Royal Nepal Tour – Explore Nepal’s Heritage, Luxury & Nature

Upon arriving at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and refreshment.

Your Bhutan journey begins with a visit to Rinpung Dzong, a stunning Buddhist monastery and fortress that now serves as a government administrative office and the district Monastic Body of Paro Dzongkhag. To reach the Dzong, we will walk across a traditional cantilever bridge, taking in the serene views of the Paro Chhu River.

Next, we will explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries, built in the 7th century. Located just 5 km from Paro town, this temple is adorned with prayer wheels and chortens, offering a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.

Our final stop for the day will be Drukgyel Dzong (Victory Fort), built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s triumph over Tibetan invaders. This historic fortress, situated 14 km north of Paro, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Overnight stay in Paro.

This itinerary is designed to provide an immersive cultural experience, blending Bhutan’s rich history, spiritual heritage, and stunning landscapes.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a half-day excursion to the legendary Taktsang Palphug Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120m above sea level and 900m above Paro valley, this sacred monastery offers breathtaking views and a deeply spiritual experience.

The hike to Tiger’s Nest takes approximately 2-3 hours uphill and 1.5 hours downhill. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at a scenic cafeteria, offering stunning views of the monastery. The journey is rewarding, with serene landscapes, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and a peaceful atmosphere.

After descending from the monastery, we will drive to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan. The rest of the evening is free to explore the city’s charming streets, bustling markets, and cultural landmarks.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our picturesque journey to Punakha, a historic town known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The scenic drive winds through narrow mountain roads and lush valleys, offering breathtaking views along the way.

En route, we will stop at the Dochu La Pass (3,100m), one of Bhutan’s most spectacular viewpoints. From here, you can admire the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and explore the famous 108 memorial chortens (stupas) that add to the spiritual charm of this serene location.

Continuing our journey, we will drive downhill through dense forests of fir and rhododendrons, passing picturesque villages and terraced rice fields along the riverbanks, before arriving in Punakha.

In Punakha, we will visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, also known as the "Palace of Great Happiness". This architectural masterpiece, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), is the second-oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan and holds immense historical and religious significance.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a scenic drive back to Paro, passing through Dochula Pass, where you can once again soak in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range.

On our way, we will stop to visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the "Divine Madman." This revered temple is believed to bless couples seeking fertility and is a unique spiritual site that showcases Bhutan’s rich religious traditions and folklore.

Continuing our journey, we will stop in Thimphu for lunch and explore some of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks:

• National Institute of Traditional Medicine – A center dedicated to the preservation of Bhutanese traditional healing practices, where visitors can learn about ancient herbal remedies and holistic treatments.
• Tashichho Dzong – Known as the "Fortress of the Glorious Religion," this majestic structure, originally built in 1641 and later renovated by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s, serves as both a monastic center and government seat. Its grand architecture and serene surroundings make it one of the most impressive landmarks in Bhutan.

After exploring Thimphu, we will continue our drive to Paro, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s cultural and spiritual experiences.

Overnight stay in Paro.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your scenic flight to Kathmandu, Nepal. This trans-Himalayan flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist with your airport formalities and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the vibrant streets of Nepal’s capital city.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich in history, culture, and spiritual significance.

Our first stop is the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Next, we visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a magnificent Buddhist pilgrimage site with a gigantic mandala and countless prayer wheels, creating a peaceful spiritual ambiance.

We then head to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. Our final stop is the Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and the Living Goddess Kumari's residence, showcasing Nepal’s rich architectural heritage.

After an enriching day, we return to the hotel for some leisure time.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After a delicious breakfast, we set off on a 5-hour scenic drive to Chitwan, home to Nepal’s first national park and renowned for its rich wildlife and vibrant Tharu culture.

Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and freshen up before enjoying a traditional Nepali lunch. In the afternoon, we visit a Tharu village, one of Nepal’s indigenous ethnic groups, where we explore their unique lifestyle, traditions, and visit the Tharu Museum to learn about their rich heritage.

As the evening approaches, we head to the riverbank to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Rapti River, creating a picture-perfect moment. The day concludes with an entertaining Tharu cultural performance, showcasing traditional dance and music.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Chitwan.

