Combination Bhutan Nepal Tour

19 days 18 nights
Tour
1-15 Pax

Nepal boasts eight of the world's tallest mountains and the world's oldest Hindu and Buddhist sites. While Kathmandu Valley is made of three ancient cities filled with enchanting medieval palaces, pagodas, temples, statues and stupa, the rest of the kingdom offers unparalleled adventure options with abundance in flora and fauna. As for its people - From the Tharus that share their land with the splendid Asian tuskers in the plains to the brave Yak herders of Dolpo, they are as amazing as the land itself. Here in its tropical jungles the Royal Bengal Tiger prowls, higher up the legend of the Yeti lives on. Although modernization has set in, the quintessence of ancient Nepal remains among its people

Bhutan, also known as the Dragon Kingdom, is a rich mosaic of different cultures, traditions, life styles, ethnic groups, languages and belief systems. It is astounding that a country with a population of just over half a million speaks as many as nineteen different dialects and a few major languages. Diverse as it may seem, yet the Bhutanese socio-cultural fabric is well interlaced and harmonized mainly due to the common thread of simple Buddhist values that the people share.

This is a complete package to see all the inside & outside aspects of Nepal. During this tour, will get you a chance to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley along with one of the most popular destinations near Kathmandu, Nagarkot. This complete package takes you to the Pokhara Valley, known for its tranquility and picturesque natural attractions. Pokhara, the hoe for dense forests, gushing rivers, lucid lakes and stunning view the Annapurna range, has mesmerized the visitors from all  over the world. Likewise, our cultural tours are the easiest way to get a taste of Bhutan. Each town has a Dzong dating back from the 1600s, and many old temples and monasteries. In our trip, we will visit Thimphu valley (the capital of Bhutan), Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang.

 

 

 Days  Activities  Accommodation
 Day 1  Arrive in Kathmandu  Hotel
 Day 2  In Kathmandu  Hotel
 Day 3   Fly to Paro, Drive to Thimphu  Hotel
 Day 4  In Thimphu  Hotel
 Day 5  Drive to Bhumthang  Hotel
 Day 6  In Bhumthang  Hotel
 Day 7  In Bhumthang  Hotel
 Day 8  Drive to Punakha  Hotel
 Day 9  In Punakha  Hotel
 Day 10  Drive to Paro  Hotel
 Day 11  Hike to Taktsang Monastery  Hotel
 Day 12  Fly Paro to Kathmandu  Hotel
 Day 13  Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding  Local Lodge
 Day 14  Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar  Local Lodge
 Day 15  In Namche Bazaar  Local Lodge
 Day 16  Trek back to Lukla  Local Lodge
 Day 17  Fly back to Kathmandu, Fly to Pokhara  Hotel
 Day 18  In Pokhara  Hotel
 Day 19  Fly back to Kathmandu, Final Departure  

 

  • 1

    Upon arrival meet and assist by our airport representative and transfer to hotel as booked.

  • 2

    Visit Swoyambhunath, Patan & Boudhanath.

    Swoyambhunath: Located approximately 4 km/2.5 miles, this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagodas temples.

    Patan: It is 5 km / 3 miles away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection, the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Mahaboudha Temple. A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues.

    Boudhanath: This Stupa, eight kilometers east of Kathmandu City is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. King Man Dev built this Buddhist stupa at the advice of Goddess Mani Jjogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Houses of Lamas ring the shrine or Buddhist priests.

  • 3

    Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu which is 45 minutes drive from the airport. Visit the main market of Thimphu with its many curio shops. Visit the National Memorial stupa of the 3rd King, here you will see many people walking around the stupa for good health and also accumulating good karma. You can also visit Tashi Cho Dzong which houses the office of the 5th King of Bhutan and many other offices of the Cabinet minister.

    Overnight at Hotel 

    Meals : Lunch, Dinner
  • 4

    After breakfast visit the Memorial Stupa built in memory of the late king in 1974. Visit the 15th century Changangkha temple, Takin (National Animal) sanctuary, view point and Zilukha Nunnery. Lunch will be in town. After lunch, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, Government Handicraft Emporium, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and the various Handicrafts store in the town.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 5

    After very early breakfast we drive to Bumthang.

