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Paro · Thimphu · Bhutan
11 Nights / 12 Days Power Places of The Himalayas
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From $12,117.31 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses; lush green valleys fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Bhutan's alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes, and flowers make it a paradise. Nepal boasts eight of the world's tallest mountains and the world's oldest Hindu and Buddhist sites. Nepal is also known as the Land of ‘Mount Everest’, is a land of magnificent scenery, and has one of the world’s best and archeologically very important temples. Although modernization has set in, the quintessence of ancient Nepal remains amongst its people. Tibet has the earth's highest ecosystem and is one of its last remaining wildernesses with its lush forests supporting abundant wildlife. Its people are some of the most resilient in the world. Through their richness and deep religious convictions, were built many fascinating monuments - Dalai Lama's summer and winter retreats, the Potala Palace and Norbulingka are most prominent. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Asia. This triple destination program takes you through a journey of different yet similar patterns of culture, traditions, customs, and beliefs that are practiced religiously in these power places which will give you a fortnight to remember for a lifetime.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- To visit three different kingdoms all very different & unique in its own way
- Local & cultural insight on each destination
- Spectacular views of the Himalayas & snow capped mountains
- Hang prayer flags at Dochula Pass in Bhutan
- Light butter lamps at Boudha in Nepal
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Paro
Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu. Distance: 53kms/ 32 miles. Drive Time: 1 hour approx. On arrival at the Paro International Airport, our representative will receive and escort you to the hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes you through the winding road with lots of beautiful hamlets.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Tashichho Dzong. Visit Tashichho Dzong on the way, in Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja’. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of Bhutan’s civil government.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 2
Thimphu
Sightseeing at Motithang Takin Preserve. Today we will visit the following places in Thimphu. After breakfast drive to Mothithang Takin Preserve and see Takin - the National animal of Bhutan. The drive will take around approximately 2 hours (79 km), spend some time in the sanctuary and later drive further up to the viewpoint and enjoy the view of Thimphu valley.
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Paro
Cultural Immersion at Memorial Chorten, Thimphu. Drive back and visit the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a large Tibetan- style Buddhist Monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
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Paro
Local Flavor. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum that is set inside a 19th century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3
Paro
Sightseeing at Dochula Pass. Day excursion to Punakha. Distance: 76kms/ 47 miles. Drive Time: 3 hours approx (each way) After breakfast at the hotel drive to Punakha. En route visit Dochula Pass. On the way to Punakha from Thimphu, the Dochula Pass offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days.
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Punakha
Sightseeing at Chimi Lhakhang. Also visit Chimi Lakhang and Punakha Dzong in Punakha. Chimi Lhakhang flanked with hundreds of prayer flags sits on a round hillock near Punakha. Also visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, or ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’, the second largest dzong in Bhutan.
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Punakha
Sightseeing at Punakha Dzong.
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Paro
Drive back to Thimphu after the sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 4
Paro
Sightseeing at Simtokha Dzong. Drive to Paro. Distance: 53kms/ 32 miles. Drive Time: 1 hour approx. Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. Later visit Paro Dzong in Paro. According to a legend, Simtokha Dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing the people in the region and guard the place. Hence, Simtokha translates as ‘Atop a Demon’.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Rinpung Dzong. Once you are in Paro, visit the Paro Dzong. Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan.
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Paro
Leisure. Transfer to the hotel as booked, after the sightseeing. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5
Paro
Hiking at Paro Taktsang. In Paro, Taktsang Monastery Hike Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx. (round trip) Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, Taktsang Monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. Keeping the spirituality aside, the journey up to Taktsang Monastery is a Hiker’s delight. An hour hike up to a small wooden teahouse called Cafeteria provides close view of the monastery. A further and a rather challenging hike lead you to the glorious Taktsang Monastery. Pony ride for kids can be arranged while hiking uphill till the Cafeteria. Please note that because of the steep trails, ponies are not available for downhill.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Kyichu Lhakhang. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites.
