Book Family Trip in Himalayan Kingdom
Tour Overview
In this Holiday to Himalayas we have combined two beautiful Himalayan Kingdoms in one magical tour. This exciting tour of Nepal & Bhutan is designed for the cultural and historically minded travelers, visiting Nepal & Bhutan for the first time. Enter the serene and spiritual lands of Nepal and Bhutan, and experience the countries’ rich histories and unique cultural heritages. The Himalayan landscape becomes more exotic the further east you travel and this unusual tour provides the opportunity to explore this rich diversity. Journey through jungle-covered foothills up into rhododendron forest and within sight of some of the world’s highest peaks. Himalayan cultures feature strongly too, with the marvellous Newar architecture and carved wood of the Kathmandu Valley contrasting with the colourful Tibetan Buddhist-style monasteries of Bhutan. Travel to Bhutan, best known to the world today as the last Shangri-La. The rich Himalayan flora and fauna, dazzling white peaks, and lush valleys provide Bhutan stunning beauty and aesthetic grandeur. Book Tour to Himalayas to explore the best of Nepal & Bhutan with best travel company.
test- DURATION 10 Nights / 11 Days
- START CITY Kathmandu
- END CITY Paro
- TYPE OF TRIP Cultural, Historical & Wild Life
Tour Highlights
- Explore wealth of unique temples, palaces, squares and bazaars of Kathmandu
- Incredible View of Himalayan Range
- Incredible Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan
- Explore Himalayan Culture
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival, you are greeted by our representative. Transferred to hotel where your tour guide helps you check in and briefs you about the following tours. Relax and recover from jetlag at hotel.
Early this morning take the Everest Mountain flight (optional), a once in a lifetime experience. This morning take a guided walking tour of Durbar Square in the old city of Kathmandu. See the temples, shrines and palaces of Durbar Square. One of the most famous temples is that of the Kumari, or the Living Goddess. This goddess is selected from the Buddhist caste at the age of 3 and once she reaches puberty another Kumari replaces her. Then visit the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa where the all–seeing eyes of Buddha stare down on the valley. In the afternoon visit Bhaktapur capital of the Kathmandu Valley between the 14th and 16th centuries. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square features an array of shrines, courtyards, and memorial pillars with copper–gilt statues of kings and the famous Golden Gate made of pure gold. However, it is the delicate woodcarvings that adorn virtually all the buildings for which this city is noted. The sculptures guarding the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest shrine in the Kathmandu Valley, are impressive. This temple is considered to be the finest example of pagoda architecture in Nepal.
This morning visit Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. Pashupatinath, most sacred of all Nepalese Shiva shrines lies just 5kms east of Kathmandu. Built in 1696, the Temple of Pashupatinath, with its large gilded triple roof is only open to Hindus. A bird’s eye view of life in the temple complex is available, however, from the hillside across the Bagmati River. Continue to nearby Bodhnath, one of the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage. Here too the all–seeing eyes of Buddha look out over the long rows of multi coloured prayer flags, which encircle the brilliant white dome. In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings. Durbar Square contains a striking array of temples fountains, royal palaces covered with exquisite carvings and adorned with beautiful bronzes.
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara (approx 4.5 hrs) directly. En-route visit Bandipur - a hilltop settlement in Tanahu District as well as a living museum of Newari culture. After arrival Pokhara, you can explore around Pokhara Bazaar on your own.
Today you will have a full day private tour of the second largest city in Nepal - Pokhara. Laid out alongside a lake and encircled by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Annapurna Rangethe, Pokhara is the paradise of adventure and leisure.
Morning take a private boat ride to experience the charm and serenity of Phewa Lake. Then ascend to World Peace Pagoda, a perfect viewpoint which provides a panoramic view of Phokara and Phewa Lake. Followed by the visit to Devi's Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, and International Mountain Museum.
Today starts a bit earlier for your journey to Sarangkot viewpoint to for the unforgettable sunrise over the mountain peaks.
Then we fly back to Kathmandu, afternoon take a leisure walk around Thamel district – a heaven for tourists visiting the city including its fascinating streets.
Optional: In the evening, unwind with a cultural feast of Nepali traditional dinner and dancing.
In the morning, representative will escort you to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro airport, be greeted by your local travel guide and transferred to the capital Thimphu. En route pass by Tamchog Lhakhang iron-bridge. After hotel check-in, have lunch at local restaurant. Then visit National Memorial Chorten, gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary. Ends today in Thimphu Dzong(Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the seat of the central government.
Today leaves Thimphu behind and head for Punakha. Stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 Stupas. And take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya when in good weather. Continue to drive to Punakha and have lunch at a local restaurant en route before a 1.5-hour walking tour to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. The 1.5 hours walk offers beautiful views of paddy fields and countryside life. Next embrace the highlight - Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit the Suspension Bridge nearby, the longest bridge in Bhutan, which offers different angle to see the elegant Punakha Dzong.
Drive back to Paro (driving time 4 hours) and start today's tour with Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative centre. Later visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next go to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and ends at a local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine.
This morning drive through the Paro Valley to the base of the climb that leads to the famous Taktsang Monastery. A major pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese since Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited the monastery in 1646, Taktsang – or ‘Tiger's Nest’ – is spectacularly located 900 meters above the valley floor perched on the edge of a cliff. The views throughout the walk, and in particular into the distance once you are at Taktsang, are not only panoramic but also spectacular. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you'll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari.
Say goodbye to Bhutan. After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your onward flight.