassed majesty of the Himalayas. The kingdom of Nepal is famous for its snow-capped peaks, but there’s much more to do in Nepal than an Everest ascent. Kathmandu, Nepal’s largest city, is crammed with historical sights and modern edifices. In the Kathmandu Valley you will exploring the spectacular temples and stupas that make the area a mecca for Buddhists and Hindus. Your journey will take you to the Royal Chitwan National Park, which was once a hunting ground for aristocrats. The park, now a protected area, gives you the chance to spot one-horned rhino, leopard, deer, sloth bear, and perhaps even the elusive Bengal tiger.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Paro, BhutanArrive Paro International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel. The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively. With an area of 38,394 square km., Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography. The mighty Himalayas protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left it blissfully untouched through the centuries. The kingdom is sparsely populated, with a population approaching 700,000. Four main linguistic groups constitute Bhutan's population: the Sharchopas, who are held to be indigenous inhabitants, the Bumthangpas and the Ngalongpas who originate in neighboring Tibet, and the Lhotshampas, recent immigrants of Nepalese origin. The inhabitants of Bhutan are gracious, gentle and very hospitable. They are peace loving and possess a lively sense of humor. Private transfer to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day at leisure.
Hotel Tenzling or similar Day 2: Paro- Taktsang Hike
Start the day with a short drive to Sartsam Chorten. From here you hike for on and a half hours to the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until you can see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang monastery. The Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay built the primary Lhakhang around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. After the hike you visit the 7th century Kichu Monastery, en route back to Paro. You will arrive back in Paro between 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Tenzling or similar Day 3: Chelila Pass- Haa
Start with a morning visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum; and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This afternoon drive to Haa via the Chelila Pass, the highest road in Bhutan at 4000 meters. On a clear day there are superb views of Mt. Jhomolhari and the Eastern Himalayan Range from this point. Weather permitting, you will hike towards the Haa Valley and enjoy the mountain scenery. Continuing on to Haa (8,811ft), descending all the way for another 22km or approximately one hour’s drive. After a picnic lunch by the river near the new Haa Dzong, you visit two famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhanga Karpo. The Bhutanese come here to offer prayers and adorn the hills with prayer flags to pray to the Mountain Gods. The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa are popularly known as 'RigSum Goenpa' signifying three deities, Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrezig. These are the three principal bodhisattvas among the thousand future Buddhas to come. Return to Paro and this evening consider exploring the town on your own.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Tenzling or similar Day 4: Paro- Thimphu
Depart on a one-hour drive to Thimphu. Along the way you will pass the Simtokha village and Dzong and stop for a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of
painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and observe a Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichhodzong. This impressive
fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body; Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Handicrafts Emporium is a government-run enterprise and displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. If you do not find the perfect souvenir here, we will visit the shops of Thimphu before returning to the hotel. Note: National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine are closed on Sundays and national holidays. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Peaceful Resort or similar Day 5: Thimphu- Hiking- Tango & Cheri Monasteries
After breakfast, drive north to the trail to the Tango Monastery. The climb about 280m passes through beautiful forests that are excellent for bird watching, before arriving at the monastery in slightly more than an hour. The Tango monastery (8500m) was built by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th Century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. History states that in 1616 The Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the goenpa. His meditations helped ensure the defeat of the invading Tibetan army. The picturesque three-story tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. The golden roof was added by the Shandrung Jigme Chhogyel in the 19th Century. The Tango monastery as well as the Cheri monastery are the only two Buddhist monasteries that offer a Degree and are the highest centers of Buddhist education. At the monastery you can interact with students of the university and view the great architecture. Nearby are many small retreat centers where many monks meditate for 3 years or 12 years solitary meditation. Later descend down and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. After lunch drive to Dochula pass (3050m/10130ft) stopping briefly to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. A stop for tea along the way at Dochula pass provides an excellent view of the whole range of the Eastern Himalayas if the sky is clear.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Peaceful Resort or similar Day 6: Paro- Kathmandu, Nepal
This morning you will be picked up for a 40-minute ground transfer to airport for your flight to Kathmandu. (Flight cost not included.) Upon arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, take a short driving tour to the ancient Buddhist stupa at Swayambunath; at first glance you will recognize it as Nepal's definitive icon. Situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha look out in all directions. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa are a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics and angling for a snack. Returning to the city, you will have the evening free to relax or explore on your own.
Breakfast
Malla Hotel Day 7: Kathmandu- Chitwan National Park
After breakfast, fly to Chitwan. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your safari lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon game viewing activity. The Chitwan National Park is in the lush Valley of Chitwan, situated in the foothills of the Churia Ranges, approximately 75 air miles southwest of Kathmandu. Chitwan, meaning 'heart of the jungle,' is among the last surviving examples of a continuous band of forest and grasslands which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The National Park, the first of the Kingdom, is famous for it's variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Narayani Safari Hotel Day 8: Chitwan National Park
Today partake in jungle safari activities. The main highlights of the safari activities are elephant rides to see the rare one-horned rhino, sloth bear, four species of deer, a dazzling array of tropical birds and perhaps a leopard or tiger. The birdlife is fantastic - some 450 species have been sighted within the park. You will also go by dugout canoe into the watery realm of the threatened gharial crocodile, mugger crocodile, and numerous waterfowl.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Narayani Safari Hotel Day 9: Chitwan National Park- Kathmandu
After a morning jungle walk, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival private transfer to your hotel for check-in. Later, enjoy a half-day tour of Patan City. Patan is a city of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, fine woodcarvings and known as the paradise of fine arts. Lalitpur is another name of for city that means ‘the city of beauty'.
Breakfast
Hotel Malla Day 10: Depart Kathmandu
Private transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
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