NEPAL, TIBET & BHUTAN TOUR

Today you will fly to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. On arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Nepal has eight World Heritage sites and has won two Heritage Awards, one for the medieval city of Bhaktapur and the other for Dwarika's Hotel. The magnificence of Dwarika's is its buildings of intricate carved wood and terracotta work that must have taken 10 million hours of the best craftsmen in Nepal.  Every brick is handmade and every piece of woodwork is centuries old original, however Dwarika's is also about intimate luxury and the spirit and hospitality of the Nepali people. Each of the rooms has its own character and individuality. 

Transfer to the airport at 6 am for the 6:30 am flight. The helicopter will for this Heli-sightseeing tour will either be Euro-copter AS350 B2 or B3. The flight takes off from the Kathmandu airport and first lands in Lukla (2860m/9831ft.) for a few minutes. Your champagne breakfast will be at Everest view hotel Shyangboche. The flight then takes off to Syangboche (3780m/12402ft.) in its full capacity of 5 – 6 people. Once in Syangboche, the helicopter does a shuttle service of maximum 3 people at a time (guaranteeing window seats for all) to Mount Everest and back. On this trip you will see the Everest Base Camp (5364m/17595ft.), Mount Everest (8848m/29029ft.) and other peaks like Lhotse (8516m/27940ft.), Ama Dablam (6856m/22493ft.) etc. along with the Khumbu Glacier (7600m/24900ft.), and Gokyo Lake etc. During this time, the remaining guests will stay in Syangboche amidst breathtaking scenery and the view of Everest. Once all the sightseeing shuttle trips are complete, the helicopter will once again in its full capacity flies back to Lukla. Once in Lukla, the helicopter lands for a few minutes for refueling before finally heading back to Kathmandu.
Total time: 2.5 - 3 Hours including ground time. However, please note that helicopters in Nepal are primarily used for rescue purposes at higher altitude. If need arises and there is a call for rescue, the helicopters would need to make a rescue trip. The guests can meanwhile soak in the glory of the majestic Himalayas.
Start your day sightseeing with a visit to visit to the Kathmandu City, the largest city of Nepal is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Like any big city, Kathmandu has rapidly expanded over the last decade but despite the hustle and bustle of the city, its people have remained as friendly as ever. Durbar Square: ‘Durbar’ means ‘palace’, and takes its name from the old Royal Palace. This is the center of the old city, and there are a number of interesting temples including Kasthamandap, the House of Wood, which gives the city its name. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of the Living Goddess: Kathmandu is blessed by a living goddess. The Kumari Devi is the most important of several living goddesses in Nepal. . She is seen on the temple’s balcony regularly. A mere sight of her is considered very auspicious by throngs of devotees that seek her blessings.
Then move on to Swayambhunath - a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. Legend has it that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the center of the lake. When Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisattva drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Hence, Swayambhunath is also known as a Self-Created stupa.

After a leisurely breakfast in the comfort of your hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Pokhara (approx. 25 minutes). Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, drive about 45 minutes to Hotel
Upon arrival at the Lodge, you will be briefed by the lodge representative about the services available along with a welcome drink. The afternoon can be spent in the lodge enjoying the panoramic views of the Annapurna range or embark on a brief village walk nearby.

Bed tea will be served in your room at the time of your choice or at sunrise, if you wish to see the Himalayan sunrise on the mountains.
For those keen on bird watching, a walk before breakfast with our skilled local guides will offer the chance to see many birds as they forage for food. Bulbuls, Barbets, Babblers and other species typical of the middle hills of Nepal are seen regularly around the lodge.
Breakfast is served at the lodge terrace – with a range of homemade bakery, preserves, and a selection of cooked items, something to appeal to all tastes.
After breakfast you will head out on a long walk to explore the culture and flora of the hill villages around the lodge. Later after lunch drive down to Pokhara to see the flying foxes and the Gorkha Museum. Here you can also visit a local school.
Time permitting explore the lakeside.

