Nepal and Bhutan Tour

After having breakfast at your hotel (approx. 9 AM), you will start your sightseeing day at Kathmandu Valley. You will be having a heritage tour to four heritage pillars of Kathmandu Valley, i.e., Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. 

Pashupatinath Temple 

Your first visit will be to the Pashupatinath temple. Witness the spiritual energy around the temple, and observe the cremation rituals along the Bagmati River. This sacred Hindu Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the main Temple is of Pagoda Style, intricate with Golden Roofs. Observe the presence of sadhus, aghoris, priests, devotees, a beautiful & unique cultural presence with the divine power around the temple. After spending some time at the temple, you will head towards the Boudhanath stupa.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The area is surrounded by monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist Culture. The Stupa is considered one of the holy places for Buddhist devotees and is taken as a sign of peace around the world. With its magnificent architecture, beauty & aura, it will make you fall in love with the surroundings, giving you a sense of peace and joy.

Swayambhunath Stupa 

After lunch, you will head to the Swayambhunath stupa, also known as Monkey Temple in the Western world. It is also a sacred Buddhist site located at the top of a hill. The temple is a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist religious significance. As you take the steps to reach the stupa, you will get to enjoy the panoramic view of Kathmandu.

Patan Durbar Square

Your final stop today would be at the historic Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is one of the famous and well-preserved architectural sites from the medieval period, built around the 16th century resided by the Malla king of Lalitpur. The area is surrounded by the exquisite Newari architecture, wood carvings, traditional metalworks, handicrafts, and many temples, shrines, and courtyards.

After completing the heritage sightseeing, you will return to your hotel and call it a day.

Today will be the day of cultural exploration through the traditional town of Nepal, known for its ambience, cultural enrichment, and spiritual significance. You will start the day with the drive to Dhulikhel, which is approximately 30 km away from Kathmandu via Araniko Highway.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a small Newari town of old houses and temples offering a tranquil escape from the bustling capital, Kathmandu. It is a hill station known for its panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, including peaks like Langtang, Gauri Shanker, and even Mt. Everest on clear days. The town retains Newari architecture, with beautifully carved windows, ancient temples, and cobblestone streets that exude old-world charm. The town is a fantastic spot for sunrise and sunset views, short hikes, and cultural immersion blended perfectly with spiritual ambiance and natural beauty.

Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha refers or directly translates as “reverence to the Buddha,” expressing devotion towards the Buddha. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal, known for its deep spiritual significance. It is believed to be the very location where a young prince (in a previous life of the Buddha) selflessly offered his body to a starving tigress and her cubs—a profound act of compassion that defines the spirit of Buddhism. The place is home to the beautiful Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, where hundreds of monks study and practice Buddhism. Namo Buddha is a place offering tranquility, reflection, and a spiritual renewal atmosphere with a scenic environment.

Panauti

Panauti is a culturally rich, historically significant Newari town outside Kathmandu nestled at the confluence of the Roshi and Punyamati Rivers. The place is often described as a living museum. Panauti is dotted with centuries-old temples, traditional Newari houses, and an authentic village lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The town is believed to be built on a single rock, making it resilient to earthquakes, a testament to ancient engineering. It is also an important religious site, particularly during the Makar Mela, held once every twelve years. The intimate homestay experiences and warm hospitality reflect the timeless rhythm of rural Nepal. 

After a full day of cultural sightseeing, you will return to the hotel, preparing for the next day's flight to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After having the early morning breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu, you will depart for the flight to Paro. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular ones, as you will be flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. As you disembark from the aircraft, you will be greeted by the clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will meet the local tour representative from Bhutan. 

You will then drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, with an enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. The three different styles of stupas, Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese, adorn this confluence. Before reaching Chuzom, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of excellent horse,” on your left. It is a private temple built in the 15th century. It is constructed as a result of a vision from Balaha, a manifestation of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the compassionate Buddha, in the form of an "excellent horse". 

After arrival in Thimphu, you will check into the hotel. This capital city is unique with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. You will have a walk around the Thimpu Main Street and the Market area in the evening, and also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar to browse through examples of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Make sure to buy some hand-woven textiles, Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and interesting items made from local materials as a souvenir of your incredible journey in this beautiful country.

After breakfast, you will start your sightseeing in Thimphu Valley. You will be visiting the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. You will also excurse at the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later, visiting the Textile Museum, which provides insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms. 

After lunch, you will take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, located just north of Thimphu, which was built during the 16th century. This monastery facilitates a monastic school where Buddhist student’s “monks,” learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

You will then excurse to the Buddha point locally known as Kuensel Phodrang, getting a good overview of the Thimpu Valley. This place has the largest statue of Buddha. After paying your obeisance and prayers to the Buddha, you will walk around enjoying the view of the Valley.

Your tour continues to the King's Memorial Chorten, which is continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. The construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. This chorten serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

After the long day of exploration, learning, and enjoyment, you will return to your hotel and take a good nap, ready to depart Punakha the following morning.
 

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start the drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080 m). The pass is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags in Bhutan. On a clear day, Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. 

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1995. After you arrive at the previous capital, you will check in at the hotel, then visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. You will then visit Chimi Lhakhang, the centre of the valley and also known as the temple of fertility. It is believed that the couple who desire to have children but do not have one will be blessed with a child very soon if they pray here. The place is at the hilltop, requiring the excursion for a short hike along the paddy field, and the glimpses of the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. 
After the day excursion, you will return to your hotel. You can spend your evening exploring Punakha village, located right on the bank of the river. 
 

Have a morning breakfast at the hotel and prepare for the checkout, as you will drive to Paro along the scenic highway. On the way, you will visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country, built in 1627, which houses the School for Buddhist Studies.

Today would also be the day of exploration, tours, and learning. After having lunch at Paro, you will be visiting Ta Dzong, which was originally built as a Watchtower but is now a National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

After your visit, take a short walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, which translates to “fortress of the heap of jewels.” The wooden galleries that line the inner courtyard showcase exquisite wall paintings that depict Buddhist stories, including the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, as well as Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, your today’s day hike to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest starts.  The monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, naming as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. 

This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building, but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.

After your lunch, you will have an afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "the mountain of the goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Later on, in the evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
 

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Your guide in Bhutan will help you with the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. 

You will be received by the airport representative at Kathmandu and taken to your hotel for check-in. 

After having breakfast, you will have your free day in Kathmandu. Enjoy touring around the bustling city of Thamel, Basantapur, and enjoy local delicacies, and make sure to buy some souvenirs to take home as a memento. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

After having breakfast, prepare for the departure. You will be dropped off at the airport by our representative. Hope you had a great journey with Walk Mountain. Have a very safe flight!