Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, an NPE representative will pick you up, transfer you to your hotel, and assist you with the check-in. Lunch will be served at the hotel.

In the afternoon, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, the heart of Kathmandu’s old city. Explore the historic temples, royal squares, little alleys, and architectural wonders while taking in the locals’ libations and prayers to various gods and goddesses. Take a stroll around Ason’s spice market and historic commercial center.

Afterward, drive to Swayambhunath, one of the world’s most famed Buddhist stupas. The temple, commonly referred to as the monkey temple after the tribe of monkeys inhabiting the highlands, is majestically perched on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. You can better comprehend why Kathmandu is a meeting place for old religions and cultures by looking at the all-seeing, symbolic eyes of the Buddha depicted in 17th-century murals.

Overnight at Dwarika’s Hotel. (L & D).

Drive to medieval Bhaktapur and full exploration of the town

After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur to learn more about this gorgeous city’s vibrant culture and rich history.

Bhaktapur is an architectural marvel and the most meticulously maintained medieval town in the Kathmandu Valley. As you go past historic homes and courtyards, Hindu and Buddhist idols can be seen everywhere. Before lunch, stop by Pottery Square to see local artists at work and try your hand at making some authentic regional pottery. Stop in Boudhanath or Bhaktapur for lunch.

In the Afternoon, visit Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual center for the Tibetan people living in exile in Nepal. Located on the old trade route leading to Lhasa, this enormous, ancient Buddhist stupa is one of the largest in the world. In addition to its religious significance, the area around the stupa is colorful, distinctive, and lively, and it boasts an extensive collection of Tibetan artifacts, brocades, and jewelry.

We will visit the monasteries close to the stupa and the marvelous Pashupatinath, the holiest and oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, the home of Shiva. On the banks of the revered Bagmati River is this beautiful Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva’s worship. The river is vital to Nepalese culture because ceremonies revolve around this sacred river that empties into the Ganges. Tourists can take in the views and sounds of the temple from the eastern bank of the river even though only Hindus are permitted inside the temple and its courtyard.

Observe the magnificent Arati, an elaborate Hindu lighting ceremony done each evening by a Hindu priest. By holding oil lamps and rotating them in a circle while performing the Aarati, the priests honor the Divine. This ceremony fosters the unity of God and the followers by allowing everyone to participate in it.

To Pokhara

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Pokhara (25 mins flight).

Upon arrival, start your sightseeing tour of Pokhara Valley, including 1-hour boating on Phewa Lake.

Afterward, drive (45 minutes) to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, take an optional short walk to a village next to the lodge or stay in leisure for the rest of the day.

Overnight at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge (B, L, D).

Through Pokhara communities

On this day, you will walk through communities of varied groups and castes. This walk is known as the Bhimirepani Walk. It takes you to a remote and rustic Sundar Gaun (above Khaste Tal), then through thick local forests to Naraspur and through Bhimirepani before returning to the lodge.

To Chitwan

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to the wild and beautiful Chitwan (20-minute flight).

Upon arrival, transfer for approximately an hour to your lodge. Once we arrive at the lodge, we will have a briefing about the activities in Chitwan, followed by lunch.

In the afternoon, participate in the Jungle activities in the lodge’s surroundings.

Wildlife Viewing & Tharu show

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of Safari in the renowned Chitwan National Park. Safari activities at the park include wildlife viewing with Jeep Safari, Jungle walks, bird watching, river safaris, wildlife viewing, and photographing with highly experienced naturalists. A journey into the habitat of the greater one-horned Rhinoceros spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar deer, and barking deer and an abundance of flora and fauna. Get prepared for the rare sightings of a leopard, sloth bear, or even the Royal Bengal Tiger.

In the evening, enjoy 1 hour of Tharu Local Dance.

(All activities may vary as per season and local conditions).

Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge. (B, L, D)

Back to Kathmandu

To Paro and transfer to majestic Thimpu

To Phobjikha (Gangtey)

Hike to Kumbu Village

The morning begins with a 30-minute drive from Gangtey to your hike’s starting point near Longteng village on the east-west highway. Start by walking downwards, following the path to the right of the road.

The path leads through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. The last part of the trail through the forest is steeper until you reach the pass at 3,586 meters (11,766 ft) with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, and the valley below. After passing the pass, you continue down towards the idyllic Kumbu village.

It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra. The whole hike will take about four hours, and you will be back at your hotel by lunchtime.

Altitude gain: 431 meters (1414 ft). Distance: 7 km (4.4 mi). Hiking time: 4 hours.

Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.

Optional – Visit the Black-necked Crane Education Centre. A visit to this center is a great way to learn about the endangered black-necked crane and the folklore surrounding them. These splendid birds occupy an exceptional place in Bhutanese culture. The center is equipped with spotting scopes installed to improve your experience and watch the cranes as they fly around. They are only seen from November to February, but an enclosure is where rescued cranes are rehabilitated.

To Punakha

After breakfast, we will be transferred to Punakha (3 hours drive).

Before reaching Punakha, stop en route and hike to Chimi Lhakhang (a 30-minute hike) Perched on a hill in the valley’s center, Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He was also known as the “Divine Madman.” He used humor, song, and dramatic reenactment to disperse his teachings in the 15th century. Chimi Lhakhang is widely known as the temple of fertility; locals come here to receive blessings from the lama to be blessed with a child. Locals also bring their newborns to be named there.

Afterward, we will be driven to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Later in the afternoon, drive to visit the Punakha Dzong.

Constructed in 1637, this was the second dzong built in Bhutan and served as its seat of government for many years. Widely referred to as the most beautiful dzong in the country, the towering white walls form a lovely contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. It is the central monastic body’s winter residence and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. Bhutan’s kings are crowned here before taking their throne in Thimphu.

Overnight at Dhensa, Punakha. (B, L, D)

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Hike and full exploration of Punaka

You will be driven to the suspension bridge and hike for about 45 minutes. This three-storey Lhakhang is a recent addition to Bhutan’s string of architecturally splendid buildings. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, it houses representations of the tantric forms of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan. Built to protect the country and the King, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.

Post the hike, drive back to your hotel, and rest of the morning.

Later in the afternoon, you will drive to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery.

Perched on a ridge amongst the pine trees gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. This temple houses a 14 ft (4.2 m) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Other statutes include The Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, and the 21 Taras. The temple complex also houses a permanent school of higher learning and a meditation center for nuns. Apart from religious training, it provides vocational training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making, and thangka painting.

Back to Paro

Discovering historic Paro

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