Day 01 Flight from Bangkok to Paro and transfer to Thimphu.

Druk Air departs BKK at 650 a.m. and arrives at Paro , Bhutan at 1000 a.m.

Bhutan visa is pre-processed by us and we will provide you the Visa Letter that you need to present during flight check-in time. Your passport gets actual visa sticker upon arrival at Paro, Bhutan. After clearing immigration and custom, follow the exit sign and meet your Guide and driver outside. After introduction, you are transferred by our van to Thimphu ( 40 miles/65 km, 1 hr). It's a scenic drive of little more than an hour. On the way, we stop to visit the 13th century temple of Tamchog Lakhang which lies across the river and takes about 10-15 minutes walking. The temple is built by the famous Tibetan Iron Bridge Builder-Thangthong Gyalpo who was an architect, physician, teacher and a saint! The temple is still maintained by his descendants!
After lunch at our hotel, we will go for walking tour of Thimphu town. Thimphu is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. We will visit the memorial chorten (shrine) of the 3rd King of Bhutan Jigme Dorje Wangchuk.

Overnight: Migmar Hotel or Khang Residency or Peaceful Resort
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 02 Thimphu sightseeing and hikes

After breakfast we set out to explore the wonders of the tiny Himalayan capital. If we are in Thimphu during the week-end, it's worth visiting the week-end market ( Fri, Sat and Sun).We will also take chance to attend the archery matches ( if any at progress) in the neighboring ground. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Next, we visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center- that produces traditional hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. Then, we cross the Wangchu River and visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where we see the traditional paper making method. We return to the town and visit National Institute for Arts and Crafts that offers a six years course on Bhutan's traditional arts that includes painting, wood carving, embroidery and statue making. Nearby is the Folk Heritage Museum-a three-storied rammed mud and timber building which is a replica of a century old traditional farmhouse and a tour of this living museum will give you a glimpse into the way most Bhutanese lived then and how many rural people live today.

Our next stop will be the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, that prepares and dispenses traditional herbal and other medicines. Then we drive to a viewpoint and enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the valley. On our way back, we take a brief 10 minute trek around a small enclosure in the pine trees to spot Takins-the national animal of Bhutan which is believed to exist only in Bhutan. After that we will stop in Zilukha Nunnery in Drubthob Goemba-a residence of 40-65 nuns.

If you want a more active day, we will go for hiking to Tango Goemba Monastery. It takes 45 minutes from the base of the hill to reach the monastery. Once on the top, we will be delighted to see the impressive monastery. We will sip tea with monks learn about the monastic life. Teach them some English and learn some Bhutanese phrases from them. Return trek down will be much quicker.

On the way back to hotel, we stop to visit the impressive Trasichoe Dzong-that houses the Royal Throne, National Assembly and the seat of Chief Abbot of the central monastic body.

Overnight: Migmar Hotel or Khang Residency or Peaceful Resort
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 03 Drive from Thimphu to Punakha

(77 km/ 48 miles, 3 hrs)

After breakfast, we leave for Punakha-the former winter capital of Bhutan. We drive through some picturesque villages and terraced fields and later the road winds up through pine forests and passes by chortens (Stupas) and prayer flags before heading up to Dochula Pass at 10,000 ft. The pass offers panoramic views of snow capped mountains and valleys on a clear weather day. For another two hours, the road slowly drops into the subtropical lowlands of Punakha and Wangdue Valleys.

We check in our resort and after lunch, we visit the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong-founded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. Opposite to the Dzong, we will take 25 minutes gentle hike to Rinchengang Village with traditional 2 story houses. Depending on the available time, we can take 25 minutes gentle hike through paddy fields and the villages to Chimi Lakhang Temple-known as the Fertility Temple or we can visit Nalanda Buddhist College, locally known as Dalayn where will have opportunity to interact with the monks who are fond of trying their English with the tourists!

