Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours. You will be meeting your guide on the same day.

Visting the places around Kathamndu like Religious Pashupatinath, Bouddha, Swayambhunath

After breakfast you will be given a fascinating sightseeing tour where you will see many sites of interest, for example:

The Boudhanath Stupa – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the holiest Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside Tibet. It is over 328ft (100m) diameter and wall-to-wall length is about the size of football pitch. Boudhanath is among the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. The Stupa has 4 eyes which represent the all-seeing ability of the Buddha; they face four prime directions constantly looking out for virtuous behaviour and human success. The Stupa’s nose symbolizes Nirvana.

The Pashupatinath Temple – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple sits on the banks of Bagmati River and is noteworthy for its pagoda style of architecture and its gilded roof. The rafters feature members of Shiva’s family and its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities. Entrance is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations. It is one of the most important Temples for Hindu devotees worldwide.  During February or March, the day of Maha Shivaratri (an annual festival dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva) is celebrated here.

The Swayambhunath – is an ancient religious site; it is an important Temple for Buddhists and Hindus and is home to many shrines. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises and may date back to 460 A.D. It is often simply referred to as the Monkey Temple as it is home to colonies of monkeys, and also perhaps because Swayambhunath is difficult to pronounce?

Overnight stay in your Hotel

Kathmandu – Paro. This morning we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival at Bhutan/Paro airport you will be met by our local representative and transfered to your hotel. Check in to the hotel and freshen up. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the Paro Rinpung Dzong “the Fort of the heap of Jewels” which houses the Paro Monastic body, Paro District Civil Administration and the Paro District Court. A smaller Dzong was first built sometime in the 15th century and rebuilt by the Shabdrung in 1645. It caught fire in 1905 but was immediately rebuilt to its original splendor by the Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor. On way back to the hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 638 AD under the order of the Tibetan King Songtsengampo, it is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Paro – Thimphu. After an early breakfast, drive for approx 1.5 hours to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Thimphu is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, located in a narrower valley than Paro and more crowded. It is a modern city but still preserves traditional architecture and traditions.

This afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of Late His Majesty, the 3rd King of Bhutan. Also visit a handmade paper unit. Bhutan boasts of some of the best handmade papers in the world. The Handicrafts Emporium is yet another interesting place to visit, where you will fine an excellent variety of well woven Bhutanese textiles. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the Thimphu market.

Thimphu – Punakha. After breakfast walk around Thimphu city and then drive on to Punakha. Stop for lunch at Docho la, where if the weather permits you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Punakha is a 2.5 hour drive from Thimphu. After crossing Docho la the vegetation changes from predominantly Blue Pine forest to a greater variety of plants and trees. In spring, it is colorful with all the Rhododendrons and Magnolias in bloom. Upon arrival in Punakha check into hotel, refresh and then drive up the valley to visit the Dzong in all its splendor.

Punakha – Chimi Lhakhang – Paro. After an early breakfast visit Wangde Dzong en route to Chimi Lhakhang. A beautiful temple standing all alone on a small hill overlooking the Puna Tshangchu river belt, Chimi Lhakhang is the Holy place of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as Divine Mad man. The temple is very sacred for the Bhutanese and thousands of people who visit Chimi Lhakhang do so to pray for children – either people with no children seeking fertility or those who have children, seek protection for them. Return to your hotel for lunch before driving back to Paro.

After breakfast, tour Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built between 1656-1667 and now houses the National Museum. The Museum is considered one of the best of its kind in Asia. It boasts an exhaustive collection of Bhutanese Textiles, Armoury, Earth & Stone Wares, Buddhist Scriptures and Manuscripts. After lunch visit a local farm house and Paro market. Enjoy evening tea with a Bhutanese family in the farm house.

We will fly back to Kathmandu from Paro

When we arrive at Kathmandu you will check into your hotel after which you will have some free time to wander and explore the streets, shops and sights of Thamel and maybe visit one of the many restaurants in the vicinity.

It is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal and Bhutan so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future.