Today you will go to the airport to check in for your flight to Katmandu, the capital of Nepal. Due to the time difference, it is recommended to confirm the local time and depart 1 day in advance, the exact time is subject to the arrival time, please choose an early flight to arrive. You will be spending the night on the plane, which may be cold, so it is recommended that you bring warm clothing. We wish you a good night's rest.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport today, the guide will greet you with traditional marigold garlands and blessings – immersing you in Nepal's warm welcome ritual – before transferring you to the hotel for rest.

Kathmandu unveils itself as a city where medieval charm harmonizes with modern life, nestled among hills and rivers with breathtaking views. Its unique geography gifts it eternal spring: sheltered from northern winds by the Himalayas' southern slopes while catching warm Indian Ocean breezes from the south. This blessed location crowns it a world-renowned destination.

Attention: Free pick-up time on the day of the tour is a fixed time (In case of changes, please communicate with customer service staff in advance, other different times for paid pick-up, please know!) Thank you for your understanding. 

Reference Flights：KB401 09:10—10:30

Itinerary: Thimphu Tshechu →Tashichho Dzong → King’s Memorial Chorten → General Postal Office → Handicrafts Mall & Farmers Market

[Paro International Airport] Bhutan’s sole international airport. The Kathmandu-Paro flight offers the most dramatic Himalayan views of any air route. Upon arrival, your Bhutanese guide will present you with a "Tashi Khaddar" (white ceremonial scarf) – a traditional welcome gesture.

Upon arrival, the tour guide will lead you to the venue of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival.

Thimphu Tshechu

One of Bhutan’s Capital Most Sacred Festivals. Held annually in autumn (dates adjusted according to the Tibetan calendar) for a three-day duration.

The festival celebrates the teachings of Guru Padmasambhava and commemorates his spiritual legacy. During the festivities, locals don traditional attire—Gho (men’s robe) and Kira (women’s dress)—gathering at Thimphu Dzong or festival grounds. Monks and dancers perform diverse masked dances portraying the guru’s eight manifestations, such as dances of demons and the Judgment of the Dead, to banish evil spirits and pray for prosperity.On the final dawn, a thangka unveiling ceremony displays a colossal scroll of Guru Padmasambhava; witnessing it is believed to bestow immeasurable merit. Additionally, indigenous sports, folk dances, and traditional dishes like mushroom soup and curry immerse visitors in the culture.

Afterwards, visit [Tashichho Dzong] – Thimphu’s majestic fortress-monastery serving as Bhutan’s administrative heart. Blending royal authority with monastic sanctity, it houses: Offices of His Majesty the 5th King, Ministries of Home & Finance, Summer residence of the Central Monastic Body.

Visit [King’s Memorial Chorten]: Iconic monument envisioned by His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (3rd King, "Father of Modern Bhutan") to honor world peace and prosperity. The most frequented site in Thimphu for daily circumambulation rituals.

Head to Bhutan's General Postal Office. Diverse stamps are a major feature of Bhutan, which has always led the world in stamp design, printing, and material diversity, winning multiple awards at international philatelic exhibitions. Bhutan still holds the world record for the most stamps printed with special materials, including unique CD stamps and 3D stamps. Here, you can customize stamps with your own portrait.

If time permits, visit the Handicrafts Mall, a government-operated enterprise showcasing Bhutan's excellent traditional arts. Here, you can purchase handwoven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, stone carvings, woodwork, jewelry, and other interesting items made from local materials.

Itinerary: Thimphu Tshechu - Takin Zoo - Buddha Dordenma Statue - Dochula Pass - Phobjikha Valley - Punakha Dzong

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Takin Zoo. The takin (Pakin in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan) is Bhutan's national animal, similar to China's giant panda. As an endangered protected species, there are approximately 8,000 takins surviving in Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and China. Today, the Thimphu Zoo is the best place to observe takins. In addition to takins, it also houses various deer species such as reindeer and muntjacs.

Proceed to visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest seated Buddha statue in South Asia and one of the largest in the world. From here, you can overlook the entire Thimphu Valley.

Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang (altitude: 1,240 meters), taking a short break at the 3,140-meter Dochula Pass. Here, you can admire the most magnificent scenery of the eastern Himalayas and photograph the 108 Chortens, also known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens. Built in 2005, they commemorate those who lost their lives in suppressing the Assamese rebel forces in southern Bhutan and pray for world peace. Colorful prayer flags line the route.

Continue to Punakha (the former capital of Bhutan, altitude: 1,250 meters). En route, visit the Chemiracon, located on a small hill in the center of the valley and also known as the Fertility Temple. It is widely believed that couples without children who pray here often conceive quickly. The path passes through rice fields to a small village called Pana, meaning "field." Walking through the village near the temple allows you to observe the daily life of local villagers up close.

Visit the Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Father River and Mother River. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century, it is Bhutan's second fortress and now the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (religious leader). The hall features huge golden statues and murals depicting the life of Buddha. Recognized as the most beautiful dzong in the country, it is particularly stunning in spring when the jacarandas surrounding it bloom in blue-purple.

Itinerary: Handmade Paper Mill → Thimphu Tshechu →National Museum (Ta Dzong) → Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)

In the morning, the tour guide will lead you to the venue of the Thimphu Tshechu Festival. Today is the last day of the festival, and a grand Thongdrol (Buddha Display) ceremony will be held.

