14 Days Classic Culture Exploration of Bhutan Nepal and Tibet

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and assist you with the check-in process. After a short rest, the guide will take you on an exciting tour in Thimphu for the day.

First, you will go to visit the Buddha Dordenma, a majestic statue standing at a height of 51.5 meters (169 feet), making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Constructed to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Bhutanese monarchy, it aims to promote peace and happiness globally.

Next, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This large white stupa, adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings, is a hub for religious activities, attracting both locals and tourists for prayer and meditation.

Then, you will go to Takin Zoo, a sanctuary dedicated to the unique and elusive takin, the national animal of Bhutan. These large, goat-like mammals are native to the eastern Himalayas. The zoo provides a natural habitat for these fascinating creatures, allowing visitors the opportunity to observe them up close.

At last, you will head to Tashichhoe Dzong, a religious fortress originally built in 1641 and later reconstructed by a former emperor. It houses the secretariat, throne room, king's office, and the central monk body, serving as an important center for both religious and administrative functions.

After the sighting, your guide will take you back to your hotel.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Today you will first continue to enjoy a sightseeing in Thimphu. After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the National Textile Museum. Here you can you can admire various traditional Bhutanese textiles, including traditional clothing, fabrics, shawls, and various ornaments. These textiles showcase the exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs passed down through generations of Bhutanese people.

After lunch, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha crossing Dochula pass at 3100mtrs where you can see the 108 beautiful chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. From this pass, on a clear day, you can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Punakha. 

Punakha is a low-lying sub-tropical valley, it served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor.

After touring Punakha, we will drive back to Paro. In the afternoon, we will enjoy sightseeing in Paro. First head to visit Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan's defense against the Tibetan invasion. Then visit Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative center and home of monastic community.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Today, you will enjoy the wonderful trek to Taktshang Goemba, also known as Tiger's Nest. Perched on the cliff of Paro Valley, Taktshang Goemba (3120 meters) is the landmark of Paro as well as the holiest temple in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. From here, you can catch a panoramic view of Paro Valley.

Starting from the foot of the mountain, it will take about 3 hours of hiking to reach Tiger's Nest. You can enjoy lunch at a simple self-service restaurant halfway up the mountain. The descent will also take about 2 hours.

After visiting Tiger's Nest Monastery, if you're interested and have time, you can go to Paro Market to shop for Bhutanese handicraft souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Paro.

In the morning, your guide will take you to Paro International Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. At Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by the local guide, and taken to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day resting, or seeing the local sights.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will go to visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Durbar Square is one of three durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies taken place.

Next, stroll through the narrow streets of Patan, the second largest town in Kathmandu valley. Here you'll encounter ancient temples and admire the intricate wood, metal, and stone carvings on the surrounding buildings, immersing yourself in the charm of the "City of Fine Art".

Finally, visit the Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, offering fantastic views of the city. The golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa is adorned with a colorful array of fluttering prayer flags.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

In the morning, you'll depart from Kathmandu to Chitwan, a journey of about 180 kilometers that typically takes 5-6 hours by road.

Chitwan, once a royal hunting ground, became a national park in 1973. It's now a rare habitat for the Asian one-horned rhinoceros and serves as a last refuge for Bengal tigers. You can explore wildlife and natural surroundings while enjoying outdoor activities here.

Stay overnight in Chitwan. 

Early morning, you will visit the jungle to refresh your spirit of adventure on a guided walk through the national park, returning to the lodge in time for breakfast.

You will follow a full-day true jungle experience with the in-house expert naturalists, including bird watching, elephant bathing, and canoeing. Additionally, you will visit the small village of the Tharu ethnic group to get a sense of their world and lives through interactions with the locals. A special sundowner can be suggested at the confluence of the Rapti River amidst a spectacular sunset view.

Stay overnight in Chitwan.

After breakfast, travel back from Chitwan to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you can rest at your hotel or explore the surroundings.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

In the morning, you will board a direct flight from Gonggar International Airport in Lhasa to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the local sights.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, we will drive about 60 kilometers east of Lhasa to the Gaden Monastery, which is one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries of Tibet. It was founded by the Great Tsongkhapa in 1409, and in the monastery there is the tomb of Tsongkhapa. You can trek Lingkor(circle) around Ganden Monastery to see the Great Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and many religious figure statues, as well as the beautiful view of Lhasa valley.

After the trip in Ganden, drive back to Lhasa city.

Stay overnight in Lhasa. 

Today your guide will transfer you to the airport and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.