Highlights of Bhutan and Nepal

Your journey with “Best Travel Agents in India” begins today. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our local representative will be there to welcome you. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. You may spend the remainder of the day at your leisure—either resting after your flight or exploring the city on your own.

Accompanied by your private English-speaking guide, you will visit Kathmandu’s key attractions today. You will begin at Durbar Square (meaning: 'Palace Square'), the very heart of Kathmandu. The square is home to numerous religious monuments, all constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries. The most renowned among them is the Kumari Bahal, the residence of the living child goddess, Kumari. Next, you will head out to explore the Kathmandu Valley. This valley is dotted with numerous temples, palaces, and monasteries. Swayambhunath is situated 2 km west of the city center; it is the most significant Buddhist shrine in the valley—and arguably the most spectacular as well. The stupa features painted eyes of the Buddha gazing out in all four cardinal directions. Your next stop is the Pashupatinath Temple. This is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, housing the holy Lingam—a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the inner sanctum of the temple; however, even without entering the interior, you can gain a profound sense of the rituals and worship taking place there. At Pashupatinath, you may also observe traditional cremation ceremonies being performed along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Your final stop is the nearby Boudhanath (Buddha) Stupa. Standing at a height of 35 meters, it is the largest stupa in the valley. Here, too, you will find the four painted eyes of the Buddha. The surrounding area is home to several monasteries where young monks receive their religious training. It also serves as a vital pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Chitwan National Park is your next destination. You will arrive in the afternoon at a village situated on the edge of the park (following a 7-hour drive). This—Nepal's oldest national park—is located approximately 180 km southwest of Kathmandu. It spans an area of ​​approximately 930 km². In 1984, the park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its magnificent flora and fauna. The wildlife found here includes the rare Indian Rhinoceros and the Bengal Tiger. Additionally, the park is home to leopards, wild boars, elephants, snakes, deer, monkeys, pangolins, hyenas, crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, and nearly 540 different species of birds. We will stop for lunch en route. You will spend two nights at a beautiful lodge situated just outside the park's entrance. Upon arrival, a briefing is scheduled, after which you will head into the village accompanied by a guide—an excursion that may be shared with other guests staying at the lodge. Here, you will gain deeper insights into the lifestyle and culture of the local Tharu ethnic community.

Several activities have been planned (and are included) for today within Chitwan National Park. Early in the morning, you will be awakened for a walking safari, accompanied by an expert ranger. After approximately one hour, you will return to the resort for breakfast. Afterward, you will board a canoe and gently drift downstream along the Rapti River. From the canoe, you can observe a variety of birds and crocodiles—including the rare Mugger crocodile and the Gharial. With a bit of luck, you may even spot wild animals coming down to the water's edge to drink. Following lunch, you will visit the National Park Visitor Center. In the evening, another group dinner is scheduled, featuring a cultural performance.

After breakfast, you will head to Dhulikhel (1600m). This historic town is renowned for its intricate wood carvings, but above all, for its spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding valleys. Here, you will get a wonderful glimpse of what awaits you later in the trip: magnificent vistas of the towering Himalayas.

Today, early risers are typically treated to a magnificent sunrise. In the morning, the weather is often clear, offering excellent views of the glowing hues of the Himalayan peaks. Feel free to take your time and savor the scenery. You might also wish to take a short stroll around the surrounding area—just stretch your legs before hopping back into the car. This time, the drive will take you to Bhaktapur, one of the three royal cities.

Bhaktapur is situated approximately 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Naturally, you will visit the Durbar Square here as well. This square is larger than Kathmandu's Durbar Square, though it features fewer temples compared to Patan. Most of the temples in this square were constructed during the 17th century. Thanks to its old-world atmosphere, the site feels much like a vast open-air museum. Today, you will set out with a guide to explore the various structures; be sure to visit the old Royal Palace and the famous Golden Gate

You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport to catch a regional flight to Paro. The aerial views of the mountains are spectacular, and the experience of landing on the airstrip at Paro Airport is even more thrilling. Here, you will be met by your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your entire journey across Bhutan. The drive takes approximately one hour to reach Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Along the way, you will be treated to scenic vistas of beautiful, snow-capped mountain ranges. With a population of just 100,000, Thimphu ranks as one of the smallest capital cities in the world. The city center features three main thoroughfares where you can find numerous restaurants and shops. If time permits, you may visit the National Memorial Chorten in the afternoon. This Chorten was built in memory of the country's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a place where many Bhutanese people come daily to offer prayers, circumambulate the structure, and spin the large prayer wheels.

