Best of Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will greet you and guide you to your hotel. Once you reach the hotel, you can check in, freshen up, and take some time to relax. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Dream Team. We will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.
• Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport (2235M), you'll be greeted by our friendly tour guide. We'll allow time for acclimatization before a short drive to Thimphu for hotel check-in.

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, is your gateway to this unique country. You'll see monks in red robes, men in striped ghos, and women in colorful kiras. After settling in, we'll explore Thimphu's key sites:

National Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This white stupa with a golden top is a popular meditation and prayer spot.
Thimphu Tashichho Dzong: A fortress and monastery by the Wang Chhu River, housing the civil government and the king's offices.
Centenary Farmers’ Market: Open on weekends, it's a bustling place to buy vegetables, cheeses, grains, and local handicrafts.

We'll also visit Buddha Point in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, home to the 169-foot-tall seated Buddha Dordenma statue, offering stunning valley and mountain views. After dinner, enjoy the shops, bars, and cafes of Thimphu.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before starting on a full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu. First, we head to Sangaygang, also known as the BBS Tower. This 15-minute drive from the main city takes you to a hillock where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu City. As you ascend or descend the hill, you’ll have the chance to spot Bhutan's national animal, the Takin. For early risers, an optional morning walk to this viewpoint offers an even more serene experience.

Next, we'll drive towards Dechen Phodrang, located at the end of Gaden Lam. This historic site was originally Thimphu's Trashi Chhoe Dzong and now houses the state monastic school. Established in 1971, the school provides an eight-year course to over 450 students, guided by a dedicated team of 15 teachers. Witness the long procession of monks as they move between the school and the dzong, giving you a glimpse into the spiritual and educational traditions of Bhutan.

Our tour continues with a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living museum and photo studio that celebrates Bhutanese culture and heritage. This unique attraction engages and empowers youth entrepreneurs by preserving and promoting Bhutanese traditions. Finally, we will explore Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong built in Bhutan in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Located five miles from Thimphu on a lofty ridge, this historic site now houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Don’t miss the chance to admire the over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard, showcasing Bhutan’s rich artistic heritage.

Today, we journey to Punakha, Bhutan's former capital until 1955, with a total driving time of around 3 hours. Along the way, we'll stop at the renowned Dochula Pass, a popular spot offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas. Here, you'll also find the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built to honor Bhutanese soldiers who died in a 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.

Next, we'll visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple, completed in 2008 to commemorate 100 years of Bhutanese monarchy and to honor His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king, who led the successful raid against the Indian rebels. We will then tour Punakha Dzong, often considered one of the most beautiful sites in Bhutan. This architectural marvel sits at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, exemplifying stunning Bhutanese design.

Our day concludes with a visit to the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge. Spanning 160 meters, it is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and offers spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley. This picturesque spot provides an unforgettable end to our exploration of Punakha's historic and scenic treasures.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive from Punakha to Paro, a journey that takes approximately 4 hours. En route, we'll pass through the beautiful Dochula Pass, where you can take a brief stop for restroom breaks or to capture the stunning scenery. Upon arrival in Paro, we'll check into our hotel before heading out to explore some of the area's historical sites.

Our first stop is the Kyichu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. This ancient temple is a significant cultural landmark and is said to be part of an effort to pin down a giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. The serene atmosphere and rich history make Kyichu Temple a must-visit site.

Next, we'll visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invasions. Today, it serves as an administrative center and a school for monks, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture. Our final stop is the Taa Dzong, originally built in the 17th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. In 1967, it was transformed into the National Museum, housing a collection of antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor, offering a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural heritage.

After breakfast, we drive to the base camp of Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest (3120M), perched on a steep cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike to the viewpoint takes about an hour, and reaching the monastery takes an additional two hours. For those who prefer, a horse ride to the viewpoint is available for $15 to $20. The journey to this iconic site is an unforgettable experience, offering both spiritual and scenic rewards.

Tiger's Nest Monastery, a sacred Himalayan Buddhist site, is dramatically set on the cliffside of Paro Valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress and meditated in one of the caves, leading to the site's spiritual significance. The awe-inspiring architecture and breathtaking views make the climb worthwhile, filling visitors with spiritual bliss and a sense of adventure. A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without experiencing this remarkable monument.

In the morning, your Bhutan tour guide will accompany you to Paro Airport for your scenic flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and other majestic peaks along the way.

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our cultural guides will meet you and take you to Boudhanath Stupa Tour, one of the most important Buddhist monuments. Spend a few minutes here enjoying the atmosphere. You will see and hear the prayer flags and the monks walking around the stupa.

When you finish visiting the Stupa, you will have lunch in one of the rooftop restaurants with a view of the stupa. Later, after lunch we continue to your hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, explore nearby cafés and shops, or simply reflect on your incredible Himalayan journey.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading to Patan, also known as the "City of Fine Arts." Patan is renowned for its exquisite wooden and metal craftsmanship, a testament to the Newari people's artistic heritage.

Golden Temple: Capture the intricate details of this historic Buddhist monastery, with its stunning carvings and statues.

Patan Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is filled with temples, statues, and the former royal palace. It's a paradise for photographers interested in historical architecture and cultural scenes.

Patan Museum: Dive into Nepal’s history through beautifully curated exhibits, perfect for capturing detailed shots of traditional artifacts and artworks.

After our morning exploration, we will adjourn for a delicious lunch (included). Post-lunch, we journey to Bhaktapur, a city steeped in history and tradition.

Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in the Kathmandu Valley, is known for its cobbled streets, narrow alleys, and unique architecture.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is a treasure trove of photo opportunities with its ancient palaces and temples.

55-Window Palace: Marvel at and photograph this iconic building, known for its intricate wood carvings and historical significance.

Lion Gate and Golden Gate: Capture the grandeur of these gateways, adorned with intricate details and serving as entrances to the ancient palace complex.

Pottery Square: Witness local potters in action, spinning their wheels and creating terracotta wares. This is a fantastic spot for dynamic shots of traditional craftsmanship.

Evening: Thamel Walk

We will conclude the day with a visit to the vibrant Thamel area, a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike. Here, you can capture:

Old Alleys: Wander through the narrow streets filled with shops, eateries, and historical buildings, offering endless photographic opportunities.

Monuments: Capture the significant landmarks that dot the area, each telling a story of Kathmandu’s rich cultural tapestry.

This day promises to be a feast for your camera, with every turn revealing a new facet of Nepal's rich heritage and vibrant life.

On your final day after completing the best Nepal and Bhutan Tour with Himalayan Dream Team, it's time to bid farewell. With hearts filled with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, our dedicated representative will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the international airport.

As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences and knowledge gained during your best Nepal and Bhutan Tour. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and best wishes for your future endeavors!