Day 01| Paro, Bhutan Paro – Thimphu (driving 1.5 Hours) L/D
Upon your arrival in Paro international airport, our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After Lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley, After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan
Day 02| Thimphu – Paro (Driving 1.5 hours ) B/L/D
Morning visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days, later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary Buddhism teachings from master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them.
Afternoon drive to Paro, when reach, will visit Paro Dzong on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on, Evening back to the hotel
Overnight: Paro
Day 03| Paro Sightseeing B/L/D
Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. farewell dinner with your guide
Overnight: Paro
Day 04 | Paro - Kathmandu
Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure to kathmandu
Day 05 | Kathmandu (B/L/D)
After breakfast visit the 2000 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) also known as "Monkey temple” The temple charms with its great dazzling Stupa, while at the same time, offering a view of Kathmandu city. The two-thousand year-old Stupa is the most profound expression of Buddhist symbolism in Nepal. There’s evidence to believe the hill was used for animist rites even before Buddhism arrived in the valley two thousand years ago.
After this visit Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Patan Durbar Square complex is perhaps the most photographed of the three durbar squares. Located in the heart of Patan city, this was once the palace of the kings of Patan. The square is a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Malla kings who were great builders and patrons of the arts.
After Patan durbar square visit to Khokana. Khokana is a small Newari Village located just 6 kilometers from Patan. At Khokana traditional craftsmanship still takes an important role. Villagers can often be seen spinning, winnowing and crushing mustard seeds. Especially the latter is what Khokana is most famous for, it's mustard oil. The village has a broad street leading into its center. On the left side the three storied’ Shree Rudrayani temple can be seen.
After exploring Khokana we will walk to Bungmati. This is an approximately 15 minutes’ walk through on the road dividing the agricultural land. Bungmati, just like Khokana, is a Newari village where traditional life still can be seen. The village houses the typical Newari buildings and has an interesting main square where one can view the Ganesh Temple and the Machhindranath Temple.
Day 06 | Kathmandu (B/L/D)
After having breakfast visit Katmandu Durbar square, (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is one of the major attractions in Katmandu Valley. The word Durbar Square translated in English as Palace Complex. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Interesting things to see here are Kumari (The Living Goddess) Ghar (House). At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving of different God and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because she is chosen from Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.
After Kathmandu Durbar square visit Kirtipur. Kirtipur is located 5 km from the center of Kathmandu. In Nepali dialect Kirtipur means "a glorious town". Looking down from its natural order it has been the scan of many historic battles and many important moments in Nepal's history. History says that the ancient city
Kirtipur was founded by Shiva Deva between 1099 AD. Kirtipur town is a harmonica convergence of Buddhist and Hindus.
After Kirtipur visit Pashupatinath Temple. (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all the Hindus of the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal. This is one of the oldest temples, situated on the banks of the Holy Bagmati River. It is double – roofed golden temple with four triple silver doorways. Pashupatinath covers an area of 281 hectares, which is one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal. Although Pashupatinath Temple was only built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium.
Lastly we will visit the Great Stupa of Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) a vast dome-shaped monument representing the Mind of the Buddha. It is the primary pilgrimage destination for Tantric Buddhists of the Himalayas and a major draw for Tibetan Buddhists from all over the planet. The history of the Stupa from its origins in the fifth century to the present day is also presented here for the first time.' Drive back to hotel. In the evening we will proceed for farewell dinner with cultural show.
Day 07 | Departure (B)
After breakfast free till departure, transfer to airport to board the flight back home.
Trip Duration : 7 Days
Area : Thimphu, Paro & Nepal Kathmandu
Group Size : 3 (Minimum)
Flight Options :
Yes
Max. Altitude : 1 m
