Nepal and Bhutan- Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour: 13N/14 Days

• Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport • Meet with Devine Route Representative • Drive to Hotel and Check In to hotel •Rest in Hotel for 2 hours •Late afternoon Visit to Boudhanath •Sightseeing of Boudhanath with your Ritual Guide • Well-come dinner at a restaurant in front of Boudha Stupa. •After dinner Incenses and light offering ritual conducted by Kenpo Nima Sangbo •Back to Hotel and overnight stay in hotel in Katmandu.

•Breakfast at Hotel •Drive to Tamang Gumba •Welcome program by the Head monks of Tamang Gumba (Monastery) •Meet the small Rimpochhe Tulku Monk •Prayers and Welcome offerings from the Monks of Tamang gumba (Monastery) •Lunch at Tamang Gumba Pure Vegetarian Food prepared by the Monks of Monastery. •After Lunch Presentation by Khyba Karsang lama about Buddhism and Thangka. •Followed by Charya Dance by the monks •Back to Hotel and Freshen up and Rest

•Early Breakfast at Hotel •Check out of hotel •Drive to Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) •Sightseeing of Swayambhunath with Incense and light offering ritual/Prayer. •Drive to Domestic airport •Fly to Bhairahawa •Drive to Lumbini •Check in Hotel and refresh •Lunch at Hotel •Visit monastic Zone i.e, Monastery •Back to Hotel and Dinner •Overnight at hotel in Lumbini

•Breakfast at Hotel • Talk program of Thangka Followed by Meditation Session. •Lunch at Hotel. •Afternoon Drive to Lumbini gate and walk to Mayadevi Temple. •Visit inside mayadevi Temple (see the real footprints of Shakyamuni Buddha) and sightseeing of the mayadevi Garden with Ritual Guide and Breifing of importance of Lumbini •Prayers and ritual of Shakyamuni buddha by Head monk lama and Lama at Mayadevi garden in front of mayadevi temple •Candle light/ incense offering program followed by Prayer flag hanging program in the auspicious tree of Mayadevi garden •Evening walk and relax beside Mayadevi garden. •Drive Back to Hotel •Dinner and overnight in a hotel in Lumbini.

•Breakfast at hotel •Check out of Hotel •Drive to Bhairhawa airport •Flight to Pokhara •Drive to Lakeside lunch beside the beautiful lake view •Drive to Hotel and check in •Rest and freshen up •Yoga class with a mountain view. •Dinner and Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.

•Early morning drive to Sarangkot for beautiful sunrise and panoramic Mountain View. •Back to hotel and Breakfast at hotel • (Optional- Paragliding and Helicopter charter to Annapurna base camp for Mountain View.) .Lunch at Hotel •Drive to Lakeside and Boating in the Lake •Walk to World peace pagoda Stupa. (1 and a half hours walk) •Ritual in the stupa with beautiful view of lake and the Mountains. Drive Back to Hotel., •Free time in the Lake side, •Dinner by your own. •Walk to the hotel •Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.

•Breakfast at Hotel. •Check out of Hotel •Drive to Airport •Fly back to Kathmandu •Drive to Dhulikhel on the way sightseeing of Bhaktapur (World Heritage site of Nepal) •Check in to Hotel in Dhulikhel •Freshen up •Musical Program by Monks and lady monks at the Meditation Garden •Dinner and overnight at Resort

•Early Breakfast at Hotel •Check out of the Hotel •Drive to Namobuddha (30mins drive) •Visit monastery •Sightseeing and briefing of importance of Namobuddha by ritual monk. •Ritual/Prayer of Shakyamuni with Candle light/ incense offering program followed by Prayer flag hanging program in the auspicious tree. •Lunch at the Monastery •Drive to Kathmandu (1.5hour Drive) on the way visit Babarmahal revisited for a coffee and Shopping •Reach hotel and check in •Freshen up •Go for Farewell dinner with Authentic Nepali Cultural Program Followed by vote of thanks and Gifts distribution by khyba Karsang Lama •Back to Hotel and Pack your Bags •Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, remaining in self-imposed isolation for centuries, Bhutan opened up to the world in a glacial pace. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. This country of 700,000 people, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world’s only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife. This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact to the outside world. Buddhism was established in the 8th century by the Indian saint Padmasambhava, popularly known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche. Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity. In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan thus beginning the glorious era of the Wangchuck dynasty. In 2006, the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that he would abdicate in favor of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In 2008, the year that marked 100 years of the monarchy saw two important events; the first democratic elections and the coronation of the fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Facts and Figures Land area : 38,394 square kilo metres Forest area : 72.5 % Altitude : between 240metres and 7541metres above sea level Inhabitants : 700,000 Language : official language “Dzongkha”, English widely spoken Religion : Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism) Currency : Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee) Capital : Thimphu National Tree : Cypress National Bird : Raven National Flower : Blue Poppy National Sport : Archery National Animal : Takin Local time : Six hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time ARRIVE PARO -TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 11⁄2 HRS DRIVE) The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by our representative with a “Tashi Khaddar” (white scarf offering to the guest which is an auspicious way to welcome guest. After the welcome ceremony, board the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, the road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence) enroute visit Tamchog Lhakhang is a temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the bridge builder. This temple is located across the river from the Paro to Thimphu. In order to get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Drive further up to visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

After breakfast drive to punakha via dochula. Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Visit Chimi Lhakhang-The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your beisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. Later, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

• Morning breakfast at Resort •Drive International airport with Devine Route representative •Connect your flight back to Home with sweet memories.