The flight towards the Himalayan kingdom, Nepal reveals stunning views of the great peaks Mount Dorje Lakpa, Mt Ganesha, Mt Purbi Chhyachu, Mt Langtang, etc., (weather permitting).
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. After customs, immigration procedures and baggage claim, a representative from Sampurna will greet you upon leaving the arrivals terminal, welcoming you and transferring you to your hotel (Check-in: 1400 hours).
The Kathmandu Valley, the capital and heart of the country, essentially symbolizes everything that is Nepal. Having lived through the rule of several dynasties, the culture and society of Kathmandu has evolved over time to give it a more than unique characteristic. Today it is an urban city that has its ancient myths and at the same time is a testimony to the greatness of people who have lived there for centuries, a melting pot of everything that is Nepali.
In the afternoon free for personal activities, you can familiarize yourself by exploring the city center of Kathmandu with the narrow, lively and endless streets filled with shops of Nepalese crafts, jewelry, clothes, ATMs and good restaurants, etc.
(Optional: Early morning you could take an optional Mount Everest flight tour – The Highest Mountain on Earth).
Visit Kathmandu Durbar square (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the most important monuments of the Nepalese capital in the open-air museum filled with the temples, courtyards and palace of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the city. Other impressive sights include a giant statue of Kal Bhairab, the God of Destruction, stunning Shiva-Parvati temples, Taleju, and the Kumari Palace, where the Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her window.
Swoyambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is probably the most sacred ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, ancient carvings, the smell of incense and butter lamps, the mystical atmosphere is heightened by devotees who make a ritual circumambulation of the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base. This famous stupa is surrounded by typical houses of priests, Chaityas and monasteries.
Later on, we will stroll famous to famous Indra Chowk market, Machhendra Bahal, Ason, Naradevi, Shreeghaar, we will have an experience by rikshaw ride to Thamel neighborhood). After arriving in Thamel, we have free time to explore around the famous tourist hub in town (One hour or more). In the afternoon drive back to the Hotel.
Transfer to the airport in the morning at the scheduled time to catch a flight to Bhutan, on arrival you will receive at Paro Airport (7,000ft) and then transfer to Hotel,
In the afternoon, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (monastery/fortress Built in 1645 A.D), On the hill above the Dzong stands an ancient watchtower called Ta Dzong which since 1967, has been the National Museum of Bhutan, a fascinating place housed in an old museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armor to textiles and Thangka paintings.
Bhutan's largest eastern town, Trashigang, is 551km away from Thimphu and serves as a market for semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng. A full day excursion to Trashigyantse includes visiting Trashigang Dzong, built in 1659 at the confluence of Gamri Chhu and Dangme Chhu rivers. The Dzong houses a monastic community and central administration for Trashigang district, offering a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Gom Kora, a famous temple located 24 km from Trashigang town, is a popular destination where Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon. The road then leads to Doksum village, where women weave traditional Bhutanese fabric. Trashigyantse, once an important center due to its location on a caravan route, is now a rapidly growing town and administrative center for the district. The area is known for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive souvenirs. Trashigyantse Dzong, built in the late 1990s, overlooks the town and overlooks the town.
Chorten Kora, a 1740-built white stupa, is located on the riverbank below the town and is similar to the Boudhanath stupa in Nepal. It hosts an interesting celebration called 'Kora' during the second lunar month, featuring painted eyes at the four cardinal points.
After breakfast, travelers drive through the Chir Pine Forests to Rangjung Woesel Monastery, founded by H.E. Garab Rinpoche. Rangjung is located in the deep Chir Pine valley and is humid and hot during summer. Five km ahead, they visit Radhi village, known for its rice fields and skilled weavers. Radhi is known as the 'Rice Bowl of the East' and produces high-quality raw silk textiles. Later, they visit Mongar, the second largest town in the sub-tropical east, situated on a hillside. They visit Mongar Dzong, a newest Dzong in the country, which features an original Utse and four Lhakhang. Dzong showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Afterward, they spend time in Mongar town to explore its colorful market.
Mongar, the second largest town in the sub-tropical east, is situated on a hill, unlike other Western Bhutanese towns. Visit Mongar Dzong, a modern Dzong established in 1930, featuring an older central tower and four Lhakhang. Dzong showcases traditional Bhutanese architecture. Spend time in Mongar town to explore its colorful market and explore its charming atmosphere.
The journey to Bumthang, a stunning Himalayan pass, is a thrilling and scenic drive. The journey includes a visit to the Ura valley (3100m), the highest of the four Bumthang valleys. Ura is a picturesque village with about 50 houses along cobblestone streets. Visitors can also visit the Ura Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, which was inaugurated in 1986 and features a huge statue and paintings of his teachings. Over the past few decades, Ura has transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.
The last journey covers 48km and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Choskhor valley of Bumthang, the city's core.
After breakfast, visit Jambay Lhakhang, an ancient temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. The temple's architectural appearance dates back to the early 20th century. Next, drive for less than 10 minutes to Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three temples: one built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century, the second built on a cave containing a rock with Guru's body imprint, and the third built by Queen Mother Ashi Kesang in the 1990s.
Jakar Dzong, founded by the first Zhabdrung great grandfather, serves as the administrative center for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body. Post lunch, explore textile weaving at Dorji Weaving Centre, which houses about a dozen looms. Visit the Bumthang Brewery, a state-of-the-art microbrewery, where you can learn about Swiss-style unfiltered Weiss beer brewing and sample the end product at Panda Beer Garden Café.
