Best of Bhutan and Nepal with Amritsar
Fly to Amritsar
Day 2 Amritsar and Pakistan Border
Morning visit the Partition Museum in Amritsar
Afternoon half day excursion to Wagah border, 32 Kms from Amritsar to witness the ‘Change of Guard’ on both sides of the Indo-Pakistan border. It is a spectacle comparable to ‘Changing of the Guards’ in London but with a slightly bazar Bollywood twist! The atmosphere is charged on both sides of the fence during the ceremony.
Day 3 Amritsar Golden Temple
Morning sightseeing takes you to the Golden Temple – the sacred Sikh sanctuary spread out in a vast complex around a huge water tank in the midst of which stands a marble sanctum where the holy book of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth is reverently placed. The roof of the sanctum is gold-leafed. The community kitchen provides free meals to up to 100,000 pilgrims or visitors in a day and is a fascinating place to visit. Walk by the busy bazaars of the city, visit the historic Jallianwalah Bagh where General Dyers bullets killed hundreds of innocent Indians.
Later visit the Golden Temple to see the palki ceremony in which the holy book of Sikh “Shri Guru Granth Sahib” is taken to bed for the night in a procession.
Fly to Delhi for one night
Day 5 Fly to Paro and journey to Bhutan’s Capital Thimpu (the only capital in the world with no traffic lights) 3 Nights
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Arrive Thimphu; check in at hotel for 03 nights.
In the afternoon explore Thimpu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in the hotel
Day 6 Thimpu
Start the day with a Textile Museum and Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people, fully operated by young people and job seekers, who receive here on the job training in basic business & management skills, customer care and other spheres of life.
After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist students learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Later in the afternoon visit to Trashichhoedzong : This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Further visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
End the day with a visit to the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts.
Day 7 Thimpu
Visit the textile museum and library.
Take a trek from here to enjoy the Bhutanese mountains and scenery.
Day 8 Journey to Punakha 2 Nights
After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,080 meters). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
On arrival check in at hotel for 02 nights.
After checking into hotel, proceed to visit PunakhaDzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers.
Later in the day excursion to ChimiLhakhang , situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers
Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.
Day 9 Punakha Farm visit and meet the locals
Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:
Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji LhuendrupLhakhang(Temple).
Later visit a Farm House in a village near Punakha. Bhutan has highest “Happiness Quotient” in the world and this is evident from their life style…..quite relaxed and full of content. Experience the village life, meet the locals, how they manage their farms & livestock. Don’t forget to sip a cup of locally brewed Suja (salt and butter tea) or perhaps local ara (locally brewed rice wine) with the family.
Day 10 Punakha – Paro
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and ParoChhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.
Arrive Paro and check in at for 3 nights.
Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum.
Then walk down the trail to visit RinpungDzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Day 11 Paro
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery “Tiger’s Nest”. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Day12 Paro
Enjoy an optional guided trek and the town of Paro
Or visit DrukgyelDzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Along the way, visit the 7th century KyichuLhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, SongtsenGampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Day 13 25 Paro – Khatmandu
Fly to Kathmandu – time permitting visit the monkey temple
Day 14 Drive to Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara. On arrival check in at hotel Temple Tree Resort for 3 nights.
The afternoon is free to relax and stroll the local market by the lake.
Pokhara: The clarity of water and the sight of Himalaya hilltops makes Pokhara every mountain lover’s paradise. Considering the multiple choices of accommodation, food and roaming around, it is best place to reenergise yourself after a three day excursion to Himalayas. The much needed rest after a tricky hill ride on a bus demands the rest alongside famous Lake of Pokhara. The lakeside is filed with the paddle boats and seems inviting you for a joyride through the refreshing lake waters. The majestic Himalayas offer a clear snapshot of their glory while sitting alongside the Pokhara lake or sipping hot beverages on your bed inside the hotel room. The laid back lifestyle of Pokhara provides the rejuvenation to tired travellers and gives a new perspective to explore the remaining Nepal with full zeal. World famous Gurkha Museum deserves a short visit and provides significant details about their stories of bravery.
Breakfast and Dinner in the hotel
Day 15 and 16 Pokhara
Today sightseeing of Pokhara. The unique flavour of the mountain life could be felt while enjoying a stay alongside the famous lake Fewa. Surrounded by the paddle boats alongside the lake, this place seems inviting you for joy ride in the cool morning breeze. The perfect Himalayan backdrop adds the much needed thrill to your nature loving excursion.
Early in the morning, get a unique experience of Sarankot Hill. Embrace magnificent views of the Mt. Fish and all other noted mountain hilltops (depending on the current weather scenario). After the hilly excursion, afternoon will be the time to witness the interesting pursuits at Pokhara’s Davi’s fall. The Tibetan camp lets you get deeper into the lives and legacy of the local Tibetan people.
Breakfast and Dinner in the hotel
Day 17 Fly to Kathmandu
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon): Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. The third largest city which was the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of the kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place — struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows — all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are: The Lion Gate, Lu Dhowka, The Palace of Fifty-five Windows, The Picture Gallery, Batsala Temple.
Day 19 October Flight home or Tibetan Extension
Morning at leisure transfer to international airport to board your return flight back home.