Overnight: Meri Puensum Resort or Punatsangchu Cottages or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 04 Drive to Paro

(142 km/89 miles, 4 hrs)

After breakfast, we go for a pleasant hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten which is 30-45 minutes hike from the road and is situated atop a beautiful hillock overlooking the valley. Built by the Queen Mother, the temple is dedicated for the well being of the kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings. We descend and visit the Punakha Dzong Fortress-which is among the most impressive fort architectures of Bhutan. After lunch, we check out hotel and retrace drive to Paro via Dhochula pass and Thimphu.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay or Tenzinling Resort or simialr
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 05 Paro sightseeing and optional Takstang Monastery Hike.

Following an early morning breakfast, we go for hike to the famous Takstang Monastery ( Tiger's Nest). The monastery, precariously perched on the edge of a 4000 ft high cliff above the valley floor, creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It takes roughly about 2 and half hour up and about an hour and half to go down. With prior arrangement, you can take pony ride until about half the way up but for the remaining journey and return trip down, you need to be on our own limbs!

On the way back, we visit the historic Drukgyel Dzong which was built in the 16th century to mark the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invaders. We will also visit the ancient Kyichu Temple which is one of the 108 temples that King Songsten Gampo of Tibet miraculously built in a single night in the 7th century in order to subdue a demoness!

After lunch, we visit Dungtse Temple that is believed to be built on top of the head of a tortoise-shaped demon that was blocking the way of good fortunes in to Paro Valley. Non Buddhists may or may not be allowed inside.

From here, we head to the National Museum housed at Ta Dzong-that served as watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. The museum has wonderful collection of books, murals, Bhutanese textiles, crafts, weapons, olden utensils, stuffed animals and rich gallery of philatelic collection. From here, we descend to the impressive Rinpung Dzong Fortress–that houses the office of district administration and monk body. We will also visit a typical farmhouse and have an insight into the daily lifestyle of local Bhutanese.

Optional Hot Stone Bath.
Tonight you can experience traditional Hot Stone Bath in a farm house. Hot stone bath is an ancient Bhutanese method of curing skin ailments, joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases and even you don’t have any of these issues, you will get relaxed after a busy day’s schedule. It costs around US$ 20 per person and an advance notice is required.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay or Tenzinling Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06 Flight from Paro to Kathmandu

This is a 50 minutes long scenic flight offering spectacular views of the snow capped mountains. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we can obtain Nepali visa if you don’t have one yet. You need to complete visa application form and provide a passport size photograph. Visa fee costs US$ 25 for 15 days valid visa. We collect our baggage, walk through customs and meet our Nepali Guide and driver outside. From the airport, your hotel is 30 minutes drive into the city.

After wash and change, we set out to explore the wonders of the medieval principalities. We begin from Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2000 year old Buddhist shrine, situated on a hillock 80 m above the valley floor, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley as well as the snow capped mountains.

From Swayambhunath, we descend and drive to Durbar Squares of Kathmandu in the heart of old city. Kathmandu Durbar Squares constitutes the former Royal Palace and a cluster of ancient and medieval temples with rich stone and wood works. We walk through the narrow streets of Indrachowk and Assan-the traditional business hub of Kathmandu and enter the tourist district of Thamel with economy accommodations, restaurants, curio shops and bargain places. We end up the day in a typical Nepali restaurant where our country manager joins you in the dinner.

Overnight in Yak N Yeti Hotel (5*) or De l'Annapurna
Meals: Nepali Welcome Dinner

Day 07 Explore the temples and monasteries of Kathmandu and Patan.

Following breakfast, we drive to Patan-one of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley-the other two being Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. At Patan, we visit the Durbar Square with former Malla Palaces and array of temples. From here, we head to the traditional village of Bungamati which remains untouched by the modern civilization.

In the afternoon, we visit Boudhanath Stupa- the largest stupa architecture in Nepal and one of the most revered Buddhist shrine outside Tibet. Our final stop of the day will be at Pashupatinath-one of the most revered Hindu Temple of South Asia. The temple area is vibrant with rituals, chanting, wandering holy men, pilgrims and devotees and onlookers. If we wait stay till late, we will get opportunity to witness the Aarati Ceremony that wraps up the day's ritual. Priests and the devotee will swing the oil lamps in air and chant prayers.

