Nature's calling: MNB - 1004

Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days:
Destination covered: Kathmandu – Nagarkot – Paro – Thimphu – Kathmandu

Paro Festival, BhutanParo Festival, Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (D)
Arrive Kathmandu. Meet & greet upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 02: At Kathumandu (B L D)
After breakfast in hotel, we will proceed for Kathmandu City - Durbar Square complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 la nguages. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO as a world heritage site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. Pashupatinath temple - One of the most sacred hindu shrines in the world, pashupatinath lies 5 Km east of the city center . The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronical indicates the temple's existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple, also a World heritage site. Boudnath Stupa: lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Katmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36 meters high and presenta one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Boudhnath a world heritage is also known as Khasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. Lunch and dinner serve in hotel. Overnight in hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu - Nagarkot via tour of Bhaktapur(BLD)
Morning visit Bungamati and Khokana is two beautiful little Newar villages that still have their age-old character intact. The compact villages consist of rows of brick houses with intricately carved wooden windows lining the quaint streets which are paved with flagstones. The residents of Bungamati socialize in the streets, using the pavements to winnow grain or dry their laundry. People sit in the sun outside their doorways to massage their babies, weave mats out of straw or spin wool.

Bungamati is where Red Machhendranath, the God of Rain, spends his winter months before being brought to Patan for the choriot festival in summer. The diety is also known as Bunga-dya, or the God of Bunga. The diety is carried on a palanquin to his winter residence, a tradition that has been countinuing since the 16th century. But once every 12 years, he is pulled in a chariot all the way to Bungamati across the Nakhu rive rfrom Patan. The shrine is a large open square with a 10m shikara temple in the middle.

Khokana is a smaller village with a wide main street which was built after the earthquake of 1934. In the middle of the main street is Silali Mai, Khokana's local mother goddess. Khokana has long been famous as an oil pressing center where mustard seeds are pressed using traditional methods

After Lunch drive to Nagarkot via Tour of Bhaktapur City - As you walk in you cannot but be over come by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The 15th century palace of 55 windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspire admiration. The National Art gallery is also housed inside. The Palace entrance, the golden gateis a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Arrive N agarkot, check in to the hotel.

Nagarkot : Nagarkot is a hill resort 32 Km east of Kathmandu. The road passes through terraced fields and strutted houses. This route is also fun for mountain biking too. Nagarkot (altitude 2175m) is by far the most popular. Nagarkot has developed into favorite weekend getaway among these seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Daulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe - inspiring majesty and beauty. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 04: Nagarkot – Kathmandu (B L D)
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu and check in to the hotel and proceed for lunch. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing visit Patan City - Like its coun terpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former Royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument h ere is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu go Krishna, built entirely of stone.and Swoyambhunath Stupa: watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kahtmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swoyambhu is also known as Sengu and is listed as a World heritage site. Lunch & dinner serve in hotel. Overnight in at hotel.

Day 05: Kathmandu – Paro – Thimpu (B/L/D) By Flight – Morning Flight
After breakfast transfer to airport to catch flight for Paro by Druk Air flight - is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimphu / Paro (B/l/D)
After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Day 07: Paro
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is acting as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

After lunch drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Paro + Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for connect flight to onward destination.

End of tour…


 

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