Nepal Bhutan Cultural Tour

Today is your departure day for Nepal. To book your flight, please open the given link to get information about airlines offering flights to Nepal and see which airlines are flying from where in Nepal. https://www.tiairport.com.np/all-flights/

Upon arrival in Nepal, Jagadamba Holidays representatives will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport with a Jagadamba Holidays placard (Jagadamba Holidays signboard). In case of late night arrival, private transportation to the hotel will be arranged by the representative.

Clients will be notified of tour briefings and group meeting times by a representative. In the meeting we discuss the travel plans and services and introduce the trek or tour guide as per the itinerary. You must completely fill up a legally binding travel form and a non-liability disclaimer form. If any person’s tour payment is due, such person must pay at this meeting. Stay overnight at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel.

Today we will start our exploration tour of Kathmandu Valley at Ason vegetable and spice market filled with vendors selling all kinds of daily necessities that give a glimpse of the local life of Kathmandu Valley. Then we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kumari Temple, Kumari Devi House; Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) at the top of the hill; Visit Patan, the second largest city in the valley, Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple etc.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantpur Durbar Square, Hanumandhoka Durbar Square) is the capital’s most visited landmark. Listed as a World Heritage Site since 1979, it is an important site for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, sacred ceremonies, royal events, and coronations. Popular things to see are Kumari Ghar (Temple of Living Goddess), Taleju Temple (place of Kumari Goddess Taleju), Kaal Bhairav (dedicated to Lord Shiva, God of Time and Death), Kashta Mandap, Maru Ganesha, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswati Temple, Krishna Octagonal Temple, Big Dhol, Jagannath Temple and other festivals, cultural activities, Indra Jatra, Dashain etc. are known as the place of tradition. Gaijatra, Machhindranath Jatra etc.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), located on a small hill named Swayambhunath (literally meaning “self-existence”), is a famous landmark in the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley. Before sunrise, you can find thousands of pilgrims walking the 365 steps to the top of the mountain (take a 15-minute climb). Be prepared to meet some mischievous monkey friends for this climb. The hill offers a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley, Langtang Himal (7,245m), Ganesh Himal (7,429m), and Dorje Lakpa Himal (6,988m). Major attractions you should not miss in Swayambhunath include Shantipur, Harati Devi Temple, Pratapur and Anantapur, Sri Karma Raj Mahavihar, and Vajra. Also, it’s best to visit during the three main festivals celebrated in Swayambhunath: Gunla (around Aug), Buddha Jayanti (April or May), and Lhosar (Buddhist New Year, around February).

Along with Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. It is the second largest palace in Kathmandu Valley. It is an ancient city located in Patan, 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Patan is known as Lalitpur (city of beauty) and the city of art and architecture of the Newar community. As a World Heritage Site, it is an old royal palace (according to records it was built in 1667) that housed the Malla kings of Lalitpur. This old palace represents ancient structures, temples, shrines and statues. It is a marvel of Newari architecture in Nepal. Surrounding the square are 600 stupas, 136 courtyards and 55 important temples in Patan. Major attractions not to be missed in Patan Durbar Square include Patan Museum, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Golden Window, Maha Buddha Temple, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple etc. Stay overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar standard hotel in Thamel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the famous Pashupatinath temple, then go on a walking tour to see the huge Buddhist stupa, also known as Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal. Then take a ride to the picturesque city of Bhaktapur and visit Changu Narayan Temple and the Victorian painted temple and temple complex at Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square.

Today we will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath stupa and Swayambhunath stupa. The Hindu temple of Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu of Nepal. The temple is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was built. But, according to Nepal Mahatmya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati and the Temple’s existence is recorded as early as 400 CE. It is a true fact that Pashupatinath Temple is a World Cultural Heritage, dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. Located on both banks of the holy Bagmati river in the eastern part of Kathmandu, every year hundreds of Hindu devotees come to this temple to seek refuge for the last few weeks of their lives, to see the dead and to be cremated on the banks. River Generally, tourists get a chance to see at least one open cremation here. Another cultural shock at the Pashupatinath temple was seen by a local woman washing clothes near Tilganga Eye Hospital. Monkeys, cattle and deer are also seen in the Pashupatinath temple area.

Boudhanath Stupa is located in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Boudhanath Stupa is also known as Boudha, Boudhanath or Khasti Mahachaitya. Most of the locals call it Khasti in Nepali language and Jyarung Khashor in Tibetan language. It is true that stupas are symbols of Buddhism in Nepal. Now UNESCO has declared this stupa as a World Heritage Site of Nepal. According to Nepalese records, the Boudha Nath Stupa was first built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 600 AD. Another thing is that it became an essential site for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal in 1959. Also, this huge meditation monument is said to have been built after the Buddha’s death. With several kilograms of gold for decoration, the huge Boudhanath Stupa is the gateway to heaven that serves as the horizon between earth and sky. You can join the locals for morning and evening Kora, a clockwise circular walk around the stupa. There are various fast food cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and many other souvenir shops within the Boudhanath complex.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the smallest of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once one of the three kingdoms of Nepal. Located 15 km from Kathmandu, it was once the home of the Bhaktapur royal family in the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire square is a huge display of traditional Newari architecture and is made up of four distinct areas namely the Durbar Complex, Durbar Area, Toumadhi Area, Dattatreya Area and Mato Area. It is much bigger than Patan Durbar Square – not only in terms of its expanse but also its impressive monuments. The main attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square include 55 Window Durbar, Golden Gate, Singh Gate, Mini Pashupati Temple, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavanath Temple etc.

