Exploring Hidden Gems of Bhutan & Nepal

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. As you wind your way down through the valley, marvel at the stunning scenery that surrounds you. Your journey takes you to Chuzom (Confluence), where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. Here, you’ll find three chortens of different styles marking the confluence of these two mighty rivers. Your journey also takes you past Tschogang Lhakhang, ‘the temple of the excellent horse’, built in the 15th century. Stop and take in the beauty of the temple and its surroundings. Continue drive to Thimphu. 

Upon arrival in Thimphu, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a hot lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Late King, and then visit the beautiful Buddha statue, the largest in Bhutan. Take a stroll through the market and return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, head to the School of Fine Arts to witness the revival of Thangka painting and other traditional arts. Then, visit the Folk & Textile Museum for a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bhutan. Drive down to Drubthob Nunnery, the only one with women monks, and explore this must-visit site. Lunch will be served locally before you visit Changangkha temple. Take a walk around the craft market and end the day with a visit to Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive on the mountain route to Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass at 1000ft. With prayer flags and a large chorten to greet you, this pass offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Stop for a cup of hot coffee or try a cup of butter tea and take in the majestic mountain ranges. After coffee, drive down to Punakha Valley for lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a famous pilgrim site for infertile women who wish to bear children. Thereafter visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monks of Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of two mighty glacial rivers, the Mo Chu and Pa Chu, which descend from the lofty heights of the Himalayas. Check-in at your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Have an early breakfast and start the drive to Paro, stopping at Semthoka Dzong, one of the greatest builders of Dzong in Bhutan. Upon arrival, enjoy hot lunch locally and then visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower that now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection included antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Visit the Paro Dzong and local market before checking in at your hotel and enjoying dinner. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by an invigorating hike to the awe-inspiring Taktsang Monastery, famously known as The Tiger’s Nest. The journey, lasting approximately three hours for those unaccustomed to the altitude, offers captivating views and an opportunity to visit a teahouse along the way. While the path may appear thrilling at times, rest assured it is well-marked and completely safe. Taktsang Monastery, with its 13 sacred sites, holds immense reverence in the Himalayan world. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche arrived at Taktsang on the back of a tigress, originating from Khenpajong in Kurteop. This revered master meditated in a cave for three months, ultimately bringing Buddhism to the Paro valley. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang temple before returning to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind and relax. Enjoy a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.

Drive back to the airport for your morning flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. Later in the afternoon visit Pashupatinath Temple (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Thereafter, 

we walk on the cobbled streets of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the former capital of the valley. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. 

In the evening, drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning we visit Patan Durbar Square (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), the Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world. Most of the monuments seen today were built between the 16th – 18th centuries.

Next, we visit Swayambhunath Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a site that is over 2500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. Later you are free to visit the Old Bazaar on your own. 

Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Your journey comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying with you memories of a lifetime of beautiful Bhutan and Nepal.