Bhutan and Nepal Tour – Myths, Culture and Nature

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu – welcome dinner

  
  Arrival in Kathmandu. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu – Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath

  
  Today you explore Kathmandu with a local guide. The most popular places are the Buddhist/Hindu temple of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is reached by a long stairway and offers great views of Kathmandu. Other significant sights are the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati river, with cremation grounds, as well as the sacred Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa adorned with colourful prayer flags. This stupa has, for many centuries, been a place of attraction for Buddhist pilgrims who circumambulate the structure several times while turning prayer wheels, praying and murmuring mantras (kora). Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

  

  

• Day 3: Drive to Patan and Bhaktapur – sightseeing

  After breakfast our sightseeing guide picks us up. First we visit Patan, one of the oldest royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its artful temples, pagodas and the traditional metal and stone craftsmanship of the Newar. On Patan Durbar Square we get an impressive insight into the architecture and the cultural heritage of the Malla dynasty. Afterwards we continue to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in the valley. Here we visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola temple, the Bhairab Nath temple and the Dattatraya temple. Between narrow lanes, brick buildings and small craft workshops, we experience the traditional Newari town in all its diversity. Those who wish can additionally visit one of the small museums that showcase Bhaktapur’s famous wood, metal and pottery craftsmanship. In the afternoon we return to Kathmandu, and time is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Bhaktapur Heritage House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 4: Drive to Pharping – sightseeing – afternoon at the monastery

  The monastery offers time for relaxation, contemplation and participation in monastic life. Almost 200 monks and child monks live and study here, and you have the chance to gain insights into their Buddhist life. Look forward to a wide range of dishes with fresh organic produce at lunchtime and, if interested, you can take part in yoga or meditation courses for an additional fee. A leisurely hike into the surrounding area is recommended, where you can explore rural Nepal and visit further monasteries. It is also interesting to visit the small Asura cave nearby, where Padmasambhava is said to have attained enlightenment in meditation. Overnight at the guesthouse of Neydo monastery or similar (B|D).

  

  

• Day 5: Monastery life until midday and drive back to Kathmandu

  We start the day today at 05:00. First we listen to the morning chants of the monks and afterwards have breakfast. After breakfast we can undertake a gentle hike in the surroundings. From midday onwards you will be picked up and driven back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or Hotel Tibet (B).

• Day 6: Transfer to Kathmandu airport, flight to Paro and onward drive to Thimphu (approx. 1½ hrs of driving)

  Today we fly to Paro. This flight is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world and leads along the highest mountain range on our planet. On a clear day a grand panorama opens up over the eastern half of the Himalayas, and we can admire some of the legendary eight-thousanders — including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. After landing and the visa formalities, we drive about ten minutes to Paro (2,280 m). From here we walk to Paro Dzong and then cross the traditional wooden bridge. After lunch we continue on to Thimphu, the country’s capital at 2,320 metres. Here we check in at our hotel and can recover from the journey and gradually get used to Bhutan’s altitude. In the late afternoon we take a leisurely walk around the Memorial Chorten stupa, where hundreds of Bhutanese, accompanied by the sound of traditional prayers, do their circumambulations — a beautiful, peaceful experience. Those who wish can afterwards visit the local craft market to get a first impression of Bhutanese handicrafts. Overnight at Pelyang Boutique or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 7: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (71 km, approx. 2.5 hrs) – Dochu La pass and visit to the Mad Man's Temple

  Today we drive into the Punakha Valley (1,250 m). Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still today the winter residence of the monks. On the way we stop at the Dochu La pass (3,050 m) and admire the 108 chortens, arranged on three levels. On a clear day a wonderful view of the main Himalayan range opens up, and with a little luck we can even see the sacred Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Once we have reached the valley, we have lunch and then visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang temple, which sits on a small hill in the middle of the fields. The path there leads through charming villages and rice fields and conveys a particularly atmospheric impression of rural life. The temple was built in honour of Lama Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman”, and is still regarded today as a place of blessing for childless couples. After checking in at the hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure. In the late afternoon, a short walk is well worth it to enjoy the golden evening light of the Punakha Valley. Overnight at Meri Puensum or similar (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Visit to Punakha Dzong and onward drive to Gangtey (85 km, approx. 2 hrs) – afternoon hike

