In The Shadows of Himalayas

Peak to peak

In The Shadows Of Himalayas

  • Nepal and Bhutan
  • 9 Days
  • Paro | Thimphu | Punakha | Kathmadu
  • Archery contest in Thimphu
  • The serene Punakha Dzong Chimi Lhakhang
  • The steep Tiger’s Nest monstery
  • Dochu La at 10000 feet
  • The ancient Pashupathinath Temple in Kathmandu

Itinerary

Overview

Size apart, the Himalayas have a towering quality about them. The sheer enormity of their size and splendour makes one speechless. Since saying less and listening more is the hallmark of a true traveller, this will give you a chance to listen to the legends and stories about the two countries, Bhutan and Nepal, at ease. Our tour guides download all the interesting insights to you while you immerse in the grand spectacle of snow-capped peaks.

Wedged in the craggy escarpments, the countries of Bhutan and Nepal are pleasantly slow paced. It must have something to do with the crisp mountain air and the hard but happy life of the mountains. First we take you through Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, known for its serene dzongs (monasteries) and make you hike to the precariously cliff-hanging monastery called Tiger’s Nest. After a three days of traversing the country, you’ll known exactly why the nation is one of the few that calculates the Gross Domestic Happiness of its occupants. In Kathmandu, the pace is tuned up with bustling markets, jostle-shove-make your path routine to temples and bus city sqaures. That, in no way, makes Nepal less interesting. If only, it makes it a characterful mosiac of experiences. This is especially true for Patan and Bhaktapur.

With the best of both countries seen, you’re sure to return richer in Inner Peace and a fan of simple things in life.

Itinerary

1

Paro – Thimphu : Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu (1.5 hours drive.) Rest for the day or roam the town at your leisure.

2

Thimphu : The full day is reserved for touring the Tashichhodzong, the National Memorial Chorten, the Handicrafts Emporium, the National Library, the General Post Office, the Painting School and the National Institute of Herbal Medicines in the city of Thimphu. These are the signature highlights of the city. Also visit the Chamlimithang sports ground to watch an archery contest. Given that this is Bhutan’s national sport, you’re likely to find the stands crammed with people.

3

Thimphu – Punakha : Drive to Punakha over 3 hours, and cross the Dochu La Pass (10,130 feet). It is likely to be swathed in mist with bright prayer flags peeking from between the grey veil. The last stretch is a steep descent to Punakha valley situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. Visit the Punakha Dzong Chimi Lhakhang on this day before winding down at the hotel.

4

Punakha – Paro : We’re back on the road for 5 hours to Paro with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and simple countryside close at hand. This is your second chance to cross the Dochu La Pass (10,130 feet). Spend the rest of the day in Paro at leisure.

5

Paro : The Taktsang monastery or “Tiger’s Nest” is the first highlight of the day which can be accessed by a hike. It is perched on the side of a steep and jagged cliff. In the afternoon, we wend to the Ta Dzong, National Museum, Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.

6

Paro – Kathmandu : On this day, a morning flight lands you in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. After checkin in, visit the ancient Pashupatinath Temple along the Bagmati river, Nepal’s holiest shrine dedicated to Shiva.

7

Kathmandu : Veritable canvasses in stone, Patan and Bhaktapur are ideal for heritage enthusiasts. Patan is known as the “City of Arts” for good reason and Bhaktapur on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is more an open museum and a “living heritage” complex. Ancient but sturdy temples, homes and monuments keep you enthralled.

8

Kathmandu : Experience the scenic mountain flight over the mighty Himalayas in the small hours of the day. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Buddhist shrines – Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. End the day taking a stroll around Kathmandu Durbar Square.

9

Kathmandu : Get transferred to the airport in time for your international departure flight.
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Map

Trip Planner - Weather

October – March: Winter months, extremely cold but fun to travel in.
Mid April – June: Moderately hot but excellent to travel in.
July – September: Monsoon months where trips are doable.
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