Mythical Bhutan and Nepal

Arrive in Kathmandu on your own. You can apply for Nepal visa on arrival; bring one passport-type picture and prepare to pay US$25 cash in visa fee. After clearing immigration and custom, you’ll be greeted by your Nepali guide and driver at the arrival gate and then transfer to the hotel in the city (25-30 minutes).

After checking in, we’ll begin exploring the fabled Kathmandu Valley. We start with the 2,000-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa atop an 80-meter-high hillock in the western part of the city, a shrine to the evolution of Kathmandu Valley and its civilization. Then to Durbar Square of Kathmandu, in the heart of the old town. The Durbar Square includes the former Royal Palace complex and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples, all rich in art and architecture. We visit the Kumari House-the residence of the Living Goddess of Nepal. The last earthquake in Apr 2015 destroyed some parts of the palace, and a few temples here and the restoration works are currently underway, but there are quite a few other monuments still intact, and the surroundings and atmosphere are always appealing.

We’ll walk through the vibrant markets of Indrachowk and Assan, then to Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu, and home to all manner of budget accommodations, restaurants, and curio shops. Our day ends in a typical Nepali restaurant, for a welcome dinner and folklore dancing.

Following breakfast, we’ll set out for the exploration of the valley.

Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, is among the most revered Hindu Temples in South Asia. The main temple is reserved for Hindu worship only, but we can have a complete view of the temple and rituals in the courtyard from the high embankment of the river another side. The sacred river also provides cremation sites (ghat) to for deceased Hindus. The temple area is vibrant with wandering sadhus (holy men), rites, and rituals taking place in the temple and ghats. 

The next stop will be at Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist monument of this kind in Nepal! It's a solid whitewashed dome with an octagonal base, symbolizing the universe, topped by a 13-stepped golden spire and the pinnacle with a parasol. The monument has a pair of all-seeing eyes of Buddha in each cardinal direction. There are numerous Monasteries linked with different Buddhist schools represented.

The final destination of the day will be Bhaktapur city-the best preserved of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. We will visit the palace museum, the courtyard and the Royal Bath Tank of the palace. We take a stroll on the cobbled street through the old brick houses, with stops in the interesting sites-: five-storied Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and the Pujarimath Complex. The peacock window of the Pujarimath Complex is a masterpiece of Nepalese wood carving, and at the pottery square, you can learn the traditional method of pottery making.

Late afternoon, we return to our hotel in Kathmandu. The balance of the day is at leisure for your interests.

(100 miles, 5 or 6 hours)

Today, we have a long day drive, and so we need an early start as we are traveling to Chitwan National Park-Asia's one of the most famous game park. We take a scenic drive, first on the winding road and later following Trishuli River with the view of terraced fields and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. If you are on a private trip, you also have the option of taking rafting (grade 3+) for two or three hours.

About halfway, we stop at Kurintar for a cable-car trip to the famous temple of Goddess Manakamna situated atop a hill across the river. Thousands of devotees pay the visit to the temple with offerings daily and expect to get their wishes full-filled! (Warning: animal sacrifices are made here, and so you can opt it out if you wish).

We arrive at our resort just in time for lunch. After lunch, your guide will take you for a leisurely walk through Tharu Village, home to the aboriginal inhabitants of Chitwan and have a close look at their lifestyle that has remained unchanged over hundreds of years. Depending on your arrival time in the park, you may go for an elephant safari or canoe trip.

In the evening, you will enjoy the Tharu folk dance show at the resort.

Today, led by in-house certified naturalists, we will participate in various jungle safari activities that include dugout canoe trip on Rapti River; a jungle trek (optional); elephant safari bird-watching, etc. During the dry season, the park also offers jeep safari excursions. Most commonly spotted animals are One-Horned Asian  Rhinoceros, monkeys, deer and wild boars, etc. Chitwan National Park is also home to more than 100 Royal Bengal Tigers, but they are seen rarely due to thick vegetation. Chitwan National Park is also a haven for the bird watchers; it has more than 600 different species of residential and migratory birds.

Following breakfast, we leave for Pokhara (90 miles, five hours)- the capital of nature- nestled in the lap of Annapurna Himalaya. We retrace our drive for about 36 miles, 2.5 hours on Chitwan-Kathmandu highway and then the road divides, and we take the left one that leads us to Pokhara. Again, it will be a scenic drive, first along Marshyangdi River upstream and then Seti River.

We arrive in Pokhara in the mid-afternoon. We will have time to settle into our room before we proceed for the exploration of the valley. This afternoon, we visit the thrilling Davis Falls, the neighboring Tibetan Village, and the stunning Seti River Gorge, etc. Evening time is for a relaxed stroll in the lakeside.