In the evening, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery features ancient religious paintings, including 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras. Restored in the late 19th century, the temple is located across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang.
The journey from Bumthang to Trongsa is a 68km drive, crossing the 3,400m Yutong pass. Trongsa, the central hub of Bhutan, is situated on steep slopes above a river gorge and was the site of attempts at unification. Visitors can visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower built by Choegyel Minjur Tempa in 1652. Today, it's a state-of-the-art museum with Austria's technical and financial support. This visit offers insight into Trongsa's significance in Bhutan's history.
Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648, is Bhutan's largest fortress and the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Its strategic position as the only connecting route between east and west made it a vanguard of warriors. All Bhutanese Kings served as Trongsa Penlop before ascending the Raven Crown throne. The Dzong remains one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Drive to Gangtey across Pele-la pass (3,300m), marking the traditional boundary between east and west. Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa built in the 18th century by Lama Shida, with painted eyes at four cardinal points.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey (Phobjikha valley). (Altitude 3,000m)
Gangtey Gompa, located on a small hill, is the largest Nyingma-pa monastery in Bhutan and the only one on the western side of the Black Mountain's. It houses Gangtey Tulku, a respected reincarnate lama, and includes a school, meditation facilities, and residential quarters for monks. The village surrounding the monastery is mainly inhabited by the 140 Gomchen families.
The journey begins with a spiritual immersion before exploring the Phobjikha valley, a U-shaped valley surrounded by glacial mountains. This conservation area is home to the endangered black-necked crane, who migrate from the arid plains to a milder climate. At 3,000m, it falls under Wanduephodrang district and is on the periphery of Black Mountain National Park. The valley is home to two beautiful rivers, Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu. The Black Necked Crane Information Centre, located on the valley's main road, offers an observation room with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for a bird's-eye view of the cranes. After lunch, the journey continues to Punakha via Wangdue, a newly developed city center.
Post breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, also known as 'The Palace of Great Bliss', built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan. The Dzong played a significant role in Bhutan's history, hosting the inauguration of the first King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, in 1907. Despite being damaged by fires, earthquakes, and floods, the Dzong has been fully restored by the fourth King. Dzongchung, built in 1328 by saint Ngagi Rinchen, is also nearby.
Chimi Lhakhang, a temple in Punakha valley, was built in 1499 by 14th Drukpa hierarch Ngawang Choegyel. The site was blessed by saint Drukpa Kunley, known as 'Divine Madman', who used humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. The temple is located about 10 km from Punakha town, near Sopsokha village. A 20-minute walk leads to the temple site, where prayer flags line the road from the village hamlet Yowakha to the monastery. The village houses are decorated with phallus paintings, and lama Kunley called the hillock the breast of a woman due to its round shape.
After breakfast, visit the world's largest sitting bronze Buddha Dordena in Kuensel Phodrang, Bhutan. The 145-acre park, gifted by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, conserves 798.4 acres of forest area. Consecrated on 24th September 2015, it commemorates the 60th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and is a symbol of great veneration for sentient beings.
Visit the Textile Museum, established in 2001 under royal patronage, which showcases weaving techniques, local dress styles, and textiles made by women and men. The Arts & Crafts School, also known as the Institute for Zorig Chusum, offers a six-year course on 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, allowing students to learn various skills.
The Centenary Farmers Market, located below the main town, is a vibrant spot for locals to mingle and sell farm products, handicrafts, and artifacts. Visitors can also visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple in Thimphu, which features a central Chenrezig statue with 11 heads and offers a stunning view of the Thimphu valley.
The day's sightseeing includes a visit to Tashichodzong, the government seat since 1952, located near Thimphu town. The impressive structure houses the throne room, Secretariat, and Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance. The evening is free to explore the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts Bazaar, showcasing Bhutan's fine traditional arts like hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, and jewelry.
Drive an hour to Paro, transfer to Taktsang Monastery base point, later we hike to Taktsang Palphug Monastery (known as Tiger's Nest), a prominent most sacred site located on the Cliffside of the upper Paro valley. Built in 1692, the Taktsang cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours in the 8th century. Padma Sambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the tutelary deity of the country that most people visit in their lifetime.
Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can view the sacred Mount Chomolhari, the Mountain of Goddess.
Walk to the traditional wooden bridge and visit Kyichhu Lhakhang / Jowo Temple of Kyichhu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is considered to be one of the four (4) border taming temples he built. Ever since then the annual rites of great accomplishment for the deities Vajrasattva, Palchen Heruka, and Vajrakilaya have been held in this temple for the well-being of the country under the patronage of Kesang Choden Wangchuck.
Later we will cross the traditional wooden bridge and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (monastery/fortress Built-in 1645 A.D), On the hill above the Dzong stands an ancient watchtower called Ta Dzong which since 1967, has been the National Museum of Bhutan, a fascinating place housed in an old museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armor to textiles and Thangka paintings.
Transfer to the airport in the morning at the scheduled time to catch a flight to Kathmandu, on arrival you will be greeted and welcome by Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your Hotel, Rest of the day for personal activities, you can explore the narrow lively and endless streets of Thamel where you will find all kinds of good restaurants, full of typical Nepali handicraft, fine jewelry and clothing and trekking gear store.
Leisurely breakfast, in the morning free for personal activities, later at the arranged time transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight. We wish you have a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future.
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