Nepal and Bhutan Tour – 09 Days

After your long flight, you will arrive at Kathmandu's airport to start your stunning Bhutan tour. One of our representatives will be waiting to welcome you with a warm "Namaste" greeting. You will take a short drive through colorful bustling streets to reach your peaceful hotel.

Once settled into your room, meet back downstairs for tea with your tour guide. He will discuss details of the upcoming tour, including the route, what to expect each day, your expert crew, and a packing list to check. After going over everything, enjoy wandering Kathmandu on your own to rest up or take in sights.

After a hearty breakfast, it's time for an amazing tour of Kathmandu's highlights. We'll start the day at sunrise, visiting Bodnath Stupa's watching eyes - the largest spherical stupa in Nepal. Stroll alongside pilgrims lighting butter lamps and spinning engraved prayer wheels.

Next, our private transport drives across town to Pashupatinath Temple, the nation's most important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lose yourself wandering through detailed carved wooden temples connecting the Bagmati River.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant site of Kathmandu Durbar Square, where Newari kings have been crowned since the 10th century. Explore narrow backstreets lined with hidden stone shrines before touring the old Royal Palace, filled with wood carvings and pagoda temples.

After a packed day uncovering Kathmandu's treasures, retreat back to the hotel for an early dinner. Have a delicious dinner and get plenty of rest - tomorrow, we fly into the mythic Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Today, we'll leave the Kathmandu Valley behind and soar into the clouds towards Bhutan. This popular multi-day tour starts by savoring spectacular Himalayan views during the short flight between Nepal and Paro. Even Mount Everest and Lhotse Peak from the southern horizon can be seen from windows if the weather allows.

When you arrive at Paro International Airport, our Bhutan guide and driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Today is the iconic hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. This famous cliffside monastery is one of Bhutan's most sacred sites. We'll hike around 5 hours uphill following a wooded trail lined with prayer flags and shrines. Legend says Guru Rinpoche arrived at this spot on the back of a tigress and blessed it. Ever since its rediscovery, Tiger's Nest has been a revered pilgrimage site that all Bhutanese strive to visit.

Along our hike, we will also stop at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple. This simple yet holy site was one of over 100 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo. Our guide will share stories of this Buddhist king and the origins of Bhutan's deep spiritual heritage.

Witnessing Kyichu Lhakhang and Tiger's Nest in one day will be an unforgettable pilgrimage through ancient Buddhist history still alive in Bhutan. Later that day, we’ll drive to Thimpu for an overnight stay.

This morning, our cultural immersion into mystical Bhutan begins by driving up to Kuensel Phodrang, or Buddha Point. From this lofty lookout, span your eyes across the lush Thimphu Valley to the figure of Dordenma - one of the earth's largest sitting Buddha statues. Learn about the ambitious project honoring previous kings as you circumambulate the noble figure wreathed in incense.

We'll then pay respects at the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the beloved late Third King. Hundreds of devotees visit it daily, lighting butter lamps and chanting mantras along its marble walkways. Pause to appreciate spiritual rituals and continuing traditions stretching back centuries in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Mid-morning, we trade quiet meditation visiting Motithang Takin Preserve - a wildlife sanctuary for Bhutan's national animals to roam the protected forest as they have for ages.

After a hearty Bhutanese lunch, immerse deeper into the culture at Simtokha Dzong - the oldest fortress monastery in the country now functioning as a prominent Buddhist institute focused on traditional arts. Explore its elegant architecture, winding stairways and precious relics speaking to Bhutan's deep spiritual heritage.

We cap our first day at the Zilukha Nunnery, where you may receive a special blessing. This idyllic hilltop convent nurturing 30 nuns features serene temples and prayer wheels, all backed by panoramic Himalayan vistas.

Ultimately, we'll take a drive to Wangi. What better way to end a day than experiencing Bhutan's heart and soul?

Good morning! Today we will continue our journey through the breathtaking landscape of Bhutan. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll drive from Wangdi to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Along the way, we'll stop at Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range and to visit the 108 chortens built here.

In Punakha, we'll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the confluence of two rivers. This stunning fortress is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Next, we'll cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan over the Po Chhu river to hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and known for its fertility shrine.

After lunch, we'll drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Here we'll visit the places that we missed previously. There will be time to explore Thimphu's markets before continuing on to Paro.

The drive to Paro is spectacular, following the Pa Chhu river valley with views of terraced farmland, traditional wooden Bhutanese homes, and forested hills. After checking into our hotel, the evening is free to explore Paro's neighborhoods and markets.

After an amazing time exploring the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan, we will take a short flight from Paro to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The flight provides spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon landing in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.

After several days of trekking and sightseeing, today you can enjoy a well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu. Sleep in and relax at your hotel, or venture out to visit some places at your own pace. Stroll through the fascinating streets and squares of the city, mingle with locals at the markets and temples, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere.

Stop for a rejuvenating massage or just find a cafe to sit back and watch daily life unfold. Kathmandu has many restaurants to taste local flavors when you get hungry.We hope you enjoy this break in the schedule and have fun exploring Kathmandu on your own terms.

It's time to say farewell to Nepal! Today, you'll be transferred to the Kathmandu airport for your home flight. Our drivers will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your departure flight.

We wish you a smooth flight home and look forward to traveling with you again! Safe travels and we hope to see you next time in amazing Nepal!