The ceremony on the last day of the Tshechu Festival consists of three parts:

1. Display of the Giant Thangka

The thangka display starts at 3 a.m. and continues until around 9 a.m. People fortunate enough to witness this grand event are believed to accumulate immeasurable merit. The entire thangka is then slowly rolled up, escorted back to Paro Dzong, and stored until the next Tshechu Festival.

2. Masked Dances (Divine Dances)

Masked dances are one of the main features of the Tshechu Festival, performed by monks and the public wearing traditional costumes and masks. The dances depict events from the life of the 8th-century sage Padmasambhava, primarily illustrating the victory of good over evil. Bhutanese believe that by watching the dances, they can receive divine blessings, enlightenment, and purification.

3. Clowns (Atsaras)

Known as "Atsaras," these clowns are notable for their large red noses. Their humorous and lively performances entertain the audience while maintaining order. Viewers can approach them and offer alms. They make exaggerated gestures to amuse guests, creating a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Visit the Handmade Paper Mill, where authentic Bhutanese paper, known as Deh-sho, is produced using traditional methods. This paper is entirely made from the bark of native plants—boxwood and Dekap trees—with the intricate production process passed down through generations. Witness the entire process of handmade paper production using traditional techniques. You can even try this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir. Originally, Deh-sho paper was used by monasteries for woodblock prints, manuscript books, and writing prayer books.

Visit the Ta Dzong, which historically served as a watchtower for Paro Dzong and is now converted into Bhutan's National Museum. The museum's circular design is said to resemble a conch shell, a sacred Buddhist artifact. Spanning 6 floors, it houses a vast collection of thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armors, household items, and a diverse range of natural and historical relics, offering insight into Bhutan's artistic and historical legacy.

After touring Ta Dzong, follow a path to visit the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), meaning "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels". Built in 1644, it is Bhutan's most iconic monastery and currently serves as a government office, Paro's courthouse, and a religious association. The wooden corridors lining the inner courtyard feature exquisite murals depicting Buddhist legends, blending architectural grandeur with spiritual artistry.

Itinerary: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) - Kyichu Lhakhang - Paro Fair

Afterwards, proceed to the Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round-trip hiking). Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this spectacular monastery is revered as a holy site—legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on a female tiger to meditate, drawing pilgrims from across Bhutan. Starting from the foot of the cliff, the hike to the monastery takes 2 hours.

For those unable to hike, horseback riding is available at an additional cost.

Lunch is served at a simple cafeteria halfway up the mountain, and the descent also takes about 2 hours.

Next, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking Buddhism’s introduction to Bhutan.

If time allows, visit Paro Fair to freely browse and purchase authentic Bhutanese handicraft souvenirs.

Reference Flights：B3773  07:05—08:00

Itinerary: Boudhanath Stupa - Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Nagarkot

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, meet the guide and proceed to visit the world's largest Buddhist stupa—Boudhanath Stupa. Built in the 5th century, it is now the best place to observe Tibetan lifestyle, culture, and monastic religious activities. Standing 38 meters tall with a diameter of 100 meters, this massive white dome features a square tower on top, each face painted with enormous Buddha eyes symbolizing the boundless wisdom of Dharma. Boudhanath is a cultural epitome and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by prayer flags and Tibetan-style shops.

Next, visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Cultural Heritage), known as the "City of Pilgrims" and "City of Temples," a gem of Nepal's cultural heritage. Explore ancient architectural masterpieces such as the 55 Window Palace, Batsala Devi Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Malla King Statue Pillar, immersing yourself in the splendor of Nepalese medieval art. Stop by the Pottery Square to watch local craftsmen create traditional pottery, a living demonstration of ancient craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, drive to the Himalayan viewpoint Nagarkot (altitude: 2,000 meters) to admire the spectacular Himalayan range. It faces over 20 peaks above 6,000 meters, including Mount Everest, Annapurna, and the sacred Mount Kailash (five of the world's ten highest peaks). The clear view here makes it a prime spot for mountain photography and nature appreciation.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a Nagarkot resort, savoring local cuisine while gazing at the sunset over the Himalayas—a perfect end to the day's journey.

Itinerary: Kathmandu Durbar Square → Kumari Temple (Living Goddess) → Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath)

Morning: Witness Himalayan sunrise spectacle (weather permitting)...

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Cultural Heritage), a hub of ancient architecture featuring palaces, courtyards, and temples. Referred to as a "museum of temples" due to its 50+ religious structures, key attractions include: Kasthamandap, Ashoka Binayak Temple, Taleju Temple, Kumari Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace,etc. Kumari Temple (Living Goddess Temple): Home to a 9-year-old girl chosen through strict rituals as the earthly incarnation of the goddess Taleju. The temple’s resilience during the 2015 8.1-magnitude earthquake is regarded as a miracle.

Afternoon: Ascend to [Swayambhunath Stupa] (Monkey Temple) atop Kathmandu’s western hill. This 2,000-year-old Buddhist pilgrimage site – among Asia’s oldest shrines – offers panoramic valley views. Legend claims Buddha himself visited here. During Buddha Jayanti (birth anniversary), vibrant ceremonies draw massive crowds.

Later: Free time at [Thamel], Kathmandu’s bustling hub packed with:Guesthouses, Bars ,Bookshops, Craft stalls,Travel agencies ,Global eateries.
Evening: Savor authentic Nepali cuisine with traditional cultural dance performance.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for an international flight back home to end this wonderful trip to Nepal and Bhutan.

Please Note: Complimentary airport transfer service on the tour departure day is available at one fixed time only (to be arranged in advance with our customer service team). Transfers at other times will incur a fee.