Nepal 2024/2025 and Bhutan

Flight to Kathmandu

Our adventure begins with a gathering at the airport, where we will meet the Polish pilot/guide. Passport and baggage check-in, and departure to Kathmandu.

Kathmandu

After arriving at the international airport in Kathmandu, a traditional Nepalese welcome awaits us, followed by a transfer to a hotel in the city center. After settling into charming rooms, we can rest after the long flight.

Later in the day, there will be a brief orientation with other group members, where feel free to ask any questions about our itinerary. Dinner at the hotel.

Kathmandu, Paro, Thimphu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. We will head to Bhutan, specifically to the town of Paro, situated at an altitude of 2200 meters (7216 ft). The Kingdom of Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, and its official name is Druk Yul, which means the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Today, we will see rural homes in Bhutan, the Kyichu Buddhist temple, the monastery, and the fortress of Rinpung Dzong. There will also be a walk and a visit to craft shops.

Then, we will journey to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, situated at an altitude of 2334 meters (7655 ft). Thimphu is the country’s largest city and the location of the royal residence. During the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive, we will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes of this high-altitude kingdom.

Upon arrival, check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Thimphu, Punakha

After breakfast, we will embark on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. We will visit, among other places, the Kuensel Phodrang National Park, where the Great Buddha Dordenma, made of gilded bronze, is located. We will also visit the Bhutan Postal Museum, showcasing the achievements and evolution in the communication and postal sector.

Next, we will proceed to the National Textile Museum, which houses collections of ancient colorful fabrics and the traditional art of weaving. Meanwhile, the Folk Heritage Museum preserves the primitive philosophy of life cherished by contemporary Bhutanese.

Following that, we will explore the Tango Monastery and then head towards Punakha. We will reach there after approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive, during which we can enjoy spectacular views of the High Himalayas. Accommodation and dinner will be provided at the hotel.

Punakha, Wangdue, Paro

Dziś po śniadaniu ruszamy na zwiedzanie Punakha, będącego kiedyś stolicą uważanego za jedno z najpiękniejszych miast Bhutanu. Odwiedzimy Klasztor Boskich Wiatrów – Chimi Lhakhang. Następnie udamy się do Wangdue, gdzie będziemy mogli docenić najwyższy kunszt rzemiosła obróbki drewna

Today, after breakfast, we set out to explore Punakha, once considered the capital and regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Bhutan. We will visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery – Chimi Lhakhang. Then, we will proceed to Wangdue, where we can appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of woodwork.

Finally, we have an hour-long hike through the upper Punakha valley to the beautiful and distinctive Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Lhakhang, built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for peace and stability.

After touring the temple, we return for dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

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Na koniec czeka nas godzinna wędrówka po górnej dolinie Punakha do pięknej, charakterystycznej dla Bhutanu świątyni Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Lhakhang zbudowanej przez Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck ( Królowa Matka Bhutanu ) na rzecz pokoju i stabilności.

Po zwiedzaniu świątyni powrót na kolację i nocleg do Paro.

Taktsang Ghoempa Monastery

After an early breakfast, we embark on an approximately five-hour journey to the Taktsang Ghoempa monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, a center for schools of tantric Buddhism.

Perched at an altitude of 3750 meters (12300 feet), the monastery is built on a cliff rising above a steep precipice, and the climb to the viewpoint provides breathtaking views. After a short rest at the viewpoint, we continue our journey, all the while admiring the awe-inspiring landscape below.

To conclude the day, we will visit a farmhouse in the Paro Valley to learn about the lifestyle of farmers in Bhutan.

For the night and meals, we return to the hotel in Paro.

Paro, Kathmandu

That concludes our adventure in Bhutan. We will return to Kathmandu to continue exploring Nepal. We will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the heart of old Kathmandu.

The main attractions of this palace square include art, architecture, craftsmanship, and designs manifested in the pillars, buildings, and windows, as well as the Hanuman Dhoka Museum. A large statue of this Hindu deity is also placed in front of the gate. The palace is surrounded by many small temples. This historic site attracts thousands of tourists every year.

We will stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Katmandu, Pokhara

After an early breakfast, we will transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for a 25-minute flight to Pokhara. On a small island in the middle of the lake, there is the Tal Barahi Temple, also known as the Lake Temple. Built in medieval times, it features a traditional pagoda style.

About 2 km from the Pokhara airport, there is the Gupteshwor Cave, with its entrance located opposite the Davis Falls. It holds special significance for the followers of the god Shiva due to the well-preserved phallic symbol of Shiva kept in an untouched state here. Nearby, the revitalized Tibetan refugee camp of Tashi Ling is known for the production and trade of woolen carpets and other handicrafts.

After exploring these sites, we return to the hotel in Pokhara for dinner and overnight stay.

Pokhara, Sarangkot, Chitwan

We will rise early and embark on a 45-minute journey to Sarangkot, where, from a viewpoint at an elevation of 1600 meters (5248 feet), we will witness the sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, as well as the beautiful Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we will set out for Chitwan National Park. It boasts stunning surroundings, abundant wildlife, and is home to many species. In 1984, the park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Chitwan Natonial Park

We will start the day with breakfast and get ready for jungle adventures. Chitwan National Park offers a wide range of activities, including Elephant Back Safari, Jeep Safari, kayaking, cultural programs, bird watching, and a visit to the Elephant Breeding Center. Jungle safaris provide an incredible opportunity to encounter rare animals and birds of Nepal, such as Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, leopards, honey badgers, and striped hyenas.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel will follow the day’s adventures.

Chitwan, Katmandu, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot

After breakfast, we will head to Bharatpur Airport for a 20-minute return flight to Kathmandu. Upon landing, we will explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This is the royal palace of the ancient Bhaktapur Kingdom, located at an altitude of 1400 meters.

Everything around still looks as it did in medieval times. The square was beautifully crafted by ancient artists and, although restored, still captivates with its originality.

After the tour, we will drive to Nagarkot, where we will have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.

Nagarkot, Katmandu

After breakfast, we have about an hour-long journey back to Kathmandu.

We will visit Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Its unique features include a white dome and above it, a gold-plated spire with an all-seeing eye, symbolizing peace. Monks are always engaged in chanting and prayer rituals.

Next, we will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest temple dedicated to the supreme Hindu god, Lord Shiva. It is a highly sacred place of Hindu religious worship, visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. It’s important to note that only Hindus are allowed entry into the temple, but we can enjoy the surrounding areas, including the banks of the sacred river, where, in accordance with Hindu tradition, cremations of the deceased take place.

After these visits, we can explore more of the cultural and historical richness that Kathmandu has to offer.

Departure from Kathmandu

Our journey has come to an end. We bid farewell to Nepal, and after breakfast, we head to Tribhuvan International Airport, from where, after check-in, we will depart for our homes. We invite you to join other adventures with Rek Travel Adventure to Pakistan, Kilimanjaro, and many more.

Nepal 2024 oraz Bhutan