Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet

Welcome to Bhutan! The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan ranges, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.On arrival, in Thimphu check-in to your hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.As evening falls and dinner approaches, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one of Bhutan’s most esteemed scholars. This expert will guide you through an enlightening lecture on Gross National Happiness (GNH) and offer a captivating introduction to Bhutan and its people. Discover the unique principles that shape Bhutan’s approach to well-being and gain deeper insights into the rich cultural tapestry of this Himalayan kingdom.Enjoy an evening exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. (D)Overnight – Hotel Kisa or similar

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of the city’s main attractions starting with the Textile Museum where you will get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. Your next stop is the National Library, home to thousands of ancient manuscripts and texts, alongside modern academic books and traditional printing blocks for prayer flags. Within its walls, the rich history of Bhutan is carefully preserved, etched into the pages of its archaic writings.Continue to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School. The Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and on your visit, you can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Zorig Chusum is an art school and is periodically closed for exams, summer and winter holidays, however if closed we will replace the visit to the Buddhist temple Zangthopelri Lhakhang. This temple present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, it still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit. The site of the temple was a former battle ground, and the temple was constructed there to pacify energies.Next you will visit the Simply Bhutan Museum. This newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernisation.  The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses.  The best part is the portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people.Enjoy lunch before visiting the Memorial Chorten. This stupa was built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.Continue to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) which is located a short drive from Thimphu city centre, and providing a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around for panoramic views of the valley below. Here at the Buddha point, you will have the opportunity to meditate in a designated room, followed by coffee/tea admiring the grand bird eye view of Thimphu valley and beyond.Your last visit of the day is a visit of Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. (B,L,D)Overnight – Kisa Hotel or similar

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3,080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.After checking into your hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Punakah Dzong  serves as the religious and administrative centre of the region while also playing an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King and is open for visitors during the Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.Enjoy an afternoon hike up through fields of chillies, cabbages to Kham sum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, which was built 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 and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.This evening you will enjoy a cookery demonstration and dinner with a local family. The rest of the evening can then be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of the river. (B,L,D)Overnight – Hotel Drubchhu or similar

After breakfast, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig Chagtong Chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.  The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.Later in the day you will drive approx. 15 minutes from your hotel to begin a walk that will take you through paddy fields and villages to Chimi Lakhang (approx. 1-1/2 hours walking). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples hoping to have children are often blessed with a child soon after offering prayers at this temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. (B,L,D)Overnight – Hotel Drubchhu or similar

After breakfast, drive back to Paro descending back down from the Dochula Pass, 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. Enroute, visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching that now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.Later in the day after checking into your hotel, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.Your Ta Dzong visit is followed by a short 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, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. You will also have the chance to visit a traditional farmhouse.As the evening unfolds, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture by donning the traditional national dress—the Gho for men and Kira for women. Next, enjoy a mesmerizing Mask Dance and Cultural Show, where vibrant costumes and rhythmicmovements bring Bhutan’s rich traditions to life. (B,L,D)Overnight – Hotel Drukchen or similar

After breakfast, it is time to hike to Taktsang Monastery aka Tiger’s Nest (5hr hike), one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and 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 and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.On the way back to town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. 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. You will also have time to play the countries local sport today, Archery, with the locals.As evening sets in, you will be taken to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for an authentic experience. Immerse yourself in the soothing comfort of a Traditional Herbal Hot Stone Bath, followed by a delicious dinner. It’s a perfect blend of cultural insight and relaxation, wrapped in the warm hospitality of Bhutan. (B,L,D)Overnight – Hotel Drukchen or similar

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu (1hr 20min). Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Patan.Nepal – officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a mystical country nestled in the folds of the magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges. The people of Nepal can always be seen to be smiling.  Nepal is a deeply religious country, as you will see in their temples, monasteries and buildings. The fertile, mountain-sheltered Kathmandu Valley is the historic heart of Nepal, where the Himalaya’s most sophisticated kingdoms rose and fell and where Nepali art and culture were developed and refined. In many ways the Kathmandu Valley is Nepal.The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. (B)Overnight – Patan Inn or similar

After breakfast, it’s time to explore Kathmandu City and the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu, also known as Kantipur, is the vibrant capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kashtamandap, the namesake of Kathmandu, is supposed to have been built from the timber of a single tree, and stands within Durbar Square.This afternoon, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur City (Bhadgaon) is also known as the city of devotees and is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kms east of Kathmandu City, the city was founded in the 9th Century is shaped like a conch shell and at a height of 4600 ft. above sea level. Explore Durbar Square whose array of temples is overlooked by a Palace of 55 windows built by King Bupatindra Malla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures – two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses. (B)Overnight – Patan Inn

