9D8N Scenic Bhutan & Nepal - GV2

9D8N Scenic Bhutan & Nepal

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas with our all-inclusive 9-day tour of Bhutan and Nepal!

Highlights:

• Ancient temples, monasteries & Dzongs
• Museums and government institutions
• Meet local people and experience their culture
• Scenic landscapes and pristine villages
• Witness traditional archery matches
• Great view of Mt. Everest from Nagarkot
• Optional hot stone bath experience

Departures: Every Friday and Tuesday

Itinerary:

Departure Singapore to Kathmandu by Thai Airways, Arrive Kathmandu at 12:35 local time. Upon arrival, you will be met our staff and you will be transferred to hotel. If time permit, visit local market Ason,Thamel & Durbar marg area dinner and overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit the Swayambhunath Temple, said to be 2500 years Stupa on a hillock, which offers a breath-taking view of Kathmandu City and the Sunset view. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument Listed in 1979.Next; we will visit historic Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) if you are lucky, you will be able to have a glance of the famous living Goddess of Nepal name Kumari. Lunch will be served near hotel restaurant. After lunch you will be transfer to Nagarkot, -hour drive to Nagarkot 2300m above seal-level, this scenic spot, with a spectacular view of the sunset and Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day.) lunch will be served in the hotel. After free at leisure. PM proceed to visit view tower to witness wonderful sunset. Return to Hotel, dinner and overnight stay at hotel. 

Sunrise view from hotel balcony. All rooms re facing to view of the Himalayas. Breakfast at hotel, scroll around scenic hill top. Late afternoon drives back to Kathmandu. On the way we’ll proceed to visit Bouddhanath Stupa, this stupa is the largest in the Asia region and listed in the UNESCO World heritage sites. Tonight, we have dinner with Nepalese cultural show. Overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 4: Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu (Altitude: 2320 m) (Distance: 54 km, 1hr) (Meal: Breakfast Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, drive Kathmandu Airport and fly to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, your guide will receive you at the Airport and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Buddha point (Kunsel Phodrang). It is gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue constructed in the mountains of Thimphu. The Statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha Statues. You can get good overview of the Thimphu valley from there. After lunch Visit Takin Zoo, which is Mini Zoo wild life reserve area for Takin the National animals of Bhutan. After that visit National Textile Museum, where you will find displays various Bhutanese textiles that are extensive and rich in traditional culture. Visit General Post Office in Thimphu, where you can make your own stamps with your own photos and also visit Bhutan Postal Museum. Dinner and early rest.

Day 5: Thimphu – Drive to Punakha (Altitude: 1310 m) (72 Km, 3 hrs. drive) (Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, pass by  Da-Chula Pass - This Pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens - with 108 Stupas built by the Queen. In clear weather, you can see the Himalaya Ranges with All snow covered. A short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) a gentle walk thru beautiful farm houses and vast plains of rice fields. The monastery is dedicated to the Divine Madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. The temple is regarded as a sanctum of fertility and most childless couples usually make a visit to this temple to seek the fertility blessings. Visit the Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.

After breakfast day excursion to Phobjikha Valley, this is a bowl-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. In addition to the cranes there are also muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, Sambars, Serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. The Nakey Chhu drains the marshy valley, eventually flowing into the lower reaches of the Punak Tsang Chhu. Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest and largest Nyingma Buddhist centers in Bhutan. Drive back to Punakha. Dinner & overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro (Altitude: 2300m) (Distance: 110km, 4hrs) (Meal: Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner) 

After breakfast drive to Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten., this large Tibetan – style chorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the most visible religious structures in Thimphu. Visit Traditional handmade paper factory. After lunch proceed t o “LIVING MUSEUM” Simply Bhutan, where you can learn Bhutanese traditions & experience National Sport of Bhutan Archery and taste the Bhutan Local wine “ARA” & Butter Tea. Before dinner, visit Bhutanese Craft Bazar, where you can witness the varieties of Handicraft market of Thimphu and glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan. Lunch will be served one of the restaurants in Thimpu. After lunch drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel. 

Day 8: Paro (Altitude: 2280 m) (Meal: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Today is a special day for (Optional Tiger nest Hike) After breakfast, A short drive takes us to Samsam Chorten, from there a 2 -3hour walk till the viewpoint point of the monastery Taktsang Monastery (tiger nest). the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest. Precariously perched on the edge of 1,200-meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. If time permits, we will visit Paro Town Shopping Street. (Horse & pony charges is minimum US$80 paid directly to the Local tour guide) Note: Please wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Not recommended for pregnant women and those with health condition visitors. Late afternoon, if time permit, we will visit Kyichu Lhakang, the first and oldest temple of the Bhutan, also famous Hong Kong actor Tony Leong wedding ceremony held here Than drive to Paro valley and visit Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Ta Dzong - Built as a watch tower was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Enjoy Bhutanese Cultural Show Dinner & trying of Bhutanese traditional Costume Gho & Kira. Bhutanese Cultural Show Dinner. 

Day 9: Paro – Singapore (Meal: Breakfast)

After breakfast, short drive to Paro Airport and fly home.

Package Includes:

• All accommodations (3* hotels in Bhutan, 4* hotel in Nepal)
• All meals and hot beverages
• Flights: Kathmandu – Paro – Singapore (Druk Air)
• Airport transfers and all local transportation
• Fully guided tours with licensed guides
• Bhutan visa fees and Sustainable Development Fund (USD 100 daily)
• All entrance fees and permits
• Mineral water supplied daily
• Cultural shows and experiences

Price:

• Land cost: S$2,698 per person
• Airfare (KTM-PARO-SIN): S$1,368 per person

Additional Costs:

• Singapore – Kathmandu flight (to be arranged separately)
• Personal travel insurance
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharge: S$130
• Nepal visa fee: US$30 (obtainable on arrival)
• Tipping: US$6 per person per day

Optional:

• Tiger's Nest hike: Horse/pony charges (US$80, pay directly to guide)
• Hot stone bath (price on request)

Suggested Packing List:

Luggage/duffel bag, day pack, sports/trekking shoes, sandals, warm clothing, rain gear, sun protection, personal toiletries, first aid kit, camera, snacks

Important Notes:

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date
• Nepal visa requires a passport-sized photo
• Not recommended for pregnant women or those with health conditions