Overnight: Yak N Yeti Hotel (5*) or De l'Annapurna
Meals: Breakfast

Day 08~Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel

After breakfast, we check out hotel as we are going to spend overnight in Dhulikhel today. On the way, we stop to visit Bhaktapur-the best preserved of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley. We visit the Durbar Square that constitutes the former palace and a number of temples with intricate wood carving and beautiful stone sculpture. The Golden Gate-the main entrance of the palace is the master piece metal work of Nepal. We will visit the palace museum, the courtyard and the Royal Bath Tank of the palace complex. We walk on the cobbled street of and visit the impressive 5 storied Nyatapola Temple, Duttratraya Temple and Pujarimath Complex. The peacock window of Pujarimath Complex is the master piece wood carving in Nepal. We will stop to visit the pottery square where we will learn the traditional method of pottery making.

After wash and change in our resort, we take walking tour of Dhulikhel. On a clear weather day, Dhulikhel offers an awe-inspiring view of the Himalayan mountains. Fresh and cool air, lush green hills and valleys and tranquil nature make Dhulikhel a favorite destination for all nature lovers. Dhulikhel's old town still preserves traditional houses that show off the superb craftsmanship and culture of the Newari people.

Overnight:Dhulikhel Mountain Resort or similar.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 09~Hike Namobuddha and Panauti.

We wake up early morning to enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views of the snow capped mountains! On a clear weather day, Dhulikhel offers 180 degree views of the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.

Following breakfast, we check out hotel and we ride on the dirt road that leads us to Namobuddha Resort. We will stop in the resort for refreshment drinks and then start our hike to Namobuddha Shrine. We travel through the organic farms and villages. This is an opportunity to see closely the country life. Meet the farmers, school children and commoners on the way.

Namobuddha is a holy pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. The legend goes that a prince fed a starving tigress his own flesh here! From Namobuddha, we descend for about one hour and we reach to the traditional Newari Village of Panauti. We walk on the narrow cobbled alleys and visit the temple of the village. We meet our vehicle here and then we drive to Kathmandu.

Rest of the day is open for your personal interests.

Overnight Yak N Yeti or Hotel de l'Annapurna
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Flight across the Himalaya to Lhasa.

Air China, CA 408 departs Kathmandu at 1045 am and arrives at Lhasa at 2:05 pm.
It’s a 50 minutes flight over the sea of snow capped mountains and we will witness the highest mountain on earth-Mount Everest and other several 8- thousanders. Upon arrival at Gongar airport of Lhasa, we are met by our Tibetan Guide and driver and we drive 47 miles to Lhasa City (1 hr).

Few miles before Lhasa, we stop at Drolma Lakhang, a small but significant monastery, rich with ancient relics and hidden treasures. Next, we will also stop by the blue rock carving of Shakyamuni Buddha at the base of a cliff.

We check in hotel and take rest for acclimatization. We are likely to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness that includes light headedness, breathlessness, disorientation, loss of appetite etc. We drink plenty of water, take enough rest and consume liquid food in meals. We will have oxygen tank in our car and you can also rent oxygen pillow at your hotel, in case you are having difficulty in breathing. As we continue to stay in Lhasa’s altitude for another two days, the effects of altitude should go away in a day or two.

Tibetan opera and folk dance show (Optional): If you are doing fine with the altitude, it's worth going for a Tibetan opera and folk dance show that gives glimpses of Tibetan culture. The show with dinner costs about US$ 15.

Overnight in Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Visit Drepung Monastery, Jorkhang Temple and the Old Town walking tour.

Following breakfast, we drive 5 miles west of central Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery which was once world's largest monasteries with around 7000 resident monks! Drepung Monastery was the home to the Dalai Lamas and the power center of Tibet, until the 5th built Potala Palace. We visit the Ganden Palace, the main assembly hall and the several chapels and colleges. The monastery also commands the panoramic views of the valley.

From Drepung, we walk 10 minutes downhill to visit Nechung Monastery-which had a historical role as the State Oracle until 1959. No Dalai Lama's would take any important decision without consulting the Nechung Oracle.

