The Ultimate Trip to Bhutan & Nepal

Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi, created by the British Raj, is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by an Explore India representative at Delhi’s airport and he will escort you to your hotel.

In the early morning you will be transferred to Delhi’s International airport to board flight to Paro
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of the major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang.

After arriving at Paro airport and on the completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your tour representative. After the meeting we go on to drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan which is described as an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.

On arrival we will check in to our hotel.

In the afternoon we will visit the National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten (a chorten is the Tibetan word for stupa – both are words for a dome shaped structure) was originally the idea of Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck known as “the father of modern Bhutan”, who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfil his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy

Next, we will move on to visit Tashichhodzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion” which was initially erected in 1641 and then rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. The Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and also the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (in autumn) and while the monk body resides in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
Disclaimer: Depending on the flight timing it may or may not be possible to visit these sites.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Once known as the only capital city without traffic Thimphu remains to be one of the cultural capitals of the Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style.

Buddha Dordenma is a statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below.

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: Weaving is predominantly a woman’s domain but this private weaving center is different as it is owned and run by Mr. Kesang. He weaves, creates new and unique patterns, comes up with unusual colour combinations and is very involved. The center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the traditional outfit for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema’s highly publicized October 2011 marriage.

Lunch today will be at the Simply Bhutan Museum, a highly interactive “living Museum” that offers you an excellent guided introduction to different aspects of the traditional Bhutanese life. As a visitor, there is so much that you get to learn about when you visit this museum. You will get to understand how to dress up in Bhutanese traditional clothes, how to distil ara (rice wine), and you will even learn some of the classic songs that are sung by the Bhutanese young and old women as they construct their beautiful homes out of rammed earth. Included in this visit is a traditional Bhutanese lunch.
After lunch we will visit the following points of interest:

The National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.

Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process of paper making from start to finish. The paper is made from the bark of the black Daphne tree. The traditional use of the paper for scriptures is still practiced, and the paper is now also used for modern purposes from gift wrapping, to lamp shades, cards, and so on.

Takin Zoo: A short distance up the road to the BBS tower viewpoint is a trail leading to a large fenced enclosure that was originally established as a zoo. Some years ago, the fourth king decided that a zoo was not in sync with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions, and so it was disbanded. The animals were released into the wild, but the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal, were so tame that they wandered around the streets of Thimphu looking for food, and the only solution was to put them back into captivity.

During dinner, engage in an informative private session on GNH (Gross National Happiness). An expert will give you more insight into Bhutan’s Development Philosophy. Three decades ago, the term Gross National Happiness (GNH) was coined by the fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The concept of GNH was articulated to indicate that development has many more dimensions than those associated with Gross National Product. The GNH philosophy places the individual at the centre of all development efforts and thus recognizes that people not only have material needs but also spiritual and emotional needs as well. It asserts that spiritual and emotional needs cannot and should not be defined exclusively in material terms. GNH is an economic and development philosophy that serves Bhutan’s unique culture based on Buddhist spiritual values.

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Dochu la Pass. It takes around 40 minutes to drive to the pass. Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. If the day is very clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Later, we will continue to Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and the country’s only airport. Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.
In Paro, visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in the 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Then proceed to visit the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.
End your day visiting a traditional Bhutanese’s farm house where you can experience a quick and shortened version of the traditional game of archery. The normal archery game lasts a day and can extend to several days. Two teams of local archers (2-3 people per team) will demonstrate using the traditional bamboo bow and arrow. You are welcome to join the team.

You also have the opportunity to dress as a Bhutanese! It will be a great photo opportunity!

Overnight at hotel in Paro

After breakfast, proceed to visit a monument that can be considered the landmark of Bhutan – Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery

The Monastery clings to a cliff soaring 3,000 feet above the valley floor at an altitude of 10,000 feet and can be approached by a 2-3 hours trek (approx. 700 steps).

This sacred pilgrimage site is where the great tantric mystic, Padmasambhava flew on the back of a tiger and brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan (mythical belief).
Along the way, you can hang prayer flags for world peace, or for people who are hungry, ill or in pain (in Buddhism, a prayer flag is considered a blessing). Stop for lunch and admire the breathtaking views from the cafeteria before slowly descending.
After the hike, you can head back to the hotel and relax in a traditional hot stone bath.

Have a farewell dinner with your guide and driver.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival you will be received by an Explore India Journeys representative and transfer to hotel for check-in.

With an altitude of 1,370 metres, Kathmandu’s breathtaking views will amaze you as will the elaborate ornate palaces, temples, and squares. Nepal’s capital city is an extremely captivating, interesting place to visit. You will enjoy being able to stroll through the city of Kathmandu as it is ideal for exploring by foot. As you wander through the city squares you will come across many markets and craft shops where you can buy locally made goods. The people of Kathmandu are known to be some of the friendliest people in Asia and you will be captivated by their hospitality everywhere you go. Nepalese cuisine is also going to tempt your palate as you experience the tastes and flavours of the region. As you visit Durbar Square with its highly detailed wooden temples and Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, you will begin to appreciate the history of this enchanting ancient city. We will also be visiting Nagarkot, which is just outside of Kathmandu, which is famous for its Himalayan views- the Himalayan peaks at sunrise are a magnificent sight to behold.

Lunch at the hotel.

This evening enjoy a memorable dining experience set within the historic Garden of Dreams. The garden offers a respite from busy city, a place to enjoy history, style and a delicious bite to eat.