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Paro
Transfer back to the hotel after the sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6
Paro
Fly to Kathmandu. Flight Duration (International Flight): 1 hour approx. Transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu. Our representative will receive you at the airport in Kathmandu and escort you to the hotel. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a mixture of rich culture, ancient traditions and hustling bazaars. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city boasts of natural beauty, vibrant culture, unique cuisine, and an intense religious devout that are apparent by the variety of festivals celebrated throughout the year. Despite suffering from a massive earthquake in 2015 that caused immense devastation, Kathmandu retains its hustle and bustle and its people are still as jovial as ever.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the afternoon, visit old Kathmandu city and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The word durbar means palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kathmandu Durbar Square is an old royal palace from the Malla Dynasty. Consisting of small courtyards and shrines, the main highlight is the temple of the living goddess, Kumari. The Kumari Devi is the most important of several living goddesses in Nepal and can be seen on the temple’s balcony during the many ceremonial processions and festivals. You will also come across vendors selling snacks, priests performing their daily rituals, and young couples strolling along the narrow alleyways of Basantapur.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7
Kathmandu
Sightseeing at Swayambhunath. After breakfast start your day with a visit to Swyambhunath Stupa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath is accessible by a car road leading to the southwest entrance, while the more adventurous ones take the 365 long steep stairways leading to the main platform of the temple. This ancient stupa adorned with Buddha’s eyes, is surrounded by many other smaller chaityas and temples and is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists. This is the most ancient and perhaps the most enigmatic of all holy shrines in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath overlooks the Kathmandu valley and the views are exceptional.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Patan Durbar Square. Next, continue to Patan, the city of arts and architecture founded in 250 A.D. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Visit the Durbar Square, Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple). A visit to the new Patan Museum is a must. The museum faces Durbar Square and is housed in a beautifully restored and renovated former Malla palace. The collection spans much of Nepal’s cultural history, primarily exhibiting metalwork sculptures from Hindu and Buddhist deities, typical of Patan’s tradition in craftsmanship. Written commentary explains their significance to Nepal’s art history, spiritualism, cultural heritage and contemporary life.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Pashupatinath Temple. In the evening, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Located east of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal with its astonishing architecture of gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva, and is thronged with devotees and pilgrims from all over the world. Access to the shrine is strictly limited to Hindus; however, others are permitted to view the temple from the east banks of the River Bagmati.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8
Kathmandu
Traditional Outdoors. Early morning, drive to a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and a popular center for courses on Buddhism and other Tibetan related subjects. We will be introduced to one of the senior monks. The session begins with an introduction to Buddhism followed by a short round of meditation, teaching you the different techniques used in meditation and then guide you through it for the next 1.5 hours. Later there will be some time to interact with other monks.
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Paro
Next, drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur where we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur lies on the Arniko Highway that connects Kathmandu to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively. The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Boudhanath. In the evening head to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evenings at Boudha have an extra element as the place gleams with oil lamps while prayer flags soar high fluttering simultaneously. People start their kora circumambulation) around the stupa in a clockwise direction spinning prayer wheels and the entire place appears magical. Light butter lamps and join the kora for an absolute spiritual contentment.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 9
Paro
Fly to Lhasa, Tibet. Flight Duration (International Flight): 1 hour approx. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
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Lhasa
Leisure. Rest of day will be at leisure to acclimatize to the altitude. Lhasa, which means ‘the land of the gods’ is the heart and soul of Tibet. It is a city of wonders, the capital of the Tibet autonomous region of China.
Continued
Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10
Lhasa
Sightseeing at Drepung Monastery. After breakfast visit Drepung which is about 8km to the west of central Lhasa. Drepung is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet.
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Lhasa
Local Flavor. Visit one of the orphanages in Lhasa. This is a unique opportunity to interact with the less fortunate children.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Sera Monastery. Later visit Sera Monastery: 5km North of Lhasa, the Sera Monastery’s setting is one of the prettiest in Lhasa, hugging the ridge that forms the Northern wall of the Kyi Chu Valley. Founded in 1419, Sera Monastery is one of the "great three" Gelukpa university monasteries in Tibet.
Continued
Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11
Lhasa
Sightseeing at Potala Palace. After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore Lhasa. Potala Palace, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, has been the focus of travelers for centuries. The Potala Palace is one of Tibet’s most impressive and enduring monuments that were protected by the Chinese Army of Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution.
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Lhasa
Sightseeing at Norbulingka. Norbulingka: Built 100 years after the Potala palace, Norbulingka means ‘Treasure Park’ in Tibetan and is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, on the bank of the Kyichu River, about one kilometer southwest of the Potala Palace. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet.
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Paro
Sightseeing at Jokhang Temple. Jokhang meaning ‘House of the Lord’ in Tibetan is located at the center of old Lhasa and is the oldest and the most revered religious structure in Tibet. It was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal and thus features an intriguing mix of architectural styles.
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Paro
Sightseeing. Barkhor Street is the oldest street in Lhasa and runs through the center of the old city. It is a circular street where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. The word Barkhor refers to the middle of the three concentric holy circuits around the Jokhang. You can also visit an orphanage in Lhasa if you wish; however it remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Transfer to the hotel after the sightseeing.
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Paro
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12
Paro
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
All necessary arrival/departure transfers Sightseeing tour and all surface transfers in Tibet will be provided as per the itinerary with English speaking Tibetan guide by private vehicle Tibet Travel Permit All entrance and monuments fees as indicated in the program Bhutan Visa fee Hanging prayer flags at Dochula Pass Tourism development fund & Entrance fee in Bhutan
Not Included
Nepal visa fee Chinese visa fee All International airfares [Will be quoted separately] International airport tax Meals those are not included in the above cost inclusion Refreshments, bottled drinks Tipping Insurance and rescue of any form Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost Photography charges in the monasteries and monuments Other services & items that are not mentioned in the above program
Meeting & Pickup
Paro International Airport.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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