Buddhist Discovery

Here’s a 13-day luxury tour itinerary for Buddhist discovery, starting with 6 days in Bhutan, followed by 2 days in Nepal, and 6 days in Tibet:

Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by your guide from Marvellous Bhutan Travel and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the beautiful town of Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

Today, you will visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. After the hike, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route, stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the famous Buddha Point.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

Today, explore the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan with visits to the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts School). In the afternoon, visit the Changangkha Lhakhang and enjoy some leisure time in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Dochula Pass and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan.

Day 6: Punakha – Paro

Today, drive back to Paro and visit the Ta Dzong National Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Bhutanese culture and history. Later, visit the Rinpung Dzong, one of the most iconic dzongs in Bhutan, dating back to the 15th century.

Day 7: Paro – Kathmandu, Nepal

After breakfast, fly to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the bustling streets of Kathmandu.

Day 8: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today, explore the ancient city of Kathmandu with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa. Later, visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and enjoy some leisure time.

Day 9: Kathmandu – Lhasa, Tibet

After breakfast, fly to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Day 10: Lhasa Sightseeing

Today, visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and the Jokhang Temple, the most revered and sacred temple in Tibet. Later, explore the Barkhor Street, a bustling market filled with colorful Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day 11: Lhasa Sightseeing

In the morning, visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Tibet, and the Sera Monastery, known for its lively debates among the monks. In the afternoon, visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama.

Day 12: Lhasa – Shigatse

After breakfast, drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. En route, visit the Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Upon arrival in Shigatse, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Day 13: Shigatse – Lhasa

Today, drive back to Lhasa and visit the Drak Yerpa Hermitage, a sacred cave and meditation site for Tibetan Buddhists. Later, enjoy some leisure time in Lhasa before your departure.

This 13-day luxury tour of Buddhist discovery with Marvellous Bhutan Travel offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet, three predominantly Buddhist countries with a wealth of history, tradition, and spirituality.

Here are some other important tourist-related information for this itinerary:

• Accommodation: Marvellous Bhutan Travel offers luxury hotel accommodations throughout the tour. The hotels are selected for their comfort, service, and proximity to popular tourist attractions. All hotels have amenities like Wi-Fi, hot showers, and comfortable beds.
• Transport: All transport within Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet is arranged by Marvellous Bhutan Travel. Private vehicles with air conditioning will be used for transportation between cities and to tourist attractions.
• Tour guides: Marvellous Bhutan Travel provides knowledgeable tour guides who are fluent in English and knowledgeable about the local history, culture, and customs.
• Visa and permit: Marvellous Bhutan Travel will assist with visa and permit applications for Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. It is important to note that permits for Bhutan and Tibet can take up to several weeks to process, so it is recommended to apply well in advance.
• Health and safety: It is important to take precautions to stay healthy and safe while traveling in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. Marvellous Bhutan Travel recommends staying hydrated, avoiding uncooked food and water, and taking altitude sickness medication if necessary. It is also recommended to have travel insurance.
• Currency: The currency used in Bhutan is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR), and in Tibet is the Chinese yuan (CNY). It is recommended to exchange currency at authorized exchange centers or banks.
• Weather: The weather in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet can vary depending on the time of year. The best time to visit is generally from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. It is important to bring appropriate clothing for the season, as temperatures can vary widely throughout the day.
• Culture and customs: Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet have unique cultures and customs that visitors should respect. It is important to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temples or monasteries. Visitors should also be respectful of local customs, such as avoiding public displays of affection and not touching sacred objects or structures.