The document provides an itinerary for a 13-day trip to Nepal and Bhutan. Some key stops include Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu in Bhutan, and the Bumthang Valley. Activities include visiting numerous historic sites, monasteries, and dzongs (fortress-monasteries). The trip highlights the diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of both countries through guided sightseeing and opportunities to interact with local people.

1. G r e a t J o u r n e y s
“ Mystical nights ablaze with chants,
Beside monasteries on divine hills,
Meandering rivers fed by holy peaks,
Contagious laughter sparked by bliss,
Joy is achieved in nature; beyond all sins,
Because here, where the world ends, heaven begins.
” ”
www.himalayandreamz.com

2. Magical Bhutan, through the lense
Bhutan is perhaps one of the most photogenic places in the world.
The landscape, nature, culture, architecture and the people make
it a photographer’s paradise.
The variety of images that are available almost make one believe
that this small, Asian kingdom was designed as a training ground
for photographers. In addition, the consistency of Bhutanese
architecture and design, varied only by the imagination of the
designers, will keep all avid photographers clutching their cameras
in anticipation of that one memorable shot. Explore how their life
flourished over centuries and how their heritage has remained
deeply rooted even after the waves of technological development
and globalization have swept over.
Explore Bhutan and discover that this heaven on earth does not
only belong to its gentle people; it belongs to the birds, the bees,
the flowers, nature and to the Gods.
www.himalayandreamz.com

3. DAY 01 ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Arrive Katmandu, assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel DWARIKA’S. Experience our unique hospitality at the airport. Traditional
Tika welcome with welcome drink at Hotel Garden and key distribution. Briefing about the Program.
Evening: – A cultural evening with folk music and ethnic dancing with a fine Nepalese cuisine at Bhojan Griya, welcome with RAKSHI, local
Nepali wine at the courtyard illuminated with butter lamps. Overnight at DWARIKA’S HOTEL.
DWARIKA’S HOTEL. - Dwarika's Hotel (a Award winning hotel) is a unique place in Southern Asia. It is a modern example that tourism need
not destroy heritage and the environment. On the contrary, it has demonstrated that a proper blending of cultural restoration and tourism
leads to the preservation of historical artifacts and contributes to the growth of skills and culture that would otherwise have been lost
in today’s commercialism. This unique blending of past and present has shown that heritage can be preserved and used even in today’s
hectic pace. In fact, it could be the model that demonstrates what must be done to preserve the culture of the Kathmandu Valley - a
stepping stone towards the larger, more gigantic task of restoring the uniqueness and beauty of the Kathmandu Valley, which is currently
experiencing severe environmental stress by uncontrolled modernization.(website: www. http://www.dwarikas.com)
Day 02: KATHMANDU TO PARO
Drive to Kathmandu Airport for the flight to Paro. Druk Air – Bhutan’s national carrier). During 1 and half hour dramatic flight to small
township of Paro, you will capture panoramic view of Great Himalaya in the north including Everest, Kanchanjungza and southern plains.
As we slowly move Nepal and soon after we see Chomolhari and Jichudrake in Bhutan. After exciting approach through Bhutanese foothills
we land at the tiny airstrip in the beautiful Paro Valley [we recommend you to take left hand side seat of the plane for the most spectacular
views]. In Paro you will meet your Bhutanese Guide and transfer to the Hotel. After briefing about your program, wonder around and have
a peek at the Queen Mother’s Winter Palace, walk up to look at the Dzong.

4. DAY 03 THIMPU
The morning will be leisure time in Paro. We will then take the road to Thimphu. We will occasionally
stop for beautiful sights on the way. When you reach Thimphu, you will perhaps realize that the
city is not what most people think it to be like. This is simply because it is different from the other
cities. It is perhaps the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. In fact there were
no cars in Thimphu till 1962. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimpu.
Day 04: Thimphu
In the morning we will go to the National Library. There is an excellent collection of Buddhist
manuscripts here. The Folk and Heritage museum is the one place where you can see the culture
and lifestyle of the Bhutanese in the past. We will also visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory
and honor of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, father of the present king. A lot of foreigners are dazed
with the sculptures and Buddhist paintings that they see in Bhutan. In order to see how it is done,
we will go to the Painting school where you can see students painting Thankas and sculpting and
carving wood. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimpu.
Day 05: Trongsa
Today we will move towards Trongsa. The trail will take us first to Dochu la pass situated at a height
of 3100 m. There are beautiful and clear views of the mountain peaks of Bhutan. We can stop here
for a while and look at the mountains over a cup of tea. On the way we will also visit the Druk
Wangyel Chorten. This Chorten is an amalgamation of 108 stupas which envelopes the hill on the
pass. We will continue our journey until we reach Wangdi Phodrang. We will stop at Wangdi
Phodrang for a while and visit some beautiful places there. We will continue on our way until we
reach Trongsa situated at a height of 2,300 m. Overnight at the Hotel in Trongsa.
Day 06: Bumthang Valley
We will visit the Trongsa Dzong in the morning. The Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648 is the
District Administration Office. In the ancient times this was the home of the ruling class. This Dzong
is a colossal structure and sits atop a supposedly strategic position as it lies on the top of a hill.
The Trongsa Dzong also witnesses the annual Trongsa festival. We will then move towards Bumthang.

5. The journey takes about two and a half hours and is one of the most
picturesque drives in Bhutan. Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 07: Bumthang Valley
Today we will be checking out beautiful places in Bumthang. In the
morning we will visit the beautiful Jakar Dzong. In the 7th century
108 temples are supposed to have been built by King Songtsen
Gampo. One of the 108 temples is the Jambay Lhakhang monastery
which we are going to visit. We will then take a 30 minute hike uphill
to reach the Kurjey monastery. This monastery, which is supposed
to have been built in the 1652, is considered the most sacred in
Bhutan. There are actually three temples but main temple was built
by Minjur Tempa and is the oldest among the three. Overnight at the
Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 08: Punakha
We will drive to Punakha today. Punakha once served as the winter
capital of Bhutan until 1958. This tradition is followed even today by
the monk body. The head Abbot and central monks live in Punakha
Dzong during the winters and move to Tashicho Dzong at Thimphu
in the summer. When we reach Punakha you will be transferred to
your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.
Day 09: Punakha - Paro
We will visit the Punakha Dzong in the morning. The Dzong lies
between two rives. The Punakha Dzong, today, works as the District
Administration office. We will then visit the
Khamsum Yule Namgyal Monastery which is perched on the top of
a hill that overlooks the Punakha valley and the river. After lunch, we
will move to Paro. On the way we will stop at the temple of the divine

6. mad monk. It is called Chimi Lhakang. Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the
divine mad monk is one of the most revered saints in Bhutan and Tibet. He lived
and preached in the 15th century and became popular due to his unconventional
way of teaching. He was so unorthodox that his methods being different from
social conventions of that time caused him to be called a mad monk. Today his
temple is a pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Paro
Paro is a valley situated at a height of about 8,500 ft. It is an ideal place for
cultivating rice and the soil and weather is absolutely conducive for growing
strawberries, apples and peaches. Paro has once acted like a strong fortress
against all enemy attacks. The main street in the centre of the town was built in
1985 and lies close to the Paro Chu River. We will visit the Ta Dzong which is a
fortress that protected the town from Tibetan invaders. Today this fortress has
been converted into a museum. We will also visit the Drugyel Dzong which
unfortunately lies in ruins today. It was built to commemorate the victory of the
Bhutanese over the Tibetans in 1644. We will then make a short trek up to
Taktshang monastery. The hike will take us about 1 hour. This place is also known
as the Tiger’s nest. Legend has it that Saint Padma Sambhava, flew on the back
of a tigress from Tibet and rest there for a while. A monastery was built there.
Incidentally the monastery is situated on a cliff and they place inspires nothing
short of awe. In 1998, Taktshang was destroyed by fire but it was later restored.
When we head back to Paro, we will we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one
of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It has fascinating statues and carvings. The
temple was built in the 8th century by King Songtsen Gampo.

7. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 11: PARO -KATHMANDU
You will be transferred to Paro International Airport for
departure.
Explore the incredible historical and religious sites and
experience the unique culture and unforgettable lifestyle of
the mythical Kathmandu, the medieval capital city. The Durbar
Square is one of the amazing historic sites with the cluster
of incredible sacred temples is very impressive. The hilltop
Buddhist monkey temple of SWOYAMBHUNATH Stupa,
PASHUPATINATH, the famed Hindu temple where Hindu
pilgrim perform sacred rituals with thrilling scene of funeral
pyres burning in Ghats and BOUDHNATH Stupa, one of the
biggest Buddhist shrine in the world are unparallel and
spectacular sacred religious sites. Your visit to the amazing
historical and religious places in Patan would be most exciting
and rewarding. The widely known destinations in PATAN are
Durbar Square, Golden Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, and
Krishna Mandir. The evening is free to relax in the fabulous
hotel or you may wish to stroll around the delightful streets
of Thamel for shoppin Overnight at Hotel.

8. Day 12: Explore Bhaktapur.
Drive to Bhaktapur for sweeping sightseeing tour before
we reach Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is known for the
fabulous art, wonderful culture, and unforgettable
lifestyle, Here are some of the most celebrated
architectural masterpieces that made the Newari
craftsmen much sought after The fascinating
destinations of Bhaktapur are Durbar Square, Nyatapola
Temple, Pottery Square, The unique five-tiered pagoda
of Bhaktapur is one of the wonders of the eastern world.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Final Departure.
Leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day on your
own for last minute shopping, catching up with new
acquaintances or bidding farewell to old ones. Transfer
to the airport for your onward flight.
Post Box 25551 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ph +977-1-4442812/4428746/4362706 /
Email: info@himalayandreamz.com
w w w. h i m a l aya n d re a m z . co m