Start your day with an exciting elephant safari through the dense community forest, offering a thrilling chance to spot wildlife such as rhinos, deer, and exotic birds. After an hour-and-a-half ride, we return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Post breakfast, dive into an unforgettable jungle adventure, beginning with an elephant bathing session—a fun and interactive experience. Next, embark on a serene dugout canoe ride along the Budhi Rapti River, where you can witness mugger crocodiles, gharials, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

Continue with an exhilarating jungle walk, allowing you to explore the rich flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park up close. Later, we visit the Elephant Breeding Center & Elephant Camp, where you can learn about the conservation efforts for these majestic animals.

If time permits, we take a short trip to Bis Hajar Taal (Twenty Thousand Lakes), a pristine wetland area perfect for birdwatching and scenic views.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Chitwan.

Begin your day with an early morning birdwatching tour in the lush forests of Chitwan National Park, home to over 500 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal Florican, hornbills, and kingfishers. After soaking in the beauty of nature, return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive to Pokhara.

Enjoy the picturesque journey through rolling hills, rivers, and charming villages, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks along the way. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the city of lakes, we check into the hotel, freshen up, and relax for a while.

In the evening, explore the lively lakefront with a serene boating experience on Phewa Lake, the second-largest lake in Nepal. Visit Tal Barahi Temple, a sacred Hindu shrine situated on an island in the middle of the lake. Later, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Pokhara, with lakeside cafes, live music, and cultural performances.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

Start your day with an early morning drive to Sarangkot, a famous viewpoint located just 5 km from Lakeside Pokhara (approximately 45 minutes by car). Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain ranges—a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers.

After soaking in the panoramic views, we return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast before embarking on a full-day Pokhara city tour. Explore some of the city’s top attractions, including:

• Davi’s Fall – A spectacular waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel.
• Gupteshwor Cave – A sacred limestone cave with a revered Shiva Lingam.
• Mahendra Cave – A fascinating natural cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Bindhyabasini Temple – A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati.
• Gurkha Museum – Showcasing the history, bravery, and legacy of the Gurkha soldiers.
• Fewa Lake – Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Nepal’s second-largest lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

In the evening, relax at Lakeside, explore the bustling local markets, or enjoy dinner with a scenic view.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a picturesque 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu. The journey offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush valleys, and winding rivers, making for a relaxing and enjoyable ride. We will stop along the way for lunch at a scenic spot before continuing our journey.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check into the hotel and take some time to rest and refresh. In the evening, our team will provide a briefing on the upcoming Tibet tour, handing over all necessary tickets, permits, and travel documents to ensure a hassle-free experience.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, we bid farewell to Nepal as we take a scenic flight to Lhasa, Tibet, situated at an altitude of 3,490 meters (11,450 feet). This trans-Himalayan flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.

Upon landing at Gonggar Airport, our representative will warmly welcome and transfer us to our hotel in Lhasa. Given that Lhasa’s oxygen level is only 68% of sea level, it’s crucial to spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activities will help us adapt smoothly.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day with a guided tour of Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks, offering deep insights into Tibetan culture, spirituality, and history.

• Sera Monastery – One of Tibet’s three great Gelugpa monasteries, located just north of Lhasa. It is famous for its monk debates on Buddhist philosophy, a unique experience for visitors.
• Norbulingka Palace – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful summer palace of the Dalai Lamas is known for its stunning gardens and intricate Tibetan architecture.
• Jokhang Temple – Tibet’s holiest shrine, this UNESCO-listed temple is a the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, attracting pilgrims from across the region.
• Barkhor Street – A lively pilgrim circuit and marketplace surrounding Jokhang Temple, where we can experience traditional Tibetan life, shop for souvenirs, and see locals performing religious rituals.

After a day full of exploration, we return to the hotel to rest.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our day with a visit to two of Lhasa’s most significant landmarks, offering a deeper understanding of Tibetan history, culture, and Buddhism.

• Potala Palace – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, this 17th-century architectural marvel sits at 3,700m on Marpo Ri Hill, overlooking the Lhasa Valley. The palace is known for its stunning murals, golden stupas, ancient scriptures, and breathtaking views of the city.
• Drepung Monastery – Built in the 14th century, this is the largest monastery in Tibet, located on Gambo Utse Mountain. It was once home to over 10,000 monks and remains an important center for Buddhist learning.

After spending the day exploring these historic sites, we return to the hotel to rest.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Lhasa.

Today marks the end of your incredible journey. As per your flight schedule, a company representative will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure.

• If you are returning to Kathmandu, we can assist with further travel arrangements upon request.
• If you are heading to another destination, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

To thank you for choosing Dhyanam India Tours, we will send you off with a special farewell gift as a memory of your trip.

Safe travels, and we hope to see you again!