Nepal-Bhutan Solidarity Tour- 11 Days
(ETNMC010)  Nepal-Bhutan

Overview

Nepal Bhutan Solidarity Tour is the combination tour of, ‘The Mystical Land of Nepal” and “The Land of Thunder Dragon”-Bhutan. In the mean time you will volunteer in the rural Nepal school for a day. With a common goal and interest we come together for a cause. To tour Nepal and Bhutan and help some under privileged groups in both the countries.

We shall visit local schools and interact with students, volunteer, teach English, donate stationery and play some fun games. At end of the tour we shall sit together in an local restaurant for an celebration of solidarity trip and fly back home with sweet memories.

 

 

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your Hotel.

En-route visit Pashupatinath Temple & Boudhanath Stupa.

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple stands in the center of the town of Deopatan, in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square, two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth, and it stands 23.6 meters above the ground. Richly ornamented gilt and silver-plated doors are on all sides.

On both sides of each door are niches of various sizes containing gold-painted images of guardian deities. Inside the temple itself is a narrow ambulatory around the sanctum. The sanctum contains a one-meter high linga with four faces (chaturmukha) representing Pashupati, as well as images of Vishnu, Surya, Devi and Ganesh.

The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.

The struts under the roofs, dating from the late 17th century, are decorated with wood carvings of members of Shiva’s family such as Parvati, Ganesh, Kumar or the Yoginis, as well as Hanuman, Rama, Sita, Lakshman and other gods and goddesses from the Ramayana.

Pashaputi Temple’s extensive grounds include many other old and important temples, shrines and statues. South of the temple, for instance, is Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century, and north of the temple is a 9th-century temple of Brahma. On the south side of Pashupati temple is the Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken, and pillars with statues of various Shah Kings.

The Bagmati River, which runs next to Pashaputinath Temple, has highly sacred properties. Thus the banks are lined with many ghats (bathing spots) for use by pilgrims. Renovating or furnishing these sites has always been regarded as meritorious.

Arya Ghat, dating from the early 1900s, is of special importance because it is the only place where lustral water for Pashupatinath Temple can be obtained and it is where members of the royal family are cremated. The main cremation site is Bhasmeshvar Ghat, which is the most-used cremation site in the Kathmandu Valley. The preferred bathing spot for women is the Gauri Ghat, to the north.

We carry on the sightseeing tour of the Boudhanath: the world’s largest stupa. It is a site of great reneration to the Buddhists. Bouddhanath is

the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. Bouddhanath Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the eighth century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy    of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.

The stupa is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.

Later sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square.

Patan city: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.

Patan is believed to have been built in the third century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Licchavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum. One remarkable monument here is 16th century temples dedicated to the Hindu go Krishna, built entirely of stone.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu (B)

Full day Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Bhaktapur City.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, Swayambhunath and Patan city.

Kathmandu city: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments.  Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples, Seto Machhindranath and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilisation.

Swayambhunath stupa: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Lunch at Patan Museum Cafe.

Bhaktapur city: Also known as city of devotees, Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kilometres/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The famous five-storied Nyatapol temple on the terraces of which stands a pair of figures – two goddesses, two strong men, two elephants, two lions and two griffins is the tallest temple in the valley and was also built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is one of the best examples of Pagoda styled temples.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Makaising (161 km, 4 hrs drive) (B, L & D)

Drive to Chum Khola and to Muglin. Lunch at Motel Du Muglin. Continue drive to Makaising.

Arrive at Makaising. Welcome by the villagers.

Snacks & drinks program.

Dinner with cultural show and music.

Overnight at Homestay.

Day 4: Makaising (B, L & D)

Breakfast at Homestay.

Visit local School by walking with pack lunch.

Climb back to Makaising. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the surroundings.

Dinner & overnight at Homestay.

Day 5: Drive to Pokhara (B)

After breakfast drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, meet, assist and transfer to hotel. Later half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara city (including Davi’s fall, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Taal Barahi Temple, Bindabasini Temple, Seti River Gorge, and Tibetan Village. One hour boating on Phewa Lake)

Devi’s fall: Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell’s fall), Devi’s fall is an amazing waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. It was named after Devi, a Swiss lady who was swept away when the floodgates were accidently opened, never to be seen again.

Bindabasini temple: Bindabasini Mandir is of great religious importance to Hindus living in the Pokhara region. It is a vital hub of religious fervour. The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara’s chosen guardian deity. Durg a, also known as Shakti or Kali has numerous manifestations and at the Bindabasini temple she is seen as Bhagwati, a blood-thirsty aspect of the goddess. Durga appears in the form of a Saligram. A Saligram, according to Hindu mythology is a propitious stone. It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up her statue here. The Bindabasini temple was then founded in BS 1845. Since its establishment, Bhagwati has been an object of worship here on a daily basis. Animal sacrifices are typically presented at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays. The Hindu festival of Dashain sees large numbers of believers coming to offer sacrifices at Binhyabasini Mandir. Indeed, there is little space for tourist during the festival of Dashain.

Tibetan Villages: Tibetan Villages, Tashiling in the south and Tashil Palkhel in the north of Pokhara Valley are the two Tibetan villages that are inhabited by the Tibetan people who keep themselves busy by producing and trading woollen carpets and other handicrafts.