After breakfast, visit the quaint and ancient villages of Bungmati and Khokana. Within the Kathmandu Valley lays Bungmati, a small Newari village still abiding its tradition. Little influenced by the modern world, Bungmati exemplifies true beauty of the still living age old culture and civilisation. Your journey to Bungmati starts with a vantage point where one can behold the entire village of Bungmati and Khokana. Walking down the lanes of Bungmati, you will pass through local Newari people busy working on intricate designs in wood or stone on their way to creating many more beautiful artefacts keeping their talents running for the future generations to enjoy. Though small in size, at least 100 people from the village earn their living through wood carving. The village is the origin of the procession of the chariot of Machhindranath, one of the most important festivals of the Newari community. Not far from the village of Bungmati is another interesting Newari village called Khokana, where an important temple of Lord Ganesha is situated. Khokana is also a small Newari village established in the 7th century AD by the mighty Licchhavi rulers of Nepal. It is a unique village because of its detachment from modern civilisation.Later in the afternoon, drive to Pherping, Neydo Monastery. Spend the night amidst the most scenic area in the Kathmandu Valley, in a Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse, located in the most peaceful location alongside Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. Here you will learn about the life of a monk.At 5pm, witness the debating session of the monks, which happens outdoors, behind the monastery. It’s an interesting activity to watch, looking almost like a great challenge with an opponent, with the purpose of helping monks to understand and internalise the teachings of the day. Following the debating, experience the daily protection puja, with the constant beating of drums, blowing of the conch shell and long traditional horns etc. This traditional ritual is dedicated primarily to Mahakala and his retinue, along with other Dharmapalas, the Protectors of the Buddha Dharma. It seeks to safeguard the Dharma, preserve its lineage, and offer protection to all true practitioners of the path. Dinner is from 7pm in the dining room. (B,D)Overnight – Neydo Monastery

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in time for your next flight to Lhasa. Enjoy your trans-Himalayan flight (1hr 20m), considered to be one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. It takes you over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, a representative from our office will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Tsedang. The altitude in Tsedang is about 3,550m/11,646ft above sea level so we suggest you take plenty of rest for proper acclimatisation for the next day’s activities. We recommend that for the next few days in Tibet you avoid strenuous activity, and that you don’t take a shower on the first day. For first time visitors, it is common to have different degrees of high-altitude sickness symptoms. Drink lots of water, eat fresh fruit and plenty of rest which will help to prevent the sickness. (B)Overnight – Tsedang Hotel

This morning after breakfast, depart for a day excursion to Drak Yangzom & Dzong Kumbum. The cave complex of Drak Yangdzom has long been a favourite among the traveller because there’s just nothing else like it in Tibet. Getting into the caves involves climbing a wood and yak hide ladder high up into the mouth of a cliff and then hauling yourself up a narrow, slippery shute into a sacred cave complex before a nun finally drags you by the feet through a tiny opening in the rock wall into the inner sanctum, the sacred cave of a Himalayan saint. It’s the craziest excursion in Tibet.On the other side of the valley is Dzong Kumbum, a less narrow but much longer cave complex of several branches. You will be joined a group of Tibetan pilgrims for a tour of the sacred marks, stalactites and pools.Visit Samye Monastery, laid out in the shape of a giant mandala, and with the main temple representing the legendary Mount Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of tantric Buddhist cosmology. The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in mural and statue forms, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.This afternoon, explore the local town and take a short walk to Hipuri Hill. From the Hipuri Hill you have a beautiful view of the Samye monastery. (B)Overnight – Samye Guest House

After breakfast, continue your scenic road trip to one of Tibet’s most incredible landscapes – Yamdrok Lake. Surrounding snow-capped mountains, the lake is one of Tibet’s four holy lakes, and it’s believed to be the lifeblood of the country. Yamdrok Lake or Yamdrok Tso is also known as the Scorpion Lake for its unique shape. Yamdrok Tso covers a staggering 230 square miles and lies at nearly 15,000 feet above sea level. Rife with aquatic life, dotted with islets, and surrounded by fields of wildflowers, Yamdrok Tso is not only naturally stunning but an important place of pilgrimage; its waters are believed to hold powers of rejuvenation and longevity, and to bless children with intelligence. Its small islands are home to roosting birds and, during the herding season, to flocks of sheep, ferried there by herders who leave them in peace and safety until the onset of winter. Pilgrims often wander the lake’s shores, making their way along kora paths, many of which take a week to complete.Continue to Ani Sangkhung Nunnery, a convent where the females study Buddhism and with a history that can be traced back to 7th century. Ani Sangkhung emphasise the beliefs of Guanyin Bodhisattva – the Goddess of Mercy. Hundreds of flowers surround the house and there is a tea house located in the yard. It is a lovely place to stop for a cup of tea. (B)Overnight – local guest house

After breakfast, drive to Lhasa. Lhasa is rightly one of the most featured and dreamt-about cities in the world. This is not only due to its remoteness and high altitude—3,650 meters above sea level, which limits accessibility—but also because of its remarkable heritage, spanning over a thousand years of cultural and spiritual history. This legacy has shaped the romantic and mysterious Tibetan religion. Unlike the inland cities and other regions of Tibet, Lhasa stands apart with its unique charm and allure. In Tibetan, Lhasa translates to “Holy Land” or “Buddha Land.” It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Tibet. The majestic Potala Palace in Lhasa remains a world-renowned symbol of the profound interplay between politics and religion in this enigmatic region.Later, visit Ani Tsankhung Monastery, built in the 7th century by Songsten Gampo who used it as a meditation chamber. The monastery is a yellow building which lies on the street parallel and north of Chingdol Dong Lu. Since the 12th century the monastery has been used chiefly by Buddhist nuns and the nunnery’s main hall contains a beautiful image of Chenrezi, the multi-armed bodhisattva of Compassion. The sacred meditation chamber lies behind it. An air of quiet serenity pervades the ancient place with its flower bushes and spotless compound and is one of the quieter tourist locations in the Tibetan capital. (B)Overnight – Gyanggye Hotel or similar

After breakfast, you’ll take a scheduled flight back to Kathmandu and this flight surely will be one of the highlights of your tour, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.  Your tour ends upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. You can connect from here to your next destination (connecting flight not included). (B)