THE HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCE

Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Later introductory talk about tour followed by day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02 : Kathmandu

After breakfast, Kathmnadu sightseeing. Visit to Swayambhunath, perhaps the most glorious stupa in the world and one of the holiest Buddhist sties in Nepal. Its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. The whole area around the stupa is an array to small chaityas and monsteries.

Then sightseeing of Kathmandu city, known as Kantipur; the capital of King of Nepal. Visit here the temples of living Goddess who acknowledge the greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap; the source of the word Kathmandu and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and Durbar Square, the area holding the array of temples overlooked by Hanuman, Dhoka Palace, the ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03 : Kathmandu – Pokhra

After breakfast drive to Pokhra, a very scenic drive lasting for above six hours through the beautiful riverbanks and gorges.

Pokhra, the enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley is starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting trips. Here the serenity of Pehwa lake and the magnificent Mt. Fishtail rising behind it, creates and ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhra is home to thick forests, gushing rivers and emerald lakes and world famous view of the Himalayas. The major attractions of Pokhra are; Pehwa Lake, Barahi Temple, Devid’s fall, Bindabasini Temple and Seti Gorge.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhra.

Day 04 : Pokhra – Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a pleasant boat ride in Pehwa Lake reflecting the panormic view of Mt. Fishtail on its backdrop. Then drive to Chitwan.

Day 05 : Chitwan National Park

Whole day jungle activities including jungle walk, elephant ride and also visit to villages. Chitwan National Park is most famous n Nepal which offers 450 species of birds including four species of deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar and many other faunal species. The park is well known of one horned Rhinoceros and it also offers shelter to Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 06 : Chitwan – Kathmandu

After breakfast drive to Kathmandu (6 hours) passing through beautiful valleys. Evening free. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 07 : Kathmandu

Today’s sightseeing in Kathmandu includes, visit to;

Boudhnath; this stupa stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch of righteous behavior and human prosperity. It was built by King Man Deva on advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. Situated on the octagonal base inset with prayer wheels, this shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.

Pashupatinath Temple; one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst lush green natural settings on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in Pagoda style has gilted roof and richly carved silver door.

Bhaktapur City; also known as Bhadgaon, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Visit Durbar square with range to temples overlooking the palace of 55 window built by King Bhupindra Malla and Nyatapola Temple.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 08 : Kathmandu – Paro (Bhutan) by Druk Air

Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mount. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrm Khang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft.

On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09 : Paro

Morning take an excursion to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktshang was severely damaged by fire in 1998 and at present its restoration work is in progress. But tourists are still able to visit the look-out point.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley.

Evening visit a traditional farm house to get an idea on lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10 : Paro – Punakha (125 km, 4.1/2 hours)

After breakfast drive to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, about 18 km from the town. From this fortress, Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom, reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After that drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,050m) which hearlds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.

Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo. Visit Punakha Dzong built in 17th century at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It has been destroyed by four fires and an earthquake in 1897 and has frequently been devasted by flood water coming from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendour.

Evening visit to local market. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 11 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang - Thimphu (90 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. The last town in the west before arriving at the central region of Bhutan, Wangdue is typical small Bhutanese town. The town’s formidable Dzong is its most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played a crticial role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts.

After lunch, drive to Thimphu, small charming city sandwiched in the heart of Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm is not only embedded in its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but visitors must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are decorated in traditional style. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12 : Thimphu

Morning visit, Trashichhodzong, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu. It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of capital’s venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan’s permanent capital to Thimphu.

Bhutan’s National Library is located close to the Thangkha painting school and contains arguably the best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas. The country has its own brand of Himalayan medicines and this can be seen at the Indigenous Hospital. The Memorial Chhorten, a pious landmark for Thimphu’s residents, was erected in 1974 by the mother of Third King, in memory of her son. Visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 : Thimphu – Phunetsholing (179 km, 6 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1629, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phunetsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots enroute.

Just before, arriving Phunetsholing, visit Kharbandi Goemba, the monastery built in 1967. It houses the large and fascianting statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.

Overnight at the hotel in Phunetsholing.

Day 14 : Phuentsholing – Siliguri (160 km, 4 hours)

After breakfast drive to Siliguri passing through lush green tea gardens enroute.