The 15-day tour of Nepal and Bhutan provides you with a glimpse of the fascinating cultures and beautiful landscapes of two different Himalayan nations. The trip starts in Kathmandu, visiting cultural and local artisan hubs and sunrise and sunset vantage point. Then, you will explore classical Bandipur village and then the city of lake Pokhara. Further, you will head towards Chitwan for wilderness experiences and to get insight into the indigenous Tharu culture. You’ll take in majestic snow-capped mountains while flying to Bhutan. At that moment, relish several days of exploring Bhutan’s serene mountain trails and remarkable fortresses, ending with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Altitude above sea level: 1,302m/4,271ft.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport, our representative will be waiting for you to be cordially welcome with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying a “Zitango Tour” placard outside the airport terminal. You will then be escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. The hotel is crafted to help you feel calm and relaxed the minute you enter the building. The craftsmanship of Nepali artisans portrays the splendid examples of their craft in the hotel buildings and architecture. The architecture of the hotel includes many ancient pieces that have been carefully restored and incorporated as a symbol of pride in the beautiful heritage of Nepal. Further, our representative will give you a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety.
Accommodation
Transfer
Altitude above sea level: 1,302m/4,271ft.
After breakfast, we started our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.
Local Market Tour
You will start a fresh morning by wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to glimpse traditional Nepalese life. You’ll witness the bustle of the market and see how locals purchase the products and haggle for a bargain. While walking around, enjoy this local market’s lively and vibrant atmosphere. Observe firsthand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will thoroughly explain all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Next, we head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century. The famous sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess. Kasthamandap is a vast rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath (monkey temple) is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible far and wide. In the shadows of the imposing structure and the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe, and enormous prayer wheels encircle the stupa. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal.
After lunch, we drive towards Boudhanath.
From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal, built in the 5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. Prayer flags are believed to convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. You can witness monks in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs. Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.
Pashupatinath
Moving on, you will visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. Pashupati means “the king of animals,” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in the spiritual journey. Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, I noticed elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.
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Altitude above sea level: 2,175m/7,135ft. (Nagarkot)
After breakfast, you head towards Bhaktapur. Also known as the ‘open museum,’ Bhaktapur is home to some of the best conserved historical monuments in Nepal, comprising palaces, courtyards, temples, pagodas, and monuments. The Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is famous for the Golden Gate and the superbly crafted palace of fifty-five adjacent windows. Unlike its counterparts in Kathmandu and Patan, this square has many shikara-style stone temples along with pagodas. You will explore intricately detailed wood carvings and the stonework of the many sculptures that blow your mind. This city is famous for its handicrafts, including wood carving and pottery making. After touring Bhaktapur’s prominent sites, we will visit Pottery Square. In this part of Bhaktapur, one can witness potters crafting their wares in the open air of the square. Further, get a glimpse of how Nepal people still today use traditional ways to make these potteries. You can look at people forming the clay pots and try it yourself. Juju Dhau or King Curd is a must-try here.
PM: Drive to Nagarkot In the afternoon, we take a scenic drive to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot has gained immense popularity for its awe-inspiring sunrise and sunset views. Situated at an altitude of 2,175m, this little town enjoys cool mountain breezes and one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. Witness a dramatic sunset over the Himalayan Mountain Range from your room.
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Altitude above sea level: 1,030 m/3,379ft.
You will wake up with a beautiful sunrise view. After breakfast, you will be driven by your driver in a private vehicle to Bandipur. This small town is located on a ridge above the Kathmandu to Pokhara road and has superb views of the Himalayan peaks to the north (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal). Newari town of Bandipur is one of central Nepal’s hidden havens. You will immediately feel like you have stepped back in time- the narrow streets are cobbled and lined on both sides with traditional wooden Newari houses. You will be stunned by the artistic buildings and humbled by the locals’ simple yet happy life as you stroll through the Bandipur bazaar. It integrates traditional village architecture, epic Himalayan backdrops, and picturesque countryside walks. We will visit the temples, wander the charming backstreets, and generally enjoy a leisurely pace of life that dates back to an earlier age.
