This popular Bhutan cultural tour provides an in-depth view into the ancient way of life and rich culture that still thrives in Bhutan today through the western valleys of Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. It is a well paced tour, designed to provide the opportunity to really savour the unique highlights of Bhutan’s western districts which offer diverse mountainous landscapes, a rich Buddhist heritage including monasteries, temples and chortens, historical fortresses and an extremely hospitable people. You will discover the vibrant history of Bhutan visiting the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley. In Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, you will visit the The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures before crossing the 3050m Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, numerous prayer flags and spectacular Himalayan views into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.

Highlights of the spirit of Bhutan tour

The ‘Spirit of Bhutan’ cultural tour explores all of the highlights of Bhutan’s western valleys at a relaxed pace allowing time to really gain the most out of this unique Kingdom. It provies the perfect overview of Bhutan’s rich culture and spectacular scenery.

• Experience Bhutan’s unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.
• Spend time Marveling at the ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

Spirit of Bhutan detailed itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA
DAY 05: PUNAKHA – HAA
DAY 06: HAA – PARO
DAY 07: PARO
DAY 08: DEPART PARO

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.

After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country.

Afterwards drive back into the Punkha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU – HAA
Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies.

Afterwards drive to Haa via Chelela Pass where you will enjoy an panoramic views of the Paro and Haa Valleys as well as Mt Jumolhari and the the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. From Chelela drive down through a deep pine forest and into the narrow valley of Haa. Overnight at hotel in Haa.

DAY 06: HAA – PARO
The extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to Tourists. Haa is a picturesque fertile valley ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Visit  Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (white temple and black temple) that was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. Enjoy strolling around the small and beautiful township of Haa with the option of exploring the valley by bicycle through villages along farmroad (additional US $ 30 bike hire charge applies). In the late afternoon transfer to Paro for overnight.

DAY 07: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.

DAY 08: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.

Tashi Delek!

Whether you are in the sourthern jungles of Nepal, the cultural valleys or high in the mountains, taking a village tour will show you what traditional life in Nepal today is like. It is a fascinating opportunity to discover Nepal through local people themselves.

Village tour gives one the exceptional occasion to enjoy authentic Nepal experience. Inspiring as well as educating, village tour is an opportunity to understand roots of the culture, customs, practices, and lifestyle of Nepali people.

More than 75 percent of Nepal’s population is dependent upon agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, and fishing, which makes sense that the majority of the Nepal’s population live in villages.

Guests may learn many things from the people of the village; about the time and season of cultivation and collection, comprising indigenous skills to make the most use of natural resources, how to become nature-friendly, and most of all how to find joy within the simple means of rural life.

Community homestays are available in certain trekking regions to facilitate visitors to enjoy village life. In addition to giving the visitor a peek into the rural Nepal life, some of these also include cultural programs, indigenous songs and dances performed by local youth, something visitors always look forward to.

Treasures of Nepal–10 Days

Treasures of Nepal is specially designed for those who want to explore all the major highlights of Nepal as this tour gives you a taste of all that Nepal has to offer. Discover Nepal Tour -12 days tour is graded as easy and suitable for all categories of travelers.

Nestled amongst the peaks of the great Himalayan Mountains, Nepal is a country blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and colorful history. In Discover Nepal tour, you will be staying in comfortable and character-full hotels & lodges, without any strenuous activities. This tour lets you discover ancient city streets and architecture, enjoy stunning mountain views, walk through tiny rural villages, verdant farmland and forests filled with wildlife, and see some of Nepal’s most famous UNESCO World Heritages Sites including Lumbini (the birth-place of Lord Buddha).

Treasures of Nepal begins with your tour in Kathmandu, a city like no other in the world. During your first day of tour, we include an introductory walking tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square through a local spice market and a drive to enjoy the views from the hilltop Swayambunath Stupa and visit to city of Fine Arts – Patan Durbar Square. All these places are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will visit most of the amazing places of Nepal including Chitwan, Pokhara, Lumbini and Dhulikhel

Trip Highlights

Guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage Site within Kathmandu Valley
Explore the beauty of Pokhara enhances by its lovely lakes, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas
Visit Lumbini, the birth-place of Lord Buddha.
Chitwan National Park- one of Asia’s most famous national parks
Dhulikhel- famous for the stunning mountains view
Taste of Nepali cuisine with a local cultural show at Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative/guide. Please look for signage with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. Group will be escorted by our representative/guide to the hotel
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Kathmandu is the bustling capital of Nepal and the country’s largest city. Away from the modern parts of the city is an intricate maze of narrow streets, great for exploring and observing the traditional culture and Nepalese way of life with hidden temples, local markets and old workshops. Actually formed of three ancient cities, Kathmandu has always been a melting pot for the different ethnic groups of Nepal, and therefore boasts an unbelievably rich cultural heritage that has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Age. Upon arrival, guest will be provided welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) with room keys

In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine Nepali local meal. Overnight at the hotel
Day 02 Full day tour in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is one of the most dreamt about cities and also one of the oldest cities in the world. With more temples than homes and the narrow winding streets in the medieval centre Kathmandu offers something new to discover behind every corner.

This morning we have arranged a walking tour visiting the bazaar and the Durbar Square area, the centre of old Kathmandu. Much of the day to day life of Kathmandu takes place in the bazaar: a fascinating mixture of people selling fruit, vegetables and spices; potters spinning their wheels to produce small household bowls and containers for temple offerings; devotees visiting their favourite gods at temples and small shrines dotted along the sides of alleyways; rickshaw wallahs honking their horns and the ever present sacred cow wandering amongst it all.

Next you will drive to Patan, a beautiful city in its own right which rivalled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares and is now better preserved, less polluted and less crowded. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbour to the south.

Patan boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia’s greatest mythological war, are carved on the temple’s walls.

