Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be warmly greeted by the Mountain Travel Nepal staff right at the terminal gate. They'll assist you with a private transportation to your hotel. Once you've settled in, you'll have the rest of the day to leisurely explore.

A great starting point is Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood filled with bustling streets and a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Thamel is a popular destination for tourists, offering a unique slice of Kathmandu's culture and lifestyle. You can stroll around, shop for souvenirs, trekking and climbing equipment, and gears, try local cuisine, yoga classes, singing bowl therapy, meditation for few days, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Museum of Nepali Art (MONA) is also a great place to drop by if you fancy both traditional and contemporary Nepali arts.

We'll start your tour by picking you up from your hotel and taking you to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. This square is known for hosting Buddhist and Hindu rituals, royal events, and coronations. Surrounding the square are fountains, ancient statues, small ponds, and courtyards from 16th to 18th centuries like Mohan Chowk and Sundari Chowk, making it a peaceful and spiritual place.

Next we will visit; Boudhanath which has an impressive Buddhist stupa is considered one of the largest in the world and holds great significance for Buddhists. It's surrounded by many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries representing various sects.

Lastly, we'll head to Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, situated along the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple is particularly revered during the Mahashivaratri festival in early spring, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India to celebrate and worship Lord Shiva. After your meal at a nearby restaurant, we'll provide private transportation back to your hotel.

Today, we will be picking you up from your hotel and taking you to Bhaktapur. This ancient city is located about 12 kilometers outside of Kathmandu but still within the Kathmandu Valley. Once the capital of Nepal in the 15th century, Bhaktapur is now the country's third largest city and is renowned for its rich culture, temples, and handicrafts.

Bhaktapur has preserved its authentic ambiance with its brick-paved roads, charming red brick houses, and a way of life that reflects medieval times. There are pottery squares in Bhaktapur which are very famous for rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork, making clay utensils by using traditional knowledge, skill and technology. You can explore and experience the ceramic utensils making at the pottery square. After exploring, you can enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

Then, we will head towards the Patan Durbar Square, located at the heart of Lalitpur, showcasing exquisite art and architecture meticulously crafted by our ancestors on wood and metal. This vibrant city is renowned for its temples, shrines, statues, monuments, festivals, and traditions, all testaments to the artistic legacy of generations past. After the tour, we'll provide transportation back to your hotel.

When it's time for your international flight to Bhutan, our staff will ensure a smooth transfer from your hotel to the airport.

Upon arrival at Paro, proceed through immigration to have your passport and visa checked. Remember to keep a copy of your visa clearance letter with you. Passport-size photos are no longer required, and your visa fee has already been paid, so you can smoothly complete the entry process at Paro.

After meeting your guide and driver outside the terminal building, enjoy a scenic transfer to Thimphu. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the city to experience the happiest place on earth. Conclude the day at a hotel in Thimphu, preparing for the adventures ahead.

Note: KTM – PARO: 1.25hr flight, Drive from Paro – Thimpu: 2hours – Distance: 55 km

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Thimphu Valley before your afternoon transfer to Punakha. Start with a visit to Trashichhoedzong (Thimphu Dzong), an impressive medieval fortress and monastery that houses most government offices and the King’s Throne room.

Next, visit the National Library, home to a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Continue to the Arts & Crafts School, known for traditional thangka paintings, where you can observe students crafting intricate designs on cloth. Then, head to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums for a glimpse into Bhutanese material culture and traditions. After lunch, visit the Handicrafts Emporium, known for its extensive collection of skillfully hand-woven and crafted items.

In the afternoon, drive to Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m). En route to Punakha, you’ll pass the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, the “Father of Modern Bhutan. You will be staying the night at Punakha’s Hotel.

Note: Drive from Thimphu – Punakha: 3hours – Distance: 75 km

After breakfast, retrace your journey back to Paro (there is also an option for early river rafting at Punakha, if you are interested). After your drive, you can enjoy some leisure time exploring the local market or visiting a farmhouse to experience Bhutanese life. Interestingly at the farmhouse, you can experience a Traditional Mask Dance and Cultural Show or Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath or Archery, Bhutan’s national sport, as well. These can be arranged upon prior request.

If your travel dates coincide with any of Bhutan’s major festivals—such as the Paro Tshechu Festival (April), Punakha Tshechu Festival (March), Bhutan Rhododendron Festival (April), Thimphu Tshechu Festival (October), or the Black-Necked Crane Festival (November)—we can arrange a visit, adding a vibrant festival to your itinerary.

Today’s highlight is a visit to Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritual site, the Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Tiger Lair Monastery. The monastery is named for the legend that Guru Rinpoche arrived there on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves. The trek to the monastery takes approximately five-six hours (round trip), offering a rewarding experience with breathtaking views of the Paro valley. Ponies to the halfway point are available on hire at additional cost. Perched on a cliffside 3,000 meters above the Paro valley, this revered monastery is a must-see and offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the Kingdom's National Museum. Originally built as a watchtower, it has served as the national museum since 1967 and houses a remarkable collection of artwork, antiquities, thangka paintings, and exquisite postage stamps from Bhutan. Afterward, take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong, which boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Today, you'll depart Paro and fly back to Kathmandu. Alternatively, if there’s a direct flight available from Paro to your next destination via Nepal or India, you can opt for that. For those returning to Kathmandu, your stay for the night will/can be at the luxurious Dwarika’s Hotel or similar boutique hotel, where you can relax and unwind. If you want to extend your stay at Nepal, that could be arranged with prior information.

Today is a leisure day until your international flight departure. Take this time to relax, shopping and enjoy your final moments in Nepal. When it's time for your international flight, we'll ensure a smooth transfer from your hotel to the airport.