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Altitude above sea level: 1,030 m
After breakfast, we take a hike to the authentic village in Nepal that is still untouched by modern development. The hiking trail leads through the Muchuk Village, and the scenery along the trail is very worthwhile. There are plenty of opportunities to rest and enjoy a scenic route. The village is inhabited by the indigenous Magar community, originally descendants of Mongol interlopers. You get to experience a unique Nepalese society enriched with traditional culture, history, and the lifestyle of rural Nepal. The village portrays the traditional thatched-roof roundhouse, a rare site now. After taking a tour around the village, we lead our hike back to Bandipur and take a short drive to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will be overwhelmed with the tranquility of lakes and the Himalayas’ radiance escalating behind them, creating a rhythm of harmony and magic. In the evening, you can walk on the streets of Pokhara, which provides a captivating mosaic of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
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Altitude above sea level: 1,600m/5,249ft.
Early morning you will be transferred to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a beautiful village best known for its sunrise, where on a clear day, you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8,167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchhare (6,997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7,937m) in the east. Most people come here at dawn or dusk when the sun picks out the peaks in brilliant colors. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you take a cruise on Phewa Lake. In this lake, you can involve yourself in various activities like boating, sailing, bird watching, etc. The image of the Fishtail Mountain in the crystal clear and calm water of Phewa Lake is something not to be missed. Enjoy the serenity of a boat trip on the beautiful Phewa Lake and admire the reflection of the splendid Himalayas in its crystalline waters. In the middle of the Lake, you will be landed on the island of the Barahi temple, which is the major attraction of the tour. Following your cruise on Phewa Lake, you’ll cross the lake and then set for the second part of your tour: You’ll also hike up to the iconic World Peace Pagoda atop the hill. Once you reach the top, you will get a great view of the entire Pokhara valley, the Annapurna Mountains in the north, and an amazing view of the Phewa Lake below. The place is mystical with amazing views, and the Peace Temple is a spiritual experience. It’s the Buddhist pagoda-style monument and the second Shanti stupa in Nepal after the one in Lumbini.
After lunch, we visit Devis Falls, which is locally known as Patale Chango, which means “Underworld Waterfalls.” The waterfall directly goes into a deep canal underground, leaving no clue of its existence. Then we visit Gupteswor Cave, located close to Devis Falls. As you enter the cave, you can see the water dripping, and the peaceful atmosphere of the cave will definitely soothe your senses. You can see shrines, a Shiva temple, and a very remarkable view of the waterfall inside the cave.
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Cruise/Boat
Altitude above sea level: 415m/1,361ft.
After having a hearty breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for the short spectacular flight to Chitwan. Upon arrival at the airport, you will then transfer to the hotel. The hotel representative will warmly welcome you upon your arrival.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and fly to Chitwan National park. On arrival at the resort, we will give the guests a short briefing on their program and assign them their rooms.
Tharu Village Walk
The Tharu people are indigenous to the area, and their culture is very unique and different from what can be found in Nepal. Guests can immerse into the local culture by strolling through the local Tharu village. During this walk, our naturalist will also brief them about the villagers’ social and cultural aspects and lifestyles. This also includes a visit to the Tharu Cultural Museum.
Sundowner
Guests can take a breather and enjoy the peaceful view of the river at our deck area, watch the wildlife and nature, lounge around the resort premises, order drinks at the bar, and relax. The sunset is gorgeous and an experience that shouldn’t be missed.
A Wildlife Paradise One of our wildlife experts will give a short presentation about Chitwan National Park. This presentation also includes details about the local wildlife and brief park history. Guests are welcome to ask any questions.
Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Transfer
Flight
Early morning wake-up call to get ready for the day’s activities.
After breakfast, visit Crocodile Conservation Project.
Guests will be taken to the Crocodile Conservation Project, an initiative to preserve and protect the endangered crocodiles of the park. Established in 1971, the Gharial (distinguished from other crocodiles by its narrow snout) conservation center has been breeding this endangered species and releasing them into the wild every year. Our naturalist will accompany them, guiding them and providing information about various methods and programs being undertaken to increase the Gharial population in the wild.