We wake up early morning for a sunrise tour to Sarangkot. It's a 30-minute drive, followed by a short stair climbing to the viewpoint, where the  Himalaya panorama will be waiting for us! As the first rays of the sun, kisses the Himalaya mountains, we will experience an exhilarating scene.

With prior arrangements (and at an additional cost), you can enjoy tandem paragliding flights or ultra-light flights that offer an altogether different type of breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains, valleys, and lakes from the air!

We return to the hotel for breakfast, and then we continue the exploration of Pokhara. We will first take a boating trip in Lake Fewa to visit the Island temple of Goddess Barahi-which perhaps is the most revered shrine of Pokhara. Lake Fewa-the second largest lake of Nepal is the big draw for visitors to Pokhara. 

Afternoon time is for the World Peace Pagoda. The pagoda sits on top of a tall hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. First, we drive about 45 minutes and then take a short hike (less than 30 minutes) to the top of the hill. The route goes through a forest and across a suspension bridge to reach the stupa. The sizeable Buddhist stupa is picturesque in itself, and it offers excellent views of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas, Phewa lake, and Pokhara. There is also an option of a longer hike, directly from the shores of the lake and it takes about two hours through the forested trail!

Depending on available time and interest, there are quite a few other attractions that you can visit; your guide can advise, such as  Bindhebasini Temple-the most revered temple of Pokhara, and the Old Bazaar and the museums.

It's a 30-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. On a clear day, we will have the opportunity to view the Himalayan mountains on the left side. 

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, meet your local guide and driver and proceed for sightseeing of Patan City. Patan City-also known as Lalitpur which means the "city of art." In Patan, we will visit the central courtyard of the former palace that displays the intricate wood carvings on the balconies, plinths, and struts. There are many temples in the main square, most of which are multi-roofed pagodas; others are Shikhara-style architecture with multiple pinnacle and stone doors and windows

Next, we drive in the outskirt of Patan and visit the traditional village of Bungamati, which is very much laidback despite it being so near to the capital. The houses here are old and made from bricks. We can see people vegetables that include spinach, chilies, onions, and garlic hanging from the balconies and windows of the houses. You may get the chance to visit private homes, local art and crafts workshops, and the famous temple of Matsyendranath in the village center.

Late in the afternoon, you will drive back to the hotel and the rest of the evening is open for your leisure or your own explorations.

Enjoy a scenic flight to Paro, Bhutan. On clear weather, you will see spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalaya at the left side.

Upon arrival at the Paro airport (Altitude: 7,380 feet), meet your Bhutanese guide and driver who will be with you for the next five days. We take a scenic drive Thimphu-the capital city of Bhutan (41 miles, 1 hour). About half-way between Paro and Thimphu, we have a stop to visit Tamchog Lakhang Temple across the river. It is built by the famous iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo, a Tibetan saint, architect, engineer, physician, and builder in the 14th century.

Settled into your room and refreshed, your guide will lead you on a stroll through the streets of Thimpu- the only capital in the world without a single traffic light! You will visit the Memorial Chorten, or shrine, dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. Hundreds of devout Bhutanese circumnavigate the sanctuary, while they are spinning the prayer wheels and humming the sacred mantra: Om Mane Padme Hum!

After breakfast, with our guide and driver, the adventures begin as we get a feel for the city. On the weekend, it's worth visiting the weekend market. Archery is the Bhutanese the national sport, and we’ll hope for matches while we’re there.

Next, visit the National Institute Zorig Chusum that offers a six years course on Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts that include painting, wood carving, embroidery, and statue making (Closed on Sunday and public holidays). Then, visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, a living museum of Bhutan, resembling a typical village that promotes the cultural heritage and local lifestyle. Here, you will have a chance to wear traditional Bhutanese costumes and pose for photographs, if you wish.  

Afternoon, take a short 10-minute hike through the forest to visit the Takin Sanctuary. Takin – a kind of sheep by way of antelope, are the National animals of Bhutan and believed to exist only in Bhutan Himalaya. On the way back to our hotel, we’ll stop at the Zilukha Nunnery in Drubthob Goemba, home to 40-60 Buddhist nuns.

Thimphu's latest addition is Buddha Dordenma, a massive 177 ft tall Buddha statue on a ridge overlooking the valley.

Time permitting, visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a dispensary of traditional Bhutanese herbal and other medicines, the textile academy that preserves the centuries-old living art of Bhutan. 

Hiking option: hiking enthusiasts keen to experience a monastic lifestyle away from the crowds of town can take a half-day hike to Tango Goemba monastery. You’ll miss some sights listed above, though. Tango Goema Monastery is Bhutan's highest learning center for Buddhist studies. All Je Khenpo, the religious head of Bhutan, must complete a nine-year program here and a three-year, three-month, three-day in mediation at the nearby Cheri Goemba Monastery! With luck, the monks will be in recess, and we can join them for tea. (If you are a part of the group, the decision to hike must be unanimous)

On our way back, we can stop at Pangri Zampa Temple-an astrology school for the state clergy. More than a hundred monks study astrology in this center, and they welcome the public for astrology consultation if anyone is interested. A week-advance notice is requested for scheduling purpose, though. 

In the evening, a Bhutanese parliamentarian or government official joins us over dinner for an informal talk on Gross National Happiness, a doctrine introduced by the 4th King of Bhutan that emphasizes the prosperity of the country based on the happiness of the people, rather than the mere commerce of gross domestic product!

(Distance 49 miles, 2.5-3 hrs. from Thimphu, altitude 9840 ft.).

Following breakfast, you will leave for Punakha-the former winter capital of Bhutan. The road winds up through the picturesque villages and pine forest to Dhochula pass at 10, 004 feet, where we stop briefly to enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the valley. The mountain passes are holy places for the Buddhists people.

From the pass, the road drops through the changing vegetation and in about two hours, we arrive at our hotel in Punakha. 

Refreshed and after a hearty lunch, we will set out to explore Punakha valley. First, visit the Punakha Dzong Fortress- the former winter capital of Bhutan and is probably is the last stop for the day. Situated at the confluence of two important rivers the Phochu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River), it's among the most beautiful Dzong architecture in Bhutan.

Now, we take a short drive through Changyul village, cross the river by a suspension bridge and take a short hike, first through the paddy fields and then along a trail that spirals up the hillock leading us to a beautiful ridge top temple of Khamsum Yuelley. The total climb takes about 30 minutes and rewards us with panoramic views of the surroundings. We backtrack to the parking and transfer back to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Rafting opportunity: If you want, you can experience a thirty-minutes long rafting trip down Mochu River (Grade II or III). The rafting put in point is just below the suspension bridge, and it's taken out near the Punakha Dzong. (Cost: US$ 150 for a group of six persons)

(142 km/89 miles, 4 hrs). 

This morning, we visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery on a hill overlooking the valley. The nunnery houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig Chagtong Chentong), Buddhas and Taras. The temple complex also houses a permanent center of higher learning and meditation for nuns. The nuns here also learn skills such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making, and thangka painting.

Next, a short and easy hike leads us to Chime Lhakhang. It's less than 25 minutes from the main road, and the trail goes through paddy fields and villages. The houses are decorated with phallic arts on the walls and doors! You might even see the door handles or knobs carved out in the shape of a phallus! Ask your guide why. The temple is nick-named as 'Fertility Temple,' and it's associated with the Lama Drukpa Kuenley who is famous as the Divine Madman! Bhutanese childless women pay the visit to the temple for fertility blessing.

Now, we retrace our drive across Dhochula Pass to Paro. Shortly before the pass, we can stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden that preserves the rich fauna including Rhododendron flowers. After a lunch stop in the Dhochula pass, we will continue to Paro.

The balance of the day is at leisure.

A big day with an early start! After breakfast, we’ll hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, a highlight of any trip to Bhutan, a must-visit site; only physical limitations should stop you. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche by Tibetans and Bhutanese, flew on a tigress from Tibet and landed at the site where today perches the monastery. Guru meditated in a cave here, it is said, and subdued the local demons and established the supremacy of Buddhism in Bhutan. The monastery dramatically sticks out from the edge of a 4000-foot cliff above the valley floor; it is an unbelievable sight. The hike uphill should take about three hours and return trip downhill is about two hours or less. You can also rent a pony, but it can take you up only about two-thirds of the trail; onward the path is narrow, and pony ride can be risky and so the downhill trip. (Pony ride with the lead costs about $10 or $15, negotiated on the spot)

On the way back to the town, we will take a detour to the ruins of the historic Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in the 16th century to mark the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invaders. We will also stop to visit the ancient Kyichu Lakhang Temple, notable as one 108 temples that King Songsten Gampo of Tibet built miraculously over a single night in the 7th century to subdue a demoness!

Experience Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional):

After such an active day, we recommend a traditional Bhutanese Hot stone bath, an ancient Bhutanese method of curing skin ailments, joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders, arthritis, and many other diseases. Some hotels also offer the hot stone bath farmhouse is better for an authentic experience. The estimated cost is $25 or $30 per person, payable to the family on the spot.

Transfer to the airport in time for flight to your next destination.