    Overnight at  Resort

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 6

    Visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal ruler) in 1646 A.D. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi of Bhutan in 1683 A.D. It is probably one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference.
       
    Visit several ancient and important monasteries such as, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit the Bumthang Swiss farm and the Member Tso (The flaming Lake) which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots.

    Overnight at Resort

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 7

    A full day excursion to Ura Valley, visitors can drive up to Ura and take a leisure stroll in the clustered village of Ura. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses which is worth seeing. You will also see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland of the Ura valley. Later drive back to Bumthang.

    Overnight at Resort

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 8

    This morning, after breakfast, be met by your guide in the hotel lobby between 7:30AM and 8:00AM and head west, crossing over Kiki La pass and Yuthong La pass to Punakha. Upon arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel and at leisure.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Lunch, Dinner
  • 9

    Today we hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by the third Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for World peace and dedicated to the crown prince. This Chorten is a splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world. It has been built over eight and a half years and all its details have been drawn from religious scriptures.

    Later, visit Punakha Dzong built by Shabdrung in 1637. Punakha Dzong has undergone flooding from a glacial lake high above in the mountains of Lunana, which periodically has broken through its barriers; and has been ravaged by fire, but has stood on its remarkable site since the 17th C. The flash flood of October 1994 caused a great deal of damage, but miraculous spared the statue of Lord Buddha. The three-story Machhen Lhakhang is a fine example of traditional architecture, crafted from cypress with four intricately embossed entrance pillars decorated in gold and silver, the inside walls are covered with elaborate murals depicting the teaching of the Buddha.  The Chorten which contains the Kudung is adorned with precious jewels and took twenty craftsmen four years to construct.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 10

    This morning after early breakfast, be met by your guide in the hotel lobby and drive to Paro. On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple) where childless women go to the temple to receive blessing from the saint. It was built by Saint Drukpa Kunley (Divine madman) in 1499. Legend has it that he subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his magic thunderbolt of wisdom. A wooden effigy of the Lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang.

    Continue drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro, visit the National museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river.

    Visit Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 11

    Visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong which was a fort that repelled Tibetan invaders.  Weather permitting you will have great views of Mt. Chomolhari at 24000 ft.

    Today we drive to Satsam Chorten and hike to the famous Taktsang monastery or the Tigers’ nest monastery. The hike takes about 4 hours back and forth depending on the level of the hikers. Once you reach the view point of the monastery you have the option to visit the monastery which takes another hour hike. The monastery is built on a granite cliff and in this cave Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava the great Tantric Buddha did his meditation for a month on this power place. It was Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to the Himalayas. This place is a powerful pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world.

    Later visit the Kyichu monastery built from the 7th century. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built by the great Tibetan King Songsten Gyepo and the main statue is of the Future Buddha which is similar to the main Buddha statue in the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 12

    After breakfast, transfer to airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival meet our representative and transfer to the hotel as booked. Later visit Bhaktapur City.

    Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur lies 12 km east of the Kathmandu city on the Arniko Highway that leads to the Chinese border. Covering an area of 6.4 sq. km, Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively.

    Overnight at Hotel

    Meals : Breakfast
  • 13

    After early breakfast, we fly from Kathmandu to Lukla [2800m], a small airstrip high above the Dudh Koshi valley. After meeting our trekking crew and sorting out our gear, we begin the trek by descending to Chaunrikharka and heading up the Dudh Kosi valley to Phakding.

    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 14

    From Phakding, we cross and re-cross the river on high suspension bridges. Beyond Monjo is the entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park which was set-up in order to protect and preserve this fragile mountain environment. We then ascend up to Namche and along the way, if the weather is clear, catch a first glimpse of Mt Everest in the distance. Namche is the main trading village in the Khumbu and has a busy Saturday market - a meeting place for the Hindu traders from the lowlands and the Tibetan yak caravans that have crossed the glaciated Nangpa La.