  After breakfast we drive along the Pho Chu river and cross a suspension bridge. After a short walk we reach the majestic 17th-century Punakha Dzong, one of the most important and most beautiful dzongs in the country. Afterwards we leave the main road and drive over the Lawala pass into the Phobjikha Valley. Along the way we visit Wangdue Dzong and enjoy wide views into the green valleys. After lunch we reach the quiet high valley of Gangtey, one of the most impressive glacial valleys in Bhutan. In the afternoon we visit Gangtey monastery, an important spiritual centre that towers majestically above the valley. Afterwards we undertake a first easy hike of about 2–3 hours, which leads us across open alpine meadows and light pine forests and gives us a first impression of the peaceful landscape. Overnight at Hotel Dewachen or similar (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 9: Full day in the Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley – gentle hikes and nature experiences

  Today is dedicated entirely to the Phobjikha Valley, which is home to some of Bhutan’s most species-rich wetlands. Alongside sambar and giant deer, wild boar and numerous bird species, with a little luck one may even spot Himalayan black bears. Particularly impressive are the black-necked cranes, which between the end of October and the beginning of March overwinter here from Tibet and, on their arrival and departure, circle the monastery three times — a deeply rooted ritual. In the morning we undertake a 3–4-hour hike. The Gangtey Nature Trail leads us through pine forests, small farms and traditional villages to the wetlands near Khewa Lhakhang and conveys an authentic impression of life in the high valley. A visit to the Information Centre of the black-necked cranes offers exciting insights into the behaviour and protection of these elegant birds. Overnight at Hotel Dewachen or similar (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Drive from Gangtey via Thimphu to Paro (170 km, approx. 5 hrs)

  After breakfast we drive leisurely back to Thimphu. There we first visit the Astrology School and then undertake a gentle hike (approx. 1.5 hrs) to Wangditse temple — a beautiful path through fragrant pine forest with fantastic views into the Thimphu Valley. Afterwards we visit the famous Buddha Point / Kuenselphodrang (2,600 m), from which a magnificent view of the city opens up. The 52-metre-high Buddha statue is one of the landmarks of the capital. In the afternoon we continue on to Paro. The Paro Valley is known for its massive farmhouses, its green pine slopes and its picturesque rice terraces. An evening walk through the small old town of Paro offers a lovely close to the day. Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 11: Hike to the Tiger's Nest (3,100 m) and visit to Paro

  Today we hike up to the Tiger’s Nest. After a short drive we leave Paro and reach the starting point of the trail to the famous Taktshang monastery. We begin early in the morning because there are fewer visitors on the path and the temperatures are pleasant — ideal conditions for the ascent. The sacred monastery sits at 3,100 metres above the Paro Valley and is regarded as one of the most important spiritual sites of Bhutan. According to legend, Guru Padma Sambhava is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century in order to defeat demons and bring Buddhism to Bhutan. The path leads steeply through the forest until, after about 1½ hours, we reach the tea house at the viewpoint. Those who do not wish or are unable to climb further can stay here while the others continue. The entire hike lasts around five hours, covers more than 900 metres of altitude and countless steps, and is rewarded with an unforgettable view of the monastery up close. As some sections of the path are unpaved, sturdy footwear, sun protection, sufficient water and, if necessary, trekking poles are strongly recommended. Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 12: Return flight to Kathmandu (1,300 m) – rest of the day at leisure

  Today we say goodbye to Bhutan. After the transfer to Paro airport we fly back to Kathmandu — in good weather accompanied by impressive Himalayan panoramas. At the airport we are picked up and brought to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, for example for a stroll through Thamel, a massage or first shopping. Overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar (B).

• Day 13: Free day in Kathmandu

  
  Today is at your leisure and can be spent relaxing, with further sightseeing or shopping in Thamel. A good last chance to pick up a few souvenirs at short notice. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 14: Flight back home

  
  Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport. End of the tour (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner