12Days Kingdom of Bhutan Tour via Kathmandu

Depart from Singapore to Kathmandu at 0930 hrs by UK116.
Arrived Kathmandu at 1600 hrs local time.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and you will be transferred to Hotel. After short rest, we will visit the Swayambhunath Temple, said to be 2500 years Stupa on a hillock, which offers a breath-taking view of Kathmandu City and the Sunset view. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument Listed in 1979. Next, we will visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka) if you are lucky, you will be able to have a glance of the famous living Goddess of Nepal, Kumari. Dinner will be in a restaurant near Hotel. After dinner you will be able to stroll along the busy street of Kathmandu city center. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, a scenic drive to Pokhara (5 - 6 hours) about 200 kilometer west of Kathmandu. It is the second largest city of Nepal. In Pokhara, we can enjoy the view of the most beautiful Himalayan panaromas in the world with the most beautiful lake Fewa. The Annapurnas and the famouse "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara. We spend two days in Pokhara. There will be the scenic highlight of your trip. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transfer to the Hotel. After a short rest, we will proceed for one hour of boating at Fewa Lake. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Hotel.

Wake up early in the morning and we will have a short drive to Sarangkot for the sunrise. Sharangkot is on a hillock situated at an elevation of 1,500 meter above sea lever. (If you like to experience hiking, we can arrange an hour of mini trek to the second hill top). Enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the snowcapped Annapurna Mountain Range. We will return to Hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we will set off for half-day city tour of Pokhara valley, also known as a "Magic land or dreamland" of Nepal which includes the Devi's fall, Mahadev Gupteswar Cave and the Tibetan refugee camp. We can experience the Tibetan ways of life, especially the women knitting hand made carpet factory, which is the best quality made from mountain goat's special wool. Lunch will be served at a restaurant near Fewa Lake. After lunch, we will proceed for a mini trek up to the newly built World Peace Stupa which is about 1,050 meter high. From there, you will be able to see the beautiful heart shape of the Fewa Lake and the city view of Pokhara. Tonight, you will get to enjoy the beautiful Cultural Folk dance show while having a sumptuous dinner.
Overnight stay in Pokhara.

After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Kathmandu by coach or by (Domestic flight at US$130 per pax. (Optional), Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to hotel to rest. Afternoon, we will proceed to visit the Bouddhanath Stupa. This Stupa is the largest in the Asia region and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.

After breakfast, we will take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, your guide will receive you at the Airport and we will drive to Thimphu. (Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. Thimphu is the fifth highest capital in the world by altitude and ranges in altitude from 2,248 metres (7,375 feet) to 2,648 metres (8,688 feet). Unusually for a capital city, Thimphu does not have its own airport. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will be checked into Hotel. After lunch, we will proceed to visit the Kuensel Phodrang ((buddha statue). Is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. You can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from there. After lunch, we will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free. The reason for declaring takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25 November 2005. Next we will visit the Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile Museum which is a national textiles museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, located near the National Library of Bhutan. It is operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Since its establishment in 2001, the museum has generated national and international attention and has garnered a substantial collection of antique textile artefacts, exclusive to Bhutan. It include the Achievements in textile arts, the role of textiles in religion, textiles from indigenous fibres, The Royal Collection, warp pattern weaves, and weft pattern weaves. The Royal Collection of the museum has an invaluable collection of Bhutanese antique textile artefacts of Bhutan, including crowns of Bhutan's kings, Namzas (dresses) and other accessories worn by the Royal Family, a pearl robe from Tsamdrak Goenpa and the bedding of Shabdrung Jigme Dorji.
Some of the unique collections donated by the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Next, we will visit the Bhutan Post office, where you can make your own stamps with your own photos and also visit the Bhutan Postal Museum. After Dinner, you can have an early rest in the hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha, pass by Dochula Pass - This Pass offers a panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens - with 108 Stupas built by the Queen. In clear weather, you can see the Himalaya Ranges with all snow covered. When we reached Punakha, we will have a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple located on a round hillock on the edge of the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by ‘the Divine Madman’ the maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. Famously known as the temple of fertility, the lhakhang draws local people, from near and far, to receive blessings from the lama (monk). The local people also bring their new-borns to be named here. The lhakhang is truly a revered and blessed space for many. Next, we will visit the Punakha Dzong which is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong's characteristically towering whitewashed walls. This dzong was the second to be built in Bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned here. The dzong is still the winter residence of the dratshang (official monk body).

After breakfast, we will have an excursion to Phobjikha Valley. This is a bowl-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winter here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. In additional to the cranes, there are also muntjacs (barking deer), Wild boars, Sambars, Serows, Himalayan blackbears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills. There is a river by the name Nakey Chhu that flows through the valley and reaches the Punak Tsang Chhu. We will also visit the Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest and largest Nyingma Buddhist center in Bhutan. Overnight will be in Gangtey Valley.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, approximately 4 hrs drive (129 km) to visit the Memorial Chorten, this is a large Tibetan - style chorten and is one of the most visible religious structure in Thimphu, and for man Bhutanese, it is the most visible religious structures in Thimphu. We will also visit the Traditional handmade paper factory. After lunch, we will proceed to the 'LIVING MUSEUM" Simply Bhutan, where you can learn Bhutanese traditions & experience National Sport of Bhutan Archery and taste the Bhutan Local wine "ARA" & BUTTER TEA. Before dinner, we will visit the Bhutanese Craft Bazar, where you can witness the varieties of Handicraft market of Thimphu and glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan.

After breakfast, we will proceed our journey to Paro. On the way, we will visit Kyichu Lhakang, the first and oldest temple of the Bhutan and is also famous Hong Kong actor Tony Leong wedding ceremony was held. Then we drive to Paro valley and visit Paro Dzong also known as Rimpung Dzong, the 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Ta Dzong - built as a watch tower was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Evening, you will enjoy the Bhutanese Cultural Show Dinner & can try out the Bhutanese traditional Costume Gho & Kira. The bhutanese Cultural Show dinner is only cater for a group minimum size of 10 persons and above.

After breakfast, we will take a short drive to Satsam Chorten, from there we will take a 2 hours walk to the viewpoint of the Taktsang Monastery (TIGER NEST). Tiger Nest is the most famous Bhutanese monasteries. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence it is called the "Tiger's Nest". Precariously perched on the edge on 1,200 meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. If time permits, we will visit Paro Town Shopping Street. (You can have Horse & Pony ride is charge at a minimum of US$40, paid directly to the local tour guide). Note: Please wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Not recommended for pregnant women and those with health condition visitors.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport to fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will have 1 hour drive to Nagarkot, 2300m above sea-level, this is a scenic spot with a spectacular view of the sunset, and Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day. Lunch will be served in the hotel. After lunch, we will proceed to visit the view tower to witness the wonderful sunset then will return to the resort to rest. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Resort.

Transfer to Kathmandu and final shopping. Evening drive to airport to fly home.