This morning’s flight to Kathmandu takes you over the great Himalayas, offering stunning scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks including Mt. Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak in the world, 28,169 ft.) and Mt. Everest (29,028 ft.).
Later afternoon, drive to Kirtipur and start cycling. Kirtipur is famous for temples, Newari culture and the university. The trails will be comprised of jeep tracks and pitched road mostly.
Mountain bikes and helmets will be ready at the starting point. A small safety briefing will be made by our guide before we start. It will be road biking for some time as we start riding through the different faculty buildings. The track will slowly head off road after a while passing through temples, small settlements and tea shops on the way.
The track will be easy. Further, we head towards villages and small settlements passing through temples and farm lands. We will soon be cruising through the paddy fields and agricultural lands. The ride will end right in front of a beautiful fish pond, Taudaha.

Early morning bed tea will be served in your room. Before breakfast take an exhilarating nature walk as you are introduced to the main features of the park, the forest, open grasslands and the riverine forest.
After breakfast we will leave the lodge for a full day excursion by Jeep to Chitwan National Park which we start from the resort itself crossing the Rapti River by boat. After crossing the Rapti River we start our jeep safari starting from the open grassland followed by the mix (riverine) forest and continue the drive inside the dense Sal Forest crossing the Reu River to see different wildlife around the park to view aquatic birds and the marsh Mugger. We enjoy a packed lunch on the banks of river. After lunch we drive back to the resort.

Later afternoon, a short drive will take you to the canoeing point from where you will canoe down the river. As you float down the serenity of the tranquil water, you can observe the aquatic animals and the bird life so diverse in Chitwan. This program will last for about 1-2 Hours.

Enjoy a Sun-downer at the bank of the Rapti River. The mini bar with wine / beer / soft drinks along with some light will be served. We will be there until the sunsets.

Later in the evening to freshen up & dinner will be served at about 19:00.

After your breakfast in the comfort of your hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your helicopter flight to Chitwan, a 35 minutes flight.
On arrival at the hotel – Barahi Jungle Lodge, welcome drinks will be served. After some time, check in to your respective rooms, lunch will be served. During lunch you will be briefed about the resort’s accommodation and the natural surroundings.
The leisure time will be followed by tea and then we move on for the thrilling Elephant Safari. This exciting ride will offer you an opportunity to experience the wildlife in Chitwan. (If we are unable to do the Elephant Safari today, we have an option of doing it the next day.)
Dinner begins at about 19:30 with a traditional cultural show by the locals in the area.

After breakfast, stroll around near by the Tharu village. You will have an opportunity to learn about their daily lifestyles and culture. Later fly back to Kathmandu on your chartered helicopter.
The remaining day is at leisure.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a spectacular one hour flight over the Himalayas. On a clear morning you will get a good view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan peaks and as you approach Lhasa don’t forget to get an aerial view of the Yamdrok Lake below. Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be transferred (1 hour drive) to your booked hotel and rest of the day is at leisure and recommended that you rest to acclimatize to the high elevation of Lhasa. A short walk to the Barkhor Square is recommended with your guide.

Today start your sightseeing with the Tibet’s two great monasteries Drepung & Sera both built in 1400’s.
Drepung Monastery: About 8km to the west of central Lhasa, Drepung, one of the world’s largest monastery was built in 1416 by Jamyang Choje a pupil of Tshong Khapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. Drepung literally means “heaps of rice” and the fertility of its fields supported a monastic community that before 1959, ranked as Tibet’s largest monastery with 7,770 monks. For over 500 years Drepung served as the major pillar of the theocratic state, serving as the main political headquarters for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It also served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Potala Palace was constructed in 1645.Suffering only minor damage during the Cultural Revolution Drepung has plenty of historical relics, Buddhist scriptures and arts.
Sera Monastery: 5 km North of Lhasa, its setting is one of the prettiest in Lhasa, hugging the ridge that forms the Northern wall of the Kyi Chu Valley. Founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, belonging to the Gelugpa sect and is one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, the other two being Drepung & Ganden. In its heyday, Sera hosted a huge monastic population and five colleges. Like Drepung, the colleges in Sera specialized in: Sera Me in fundamental precepts of Buddhism, Sera Je in instruction of itinerant monks and Sera Ngagpa in Tantric studies.

