Amazing

Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet

Journey around Western Bhutan and overland from Kathmandu over the High Himalayas to Mt. Everest Base Camp, and across Tibetan plateau to Lhasa

Paro - Thimphu - Wangdu - Punakha Kathmandu - Nyalam - Tingri Shighatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Tour all the highlights of Western Bhutan, from Paro to Thimphu, Wangdue to Punakha, then fly to Kathmandu to sample its legendary temples and squares. Next you travel to the rooftop of the world via Kodari, the Nepali border town with Tibet. From here you climb steadily to above the timberline, and higher yet up into the thin air of Tibetan plateau. At Tingri Mt. Everest will loom on the southern horizon, seemingly almost insignificant amidst many of its giant neighbors. When you near Rongbuk Gompa, the northern side of Everest will be within reach and omnipresent. By now the thin air will be undeniably felt as you breath heavily but so you must, you will be at Everest Base Camp. Then its down to Shighatse and Gyantse, over few more passes with stunning vistas to be experienced, and at last you will have reached Lhasa.

Tour itinerary of Amazing Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet

*Note the tour can be customized to be run in reverse, starting in Tibet and ending in Bhutan, or from Nepal to continue to India!

Day 1: Arrive Paro - L D
The flight into Paro on Bhutan national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, views of the Himalayan peaks, give way to Paro valley as you land. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to your adventure. Already you can feel the pace of life slow down. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane.

After clearing passport and customs formalities you are met by our representative, and drive you the short distance to the hotel. After refreshment drive to Paro town and walk through the main town and to one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro - B L D
Day excursion to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. Taktsang is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan World.

The monastery itself is perched on a granite cliff that drops 2,000 feet to the valley floor. The name is derived from a legend that Guru Rinpoche flew across the mountains to this spot on the back of a tigress, reaching a cave in which he meditated for three months, converting the people of Paro Valley to Buddhism during his stay.

The path takes us through a forest of oak, blue pine and rhododendron, arriving at a small chorten surrounded by prayer flags. With a little more effort, we will reach a teahouse and a spectacular view of the Taktsang temples. That will be our lunch stop. Those who choose can hike further to the temple.

After a leisurely hike back, drive a short distance to visit Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu - B L D
After breakfast visit the impressive Ta Dzong, the watchtower of the Paro Dzong which now houses the National Museum. The museum is an important center for the preservation of Bhutanese artifacts, culture and history. It contains marvelous and colorful collections of traditional handicrafts, ancient weapons, religious costumes, Thangkhas, stamps, and even a gallery of stuffed animals.

We then visit the Rinpung Dzong (the full name of the Paro Dzong), which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This complex houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this dzong.

Afternoon drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan (a 1 hour drive). Thimphu has a population of about 70,000.The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

If time permits visit Trashichodzong – located on the banks of the Thimphu river, this is Bhutan’s administrative and religious center. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu - B L D
We have one full day to explore Thimphu, Bhutan's exotic capital city—a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life.
*National Library – which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.

*Institute of Traditional Medicine – where the medicinal herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed.

*Zilukha Nunnery - one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

*General Post Office - to pick the wonderful and unique Bhutanese postage stamps.

*Folk Heritage & National Textile Museums – both of which are opened in 2001, provides fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

*A visit to a Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory. Handmade paper has been a traditional craft in Bhutan going back into the distant past. The paper is made mainly from the Daphne plant with aipin, a gum obtained from the root of a creeper, as the other major ingredient.

*A visit to Mothithang Takin Preserve for a chance to see the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Takin resembles a cross between a gnu and a musk deer. It has an immense face and a tremendously thick neck.

*We may also have a chance to experience Bhutan's fascinating weaving culture directly by visiting the home of an expert Bhutanese traditional weaver and designer. You will have the rare opportunity to see some of the best weavers in the country at work and discover how Bhutanese have developed a textile art that is unmatched by anywhere else in the world.

Day 5: Thimphu –Wangdue - B L D
Today drive to Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochu La at 10,000 feet (La, a word we’ll get to know well, means pass). In good weather 200 miles of Himalayan summits stretch out north of the Dochu.

Continue driving to Wangdue and visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill and the local market. Overnight at the hotel in Wangdue.

Day 6: -Wangdue- Punakha - Paro - B L D
Today continue to, an ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival at Punakha, visit the, the “Palace of Great Happiness” and “a masterpiece of Bhutanese Architecture”. It was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the man who unified Bhutan. The Dzong lies between the Fo Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river), and is the winter home of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan) Central Monk Body. It is believed that the Mo Chu and the Fo Chu were once lovers, flowing in the same bed. One evening, after a quarrel, the Mo Chu left silently during the night, moving to the next valley. Ever since, the Fo Chu has been rushing down to the confluence, trying to catch his estranged lover.

After lunch begin on our return journey to Paro.

Day 7: Fly Paro – Kathmandu - B D
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are greeted and assisted with transfer to the hotel to check in. Then out to visit Katmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Pagoda, Buddhanikantha Temple and the Bouddhanath Stupa.

Day 8: Kathmandu-B,L,D
Today's sightseeing includes the Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur
Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and the Golden Temple, one of the most famous Vihar in Katmandu valley.

Day 9: Kathmandu/Zhangmu -B,L,D (133 Km, elevation 2000m)
Depart KMT this morning, travelling by private car to Kodari
(Friendship Bridge) of the border where your Tibet guide will wait for you at the China side and transfer you to Zhangmu for
overnight.

Day 10: Zhangmu/Tingri - B,L,D (240 km, 4300m)
Today, drive about 8-9 hours north along the Nepal/Lhasa- bumpy road to Tingri, known as the most 'Tibetan' part of Tibet. There are great Himalayan peaks, beautiful lakes, and vast grasslands to be seen. Spectacular snow-topped giants of the Himalayas are sure leave you gaping in awe. Check in to the local guest house.

Day 11: Tingri / Everst Base Camp /Tingri -B,L,D (180 km)
After breakfast, continue to Everest Base Camp. Visit the Rongbuk Monastery, a Nyingmapa monastery, as the legend tells visited by
Padmasambhava, founder of Nyingmapa. It is the highest monastery on earth. Drive back to Tingri in late afternoon.

Day 12: Tingri / Shigatse -B,L,D (232 km, 3800m)
Depart Tingri for Shigatse, Along the way, visit the famous Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhismy.

Day 13: Shigates / Lhasa -B.L,D
After breakfast, tour New Palace of Panchen and Tashilhunpo Monastery built in 1447. Then continue on to Gyantse to visit
Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum, a stupa comprised of hundreds of chapels said to contain 100,000 Buddha images.
Arrive in Lhasa and check into your hotel.

Day 14: Lhasa -B,L,D
Spend whole day exploring the fascinating focal point of Tibet, Lhasa. Visit the impressive Potala Palace, the architectural wonder in the center of Lhasa and former home of the Dalai Lama. Head to the famous Barkhor Market in the Tibetan Quarter of Lhasa. Enter the legendary Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of the country, in front of which Tibetan pilgrims prostrate after often walking for days, even weeks to reach it. This evening, enjoy a memorable
Tibetan dinner.

Day 15: Lhasa / Kathmandu -B
Check out and transfer to Lhasa airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

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*The itinerary can be customized, other tour options available.

For ideas, see Bhutan tours and Tibet tours. 

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