Authentic Bhutan and Nepal Private Journey

Welcome to Paro! Upon arrival at the Paro Airport, you will be met by your private driver and driven approximately 1-hour and 20 minutes to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. After lunch, you will visit Memorial Chhorten – built-in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy and then you will visit the Big Buddha Statue – this gigantic statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Evening visit to Trachichho Dzong, it is an architectural delight and houses the throne room and the office of His Majesty the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Then stroll and explore Thimphu town and do some shopping in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu. (L, D)

After enjoying the breakfast at hotel, we will do sightseeing in Thimphu City. Visit the Post office, to make your own stamp and send it to your loved ones. Traditional Bhutanese Paper- to see the traditional methods to produce authentic Bhutanese Paper known as Deh-sho), Weaving centre, you will see here our young girls and women weaving so interestingly. After lunch, we will continue with our sightseeing and visit Drupthop Dewachen Nunnery, this nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered an emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo and then Takin zoo, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Then we will visit Bhutanese Farmhouse and we will try to make the national dish Ema Datshi (chilli & cheese) and other dishes like Pasha Paa (dried pork strips) with dry turnip leaves/Radish and red chillies. We will eat whatever we could make in the farmhouse with the red rice from their farm field. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu. (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La Pass which is marked by 108 stupas built by the Queen Mother. Upon arrival at Punakha, visit Chhimi Lhakhang Temple and enjoy 35-minutes walking through the village of Metshina visit the temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman). The temple is popular among women who have difficulties conceiving children. Then proceed to Punakha Dzong fortress. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong fortress has been fully restored to its former glory. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Arrival at the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Punakha. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hours hike to regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Afternoon visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (nunnery).  Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji LhuendrupLhakhang(Temple). After lunch, proceed to Talo Village. The village of Talo which is scattered along the hill slopes is known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. TaloSangnacholing is built on a plateau and has a majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farmhouses of the village have their own flower gardens and, on the hill, slope corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance. (B, L, D)

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country and known as the place of profound tantric teaching. This dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. After lunch and checking in at your hotel, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart for Taktshang Monastery. (The walk will take approximately 5-hours) It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. After lunch, you will drive to DrukgyelDzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago.  In early 1954, the DrukgyelDzong was completely destroyed by fire and today only the ruins remain. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, the "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. While returning to the hotel, along the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and the market area. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to Haa valley en route taking a short stop at Chelela pass. Here you can take some breathtaking clicks of the pass full of colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.  Haa valley, also known as ‘the Hidden-Land Rice Valley, ’ lies along the three distinctive sister hills (Meri Pun Sum). After lunch, proceed to Lhakhang Karpo (White temple), established in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple), also built-in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo and situated towards the north of Lhakhang Karpo. After the visits, you will drive back to Paro town for some free time and shopping.  Dinner and overnight in Paro. (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your flight(not included) to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met and proceed to the temple of Pashupatinath. Today, you will spend time with a monk or Buddhism Scholar. Boudhanath Stupa is the world's largest Buddhist Stupa just behind the Pashupatinath Temple. It is built on a flat surface on several terrace levels, painted in pastel, and adorned with prayer flags. It is defined in a Mandala design. A total of 108 images of Buddha and 147 insertions of prayer wheels adorn the base of the huge circular building. The colony of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetans - Twelve thousand in total. Afterwards, experience the blessing ceremony with a Lama (Senior Monk) at the monastery. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)

After breakfast, drive approximately 5-6 hours to Chitwan. En route, you will stop at Brigade Bridge and enjoy a walk around the village. will be given. There are many trails utilized by the local residents, which lead through the villages, passing fields of millet, mustard, potatoes, and other crops, depending on the season. There is also an abundance of birds and butterflies. Upon arrival, the naturalist will welcome participants. Refreshments and information on camp programs and facilities will be provided. In the afternoon, visit Tharu Village, and explore the lifestyle of these tribes who are known as the people that are not affected by Malaria and that’s why they have been able to sustain themselves in this part of the world before Malaria was eradicated in the 1960s. In the evening, one of the jungle experts will offer a slide presentation to introduce background data, the history of the Royal Chitwan National Park, and some other topics relating to wildlife. Dinner and overnight in Chitwan. (B, L, D)

Wake up early to ride an elephant to observe wildlife early in the morning. It's the best time of the day to see the animals as we pass silently through the dewy grass (18-20 feet high), a habitat for rhinos, tigers, and other wildlife. Spend 2-3 hours in the jungle, then return to the camp for breakfast. Alternatively, you will have the option to enjoy a jeep safari, an unusual program, beginning as a jeep safari with an experienced driver at the wheel and an expert naturalist leading you deep inside the forests on motorable tracks, exploring the mystery and magic of the jungle from the comfort of your seat.  This exciting activity lasts from 3 hrs. up to 4 hrs. in search of wild animals such as several types of deer (spotted dear, barking dear, hug dear), monkeys, wild boar, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. Apart from the wild animals, we would visit deep inside the national park where the Naturist would brief you about the forest and its types, trees and their species, and different species of birds. Overnight in Chitwan. (B, L, D)(Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September and in some seasons, it can prolong till October)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the National Park’s exit point and change the vehicle to enjoy approximately 4-5 scenic drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is also known as a vacationer’s paradise. While Kathmandu offers medieval monuments and historical palaces along with the chaotic bustles, Pokhara stoops more towards the nature side of life.  In this picturesque town, life slows down and everything takes on an easier pace. A morning drive to Sarangkot to view the glorious sunrise and the giants of the Western Himalayan range will be a treat while the Phewa Lake offers a splendid view of the Macchapuchhare peak. Arrive and check-in at Hotel Board the vehicle and drive to Kalimati to visit the World Peace Stupa. In the evening, you will visit the local family of the Ex- Gurkha Army for dinner and learn to cook famous Nepali Food, Momo (dampling) Overnight in Pokhara (B, D)

After breakfast, you will visit Phewa Power House for a short walk to Damsadi village with Sherpa (sherpas are well-known climbers of Nepal) and he will share his climbing experience with the group members.  You will admire the views of the Pardi River, Annapurna, Manaslu Himalayan range and the entire Pokhara valley. Further, you will continue walking for approximately 30-minutes to Ambot Village and walk back to Damsadi Village and cross the suspension Bridge and drive back to Pokhara. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the International Mountain Museum with the Sherpa climberMany people in the world may not know much about the small country called Nepal, but they certainly know about this peak, the tallest in the world, called Mount Everest. Overnight in Pokhara. (B)

Early morning transfer to Sarangkot for sunrise - At an altitude of 1592 meters, this mountain sits north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and Fewa Tal. Sarangkot is a beautiful village best known for its sunrise, where on a clear day can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. After driving back to your hotel for breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu by car. The scenic drive will take approximately 3-hours. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the hotel and the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your private driver for the approximate 20-minute transfer to the Kathmandu International Airport where you will check in for your onward flight. (B)