AM Potala Palace. PM Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market.
Potala Palace: Potala Palace has been the focus of the travelers for centuries. It is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. This symbol of Tibet, an architectural Gem built in the colossal monastic style of Central Tibet by Gyelwa Ngapa the fifth Dalai Lama, in the 17th century, stands 300m above the valley atop the hill called Marpo Ri. Thousands of rooms in Potala date from 1645 when the fifth Dalai Lama began erecting a palace that would serve as a sacred and administrative center. It served many succeeding Dalai Lamas and as one of Tibet’s most impressive and enduring monuments, the Chinese Army of Red Guards protected it during the Cultural Revolution. As a result many of its chapels and treasures are intact, virtually unchanged since the 17th century. Potala used to be the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas and is one of the most famous architectural works of Tibet & the cream of Tibetan culture.
Jokhang Temple: The oldest and the most revered religious structure in Tibet, it dates back to 639 to 647, construction initiated by king Songsten Gampo to house a Buddha image Akshobhya brought to Tibet by his Nepalese wife. But now, the main statue in this temple is of the Sakyamuni, which was a gift from his Chinese wife Won Cheng in 641 A.D to King Songsten Gampo. The statue of Akshobhya has been switched to Romoche. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come to worship here and prostrate themselves in full length in front of the main doors of' the temple. It is truly a moving and unrivalled experience to witness such a sight and more so to actually join them in their pilgrimage around the temple.
Barkhor Market: The word Barkhor refers to the middle of the three concentric holy circuits around the Jokhang. The Barkhor Circuit runs through the heart of the old city where life has changed little down the centuries and it gives you a curious sensation of having slipped through time into a medieval carnival. It is an area unrivalled in Tibet for its fascinating combination of deep religiosity and pushes – and – shoves market economics. This is both the spiritual heart of the holy city and the main commercial districts being the center of Tibetan capital's trade for centuries.

After the breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the hotel.
Later afternoon, move on to the sight seeing of Patan city - also known as Lalitpur. This city of artisans is a paradise of fine arts and one of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Located 5 miles southeast from the Kathmandu City, Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved such ancient techniques as the repoussé and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of its old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. The predominant sound in Patan is that of the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other, and the religious harmony is exemplary.

Fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline. The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it.
Later proceed to Thimphu, enjoying a scenic drive of the winding valley and unique farmhouses along the way. The drive to Thimphu (capital of Bhutan) through the winding road along the Paro and Thimphu River takes about 1 hour.
On the way, 6 kms before reaching Thimphu visit the Simtokha Dzong (Dzong means Fortress). Simtokha Dzong is one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the founder of Bhutan, and was the first Dzong to be built by him.
Later visit the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery is a popular landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. It was built in 1974 to honor the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The architecture of the chorten has been designed to present it as ‘one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu’.
Also visit the Tashichho Dzong, located on the northern edge of the city of Thimpu, on the western bank of the Wang chu Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan's most stately and arguably the most impressive building. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk desi or ‘Dharma Raja’, the head of Bhutan's civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. The current dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, when he moved the capital to Thimpu from Punakha.

After breakfast at hotel, start your sightseeing program by visiting the National Library of Bhutan, first established in 1967 under the patronage of HM Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden (1911–2003), with a small collection of precious texts. The library was initially housed within the central tower (utse) of Tashichodzong. Later, due to its growing collection, it had to move to a building in the Changgangkha area of Thimphu. To provide a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts in the growing collection, construction of the present four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong, in the Kawagtsa area of Thimphu was initiated.
Visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine was established in 1988 with the concept to merge the allopathic and traditional systems of healing. It contains an impressive, large laboratory and production facilities that ensures quality of the products, the components of which includes plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems. The Institution produces traditional Bhutanese medicine towards the needs of the public. The institute also researches the use of herbs and plants and has a plot on the premises.
Visit the Takin Scantuary located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, a wildlife reserve area for takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. It is said that Drukpa Kunley or Devine Madman, a popular 15th century saint is said to have created it with his magical power at a large congregation of devotees. It resembles a cow from back, a goat from the front, and it continues to befuddle taxonomists, who cannot quite relate to other animal.