One of the oldest temples in Kathmandu Valley is the Changu Narayan Temple which has a history of around 3,000 years. According to the history of Nepal, it was built by King Mandev of Lichchavi dynasty in the 4th century. As an ancient Hindu temple and a World Cultural Heritage, it was surrounded by a forest of Champak trees and a small village known as Changu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an epic example of Lichhavi period art and architecture in Nepal. The place is famous for its collection of stone and wood sculptures as well as beautiful crafts in metal. Everything in and around the temple area is a true work of art. Stay overnight at Kathmandu Guest House or similar standard hotel in Thamel.

We fly Paro from Kathmandu with Druk Air. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks as you reach Paro. Local representative of Jagadamba Holidays Pvt. Ltd. will welcome you at Bhutan’s only international airport located at Paro (2,262 m) in western Bhutan. Then check into your sweet hotel for a nice rest while you get used to the time difference. In the afternoon your guided tour will begin ad visiting the National Museum and Paro Kyichu Lakang. Overnight stay in Paro at booked hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel today, our journey to Thimphu will begin. On arrival in Thimphu, first we will check in at the hotel. After that we will start sightseeing and visit the memorial chorten built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang (monastery for nuns), National Library and painting school where traditional art is still kept alive. The art of depicting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). In the afternoon the guided tour will start and visit the royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper factory at Lungtenzampa. After Lungtenzampa drive to south Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong which is the first dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as an institute for the study of traditional teachings for general students in Thimphu. Overnight stay in Thimphu at booked hotel.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Thimphu, the road climbs steeply through the pine and cedar forests. There is festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,100 m). The Dochula pass also offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 m).

In the afternoon we will first visit Punakha town in Punakha then we will visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple on a small hilltop which takes about 30 minutes to reach. The temple is dedicated to a great yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or to Westerners as “Divine Madman”. This temple is believed to bless women who desire fertility. In the afternoon we return to the town of Punakha and visit the majestic Dzong (fortress) between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (Male and Female Rivers). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo at Punakha (the spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past, this Zhong served as the capital seat of the kingdom for about 300 years. Overnight stay in Punakha at booked hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our journey to Paro will begin. We will stop at Dochula Pass for a tea break and, if we are lucky and the weather permits, enjoy a panoramic view of the northern snow-capped peaks of Bhutan. After a tea break, our journey will continue to Thimphu, where lunch will be served and you will have a few hours of shopping to continue your journey to Paro. During today’s trip to Paro, visit the Drukgyal Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal in 1647, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as a heraldic reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the 7,314-meter Chomolhari mountain and visit Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey, and Kyichu Lhakhang, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gonpo in the 7th century.

You will cross a traditional covered bridge over the river to a waiting car on the valley floor that will take you to the hotel in Paro. If your time allows, climb near the top of the hill to get a panoramic view of the Paro Valley. After reaching Paro, please check into the hotel. After that visit the teacher training college in Paro and meet the principal for any query. Afternoon visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Jong) which is the house of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. We will also take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. Overnight stay in Paro at booked hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, start your journey to the starting point of the tour and visit the picturesque Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through a grove of beautiful pine forests, many trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for rest and lunch and continue walking for a short (if not tiring) time, until you see the ruins of Taktsang Monastery clearly and within reach. According to history, it was built in 1600, this incredible monastery clings to the side of a sheer cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History tells us that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Although, seeing a flying tiger in a monastery does not seem so impossible. Today’s lunch will be served in the cafeteria. Overnight stay in Paro at booked hotel.

It’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful Himalayan country of Bhutan. A local Jagadamba Holidays representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport. This is a happy place, may Nepal carry good memories of the past. We look forward to seeing you again, Tashi Delek!

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Jagadamba Holidays representatives will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport with a Jagadamba Holidays placard (Jagadamba Holidays signboard). In case of late night arrival, private transportation to the hotel will be arranged by the representative. Stay overnight at Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel.

After breakfast, you should leave your room and store your luggage at the hotel and relax in the hotel lobby or explore the surrounding local market for last minute shopping for friends and family until you head to the airport for your flight back home. Due to limited space at Kathmandu Airport, all airlines have requested to report at the check-in counter three hours before the actual flight departure time. Therefore, we will pick you up from the hotel three and a half hours in advance, as the estimated travel time to the airport is around half an hour. We hope that your visit to Nepal and the activities you do during your visit will remind you to visit Nepal again in the future. As per the service policy of Jagadamba Holidays, your journey will conclude with a farewell at the airport. Have a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you, see you again!

Special Travel Note:

Please note that some sites on the itinerary may change due to weather, climate, national holidays, and special events during your travel period. Jagadamba Holidays reserve the right to change the itinerary. Changes to the itinerary will be mainly based on improving your tour experience in Bhutan and Nepal.