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Journey to Druk Yul With Kathmandu

Historical

Tour Destinations


Highlights

  • Explore several world heritage sites in Kathmandu: the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, & Boudhanath.
  • Visit Tiger's Nest temple in Paro, a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site.
  • Visit Ta Dzong in Paro, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan.
  • Visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), famous for housing the famous Great Buddha Dordenma.

Itinerary

It's a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and rooms will be provided after check-in process. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan Durbar square.

 

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley's creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as as "the Monkey Temple" owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.

 

THAMEL: Later, get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.

 

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country's capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of 'Kasthamandap', a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree. The name of the capital 'Kathmandu' is said to be actually derived from 'Kasthamandap'.

 

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as 'the city of artisans' accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples - a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Nagarkot [1 ½ hours under normal road conditioned] en-route visit Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur.

 

BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. Built on an octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels, the shrine is ringed by the settlement especially of the Tibetan refugees who entered Nepal in the 1950s. They have developed the place into a 'Mini-Tibet' ever since.

 

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO): A former capital of the valley, it was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. It has preserved its traditional character better than the other two cities, due to its more isolated location. It is regarded today as a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. It is situated in the east of Kathmandu valley about 14 km. away. It today retains much of its beauty in ornate woodcarvings and in the famed Golden Gate.

 

Special activity - Local hands on pottery experience.

 

NAGARKOT: A village located about 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the north-eastern rim at an elevation close to 6,800 feet above sea level. Nagarkot is famous as one of the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise view. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With a panoramic view of the Valley, it is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. If luck favours, you can even spot Mount Everest out with its snow-topped peaks on a very clear day from an observation tower at the very top of the village's hills.

 

Overnight at the hotel.

Fly by Druk Air to Paro, Bhutan. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. While flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom.


Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will welcome you at the airport, who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Paro Valley: The city extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan Border to the North. It is a picturesque town with many sacred sites, monasteries and historical Buddhist temples. Built in 1692, Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), is the most famous and sacred Himalayan Buddhist monastery located into a 4000 foot high cliffside of the upper Paro valley. The day is free for own leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger Nest. The temple is located in the sacred rock, which is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress' back to subdue a local demon. Thereafter, he meditated here for three months. Visiting Tiger's Nest temple will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and ones in a lifetime memory. It takes almost 2 hours to walk up at an average pace. Although the main building of the temple was destroyed by fire on April 1998, it rebuilt to former glory in 2001. The hike up to the viewpoint is worthwhile and fulfilling. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drukgyal Dzong. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Thimpu. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, later in the evening head out for an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, head-out to enjoy the sightseeing of Thimpu, visit Pangri Zampa Monastery for astrology session, later visit the National Library - housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan - a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After that visit Changangkha Lhakhang - a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. Afterwards drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. If time permits, visit the King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today morning, our representative will transfer you to the Paro airport to board a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will transfer you to the hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Tribhuvan International Airport, to board a flight to your home or onward destination.

Not Satisfied With This Itinerary?

If you would like to customize this itinerary, then please click on Plan Your Trip button. It takes only 2 minutes!

What's Included?

Accommodation

  • 8 nights accommodation in 3 star deluxe hotels on twin or double sharing basis

Meals

  • Daily breakfast at the hotels

Guide

  • English speaking local destination guide in Kathmandu
  • English speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour in Bhutan

Transport

  • All sightseeing and transfers by private comfortable vehicle as per the itinerary (Non air-conditioned during hill drive)

Additional Services

  • Personal assistance during arrival and departure
  • 1 mineral water bottle per person per day
  • All applicable taxes

What's Excluded?

Flights

  • Any International or domestic flights are not included

Additional Services

  • Insurance - It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to Nepal and Bhutan
  • Visa fee (if applicable)
  • Any monument entrance fee, camera fee
  • Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Good To Know

Payment Terms

A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 60 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 60 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.

Cancellation

No additional cancellation fees apply for this tour. You can cancel the tour prior tour starting date and avoid paying the full amount, but the deposit you have paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within of tour starting date.

VISA

It is the sole responsibility of each individual traveller to get the required visa(s) for this tour, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with the Embassy of India in your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, concerns and doubts, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Various "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS" on your travel to Nepal will be covered into the document, kindly go through the same. If there are any other questions, that are not mentioned in FAQ, then please feel free to contact us, it would be our pleasure to assist you.


YES. We can customize your Nepal Holiday Package, as per your interest, and preferences.

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, Nepal, our local representative will be there at the airport holding a placard of your name for identification. We shall also provide you list of emergency 24 hours contact numbers for any emergency.

Although tipping in Nepal is not compulsory, doing so is a nice gesture. We do recommend tipping at various instances, but tip higher only when you are very happy with the service. Tip can given after completion of the services from 5$, 10$ or more as per your choice and depending on how much satisfied & happy you are with the service provider.

With Alkof Holidays, you get 24X7 personal assistance from your local dedicated tour manager in Nepal. You can contact him over the Phone/WhatsApp. You can also contact us over Phone, WhatsApp, Skype, or Email.

Price On Request

Duration
9 Days
Destinations
Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), Paro, Thimphu, Nagarkot +4 more
Starts/Ends In
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Age Range
1 - 75 Years Old
Duration: Days

Price on Request

BEST PRICES GUARANTEED

If you find the same tour with the same departure date and same inclusions at a lower price elsewhere, we will match the price.


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Journey to Druk Yul With Kathmandu
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