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Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Trip Overview

Embark on the Nepal and Bhutan Adventure, a captivating journey through two of the Himalayas’ most enchanting destinations. This tour seamlessly blends the cultural and historical richness of Nepal and Bhutan, offering a unique and immersive experience.

In Bhutan, start your exploration in Paro, home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched on a steep cliff face, this architectural marvel offers stunning views and a mystical atmosphere. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to subdue a demon, adding to the monastery’s legendary allure.

Next, delve into Bhutan’s cultural heritage with visits to key religious sites, including the Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, and the Nunnery Temple. Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where traditional architecture is showcased in its monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), chortens, lhakhangs (temples), and royal palaces. Discover Bhutan’s vibrant spiritual landscape with sights like Prayer Flags, Mani Walls, and Prayer Wheels that adorn the city.

Transitioning to Nepal, enjoy a visit to Kathmandu’s World Heritage Sites. Marvel at the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square, where intricate art and architecture reveal Nepal’s rich monarchical past. Explore the bustling squares, filled with ancient temples, palaces, and sacred sites.

Hike to Nagarkot, a picturesque village known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Witness the breathtaking sunrise as the first light transforms the snowy peaks into a fiery glow, a moment of natural beauty that will leave a lasting impression.

Join us on this extraordinary journey through Nepal and Bhutan, where historical wonders, spiritual experiences, and spectacular Himalayan landscapes await. This tour is thoughtfully crafted to provide an unforgettable adventure filled with ancient monasteries, vibrant cultures, and stunning natural scenery.

 

Ready for the Ultimate Nepal and Bhutan Adventure?

Book your cross-border journey with Save Mountain Treks and explore the cultural, spiritual, and natural beauty of two stunning Himalayan nations.

Itinerary

You will arrive in Kathmandu and this will mark your first day of the trip. Our Airport representative will be there waiting for you to welcome you and will provide you with further details of the program. Since you have no plans on the first day of your arrival, you may check into your hotel, get your bearings and enjoy the time.

Kathmandu valley sightseeing tours include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swambhunath temple. 

In the morning at approx. 8:00 am, we will start our tours to Nagarkot and en-route, you will also visit the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple and the largest stupa on Earth- the Boudhanath Stupa which holds the ever-present Buddha eyes on all four of its sides. Driving towards Sankhu, we will commence our hike to Nagarkot. 

On the way, we can enjoy watching rice fields, local villages, forests and meadows. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot is considered one of the most scenic spots in the Bhaktapur District. It is known for its sunrise view amidst the Himalayas that include Mount Everest as well as other peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very popular hiking route for tourists. 

Commanding one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley, 8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 can be viewed from here. The ranges include the Annapurna range, the Manaslu range, the Ganesh Himal range, the Langtang range, the Jugal range, the Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range (Everest range) and the Numbur range with views of the Kathmandu valley and the Shivapuri National Park. Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms in medieval times. 

Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family before becoming popular as an international hill station

In the morning if the weather is good, we can enjoy the stunning vistas of the Himalaya ranges including Khumbu ranges, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang rages and Mount Everest. The experience is wonderful and is sure to be a lifetime memory.

With an overwhelming memory of the amazing landscape, we will the drive to Kathmandu with an extensive sightseeing tour of world heritage sites. We will explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square where the Palace of 55 windows, the Golden Gate, the National Art Gallery, the Taleju Temple, Nyatapol Temple and more present a wonderful experience. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar) was built during the reign of the Malla King Yaksha Malla in 1427 AD and was remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century. Among the brick walls, with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of fifty-five windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving. It is also known as one of the oldest monument present in Nepal. 

The Nyatapol is the biggest and highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such amazing architectural perfection and artistic beauty. “Nyatapol” in the Newari language means “five stories” – the symbolic gesture of five basic elements. The Golden gate on the other hand, is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical griffin) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished with monsters and other Hindu mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. The hodgepodge of shikhara and pagoda-styled temples and the art and architecture is fascinating to see.

Then we will drive to Patan and explore Patan Durbar Square. Situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square holds the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided.  A marvel of Newar architecture, the Square floors are tiled with red bricks. There are many temples and idols in the area. Unfortunately, like the Kathmandu Durbar square, Patan Durbar square was also heavily damaged by the 2015 earthquake.

Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, offering spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and be transferred to the hotel. After lunch, you will visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortments of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic displays and “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to visualize while meditating. Next, we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country.

Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley.

Guru Rinpoche (great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Though it looks formidable, the monastery complex has access from several directions, such as the northwest path through the forest, from the south along the path used by devotees, and from the north- accessed over the rocky plateau, which is called the “Hundred Thousand Fairies” known as Bumda.

A mule track leading to it passes through pine forest that is colorfully festooned with moss and prayer flags. On many days, clouds shroud the monastery and give an eerie feeling of remoteness. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. Exploring the monastery, we will hike back down to the valley floor.

This evening, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

After breakfast, you will visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the Changangkha Monastery, the Nunnery Temple, the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) and the Folk Heritage Museum.

The Memorial Chorten is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation and is also popularly known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”. After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichhodzong and the giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakyamuni in the world.

There are thirty temples, chapels and shrines within Tashichhodzong. In the evening, you can stroll freely in Thimphu city and observe the lifestyle of the people.

The morning will be spent hiking to the Wangditse Monastery. It is a one-hour walk from the Radio Tower on a leveled trail amidst pine forests with great views of the northern Thimphu Valley. On the way, you will also have an opportunity to see Takins – a unique national animal that is found only in the Himalayas.

After having explored the monastery, you will hike back to Thimphu town. After lunch, you will drive back to Paro. In the evening, you can tour the village in Paro to learn about the people’s daily life – perhaps visit a farmhouse or two for a cup of butter tea or an “ara”- a local wine produced by the brewery of wheat or rice.

After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for departure.

Our representative will bid you farewell, and you will then fly back to Kathmandu.

Our representative will help you drive to the airport.

Cost Included

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers.
  • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
  • A night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Nagarkot.
  • All sightseeing tours in Kathmandu are as per itinerary including tour guide, entry fees, and private vehicle.
  • For Bhutan, will obtain a Bhutan visa for you. The visa fee is included in the tour package
  • Round trip flight from Kathmandu to Paro and Paro to Kathmandu economic class
  • Four-night accommodation at a government-approved hotel with full board meals during the Bhutan tours. Normally 3-star category hotels.
  • Highly experienced local tour guide and excursion, including entrance fees during the tour in Bhutan
  • Bhutan Tourism Development fee is included in the tour package
  • All government taxes and service charges

Cost Excluded

  • Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary”
  • Nepal entry and re-entry visa fee
  • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bills, and laundry
  • Tips for tour guide

Booking Form

USD $2390pax