Journey to Druk Yul

Overview

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience the vibrancy of Kathmandu before your journey to the ancient Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit some of the largest, oldest, most spectacular and ornate dzongs (fortress monasteries) in the Kingdom. Journey through the fertile valleys and Drukpa people. Spot rate animal and plant species as you travel through stunning wooded valleys, past imposing fortresses, serene monasteries and bustling markets in Thimpu, Punakaha and Wangdiphodrang. Absorb the unique atmosphere in the land of the Thunder Dragon.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive at Kathmandu (1300m) and Transfer to Hotel

  On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who will escort you to the hotel, where our Sherpa guide or the office staff will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu, with the necessary transfer to and from the hotel by taxi, bus. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 02

  Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

  After your breakfast, you will precede to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will tour the ancient palace, the temple of the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandav Temple with a guide knowledgeable about Nepalese history, architecture, and religion. From there, you will proceed by taxi, bus to the Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. You will then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to the hotel, you will visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before tomorrow morning's departure. Overnight in Hotel

• Day 03

  Fly to Paro (2240m) and drive to Thimpu

  You will arrive at Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your driver and private guide. A short drive of about 1.5 hours along the valley brings you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This very picturesque drive goes past rural villages, hillside monasteries and chortens. After settling into your hotel and after lunch at a local restaurant start your sightseeing; visiting the Textile Museum, a traditional paper making factory and the Post office to see Bhutan's beautiful stamps which also depicts the country’s myths and traditions. Alternatively you can do a less formal sightseeing tour and simply walk around the town and explore its hidden corners with your guide. Dinner will be served at local restaurant. Overnight stay at Hotel

• Day 04

  Drive to Wangdue Phodrang via Punakha

  You will drive 3 hours to Wangdue Phodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100m. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520m. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. You will visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangdue Phodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight stay at Hotel

• Day 05

  Drive back to Paro via Thimpu

  Today you will drive back to Paro via Thimpu that takes about 05 hours with some stops on the way back to Paro. Overnight stay at Hotel

• Day 06

  Sightseeing tour in Paro

  Today you will visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill leads to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town.You will have enough time to stroll around the market and visit a souvenir shop where you can get a rare and old collection of Bhutan stamp. Bhutan is famous for stamp. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 07

  Fly back to Kathmandu

  Today you will be transferred to the airport in Paro for your flight back to Kathmandu. You will be received upon arrival at Kathmandu airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 08

  Sightseeing to Bhaktapur

  Today after your breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur also known as city of devotees for sightseeing tour. You will have lunch in the restaurant in Bhaktapur and later drive back to Kathmandu. Afternoon time will be free for last moment's shopping. Overnight stay in Hotel

• Day 09

  Final departure

  Today keep in mind your international flight time, so make sure to keep your confirmed air ticket and your passport handy. Our staff will take you to the airport for your final departure from our amazing country, Nepal.