After visiting Nechung Oracle, we walk back to the car park and drive to the old town of Barkhor. We visit Jorkhang Temple-built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to house the image of Akshobhya Buddha brought as a part of dowry by wife Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal! Jorkhang Temple is the most revered of all religious shrines in Tibet. Thick with the smell of butter lamps and burning incense, the murmur of sacred Tibetan mantras, prostrating Tibetan devotees, visiting Jorkhang is indeed an unrivalled Tibetan experience. We visit the various chapels of the temple and later, we take leisurely walking tour of the old town. The Tibetan old town is the refuge for the soul of Lhasa, unaffected by the Chinese influence. The walk takes us in the craft workshops, back-street chapels and pilgrimage path with the Tibetan devotees spinning prayer wheels or counting beads with the murmur of sacred mantras. The complete circuit can take up to 3 hours but you can cut short and return to the Barkhor Square from anywhere.

Accommodation in Kyichu or similar hotel (3*)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Lingkhor Walking Tour, Potala Palace and Sera Monastery.

We need to start a bit early to see the morning activities. We transfer by car to Dickey Lam (Deji Zhonglu in Chinese) and join the hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims heading to the Potala. The trail takes us through the rock carvings, a chorten built entirely of the carved money stones.Take chance to watch the Tibetans rubbing their backs, shoulders and hips against a series of polished holy stones at the intersection of Beijing Road and Dickey Lam. We continue east to the Golden Yak Statue and time permitting, we climb the view point just above the white chorten for photography opportunity. By now, it must be time for us to enter the Potala Palace-Lhasa's cardinal landmark.

Situated atop Marpo Ri, 130m high hill, with a commanding view of all Lhasa, Potala Palace is one of the great wonders of world architecture. The palace was the power center of Tibet until Dalai Lama's departure to India in 1959. The complex has two palaces-White Palace and the main Red Palace. The White Palace houses the throne rooms of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas, a reception hall, meditation room and the bedroom of Dalai Lamas. The Red Palace has various chapels and the tombs of Dalai Lamas.

Now, we head to Sera Monastery which lies about 3 miles north of central Lhasa. Sera Monastery is one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa institutions, second only to Drepung. Founded in the early 15th century by Sakya Yeshe-a disciple of Tsongkhapa, Sera Monastery was once home to more than 5000 monks. The monk population is now limited to 500 or so. As the chapels start closing at 3 p.m., we first explore the various chapels of the monastery and then attend the debating ceremony of the monks which takes place between 3 pm and 5 pm. If you are not interested seeing chapels, you can take hike on the pilgrimage path of the monastery which takes less than an hour. Before leaving the monastery, we take chance to have a look at the printing blocks in the new hall.

Dickey Orphanage Visit (Optional): In between the sightseeing or in the evening, request your Guide to take you to Dickey Orphanage that provides shelter ,food and education to more than 73 orphans and abandoned children from all over Tibet.!Meet the children and their mother Dickey! Plan to bring toys or some gift donations.

Tenzin Blind Massage Center (Optional): A private enterprise set up by a student of Braille Without Borders organization. You can chose between Chinese or Tibetan style massage given by the blinds.

Accommodation in Kyichu or Gyangyen or Thangka Hotel (3*)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Excursion to Drak Yerpa Hermitage and Ganden Monastery.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the rural areas of Lhasa. Today, we visit Drak Yerpa Hermitage which lies about 18 miles north east of Lhasa. With more than 80 mediation caves Drak Yerpa Hermitage is one of the most revered cave retreats in central Tibet. Many Buddhist teachers including Guru Rinpoche and King Sangtsen Gampo also mediated here. The site is very peaceful, offers stunning views and provides the experience of rural Tibet, away from the crowds of Lhasa.

From Drak Yerpa, we head further east through the rural areas to Ganden Monastery-the principal seat of the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism-to which Dalai Lama belongs to. Ganden is also among the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries of Tibet and commands the highest position among the six major Gelugpa monasteries. If you are keen on hiking, you can join the devout Tibetans and take 1-2 hour hike on the pilgrimage path around the monastery.

Late afternoon, we retrace drive to Lhasa.

Overnight Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Flight to Beijing or next destination.

Transfer to the airport for flight to next destination.You can fly back to Chengdu or Beijing or major Chinese cities. If you are not traveling to China and just needs to get back home, then probably you want to fly to Beijing and stay one night there and then connect with your international flight back home.