Nepal Bhutan Heritage Tour

You will start your day with an early breakfast at 6:30 am before embarking on an exciting journey to Sauraha, Chitwan, covering nearly 173 km from Kathmandu (approximately a 5-hour drive). Along the way, indulge in a short tea break at 9:30 am, offering Nepali black tea, local coffee, and masala tea (self-paid). Upon arrival in Chitwan around noon, you will be checked-in at the hotel and take a brief rest for 30 minutes. Then, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at the hotel before proceeding for an unforgettable elephant riding experience. In the evening, you can witness the vibrant Tharu cultural dance show before indulging in a delicious dinner at the hotel. Rest and recharge for the night. 

We’ll start the day in Chitwan with a refreshing wakeup call from the hotel, followed by a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. We will be engaged in a series of exciting activities, including canoeing, a visit to the elephant breeding center, invigorating jungle walks, and immersive Tharu village tours. While jeep safaris are optional and self-paid, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset in the evening. We will then return to the hotel for a delicious dinner, and rest assured, your meals will be served punctually throughout the day. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Chitwan, filled with unforgettable experiences.

You will receive an early wakeup call and a delicious breakfast at the hotel restaurant before checking out and starting a scenic journey to Pokhara, approximately 190 km from Chitwan. Enjoy a leisurely five-hour drive, with a short tea break along the way (self-paid). As we approach Pokhara, we can get a glimpse of the breathtaking vistas of majestic 8000-meter-high mountains – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel and freshen up before heading out for a delectable Chinese lunch. Afterward, take some time to relax and rejuvenate with a quick nap. 

Pokhara, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, is a serene and picturesque city known for its stunning natural beauty. With the serene Phewa Lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges, Pokhara offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking views, adventurous sports, and other diverse attractions, Pokhara promises an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s grandeur. In the afternoon, around 2:00 pm, we will set out to explore Pokhara’s iconic attractions, including Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Lakeside. We shall conclude the day with a delightful dinner and comfortable overnight stay in Pokhara.

Our day will begin with a wakeup call from the hotel, preparing to depart at 4:50 am for Sarangkot, a hilltop spot offering panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre mountains, and a breathtaking sunrise. It is a popular spot for trekking and paragliding while witnessing the natural beauty of the valley. On our way back to the hotel, we shall tour Bindabasini temple, one of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples in Nepal.Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple attracts devotees and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual solace, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque Pokhara Valley. 

Following breakfast, we will head to Phewa Lake, where a private boat will ferry us to the opposite shore, marking the beginning of a scenic two-hour hike to the World Peace Pagoda. The World Peace Pagoda, also known as Shanti Stupa, is a 115 feet tall symbol of peace and tranquility located atop Anadu Hill in Pokhara. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range, Phewa Lake, and the Pokhara Valley. Then, we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time in the afternoon for optional adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, or ultralight flight (self-paid). The day will end with dinner and an overnight stay in Pokhara. 

This day will begin with  a refreshing breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant before checking out and heading towards Kathmandu (approximately 200 km from Pokhara). Along the way, we can observe the urban lifestyle of the Nepalese inhabitants. During the journey, we’ll encounter the country’s first cable car, leading to the revered Hindu goddess Manakamana. Enjoy a short tea break before continuing the drive. Upon reaching the Kathmandu valley, our first stop is the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, steeped in history dating back 2500 years. As one of the largest stupas globally, it serves as a significant religious center for the Tibetan community. We can witness Tibetan monks circling the stupa while spinning prayer wheels. 

We shall end the day with dinner at a Chinese restaurant near Boudhanath Stupa before returning to the hotel for check-in. The evening is reserved for unwinding and relaxing. You may indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage with Nepalese herbs and oil to drive away the tiredness (self-paid). This therapeutic massage not only relaxes the body by improving blood circulation but also detoxifies it, promoting overall well-being. Enjoy this rejuvenating experience before retiring for the night in Kathmandu.

You shall start your day with a refreshing wake-up call followed by breakfast at the hotel restaurant, before heading to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Be captivated by the breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan range, including the majestic Mount Everest, during the flight. Upon arrival in Paro, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, where you can explore the charming city at your leisure. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Thimphu, complete with delicious meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a cultural exploration of Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. We will visit the majestic Trashi Chhoe Dzong, a medieval fortress and monastery that serves as the seat of the government and the King’s Throne room. Then, we will explore the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, followed by a visit to the Arts & Crafts School renowned for its traditional thangka paintings. You can witness students at work as they intricately design cloth with traditional motifs. We will continue your cultural journey with visits to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums, offering fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. 

After lunch, we will explore the Handicrafts Emporium, showcasing a wide array of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. We will continue the day with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, known as the Father of modern Bhutan. You can marvel at the intricate paintings and statues within this monument, offering a profound insight into Buddhist philosophy. Later in the evening, we will journey to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,080m), where we’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

After a hearty breakfast in the morning, we shall embark on a journey to explore the historic Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Situated strategically at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this iconic landmark served as both a religious and administrative center, playing a significant role in Bhutan’s rich history. Despite enduring four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been meticulously restored to its former glory. We shall continue our adventure with a scenic drive to Wangdue Phodrang, where we’ll visit the local Dzong and bustling market renowned for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. After lunch, our journey onward to Paro will go on, pausing briefly at Dochula Pass to admire the breathtaking mountain scenery. En route, we shall make a stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom dating back to 1627, now home to the School for Buddhist Studies. We shall conclude our day with a comfortable overnight stay at a hotel in Paro. 

We will Indulge in a delightful breakfast before embarking on an enchanting excursion to Taktsang Monastery, often referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, one of Bhutan’s most iconic monasteries. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress, where he meditated and brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The trek to the monastery offers breathtaking views and takes approximately five hours round trip. In the afternoon, we will explore Ta Dzong, transformed from a watchtower into the captivating National Museum of Bhutan in 1967. Delve into the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom as you peruse its impressive collection of art, artifacts, thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. We will conclude our day with a leisurely stroll to Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress with a storied history. We will retire for the night at a comfortable hotel in Paro, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the day at leisure. Alternatively, we invite you to join us for a cultural exploration of Kathmandu’s vibrant arts scene. Visit a hand-made Thangka art gallery to immerse yourself in the history and craft of these intricate artworks, followed by a tour of a local Pashmina factory to witness the traditional craftsmanship behind these luxurious textiles. Additionally, delve into the world of Nepali craftsmanship with visits to workshops showcasing antique brass items and silver statues. Throughout our explorations, our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into each location. In the evening, indulge in a typical Nepali dinner accompanied by a captivating cultural show. Rest assured, this memorable day promises enriching experiences and authentic encounters with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out from the hotel and heading to the international airport for your departure.