Boat ride at Phewa Lake: Spend a quiet time boating in the ultimate lake where the reflections of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhare range falls. You will also see a variety of fishes while boating. An island temple is located at the middle of the lake. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. It’s hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of the reflected mountains.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Fly Pokhara-Kathmandu (B)

Early morning Sunrise excursion to Sarangkot. Drive back to hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to airport for flight to Kathmandu.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7: Fly Kathmandu-Paro. Drive to Thimphu (60km, 2 hrs drive) (B, L & D)

After breakfast free till departure. On time transfer to airport for flight to Paro.

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. you will be greeted by your guide upon arrival at Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu, check in hotel.  After while followed by sightseeing in Thimphu:-

National memorial Chorten –

This was built in 1974 in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Throughout the day people circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Like the early birds, old aged people go early morning till the dawn to circumambulate and pray the whole day and the students pass by and do around 3 rounds before they leave for their schools. People often go there or whenever they get the time they go there and their stressful mind gets relaxed, because the moment you step your feet inside the gate you feel so peace and becomes more peaceful when you hear the rings of bells.

Buddha Statue– one of the world largest Buddha statue built on top of the Kuensel Phodrang 51m tall over looking on the top of the Thimphu town. People over call it as a Buddha Point. The best part is when you reach up there you can see the whole Thimphu town, if you get a chance to go up there at night you could see the street lights on and through that street lights we could see Thimphu town in a crown shape of our King, and It’s really beautiful that you can’t get your eyes off.

Takin Zoo– Takin is national animal of Bhutan and it’s still preserved in a large fenced area and its mini zoo in the capital city. It is worthwhile taking the time to see these odd looking mammals, which look like a bit of a cross between a gnu and a bison. Best time to see them is early morning when they gather near the fence to feed. Just short distance can view whole Thimphu city area from Sangay Gang, a BBS tower area.

ThimphuDzong– The largest Dzong, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan and Je-khenpo (Head about of Religious) namely TrashiChhoeDzong. It was not the original ThimphuDzong; in 1216 Lama GyalwaLhanangpa built a blue stone dzong (dho-nyendzong) and few years later Lama PhajoDrukgomShigpo took over the dzong. In 1641 Zhabdrung acquired the dzong from the descendants of Lama Phajo and renamed it as TrashiChhoeDzong (Fortress of glorious religion).

Night over stay at Hotel.

Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing Tours:

Changangkha Lhakhang- Popular fortress temple built in 12^th Century by son of Lama Phojo Drukgom Shigpo

National Institute of Zorig Chusum- after lunch, visit to this institute commonly known as painting schools,

National Library- It was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. It is a fine example of traditional Bhutanese Architecture and also a good resource for books about Bhutan. Most of the books are of Tibetan-style, printed or written on long strips of handmade paper. Other displays include some great historic photos, a copy of letter sent from Druk Desi (secular ruler).

Folk heritage museum- It is restored three-storey, rammed-earth and timber building replicates a traditional farmhouse, furnished as it would have been about a century ago, this almost –living museum is included in the admission and provides an interesting glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. It also includes traditional noodle press, leopard skin bags and yak haired hats.

Textile museum- The art of Bhutanese art of weaving and is also display of all the products and major weaving techniques and styels of local dress and type of textiles made by women and men.

Craft Bazer- Is the display of all the Bhutanese handicraft items, especially comes from a different part of the country and is especially display for only Handicraft items.

Night stay at Hotel.

Day 9: Drive Thimphu to Paro.

After breakfast we will drive to Paro.

Ta- Dzong– Built as a watch tower the Ta Dzong; it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Paro Dzong– also known as Rinpung Dzong this 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzongkhag. The correct name of the dzong is Rinchenpungdzong but in short people call it Rinpungdzong meaning ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. The dzong survived the 1897 earthquake but was severely damaged by fire in 1907. It was formerly the meeting hall for National Assembly both for monastic body as well as for the district government.

Kyichu Lhakhang:

Later, we visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659AD. Legend has it that it is one of the 108 temples that the King built within a year around the Himalayan region.

DrukgyelDzong:

14Kms away from Paro town stand the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1649 in order to control the Tibetan Invasion.  The Dzong was named “Druk” (Bhutan) “gyul” means (Victory) to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. This place was, one of the major trade route between Tibet and Bhutan.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Fly Paro-Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your flight out of Bhutan to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet, assist and transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, you will be driven to international Airport for your flight onward.

Tour Cost & Schedule in 2022 & 2023

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Value Added

We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.

Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)

• Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
• Foot bath mat available at entrance
• Extra masks available (if required)
• Safe distancing
• We carry limited number of passengers
• Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
• Temperature screening available
• Our crew tested fit to travel
• Sanitizers available
• We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
• Hygiene kit available for sale
• Our crew wear face mask and face shield

Safety Rules for Travelers (You)

• Namaste over handshake
• Do not travel if unwell
• Wear face mask all the time
• Maintain safe distancing
• Use foot mat while boarding
• Undertake temperature screening
• Ventilators over air conditioning
• Avoid unnecessary surface touching
• Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
• Follow sneeze etiquette
• Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
• Carry your personal hygiene all the time

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