Culture Tour of Western Bhutan via Nepal

Beschrijving van de reis

Accommodatie

Programma van het verblijf

• dag 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu - transfer to hotel

  

  After passing immigration at Tribhuvan 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 a few nearby heritage sites.

• dag 2

  Visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, 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 an ensemble in this area. Then, we will go to the Monkey Temple, located at the top of a hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kathmandu. Then, we will head to Patan, another part of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for its arts. You will find many idol shops and artisans in small alleys, busy at their work.

• dag 3

  Fly 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 welcomed by your Bhutanese guide. We will then head to Thimphu. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. On the way to Thimphu, we will pass by traditional houses, rice fields, and wooded hills. We will make a photo stop at the iron bridge of Tachog Lhakhang, 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 will visit the Buddha Dordenma, an immense Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. The evening is free to stroll through the streets of Thimphu, stopping at cafés and handicraft shops.

• dag 4

  Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass

  

  Today, we will travel to Punakha, also known as the former winter capital. We will pass through the Dochula Pass (3100 m), with a stop at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. The view of the Himalayas is magnificent in clear weather. Then, we will descend into the Punakha Valley. The landscape shifts from high-altitude forests to warm, tropical lowlands, with superb rice fields, river valleys, as well as traditional villages and hamlets. Upon our arrival, we will do a bit of sightseeing. We will be able to visit the Punakha Dzong, also called 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 will be able to visit today is the Punakha Suspension Bridge. This easy walk leads to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Superb panoramas await you along the way. The evening is free for you to relax at the hotel or take a walk along the river.

• dag 5

  Visit around Punakha

  

  Today, we have many options for sightseeing and visiting. We can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple 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 talk 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 countryside and visit a farm belonging to a local resident, or explore the village. Other options today include a traditional hot stone bath, a Bhutanese cooking demonstration, and archery.

• dag 6

  Drive to Phobjikha Valley

  

  Today we're heading to the Phobjikha Valley, a journey of about three hours. This area is also famous as a wintering ground for black-necked cranes. Depending on the time available, we may visit Gangtey Monastery, founded in 1613, the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, and the village of Gangtey.

• dag 7

  Drive to Paro

  

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

• dag 8

  Hike to Taktsang Monastery or cultural visit in Paro

  

  Today, we will either go on a hike to Taktsang Monastery 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 structure, shaped like a chorten. It is known for its frescoes and historical importance. We can visit a Bhutanese farm to discover 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.

• dag 9

  Fly to Kathmandu - Visit of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur

  

  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 stroll around the stupa, you can see many vendors offering 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, home to the best-preserved Durbar Square. Here, we will visit Durbar Square, the five-storey Nyatapola Temple, and the alleys with a unique atmosphere.

• dag 10

  Final departure

  

  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.