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

Druk Air KB 131 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.

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.

Migmar Hotel or River View 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.

Migmar Hotel or River View or Peaceful Resort

Meals: Breakfast, 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.

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 Dalayna. 

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. For the return trip, we will take a different way and descend to 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.

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.

Khangkhu Resort or Tashi Namgay or Dhey Kyed Resort
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.

Khangkhu Resort or Tashi Namgay or Dhey Keyed Resort (3*)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 06 Flight from Paro to Kathmandu

Druk Air KB 400 departs Paro at 1110 am and arrives at Kathmandu at 1215 pm.

This is a 50 minutes long scenic flight offering 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.

We check in our hotel and soon rush to explore the wonders of Kathmandu Valley. 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. 

Yak N Yeti Hotel (5*)
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 Boudhnath 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.

Yak N Yeti Hotel (5*)

Meals: Breakfast

Day 08 Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel

Today, we check out hotel as will be heading out to the hill resort of Dhulikhel-18 miles away from Kathmandu. On the way, we will stop at Bhaktapur to visit its Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is the smallest of the three medieval principalities of Kathmandu Valley but the best preserved one. From Bhaktapur, we continue east on the road winding through the paddy fields and villages. Dhulikhel Lies at an altitude of 6,000 ft and offers spectacular views of snow capped mountains on a clear weather day. We check in hotel and later stroll in the Newari Village.

Dhulikhel Mountain Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 09 Drive from Dhulikhel to Chitwan National Park

(118 miles, 5-6 hrs).

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. After breakfast, we check out hotel and retrace drive to Kathmandu and continue on to Chitwan National Park-Asia’s one of the most famous game park.

Rafting enthusiasts, with prior arrangement can experience 2-3 hours rafting trip down Trishuli River on the way to Chitwan. (Grade 3+, no previous experience but the spirit of adventures required, US$ 60 per person). We can also take 15 minutes cable car trip ($ 15 per ticket) to the temple of Manakamana-famous for fulfilling the wishes of her visitors.

If we do not take rafting trip, we will arrive at our jungle resort for the lunch.After lunch, we will take a leisurely walk through Tharu Village. Tharus are the aboriginal inhabitants of Chitwan and their lifestyle remains unchanged over hundreds of years. In the evening, we will enjoy Tharu Folk Dance shows at our resort.

Rhino Residency Resort or similar A class property.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 Jungle Safari Rides at Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park covers an area of 932 square km and is located in the subtropical low lands of Nepal and provides habitat to about 100 Royal Bengal Tiger, 500 Great Asian Rhinoceros, Leopards, sloth bears, 4 species of deer, two species of crocodiles,and more than 600 different species of residential and migratory birds.

Today, we embark on various jungle safari rides that include dugout canoe trip on Rapti River, jungle trek (optional) and elephant back safari. The most commonly sighted animals are Rhinoceros, monkeys, deer and wild boars. We will also have opportunity to visit the elephant breeding farm where we will have opportunity to see the cute elephant babies and also learn how elephants are trained and tamed.

Rhino Residency Resort or similar A class property.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 Drive from Chitwan National Park to Pokhara

100 miles, 4 hrs

If you are an early riser and enthusiastic about birds, we can take one hour long guided bird watching tour in the forest nearby our resort. We will be able to spot more than 25 different species of birds in the span of one hour. After breakfast, we check out hotel and find ourselves on the road to Pokhara-the capital of nature of Nepal. 

We arrive at Pokhara in the afternoon; check in hotel and soon rush out to explore the wonders of the valleys. We take boating trip and visit the island temple of Barahi-most popular of the temples of Pokhara. Other attractions of Pokhara include the mysterious Gupteshwara Mahadev Cave, the thrilling Davis Fall and the neighboring Tibetan Village and the hair raising Seti River Gorge. We can also visit the mountaineering and ethnic museums of Pokhara.

Fish Tail Lodge

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 Pokhara sightseeing and flight back to Kathmadnu

Early morning, we take 30 minutes drive to Sarangkot for mountain and panorama views. On a clear weather day, we will enjoy great views of the western range of the Himalayas! With prior arrangement and of course on additional payment, you can enjoy paragliding tandem flights or micro ultra light flights that offer stupendous views of the snow capped mountains and the valleys and the lakes.