After early breakfast at the hotel; you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley covering a distance of 147 kilometers (approximately 6 hours’ drive) - A glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes. On arrival check in at your hotel, rest of the day spent at leisure

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha which takes approximately 03 hours’ drive. On the way stop over the 10,500-foot-high Dochula Pass. You’ll notice lots of colorful prayer flags on the pass. The elevation drops when you arrive in sub-tropical Punakha.
En route visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. It was named after a beloved saint and teacher from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. The site of the imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, stretches along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
Later in the evening visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’) is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) Ngawang Namgyal on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. Punakha Dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive 12 km north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. An hour hike to the Chorten, through a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, this site offers beautiful view of the Punakha Valley. The Chorten built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
A fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. This 4-storey temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck as per the Holy Scriptures and took 9 years to complete it. This temple has been dedicated for the wellbeing of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.

After breakfast at hotel drive to Paro which takes approximately 04 hour drive. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed inside the revamped circular Ta-dzong building, an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. This unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell. The original building was constructed in 1656 but the building was converted into a museum in 1968. The necessary infrastructure was created to house some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues and paintings gathered from different parts of the country. Suitable galleries were constructed to house the extensive collections. Works of art were elegantly displayed on scientific lines. Some of the handicrafts items cover the history and cultural heritage of more than 1500 years.
Also visit Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known dzongs in Bhutan. One of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture, it is also known as the Ringpung Dzong, which means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The dzong was built in the 16th century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. It was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet.
Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites built in the seventh century. This temple is one of 108 built by Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism. Temples were built across the Himalayas to pin her body down. Kyichu Lhakhang pins down her left foot and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee.

After breakfast a short day hike to Taktsang Monastery, perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is one of the most famous Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan and is also referred to as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then meditated in a cave here for three months and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.
The first monastery was constructed 1694, but in 1998 a tragic fire destroyed most of the original buildings - which have since been painstakingly restored to their former glory. Taktsang Monastery is a pilgrimage site for both tourists and locals, it is a journey filled with spiritual bliss. Keeping the spiritual side aside, the journey up to Taktsang Monastery is a Hiker’s delight. An hour hike up to a small wooden teahouse called Cafeteria provides close view of the monastery. A further and a rather challenging hike lead you to the glorious Taktsang Monastery.
Later visit Drukgyel Dzong in Paro, built as one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). It was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese over the allied Tibet-Mongol forces. Drukgyel means ‘the fortress of victory’. The Dzong sits on a trail that leads to the Paro Valley from Tibet. It was once a major trade route between Bhutan and the Tibetan town of Phari. As a defense fortress, Drukgyel Dzong is said to have housed the finest armory in the country, which was located in a room overlooking the southern valley. While most were burnt in the fire some that were saved from the fire are now kept in Rinpung Dzong.

After your breakfast, drive to Kopan. Then visit to Kopan Nunnery or Monastery which is located just below the Kopan Monastery. Here you will be introduced to one of the senior monks / nun who will brief you about Buddhism and the different types of meditation techniques. He will also help you practice meditation. Kopan Nunnery has been established for 28 years under the spiritual guidance of the Founders of Kopan Monastery. The Nunnery has grown at a rapid pace as there are only a few nunneries in Nepal and India with long waiting lists. At Kopan Nunnery, 50% of the nuns are orphaned, 25% come from homes with single parents whilst the rest from impoverished families in Tibet and the neighboring Himalayan region. Kopan Nunnery is currently the largest Tibetan nunnery in Nepal with 400 nuns. Witness monks debate at the Kopan Nunnery. (Here you will also get an opportunity to interact with the nuns).

Then visit to Boudhanath, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu. This ancient stupa is built on a massive three level mandala style platform and is the largest in the world. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels.
Later, visit the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur, formerly known as Bhadgaon. The city was founded in the 9th century and contains many impressive sights including the ancient gateway, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, the pottery center, the famous pagoda style, five storied temple of Nyatapola and thimi, a place famous for the manufacture of unusual masks. Bhaktapur is regarded as a showcase of “medieval” Nepalese town life. Today you will have an opportunity to participate in pottery making.
In the evening enjoy your farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight onwards.