Today, a tour of Thimphu city is on the itinerary. With a population of approximately 100,000, Thimphu is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. The city is situated on the Wang Chhu River at an average elevation of 2,400 meters. After breakfast, you will visit the colossal Golden Buddha statue perched on the hills overlooking Thimphu. Inside the statue, there is a temple that you are welcome to enter. Additionally, today you will visit the Changangkha Lhakhang (monastery), the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (which houses a museum), the School of Arts and Crafts, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, a nunnery, and a market where various handicrafts are available for sale. You may consult with your guide to decide for yourself how much time you wish to spend at each of these various locations. You will conclude your city tour with a visit to Tashichho Dzong. A Dzong can be described as a monastic fortress. Dzongs are magnificent structures that serve both political-administrative and religious functions, and they often constitute the very heart of the city. To this day, both government offices and temples are housed within these premises. In the late afternoon, you will observe government employees leaving the Dzong after their workday, at which point the building is opened to visitors. As you exit the Dzong, look to your left; there stands the (relatively modest) Royal Palace—the residence of the current and fifth King, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Tip: The daily flag-lowering ceremony is quite an elaborate affair. It is definitely worth witnessing.

Today, you will head east. The drive will take you over the Dochula Pass, from where, on a clear day, you can view a vast expanse of the Himalayas. During the drive, as you approach the semi-tropical region of Punakha, you will observe a distinct change in the vegetation. Upon arrival, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is beautifully situated at the confluence of two rivers. This magnificent monastery, dating back to 1637, serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and his monks, thanks to the mild climate of the Punakha Valley. The Je Khenpo is Bhutan's spiritual leader and the head of the Buddhist monastic community—a highly influential and deeply revered figure. After your visit, you may spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

This morning, your first stop will be Chimi Lhakhang—the Temple of Fertility. There, you may be amused by the biography of the beloved Saint Drukpa Kunley (also known as the 'Divine Madman'), whose colorful life is depicted on the temple walls. We won't give too much away, but it is certainly an experience! Afterward, the drive takes you back over the Dochula Pass (3050m), where 108 stupas stand atop the ridge. Consulting with your guide and driver, you may make several stops along the way to enjoy the crisp mountain air and magnificent views. If time permits, you may choose to visit a few sights in Paro today; alternatively, you can 'save' them for tomorrow.

Note: The Lungchutse hike can also be undertaken today. This hike leads you from the Dochula Pass, through a rhododendron forest, to a monastery perched atop a mountain peak. The walk takes approximately three hours.

The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Willow trees line the roadsides—their branches swaying gently in the breeze—and you will also spot numerous apple orchards. The farmhouses are grand structures, featuring whitewashed walls and exquisite wooden carvings. While fields stretch across the valley floor, you will also observe terraced fields and forests covering the slopes. Today, you will explore this valley in the company of your guide and driver. Together, you can decide how much of the journey you wish to cover by car versus on foot; this itinerary can be arranged flexibly to accommodate some delightful walks. For instance, you can visit the remnants of the Drukgyal Dzong, the Ta Dzong (a watchtower that now houses a museum), the Rinpung Dzong Fortress, the beautiful 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, and the Drametse Lhakhang Temple, which features magnificent murals. Additionally, there is time to stroll through the fields and interact with the locals. Nowadays, schooling is conducted in English, so you are bound to encounter members of the younger generation who are proficient in the language.

Today, you will visit one of Bhutan's most renowned landmarks. You will head to Satsam Chorten, from where you will begin your hike up to the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang). Perched on a cliff face at an altitude of 800 meters, this site is not only the most famous but also arguably the most spectacular location in the country. It was built on the very spot where Guru Rinpoche landed in the 8th century after flying in on the back of a pregnant tigress. Guru Rinpoche—also known as Padmasambhava—is revered as an incarnation of the Buddha and the figure credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. He meditated in a cave here for three months; the current temple complex is built around this very cave. You can visit the various shrines within the complex before descending to the teahouse, where you will have lunch. Afterward, the descent back to the point where your driver is waiting will take less than an hour. This afternoon, you may visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport. Here, you will bid farewell to your Bhutanese guide and driver and check in for your regional flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Patan. Patan is one of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley; situated just 2 kilometres south of Kathmandu, it has today effectively merged into the greater Kathmandu urban area. Compared to Kathmandu, it is less crowded and hectic here, which is why we have decided to conclude our trip at this very spot. If you wish to visit Kathmandu, it is just a short taxi ride away. Much like Kathmandu, Patan also boasts a Durbar Square—one that sustained relatively minor damage during the 2015 earthquake. The streets are bustling with activity, and the overall atmosphere is pleasant and serene. There are also numerous small shops and craft workshops here; so, if you are looking to purchase souvenirs, you are sure to find exactly what you are seeking.

You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport in good time for your return flight. This marks the conclusion of your trip with Best Travel Agents in India.

Tip: If time permits, we can arrange a scenic flight for you over the Himalayas in a small aircraft during the morning hours (approximately 1 hour; price available upon request). This tour is shared with other travelers. It makes for a magnificent finale to your journey!