Early morning we will enjoy the experience of a mountain flight (private aircraft) that takes you to the landmark of the kingdom, Mount Everest. You will fly to the top of the world . The flightseeing tour takes you close to the highest peaks in Nepal including world famous Mount Everest. Return to hotel for breakfast.

Kathmandu City: Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation and easy day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, as well as mountain views. Kastamandap the source of the name Kathmandu is supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah Kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples built back to as early as the Lichchavi period in the third century.

Lunch at Rum Doodle restaurant.

In the afternoon, start your exploration of Kathmandu Valley from Ason Tole Vegetable & Spice Market which offers vivid local life of Nepali people. Discover Kathmandu’s rich culture among the bustling narrow streets and many courtyards which forms the base of living in Kathmandu. Continue your visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square where you will see Kumari Temple which houses the living Goddess and have an external view of Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav.

Swoyambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in the Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Swoyambhunath stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple’ because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed.

Later, proceed to Thamel on the rickshaw via street Market, the best ways to explore Kathmandu and its little alleys with local residential areas and local markets. On arrival in Thamel, stroll through nearby markets, where you can admire the work of local Thangka painting. Thamel also acts as the pre-base camp for mountaineers. It boasts a wide range of mountaineering gear shops, foreign money exchange booths, mobile phone shops, pubs, clubs and nightlife, along with the numerous travel agents and guest houses.

Dinner at the hotel.

After leisurely breakfast we will visit Boudhanath Stupa and visit Pashupatinath Temple.

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, and also one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. Very much like Mecca for the Buddhists, every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the Boudhanath Stupa.

Visit a Painting school at Boudha (Thangka Painting)

Thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Thangka are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not on display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings, with a further silk cover on the front. So treated, Thangka can last a long time, but because of their delicate nature, they have to be kept in dry places where moisture will not affect the quality of the silk.

Lunch at Road Café

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. The temple being one of the holiest sites for Hindus, does not allow entry to non-Hindus. They are so rigid about this rule that the most famous of India’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was barred from entering the place because by marrying a Parsi she had automatically denounced her Hindu religion. This happened when (unlike today) Nepal was almost totally dependent on India for all their need of petroleum, industrial products, telecommunication, electricity production and defense.

Nevertheless, the highlight is actually located outside the temple on the bank of river Bagmati – The burning pyres as well as the evening Aarti – Evening Musical Prayers with hundreds of flaming lamps.

Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast drive towards Chitwan National Park.

On the way we will stop at the bank of river Trishuli to enjoy a river rafting experience in this year-round river. Originating from Gosikunda (a holy spot in Himalayas) Trishuli is most popular rafting spot due to easy access from Kathmand, Pokhara and Chitwan. The rafting trip also offers an opportunity to enjoy beaches, flora and fauna while enroute to your further discoveries.

After the rafting experience, enjoy lunch at Riverside Resort and continue your drive to Chitwan National Park

The Royal Chitwan National Park is 158.6 km South West of Kathmandu and houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. It is famous for its variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Upon arrival at the park we will have a meeting with the biologists involved in studying the nature park. Chitvansky National Park covers a vast territory of 400 square kilometers in the low wooded hills. Known for the beauty of the snow- capped Himalayan peaks, the country boasts one of the best national parks in Asia. This is one of the few places in the world where you can still see the Bengal Tiger and the Indian Rhino in the wild. Chitwan has a variety of animals such as leopards, bears, monkeys, various species of deer, wild boar, and about 400 species of birds. Also at the park are approximately 60 Bengal Tigers. Chitwan National Park is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites because of the importance of its biodiversity.

Your guide will give you a brief introduction about your Chitwan program and after lunch your Chitwan jungle activities will begin according to your schedule the guide has set out for you.

Dinner at the Hotel.

Today you will have a fabulous day of exploring the jungle.

Another full day of safari type activities.

After breakfast, we transfer to Bharatpur airport to connect for the Kathmandu flight which is a short 20-minute flight. On arrival at Kathmandu airport, you are met by Civilized Adventures representative and transferred to the hotel. Once at the hotel you will be assisted with checking in.

Lunch at Patan Museum Cafe

In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Patan.

Patan, the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley. It is the best known for its artistic heritage.
It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. The city is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. The city is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Asoka. This is one of the most elegant architectural treasures of which Patan is very proud. About the beauty of Patan, a western lady writer has to say this – “Patan means eternity itself and Patan Durbar Square is the spectacular sight of Asia indeed”. The place is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings and many visitors come here to see these monuments. Patan Durbar square is the famous visiting place. The square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The major attraction here are Krishna Temple, Golden Window, Patan Museum, Mahabouddha Temple, etc.

Singing Bowl Therapy at Patan:
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In the evening we take you for another not to be missed experience – a typical Nepalese 6 course dinner at the most exquisite restaurant in entire Nepal

A meal at Krishnarpan Restaurant is more of a culinary voyage through the diversity of Nepal’s communities, serving between six and 22 courses in one sitting, than a simple meal. Menu options in the past have included flash-fried lentils and traditional Nepali chicken curry, all freshly made to order and sourced from local producers wherever possible. Meals are served in traditional tableware made from brass and earthenware.

After breakfast the morning will be free for you to do as you like.
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, an Explore India representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Early morning transfer to airport to connect for your flight back home