General

Day 1: Depart London – Kathmandu (Nepal)

Depart from London Heathrow Airport to Nepal.

Day 2: Arrival – Kathmandu

Welcome to Qatar. Upon arrival in Doha transit at the airport to board your flight for Kathmandu in Nepal

Prior to landing in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you could have some excellent views of snow-capped mountains.

Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, clear immigration formalities, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit.

Watch out for our guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it.

You will be greeted with traditional garland and welcomed at the airport by our English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.

In evening transfer for dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner                                                                        Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 3: Kathmandu – City tour – Patan city

After breakfast, at 9:00am meet your guide and we drive to Bhaktapur, the city of wood-carving. Visit Durbar Square through the Royal Gate, the sparseness of the temple is immediately apparent, compared to the profusion in the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan. Many of the highly decorated buildings and shrines were destroyed in the 1934 earthquake. However the main square still contains innumerable temples and other architectural show pieces: the Lion Gate, the Art gallery, the statue of Bhupatendra Malla, the Palace of 55 windows, the Bell of the barking dogs, the Batsala temple, the Nyatapola temple and the replica of Pashupatinath. Continue to Patan, the city of art and beauty. Visit Patan city with its intricately carved temples, narrow lanes and quaint shops. Then drive back to Kathmandu

In evening transfer for dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 4: Flight – Kathmandu – Thimpu (Bhutan)

Today after breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu to board your flight to Paro in Bhutan.

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”. On arrival at Paro International Airport, clear immigration formalities, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit.

Watch out for our guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it.

You will be greeted with Traditional Khada welcome at the airport by our guide who will direct you to board our coach. We drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimpu is today the nation’s bustling capital city. Enroute pass by Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge.

Later check-in to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Thimpu.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Thimpu.

Day 5: Thimpu –  City tour – Punakha

This morning after breakfast, meet our guide and we explore Thimpu and later transfer to Punakha.

Thimpu is devoid of stereotyped skyscrapers and huge traffic. Instead, surrounding by rolling mountains, Thimpu is known for its picturesque Bhutan dzong, fresh air and loveable local people. Today’s tour begins with a visit to Late King’s Memorial Chorten, and explore the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum and Hand-made Paper Factory, and the School of Arts and Crafts, where you will have a panoramic view of Bhutan history and learn more of textile and the handicraft making in the most traditional way.

Of course, the highlight comes as we tour the Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), the most beautiful Bhutan dzong as well as the headquarters of Bhutan government. Later, we will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at scenic Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for refreshing tea. The perfect vintage point brings you the unobstructed vista of Great Himalayas.

After lunch at Wangduephodrang (1,350m), we keep driving to Punakha.

Dinner in Punaka at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                            Overnight: Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha – Sightseeing in Punaka – Paro (142 Kms/5.5 hrs).

After breakfast, we visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who played a prominent role in civil and religious life of the kingdom. Damaged by the fire, flood and earthquake over the centuries, it has now been fully restored in its original splendour.

Lunch at hotel.

In the afternoon we drive back to Paro city.

We head to National Museum of Bhutan, which looks like a round watchtower. You can trace back to the ancient Bhutan history and explore the diverse wild lives as well as splendid local culture and arts. Then we drive to visit Drukgyel Dzong, where you can enjoy the enchanting village lying at its foot.

Later, check-in hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                            Overnight: Paro

Day 7: Paro – Trek to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)

Today after breakfast, meet our guide and proceed for an excursion (2 hrs hike uphill) to Taktsang Goemba Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest.

It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on a back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang Monastery was damaged severely by fire in 1998 and the present restoration work is almost completed.

Thereafter, visit Kichu Lakhang. Free or possibility of visiting the local farm houses (if not hiking to Taktsang monastery).

Lunch, Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                            Overnight: Paro

Day 8: Paro – Kathmandu

This morning after breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport to board your flight to Kathmandu Nepal.

Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, clear immigration formalities, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit. Watch out for our guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it.

You will be greeted and welcomed at the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon visit of old Kathmandu city with its stone-paved lanes, colourful bazaars, the House of the living Goddess-Kumarai who is considered to be the incarnation of the “Virgin Goddess”. The old Durbar Square consists of innumerable temples of different architecture.

Continue to Swoyambhunath Stupa, situated west of Kathmandu. It is a 2500 years old Buddhist stupa located at a top of green hillock with the eyes of Buddha painted on its pinnacle overlooking righteous behaviour of the valley inhabitants.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Kathmandu.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight:  Kathmandu

Day 9: Kathmandu – City tour

After breakfast, we drive to the temple of Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, temple of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof and silver doors, is famous for its superb architecture. Then drive to Bodhnath, the largest Stupa. This Stupa, set in a pattern of Mandala is encircled by houses and monasteries where Rinpoches reside. Around the base of this is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing the prayer wheels.

Late afternoon we drive back to hotel in Kathmandu.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 10: Kathmandu – Pokhara

Today after breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokahra, the city nature beauty (200km/06 hrs) and check into hotel. Explore Phewa lakeside market. Then take a boat ride to experience the charm and serenity of Phewa Lake and to catch the reflection of Himalayas on the Phewa Lake. Later return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Pokhara

Day 11: Pokhara – Sarangkot – Pokhara

This morning after breakfast, visit at Sarangkot for beautiful sunrise views over the exotic Himalayan ranges.

Then ascend to World Peace Pagoda, a perfect viewpoint which provides a panoramic view of Phokara and Phewa Lake. Followed by the visit to Devi’s Fall, Gupteswor Mahadev Cave, and International Mountain Museum.

On the way back to hotel visit Bindabashini Temple, Goddess of long life.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Pokhara

Day 12: Pokhara – Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.

We proceed to Kathmandu by road. En-route visit holy Manakamana Devi temple, (WISH FULL FILLING GODDESS) for darshan, which is reached by cable car, approximately 20 minutes ride. See the beautiful mountain views of Manaslu, Annapurna ranges and Himchuli that can be seen from the temple.

The final stop on your tour is Thamel, the bustling tourist district. Experience a fun rickshaw ride exploring its narrow streets and passing shops selling everything from pastries to clothes and local handicrafts.

On arrival in Kathmandu, check-in to our hotel

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                       Overnight: Kathmandu

Day 13: Kathmandu – Flight to London UK

Today after breakfast, meet your guide and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu to board your flight to London via Doha.

Meal: Breakfast                                        

Welcome to Qatar. Upon arrival in Doha transit at the airport to board your flight for London.

On arrival at London Heathrow Airport terminal, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit.

Note:

• Return flight – If your flight departs in the morning, you will arrive in U.K. on the same day.
• Return flight – If your flight departs in the afternoon / evening, you will arrive in U.K. on the next day.

** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **