Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Welcome
to Nepal, on your arrival at TIA our Precious Adventures representative will
pick you up at the airport. The representative will transfer you to the hotel
where you will stay. After your long and tiring journey to Nepal, you can
either relax in your room or perhaps explore the local vicinity and be
fascinated by the diverse culture of Nepal. In the evening you are cordially
invited for a complimentary dinner where you meet with your trek guide and they
will further provide detailed information about the trip. For dinner, you will
have staple Nepali food which includes rice, daal, and vegetable along with
meat depending on your choice.
Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu
Today
we drive around Kathmandu for sightseeing and visit two of the UNESCO world
heritage sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath stupa holds a prominent place among
Buddhist people. A stupa is a hemispherical shaped structure or mound which is
prominent in Buddhism. Though the
Boudhanath stupa is bustling with day-to-day activities, the atmosphere around
here is rather tranquil.
Following
that we visit the holy Pashupatinath
temple also known as the Monkey temple, is one of the most sacred and
significant Hindu temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord
Pashupatinath, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. While visiting the temple
we can see some Hindu rituals and ceremonies taking place.
Later we visit Durbar square and
Swyambhunath and enjoy the cultural heritage of Nepal. First we visit the
Durbar square where we witness living goddess, ‘kumari’. The Kumaris are young
girls who receive the power of Goddess Kali and Taleju. It is believed that
Kumari Goddess is the living incarnation of Goddess Taleju. Later we visit the
local market likewise variety of shrines, temples, monastery, museum, library
and stupas are worth exploring, some of them having major historical
significance. In the end we visit the famous Swayambunath stupa, where form the
top of Swayambhunath hill we enjoy the majestic view of captivating sunset and
the Kathmandu valley. Walking around
these monuments brings about a beautiful impression of the tradition, culture,
city life, and customs of Nepal. The choice is yours to make. Overnight at
Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly to Paro and Drive to Thimphu
On this
day we fly into the Kingdom of Thunder Dragon, from Kathmandu we fly to Paro.
During the flight we witness breathtaking views of the Kingdom of Bhutan. On
your arrival our representatives will pick you up at the airport and then
transfer to Timphu. Timphu is the bustling capital city of Bhutan and is the
centre of religion, commerce and government. The capital is a truly unique
place with an interesting blend of tradition and modernity. We explore various
temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, nunneries, parks and
many more. We visit the National Memorial Chorten and meet with the elderly
generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Exquisite
paintings and sculptures and works of art created by traditional and
contemporary artist can be witnessed. The National Memorial Chorten was
consecrated on July28, 1974, to commemorate the Third King. After that we visit
the largest statues of Buddha located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The
Buddha Dordenma is considered as a symbol of indestructibility. The 169 feet
bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma is really spectacular. The view of Thimphu
valley from the Buddha point is magnificent and beautiful, especially at night.
Overnight at Timphu.
Day 04: Thimphu Halt & local sightseeing
The
Radio Tower hike in Thimphu is a great way to see the city from above.
Wangditse is a moderate hike with great views over Thimphu, the view from the
top is extremely pleasing. We also visit the WangditseGoemba which was founded
in 1750. The windstorm in 1995 had seriously damaged the monument, which lead
to its much needed restoration in 2002. Amazing statues of the guardian deities
Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the Goddess of
Longevity) are kept here.
We also
visit the Motithang Takin Preserve,here we can see the national animal of
Bhutan. Takin is considered as one of the vulnerable species and is a rare
animal found in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma. Then we head towards Institute of
Zorig Chusum also known as the painting school, or the school of thirteen arts.
The institute offers a glimpse of 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
We can
also pay visit to the Centenary Farmers' Market in Thimphu, Bhutan is a popular
weekend market located on the banks of the Wangchhu River. Many locals from the
nearby areas come here to sell their agricultural harvests. This market is the
largest domestic market in Bhutan.
Timphu
Dzong also called as the fortress of glorious religion was constructed by the
third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s after the capital was moved from
Punakha to Thimphu. sitting along
the bank of the Wang Chu, it is an architectural delight. Currently it serves
as offices of the king, the cabinet secretariat and the ministries of home
affairs and finance. Overnight at Timphu.
Day 05: Thimphu to Phunakha
On this
day we visit the ancient capital of Bhutan. It is a 2 and a half hour drive
from Timphu via the Dochu-La (3,150 m). Dochula Pass beautiful pass located on
the way to Punakha from Thimphu. It offers a stunning 360-degree scenic view of
Himalaya’s mountain range embedded with 108 chortens that was built by Her
Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The construction of 108
chortens was commissioned by Her Majesty in order to commemorate the victory
over the Indian militants and to liberate the souls of those who lost their
lives during that battle. Once we cross
the pass, we travel along with a beautiful aquamarine river that takes you to
Punakha.
Chhimi Lhakhang is a fertility temple located in
the village of Sopsokha. It was built in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th
Drukpaheirarch, and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the
"Divine Madman". We walk through terraced rice fields for 30 minutes
before reaching the temple situated on a a small hill. The
temple is renowned for its association with the phallic symbol and the legend
of the Divine Madman. We can see the paintings depicting his deeds on the walls
of the temple, and couples seeking children have come from around the world to
be blessed at Chhimi Lhakhang.
Punakha
Dzong is a historic fortress located at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu
river. It was build in the year 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and has
served as a religious and administrative center for the region. Over the centuries, the Dzong
has been damaged by fires and earthquakes, but it has been fully restored in
recent years by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Here we get to witness the finest
woodworks ever to be created, massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all
Bhutanese kings, the Dzong chung at the entrance to the Dzong, and the recently
renovated cantilever bridge over the Mochu. Overnight at Phunakha.
Day 06: Phunakha to Paro
Today
we get to explore the serene valley which shelters many of Bhutan’s old
monasteries and temples. Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) is also situated here,
located at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the
pristine Pachu flowing through the valley. This day we explore the Paro Dzong
(aka Ringpung Dzong). Rinpung Dzong, which is also called as the ‘fortress of a
heap of jewels by locals was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The
dzong still stands strong on a hill above Paro township. Linked by the
traditional cantilever bridge (called the Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu, it is an
ideal location to get excellent pictures. Then we visit the National Museum (Ta
Dzong). Ta Dzong is situated on a ridge just above Rinpung Dzong, which was
originally built as a watchtower. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the
first National Museum. Currently it holds amazing collection of relics, art,
religious thangka paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and
handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.
We also
visit the Kyichu Lhakhang which is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Also known as
Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu, the temple is a reservoir of peace. The temple
is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue an
ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. According to some legend,
all the fascinating 108 temples were built in a single night. Next to the
temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Here we come
across photographs and other artifacts belonging to Rinpoche which help us
understand about their life, culture and traditions. Today we rest at Paro.
Day 07: Day trip to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
On this
day we witness the highlight of the entire trip. We will hike up to Tiger's
Nest aka Taktsang Monastery. First we get to experience the uphill climb as we
ascend more than two thousand feet. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's
Nest, is a famous Buddhist relic located on a cliff in Bhutan. According to
legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the location on the back of a tigress and
meditated in one of the caves, leading to the site being considered holy. The trip to Bhutan is surely
incomplete without experiencing this architectural wonder. Perching on the
cliffs, this artistic monument will absolutely leave you wonderstruck. Visitors
can also enjoy a hot stone bath, which is owned by locals and holds up to four
people. The place helps you to get rid of joint and muscle tension. The bath
costs approximately USD 25 per person.
Day 08: Departure from Paro and Arrival in Nepal
On the
8th day we leave behind the Bhutanese territory and head back to
Nepal. After returning to Nepal you can simply relax in the hotel room, or
perhaps head outside in the evening to enjoy the streets of Kathmandu.
Day 09: Sightseeing Bhaktapur & Nagarkot View.
Today
we head out to witness the traditional craftsmanship in Bhaktapur, a historic
city close to Kathmandu.we visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. We explore the 55
Windows Palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatpol Temple and Statue of Bhupatindra Malla. We can also try some local delicacies like
the juju Dhau, which is a popular delight here.
After
that we go to Nagarkot hill station. We catch pristine views of glorious
mountains and the daybreak and take a glimpse of eight out of thirteen
Himalayan ranges from Nagarkot in clear weather. The aesthetic sunset marks the
end of our trip. We return to Kathmandu for the night.
Day 10: Departure from Nepal.
With hopes that you enjoyed the experience with us,
we bid you goodbye. We will be looking forward to more precious adventures
together. Have a safe journey.