    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 15

    Option of long hike or short hikes around Namche Bazaar

    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 16

    Our final day's trekking follows the Dudh Kosi back down to Lukla. This last evening in the mountains is the ideal opportunity for a farewell party with the sherpa guides and porters, where we can sample some change, try Sherpa dancing and look back on a memorable trekking experience.

    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 17

    Early morning flight back to Kathmandu and upon arrival waits at the domestic airport and flies to Pokhara.

    Pokhara: The rare combinations of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (210 km/131 miles from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Kingdom. Situated on the foothills of the magnificent Mt. Machhapuchre, Pokhara valley (827m) is an enchanting city soaked in tranquility. It is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of the Phewa Lake accompanied by the grandeur of Machhapuchre creates an ambience of peace and magic. Pokhara is the home for dense forests, gushing rivers, lucid lakes and the world famous view of the Himalayas. It is situated 200km west of Kathmandu and is accessible by air or land.

    Visit Phewa Lake, Bindebashini Temple, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, Davis fall

    Phewa Lake: Sightseeing of Phewa Lake (one hour boat ride). The lake in the immediate vicinity of the city is Phewa Lake with an island temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi in the middle with its serene water reflecting the Annapurna range and a nicely preserved forest on the adjoining southern slope, this legendary second largest lake of Nepal remains a major source of attraction for the visiting tourists.
       
    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 18

    Today you will have an option of longer or shorter walks to explore the culture and flora of the hill villages around the lodge – with the option of a packed lunch for those wishing to take a full-day walk. OR simply relax at the lodge.

    Overnight at Lodge

    Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • 19

    After breakfast, transfer to airport for the fight to Kathmandu. Later transfer to airport for the onward flight.

    Meals : Breakfast

COST INCLUDES:

Nepal Portion:

  • Arrival/Departure Transfers.
  • Meet assistance at the airport.
  • 03 Nights hotel accommodation at Hotel - Kathmandu as per the above program in a twin sharing room on bed and breakfast plan.
  • 02 Nights hotel accommodation at Lodge– Pokhara as per the above program in a twin sharing room on full board plan.
  • 04 Nights accommodation at Lodge Home  in Phakding, Namche & Lukla in a twin sharing room on full board plan during trek with 01 porter and 01 English Speaking local Guide.
  • Everest National Park Fee and TIMS
  • All the sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with Local English speaking guide and by private vehicle.
  • Monuments and entrance fees as indicated in the program. 

Bhutan Portion:

  • Arrival/Departure transfers
  • Meet and assistance at the airport
  • 02 Nights hotel accommodation at the hotel - Paro in twin sharing on bed and breakfast plan. Lunches and dinners will be provided at the best available local restaurants.
  • 02 Nights hotel accommodation at the hotel -Thimpu in twin sharing on bed and breakfast plan. Lunches and dinners will be provided at the best available local restaurants.
  • 03 Nights hotel accommodation at the hotel  - Bumthang in twin sharing on bed and breakfast plan. Lunches and dinners will be provided at the best available local restaurants.
  • 02 Nights hotel accommodation at the hotel Punakha in twin sharing on bed and breakfast plan. Lunches and dinners will be provided at the best available local restaurants.
  • All the sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking local guide in Bhutan
  • Private transfers by land cruiser/SUV
  • Bhutan Visa fee
  • Tourism development fee & Entrance fee in Bhutan

 

COST EXCLUDES:

  • Nepalese Visa (single/multiple   entry - US$ 25.00 per person, valid till 15 days from the date of entry. Visa fee subject to change).
  • International/Domestic airfare (Subject to change without any prior notice). Quoted Separately.
  • Items of personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities as tips to guide, porters, drivers etc
  • Personal insurance policy - suggested a comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents and hospitalization
  • Excess baggage
  • Gratuities, tipping to guides and drivers.
  • Lunches and dinners during their stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal
  • Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances
  • Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions

 

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