- Bhutan – a Buddhist Himalayan kingdom with a distinctive tradition
- The unique rock monastery of Tagcchang – Tiger’s Nest and Kila Monastery
- The capital city of Thimphu and the imposing monastic fortresses – dzongs
- Walking and exploring the picturesque Phobdjikha valley
- Nepal – Royal Cities – Kathmandu and Bhaktapur (UNESCO)
- Full board and entrance fees to sights in Bhutan included in the tour price
- Program for 2 persons with local English speaking guide
Tour Program:
1.-2. DAY 2 – 2: BY AIR FROM PRAGUE TO KATHMANDU
By air Prague – Kathmandu. Departure from Prague in the afternoon, night flight to Kathmandu. Morning transfer to hotel, afternoon sightseeing of the historical centre of Kathmandu with Palace Square.
Accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu.
3.-4. KATHMANDU, BHAKTAPUR and PATHAN (UNESCO)
Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu – visit to the temple complex and funerary burning ghats of Pashupatinath and the royal city of Pathan. Second day tour of the royal city of Bhaktapur with handicrafts in the streets and one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal – Boudhanath.
Accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu.
5. DAY 5: BY AIR FROM KATHMANDU TO PARA, THIMPHU
By air Kathmandu – Paro. Upon arrival in the Kingdom of Bhutan, transfer to the capital city of Thimphu for about one hour.
In the afternoon visit the gigantic Buddha statue located above the center of the capital, with nice views of the valley, the national monument chorten and a walk through the city center.
Accommodation at hotel in Thimphu.
6. DAY 6: CHERI MONASTERY, THIMPHU
A short drive to Dodena and a climb through an oak grove to Cheri Monastery, high above the Thimphu Valley (approx. 9 km). After a picnic lunch, transfer back to the capital.
In the afternoon, visit the Bhutanese fortress of Tashichho (seat of government) and visit the small local zoo with takins (the national animal of Bhutan), or depending on time availability, visit the National Library with volumes of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
Accommodation at hotel in Thimphu.
7. DAY 7: PHOBDJIKHA VALLEY, GANGTEY
Morning transfer from Thimphu to Phobdjikha valley via Do-chula saddle (3050 m), from where one can observe the panorama of Himalayan seven-thousanders, including the highest mountain of Bhutan Gangkar Punsum (7497 m).
Afternoon arrival in Gangtey, village tour with a visit to Gangtey Gompa Monastery, the only monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism in the area. Visit to the Information Centre of the rare Black-necked Cranes, which have a seasonal breeding ground in this area. At the information centre, learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Accommodation in the Phobdjikha Valley with local people.
8. DAY 8: PHOBDJIKHA VALLEY, WANGDI PHODRANG
The Phobjikha Valley is a picturesque valley in the heart of Bhutan with pine forests, bamboo groves and meadows that bloom beautifully in spring. In the morning we will explore the valley, visit a local village school and take a short walking tour.
In the afternoon we will move to Wangdi Phodrang, one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and the town of the same name. Walk through the town centre and enjoy views of the Wangdi valley.
9. DAY 8: PUNCHAKHA, KHAMSUM YUELLEY NAMGEL CHORTEN
Morning transfer to Punakha, walking tour to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel chorten which was built, in the sign of peace, stability and harmony in a changing world. The chorten is perched high on a ridge in a pine grove with views of the Punakha valley (7km).
In the afternoon, visit the local Punakha Dzong fort, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers, which has played a significant role in Bhutanese history, and the nearby rope bridge.
Hotel accommodation in Punakha town
10. DAY 10: CHIMI LHAKHANG MONASTERY, PARO
Morning transfer back to Para. En route, stop and hike to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, a fertility temple associated with the legendary monk-protector Drukpa Kinley. We will stop at a village below the monastery where locals practice traditional handicraft and mandala painting.
In the afternoon, cross the Do-chula saddle again (3050 m), arrive in Paro and free evening in Paro, with the opportunity to try a traditional hot stone bath.
Accommodation in hotel in Paro.
11. DAY 11: CHELE LA PASS, KILA MONASTERY, PARO – TA DZONG
Morning transfer to the dizzying height of 3988 m, to the Chele La Pass. Here, together with a cup of tea, we will welcome the new day, opening up spectacular views of the sacred seven-thousand-foot Jomolhari and neighbouring Jitchu Drake. From the Chele La pass we will hike to the Kila Monastery (a Buddhist nunnery). The monastery is located on the edge of a rock massif, from where there is a beautiful view of the entire Paro valley.
In the afternoon transfer to Paro, on arrival visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which used to be a watchtower.
Accommodation in a hotel in Paro.
DAY 12: TAGCCHANG GOMPA, PARO – RINPUNG DZONG, ARCHERY
In the morning, short transfer and hike about 600 vertical meters to the most famous Bhutanese monastery Tagcchang gompa – “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery was built high on a rocky promontory at 3120m.
Return back to Paro, afternoon walk through the town across the traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam to Rinpung Dzong, a monumental fortress that now houses the district government office and a judge. In the evening, the opportunity to try the Bhutanese national sport of archery.
Accommodation at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 13: BY AIR TO KATHMANDU, SWAYAMBHUNATH, THAMEL
Morning flight from Para to Kathmandu, visit the sacred Swayambhunath stupa towering over the capital. Afternoon walk in the bustling Thamel district .
Accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu.
DAY 14: BY AIR FROM KATHMANDU TO PRAGUE
Morning departure from Kathmandu, evening return to Prague.
Further information
Price includes:
- 1x international flight Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu,
- Local English speaking guide,
- complete transport by minibus around Bhutan,
- Transfers to and from Kathmandu airport and transportation on days 3, 4 and 13 in Nepal,
- Bhutan accommodation – 7 times in a 3*** level hotel in a double room,
- Bhutan accommodation – 1x on a farm in the Phobjikha valley with locals,
- accommodation Nepal – 4 times in hotel level 3*** in double room,
- full board meals in Bhutan,
- 4x breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu,
- Bhutan visa and its arrangement,
- Entrance fees to heritage sites in Bhutan,
- entrance fees to heritage sites in Nepal,
- government fee and tax in Bhutan,
- hot stone bath and archery,
- information materials,
- CK insurance against bankruptcy.
Price does not include:
- International airfare Prague – Kathmandu – Prague
- Nepalese visa – 30 USD (payable locally),
- other meals in Nepal,
- baksheesh to drivers and guides,
- other transport in the cities,
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we are happy to arrange),
- single room supplement – 11 500 CZK/person/trip.
Suitable period for completing this program:
This tour can be taken in two main seasons, except for the monsoon season, which is from June to September. In the spring season, from March to May, there are usually hot days with occasional rain showers, which gradually diminish. Magnolia and rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in the foothills of the Himalayas. The period from October to November is characterised by clear skies, slightly cooler weather and generally good visibility. Temperatures in Kathmandu range between 22-28 °C in spring and autumn, and between 20-22 °C in Timph. At an altitude of around 3000 m, temperatures are around 13-17 °C during the day, dropping to freezing at night.
Organiser.
Note: In case of worsening of the epidemiological situation and inability to travel to the final destination, CK reserves the right to reschedule the tour.
