Circuit Culturel Népal - Bhoutan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrivée à Katmandou

  

  After passing through immigration at Tribhuwan International Airport and collecting your luggage, you will find our representative waiting for you outside the airport. You will be escorted to the vehicle arranged for you, which will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the surroundings or visit some nearby heritage sites.

• day 2

  Visit to Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, and Patan

  

  After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and we will head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. We will visit the temple of the living goddess – Kumari, as well as many other temples and monuments that form a complex in this area. After that, we will go to the Monkey Temple, which is located on top of a hill, and you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of Kathmandu city from this spot. Next, we will go to Patan, which is another part of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its arts. You can find many idol shops and artisans in small alleys, busy with their crafts.

• day 3

  Flight to Paro - Transfer to Thimphu

  

  Today, we will go to the airport for our flight to Paro. The flight lasts about 1 hour. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by your Bhutanese guide. We will then head to Thimphu. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. On the way to Thimphu, we will pass traditional houses, rice fields, and wooded hills. We will make a photo stop at the iron bridge of Tachog Lhakhang, which was designed by the legendary bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Upon arrival in Thimphu, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to pray. Next, we can visit the Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. The evening is free to stroll through the streets of Thimphu, stopping by or visiting cafés and craft shops.

• day 4

  Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass - 3100m - Sightseeing in Punakha

  

  Today, we will drive to Punakha, also known as the former winter capital. We will pass through Dochula Pass (3100m), stopping at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. The view of the Himalayas is magnificent on a clear day. Then, we will descend into the Punakha Valley. The landscape changes from high-altitude forests to warm, tropical lowlands with beautiful rice fields, river valleys, as well as traditional villages and hamlets. Upon our arrival today, we will do some sightseeing. We can visit Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. It is also considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Another place we can visit today is the Punakha Suspension Bridge. This easy walk leads to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Stunning views await you along the way. The evening is free for you to relax at your hotel or take a walk along the riverside.

• day 5

  Full day of visits in Punakha

  

  Today, we have many options to see and visit. We can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley. We can also visit the village of Talo or the Nalanda Buddhist Institute. The village of Talo is known for its serene monastic life, beautiful gardens, and traditional architecture, while the Nalanda Buddhist Institute offers an excellent opportunity to speak with monks and learn more about their monastic education. It is also possible to explore the Punakha Valley, where we can enjoy a scenic walk through the Punakha countryside and visit a farm owned by a local resident or explore the village. Other options today include a traditional hot stone bath, a Bhutanese cooking demonstration, and archery.

• day 6

  Conduire jusqu'à Paro

  

  Today, we retrace our steps back to Paro via the Dorchula Pass. We will arrive in Paro in the afternoon. Afterwards, we can visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, which is known for its unique architecture and ancient watchtowers. Next, we can visit the Ta Dzong (National Museum), where it is possible to see artifacts, thankas, weapons, and old household items. This helps us better understand Bhutanese culture.

• day 7

  Taktsang hike or cultural exploration of Paro

  

  Today, we will either go for the Taktsang Monastery hike or enjoy relaxed cultural visits, depending on our choice. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. Dungtse Lhakhang is a temple with a unique chorten-shaped structure. This place is known for its murals and historical significance. We can visit a Bhutanese farmhouse to experience rural life and interact with local Bhutanese families. In the evening, we can attend a cultural program such as a folk dance or a masked dance, or enjoy a hot stone bath.

• day 8

  Fly to Kathmandu - Visit Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur - Then drive to Dhulikhel

  

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we meet our guide and begin our visit to Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur. Boudhanath is a stupa with a unique atmosphere. As you walk around the stupa, you can see many vendors selling various souvenirs and Tibetan handicrafts. Next, we head to Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. Also known as the "Varanasi of Nepal," we can see the Shiva temple on the other side of the Bagmati River and observe how cremations take place according to Hindu rituals. Then, we drive to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved Durbar Square. Here, we will visit Durbar Square, the five-story Nyatapola Temple, and the alleys that have a unique atmosphere. To end the day, we drive to Dhulikhel.

• day 9

  Sunrise over the mountains - Visit Panauti, followed by a cooking class with locals - Then return to Kathmandu

  

  After enjoying a panoramic view of the sunrise in the mountains early in the morning, we head towards Panauti. Panauti is an ancient Newar village and is quite sparsely populated, as many of its residents go to the city to study and work. The Indreshwor Temple is one of the main highlights of this old town. We will take a walk through the alleys and streets filled with heritage, after which we will visit a local family to attend our cooking class. After that, we will be transferred back to Kathmandu.

• day 10

  Final departure - transfer to the airport

  

  Today, you will be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule. It is necessary to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before your flight time. We hope you had an excellent visit and look forward to seeing you again.