From Sarangkot, we will drive back to Pokhara, en route stop to visit the famous Bindhebasini Temple-the center of religious activities at Pokhara and the old bazaar. In the afternoon, we take flight back to Kathmandu. It’s a 35 minutes scenic flight offering views of the Himalayas at your left.

Yak N Yeti Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Flight from Kathmandu 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).

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.

Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Potala Palace, Norbulingkha Palace and Sera Monastery

We begin the day from Potala Palace- the first and foremost residence of the Dalai Lama and served as the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training for monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas. From Potala, we will head to Norbulingkha Palaces-the summer residence of Dalai Lamas. We will visit the palace of the current Dalai Lama-the 14th. We will have access to his private chamber of Dalai Lama and see his belongings, such as radios, type writer, etc.

In the afternoon, we visit the Sera Monastery- located in the southern slope of the Serawoze Mountain in the northern suburb of Lhasa. Sera is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of the Tibetan Buddhism and one of the three major monasteries of Lhasa. If you are keen on hiking, we can take 1 ½ -2 hrs long hike on the pilgrimage path of the monastery-known as kora.

In the afternoon, we will take opportunity to witness the debating ceremony of the monks. Depending on available time and interest, we might also visit the Tibetan school and orphanages.

Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 Drepung Monastery, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street

After breakfast, we drive to Drepung Monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa which was once Tibet's largest and most influential monastery, with over 10,000 monks. Today, Drepung houses about 700 monks and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world. It was the home of the Dalai Lamas and the power center of Tibet before the construction of Potala Palace. 

From here, we descend and drive back to the city and visit the ancient Jorkhang Temple in the Barkhor. Jorkhang temple is the holiest shrine in Tibet that attracts crowds of prostrating Tibetan pilgrims and curious foreign tourists every year. Later, we will stroll on the pilgrimage path of Barkhor Street that goes around the temple. 

Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*

Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok-tso Lake

160 miles, 5-6 hrs

Today, we drive to Gyantse town which still maintains Tibetan characteristics. As we leave Lhasa behind, the road climbs the pass of Kamba La (15,700 ft) that offers spectacular views of the holy Yamdrok-tso Lake several hundred feet below the road, vast Tibetan landscape and stupendous views of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas. The road drops and follows the shores of Yamdrok-tso for more than 40 miles and it’s the most scenic drive of this journey. We cross another pass Karo La (16,500ft) and descend to Gyanse. We check in hotel and take rest for the day.

Gyantse Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse

57miles, 2 ½ hrs

After breakfast, we will visit the Pelkor Chode and Kumbum Monastery-the main highlights of Gyantse City. Kumbum Stupa is the landmark of Gyantse and can be spotted from far away. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you may also attempt hiking the historical fortress of Gyantse. View from the fortress over to the city is just superb.

From Gyantse, its less than 2 hrs drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. About 13 miles (20 km) before Shigatse, we take 2.5 mile (4 km)side trip of Shalu Monastery-the first of the major monasteries to be built by noble families of the Tsang Dynasty during Tibet's great revival of Buddhism, and was an important center of the Sakya tradition.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, we check in hotel and later we visit the Tashilunbo Monastery-one of the 6 major Gelugpa monasteries of Tibet. Time permitting, we will also visiting the flea market of Shigatse, a good bargain place for Tibetan arts and crafts.

Shigatse Manasarovara or similar 3*

Meals: Breakfast

Day 18 Drive back to Lhasa via the northern route.

160 miles, 5 hrs

After breakfast, we return drive to Lhasa. We take the Shigatse-Lhasa direct route that follows the course of Yarlungdzangbo River.We arrive at Lhasa in the afternoon. We will have time to explore the Barkhor area. Accommodation in Kyichu or Dekhang Hotel, mid range Tibetan managed property in Barkhor area.

Optional: If you are interested learning more of Tibetan culture, we recommend you Tibetan Opera and folklore dance program. It cost about US$ 15 with dinner

Kyichu Hotel or similar 3*

Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 Flight to Beijing.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing.
Air China departs Lhasa at 4 pm and arrives Beijing at 930 pm via Chengdu.