Canoeing
After the visit to Crocodile Conservation Project, guests will be taken on a boating tour in a traditional Patela boat, which will take them down serenely along the Rapti River, which will also have aquatic birds, Gharial crocodile, and other animals on the river banks. The boat ride lasts for approximately 45 minutes.
Lunch: A delicious lunch prepared by our team of expert kitchen staff will be served to our guests.
Jeep Safari
Guests can ride a jeep through the wilderness, experiencing the local wildlife for themselves. They will observe birds, flora, and fauna, like the one-horned Rhinoceros, countless species of deer, bison, and, if lucky, even the Royal Bengal Tiger. The whole experience lasts for 2-3 hours, after which the guests will return to the resort.
Tharu Cultural Dance
Guests will be able to enjoy the local Tharus from the village, showcasing their traditional Tharu stick dance. The dance is an age-old tradition of the Tharus and is usually performed to appease the gods during religious festivals.
Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Cruise/Boat
After breakfast, we catch a short flight back to Kathmandu. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.
Breakfast
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Transfer
Flight
Altitude: 2,350 m / 7,709 ft
Meal Schedule: Breakfast 6:00 AM, Lunch 12:00, Dinner 7:00 PM After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport and fly to Paro. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean, fresh mountain air. On arrival at the Paro International Airport, our representative will receive and escort you to the hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes you through the winding road with lots of beautiful hamlets. Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way; later visit Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.According to a legend, Simtokha Dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing the people in the region and to guard the place. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu valley. Once in Thimphu visit Tashichho Dzong. This dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja.’ It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of Bhutan’s civil government.
(Note: Tashichho Dzong is open on weekdays after office hours (5:00 pm onwards) and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends.)
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Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft.
Today you will drive to Punakha. En route, you will visit Dochula pass. As soon as you leave Thimphu, you will be surrounded by woodland. The road climbs gradually to the Dochu La Pass at an elevation of 10,000 ft. (3,050 meters). On the way to Punakha from Thimphu, the Dochula Pass offers a 360-degree beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. Upon reaching Punakha you will visit Chimi Lakhang and Punakha Dzong. Chimi Lhakhang, flanked with hundreds of prayer flags, sits on a round hillock near Punakha. The monastery, built in 1499, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and carved wooden phalluses on house tops. This famous fertility temple is a pilgrimage spot for people from all over Bhutan who wish to have children. Then we continue our trip to Punakha. The majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss, is Bhutan’s second largest dzong. Constructed on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673, the Punakha dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. After sightseeing, you will be driven back to Thimphu and transferred to your hotel
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Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the Folk heritage museum, Institute of traditional medicine, Memorial Chorten, and national library of Bhutan in Thimphu. Then we take a drive to Paro, where you visit the national museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong. The Folk Heritage museum is set inside a 19th-century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipment, and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight into the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Established in 1988, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine strives to merge the allopathic and traditional systems of healing. The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of Thimphu’s most visible religious structures. The national library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building that looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong. Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong, means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of Bhutan’s most popular and well-known dzongs.
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Today you will hike to Taktsang monastery and later visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang Taktsang monastery: Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3,210 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang monastery, also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan. The Drukgyel Dzong was an administrative center until 1951 a fire caused by a butter lamp engulfed the Dzong and completely destroyed it. All that remains of the Dzong now are tokens of a haunted house, still robust walls and charred remains of gigantic wooden posts and beams. Kyichu Lhakhang: Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built-in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan.
Breakfast
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After breakfast, we catch a flight back to Kathmandu. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will transfer to your hotel. You can spend your leisure time shopping for souvenirs for your beloved ones or simply relax after an exhausting but momentous adventure.
Breakfast
Accommodation
Transfer
Flight
It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check in 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
Breakfast
Transfer
Price per person minimum 2 guests.
The rate is based on 4-star accommodation
Price excluding international flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
Nepal
Bhutan
Nepal
Bhutan