Returning back to hotel, we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple) The world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot. Overnight at the hotel

Day 03 Kathmandu /Chitwan drive
After breakfast, an enjoyable and scenic approx 5-6 hours drive by private vehicle on the Prithvi highway connecting Chitwan with Kathmandu follows the Trishuli River which takes us through the Tharu Villages of Chitwan. The ethnic tribe of the Tharu’s is the local inhabitants of Chitwan and is agriculturists by profession. The drive finally brings you to the lodge.

Upon arrival at lodge, you will be met and briefed by the Guest Relation officer regarding the park and the programs available.

Chitwan National Park is the home of the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, Gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodile, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles. Later in the afternoon, the guests will be taken for elephant safari or nature walks depending on the time of arrival at the resort.

In the evening before dinner, the slide presentation about the flora and fauna of Chitwan national park will be organized by our well trained senior naturalists. This will be time when the guests can gather more information about the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Day 04 In Chitwan
Early morning guests will be mounted on elephant back and taken for a jungle safari for 2‐3 hours penetrating through dense grasslands to view wildlife in their natural habitat. This grass commonly known as elephant grass is dense and grows to a height of 18‐20 ft. It is the favorite habitat for rhinoceros and other mammals.

After breakfast, you are taken to our elephant stables where a senior naturalist briefs about the interesting and unbelievable habits of elephant. Here one may witness the rare scene of the elephants at bath. Lunch at the lodge

In the afternoon you may choose to relax around the resort or take a drive through the jungles for a canoe ride down the Rapti River. The river ride provides opportunity of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as the mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds. OR, You may also feel like going for a nature walk or birding with one of our naturalists to know more about the flora of the Chitwan National Park. Those on canoe ride are taken back to the resort four wheel drive jeep from the end‐point. Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Day 05 Chitwan/Lumbini drive
Breakfast at the lodge
Leave Chitwan for Lumbini (approx 3 hrs drive)

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence. The broken Ashoka pillar remnant of an old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc, are preserved in Lumbini.

Arrive Lumbini and check in at the hotel
This afternoon, we start our day with site seeing tour of Lumbini including various sacred places accompanied a local guide by rickshaw. We will have the opportunity to visit the birth place of the Buddha Peace lamp and the monastery of peace pagoda. Overnight at the hotel

Day 06 Lumbini / Pokhara drive
After breakfast, we drive (approx 6-7 hrs drive) the small town of Pokhara in central Nepal. Inhale the clean air, taking time to fully comprehend the staggering beauty of an area surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains.

This afternoon, we take a boat ride across Lake Phewa for unbeatable views of the Annapurna mountain range. Watch reflections of their dazzling white peaks sparkle in the mirror-like water, and listen to the soothing sound of silence. This is probably one of the finest mountain panoramas in the world. Overnight at the hotel

Day 07 In pokhara
It is well worth getting up early to see sunrise on the mountains; the moment when the first flush of pink colours the peaks is stunning.

After breakfast, we’ll visit Devi’s Fall, Gupteshowar Cave and Bindhyabasini temple. Later, we will visit the Mountain Museum housing expedition memorabilia and information on ethnic groups, flora and fauna. We’ll also visit Tashiling, a long established settlement of Tibetan refugees. We spend some time here watching wool being sorted, dyed and eventually made into Tibetan carpets which are exported all over the world and then visit the village’s Buddhist monastery.

Afternoon, you will be taken to Phewa Lake for boat ride (approx 1 hr) including visit of Barahi Temple Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the country, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. The Barahi Temple is the most important monument in Pokhara; built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force Shakti.

Free time or walking around lakeside market
Lakeside-The eastern shore of Phewa Lake, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located. Overnight at the hotel

Day 08 Pokhara / Kathmandu drive

An early morning, you will drive to Sarangkot for sunrise view over the western Himalayas (weather permitting) Sarangkot is the highest point on the Pokhara valley rim. It is located an altitude of 1592 m above sea level. This place provides the best view of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and beyond to the main spine of the Annapurna ranges (Annapurna South 7195, Annapurna I 7647, Machhapuchhre 6997, Annapurna III 7555, Annapurna II 7937, Annapurna IV 7525, Lamjung Himal 6986.).

Drive back to the hotel for breakfast
Leave Pokhara for Kathmandu (Approx 6 hrs driving) Arrive Kathmandu, recheck in at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel

Day 09 Dhulikhel/Kathmandu drive
Breakfast at the hotel
Then, you will drive to Arrive Dhulikhel, one the way visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur is perfectly preserved Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Also know as Bhadgaun or the City of the Devotees, Bhaktapur evokes the feel of a medieval village, a snapshot of a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India. The ancient centre of the town is a dazzling collection of temples, palaces that has earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

After you will drive to Dhulikhel, a small town situated 30km east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway, the road leading to the Tibetan border, at an altitude of 1,676m/5,500ft.

Arrive Dhulikhel and Lunch at Dhulikhel Mountain Resort
Dhulikhel is situated only 30 Km East of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal on the Araniko Highway in the lap of Greenwood and at an elevation of 1,676m/5,500ft above the mean sea level and along the ridge that separates the valley of Banepa and Panchkhal. It looks as if Dhulikhel is busy in conversation with the Himalayan range on the north with a beautiful smile. This might be the reason why many people call this place as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, and say that this place shares many features with Darjeeling a tourist city in India. From Dhulikhel one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayas from east to west. Your day at Dhulikhel may begin through witnessing the spectacular sunrise over the some of the greatest peaks of the world, including Gauri Shanker, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal.
Drive back to Kathmandu (approx 1 hr 45 minutes drive) Overnight at the hotel

Day 10 Depart Nepal 
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and we expect that you plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, our representative will transfer you to the airport.