Day 01:
Arrive Paro (2250m / 7382ft) Crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, we will be hosted at Paro by spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga including the sacred Bhutan peaks such as Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon our arrival, we will be greeted by our representative to escort us to hotel. In the very afternoon, we can visit the Paro Dzong built in 1646, and religious institutions around Paro valley. We also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Then onwards, we travel to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort) built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. In the evening, we stroll through the Paro downtown. (Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 02:
Hike to Tiger Monastery, then Drive to Thimphu (2320m/7610 ft): 54 km, 1 hr After breakfast we hike for Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 900m above the Paro Valley. It is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180m where Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse to meditate inside the cave of Taktsang Monastery. At this spiritual junction we have our lunch at a Cafeteria before hiking down to the Paro valley. From the valley we drive for Thimphu, the cultural capital of Bhutan. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Day 03:
Morning Sightseeing, Then Drive Thimphu to Punakha [1250m/4000 ft]: 76 km, 3 hrs After breakfast we roam around the capital. At our excursion, we visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo. Along with these sites, we also visit at nunnery temple, National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and School of Arts and Crafts. After lunch, we drive to Punakha with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters) where on a clear day we can sip spectacular views of the Himalayas. While driving to downhill for Punakha we encounter with forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. At this juncture, we visit at stunning Punakha Dzong which is situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. (B, L, D) |
Day 04:
Punakha to Paro [2250m / 7382ft]: 130km, 4 hrs After breakfast, we drive back to Paro. On the way to return trip, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. We do not miss the opportunity to receive blessings from the Lama`s wooden phallus! Upon our refreshing lunch in Thimphu we make our short excursion at National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Majestic Tashichhodzong. Later in the evening, we again drive for Paro.(B, L, D) |
Day 05:
Fly Paro to Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft]: Kathmandu Sightseeing Upon arrival at Paro, we make our passage to Kathmandu. Kathmandu will greet us with magnificent sightseeing tour of some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At Kathmandu we will have the views of Basantapur Durbar Square, palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom, Pashupatinath temple, houses a sacred phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, and the Buddhists shrine at Boudhanath, the largest stupas in the world. (B, L, D) |
Day 06:
Drive Kathmandu to Chitwan Having an early morning breakfast in kathmandu we drive for Chitwan, 150 kilometers from Kathmandu and a 5 hour's drive into the mountains. While in drive we descend down along the winding road on the banks of the Trishuli River. Upon arrival at hotel in Chitwan, we will get refreshed and briefed about full nature programs by our nature guide. In Chitwan, we walk within the village area and go on the banks of the Rapti River to watch the charming sunset views in the sub-tropical jungle. In the evening, we will be hosted with dinner and cultural program by ethnic tribal people with their stick dance and tribal drums. (B, L, D) |
Day 07:
Full Day at Chitwan National Park including Jungle Safari The Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site enhences us to discover why the National Park holds an important place in preserving the wild lives that are rapidly getting extinct from this planet. We are further sure to spot water buffalo, egrets, woodpecker, and deer in their natural habitat. The Park is also home to rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, Gangetic dolphin, 500 birds, butterflies, as well as the near extinct Gharials crocodiles. We can do a number of activities here which include elephant safari, a nature walk, bird watching, a jungle drive or a canoe trip. We will be at extreme excitement when we take a bath with an elephant and learn how to wash elephant! (B, L, D) |
Day 08:
Drive to Pokhara (910 m/2986 ft)/5 km: Sightseeing Davis Fall & Shiva Cave Upon the completion of brief tour to Chitwan, we drive for Pokhara, 200 km and 5 hours' drive into the mountains. Pokhara, also nicknamed as the Lake City, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Pokhara greets us with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others along with numerous lakes. Pokhara is also the gateway for trekking in the Annapurna Region. Upon reaching in Pokhara, we visit to mystery of Davis Fall and Gupteshwar Cave. We also make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara's marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, we further explore the surrounding lakeside areas. (B, L, D) |
Day 09:
Morning Sunrise from Sarangkot Hill, Flight to Kathmandu Early morning we drive to the Sarangkot Hill to have the sunrise views over the Himalayas. Around afternoon, we fly to Kathmandu. During our flight we zoom the best views of Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to hotel and spend the day leisurely by engaging some last minute shopping or exploring any sights we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. At the evening, we will attend grand celebration with dinner. (B, L, D) |
Day 10:
Arrive in Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft) Our 1 hour 10 minutes Trans Himalayan Flight to Lhasa will be one of the most beautiful flights in the world that takes us over Everest (8848m) and Kanchenjunga (8536m). After the completion of few immigration formalities, we will be garlanded by our Tibetan guide who will escort us a 1.5-hour drive at an altitude of 3,650m/11,972ft to Lhasa. We will rest in Lhasa to minimize Lhasa's altitude sickness. (B) |
Day 11:
Sightseeing in Lhasa Lhasa, the capital of Tibet unfolds us its spiritual significances hidden under the treasure if pristine land. Foremost, our tour begins with a visit to SERA MONASTERY preserved with white-washed walls and golden roofs. Further, we take a trip to NORBULINGKA, an adventurous and exciting architectural materpiece used as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Along with the two sites, we travel around sacred JOKHANG TEMPLE which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Our arrival at BARKHOR MARKETS can be quite different from other site. Finally, we do not miss to roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stall hawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom and tradition. Eventually, we will be escorted in our hotel. (B) |
Day 12:
Sightseeing in Lhasa Like the previous day, we will gather invaluable insights of POTALA PALACE and DREPUNG MONASTERY. The 17th century POTALA PALACE offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans' respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery. (B) |
Day 13:
Gandan Monastery and Drayerpa Cave A 60 km excursive drive to Gandan Monastery hosts us extremely delicate and fine murals and sculptures. The monastery also keeps an armor decorated with gems, which was worn by Emperor Qianlong and was bestowed to the monastery as an offering to Tsong Khapa. At afternoon drive to Drayer Pa Cave, we visit at local Lama in caves. A further short drive from the Drayerpa Cave we will have at a valley of more than 30 other caves in which lamas will be found in their meditation. The valley greets us with untouched beautiful views around. At the evening return back to Lhasa for overnight. (B) |
Day 14:
Final Departure Our adventure thrill in the Himalayas comes to an end today! A representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking escorts us to the airport to greet us final farewell. Or upon our choice, we can either get back to Kathmandu or continue to mainland China trip on our way to home. (B) |
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