Journey to Druk Yul With Kathmandu

Flying into Kathmandu on a clear day is nothing short of breathtaking. As your plane glides over the majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks, the exhilarating panorama sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly representative from Alkof Holidays will greet you and escort you to Nagarkot, a tranquil hill station renowned for its breath-taking sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas. Check-in at a hotel in Nagarkot for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an awe-inspiring sunrise over the Himalayas in Nagarkot. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Bhaktapur, a city rich in medieval art and architecture. Explore the ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marvel at the exquisite temples, and stroll through its quaint streets. Next, head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can soak in the spiritual ambiance and watch monks in prayer. Afterward, drive to Kathmandu, where you will check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, set out for an engaging day of exploration, starting with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa: Begin your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hillock 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This ancient Buddhist stupa, estimated to be around 2000 years old, offers breathtaking views over the valley. While the oldest written references date back to the 5th century, local legends suggest it could be much older, possibly forming during the valley’s creation. The stupa is popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large population of monkeys that roam the site.

Thamel: Next, hop on a rickshaw for a charming 20-minute ride to Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district. This lively area is filled with narrow streets lined with a diverse range of shops, budget hotels, and eateries. It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to music CDs and paintings. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Continue your tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This historic square is surrounded by a fascinating array of temples, courtyards, and ancient royal palaces. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and Kal Bhairav, the fearsome deity. Don’t miss the impressive Kasthamandap pagoda, which is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is the namesake of the city.

Patan Durbar Square: Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to Patan, situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Known as the "City of Artisans," Patan Durbar Square is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture. The square features ornate palaces, artistic courtyards, and elegant pagoda temples, showcasing the peak of Newari craftsmanship from the Malla kings' era. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples spread across the square. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating descent into Bhutan. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by cool, fresh mountain air. After completing immigration and collecting your baggage, our tour guide will meet you and accompany you throughout the tour. You will then be transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. En route, stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet, adorned by Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese stupas. Before reaching Chuzom, you'll see Tschogang Lhakhang, a private 15th-century temple dedicated to Balaha, the excellent horse.

In Thimphu, check into your hotel. This unique city blends modern development with ancient traditions and has a population of about 90,000, making it one of the world's few capitals without a traffic light. Visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum showcasing the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. In the evening, take an exploratory walk around Thimphu's main street and market area, and visit the Local Crafts Bazaar to shop for traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, including hand-woven textiles, Thangka paintings, and jewelry. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu valley, starting with the National Library, which houses a vast collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Next, visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), where students undergo a six-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Continue to the Textile Museum to gain insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms. Later, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), a short drive from Thimphu city center. Here, you can offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. Proceed to the King's Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity, built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This landmark is continuously circumambulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Lastly, visit Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress and monastery that houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, and various government offices. It also serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) for a photo break. This pass, adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built by the Queen Mother in 2003, is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. On a clear day, enjoy breathtaking views of Bhutan's highest mountains. Continue your journey to Punakha, and upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, home to the most elaborate temple in the country and a showcase of Bhutanese art and craftsmanship. Afterward, embark on a trek to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility, perched on a hillock in the center of the valley. A walk through the nearby village offers rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Paro, passing through the picturesque Dochula Pass. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and unwind. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the surroundings or simply relaxing. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. This iconic temple is perched on a cliff 4,000 feet above the Paro Valley and is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon and meditated here for three months. The hike to the monastery’s viewpoint takes about 2 hours at a moderate pace, and the experience offers breathtaking views and a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Although the original building was destroyed by fire in 1998, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory in 2001.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now serves as the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art, culture, and history. Continue your exploration with visits to Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery, Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the valley. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, we will ensure your timely transfer to Paro International Airport to board a flight to home or onward journey.