Luxury Nepal & Bhutan Tour for Senior Citizen - 15 Days

Our team will welcome you in Kathmandu. They will pick you up from the airport and escort you to the hotel. You can find your private luxury concierge carrying your nameplate in the arrival area.

The Dwarika’s Hotel team will welcome you with garlands and drinks. Check in at the hotel. The remaining day is free. Take it easy and rest.

You can explore around the hotel later in the evening or visit Thamel, the tourist hub in Kathmandu.

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and go on a guided tour of ancient historical sites in Kathmandu. Our expert tour guide will accompany you to the following sites:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square used to be a royal residence. Now, it is an open museum. Here, you will visit the Kumari Ghar, where you can see the living goddess, Kumari.
• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Monkey Temple is one of the most famous tourist sites in Kathmandu. It is located at the top of a hill, overlooking Kathmandu Valley. The main stupa has a white dome and a golden spire with the eyes of Buddha.
• Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is a pilgrimage site, located on the holy bank of the Bagmati River. It is one of the significant temples of Lord Shiva. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple. The Pashupatinath Temple presents the unique philosophy of life, death, and rebirth.
• Bouddha Stupa: Bouddha Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and also a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Around the stupa, there are many monasteries, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
• Garden of Dreams: Garden of Dreams is a beautiful garden inspired by European design. It is a hidden gem in Thamel. The garden is based on the principle of six seasons. It features pavilions, fountains, and manicured lawns.

You will leave the bustle of Kathmandu behind and take a short, scenic flight to Pokhara, the City of Lakes. Upon landing here, our team will pick you up in a luxury vehicle and transfer you to the hotel in Sarangkot.

Sarangkot is a hill station near the city. Here, you will spend time enjoying stunning mountain vistas and a peaceful landscape. You can enjoy spa and other wellness services in the resort and unwind.

You may visit the following places in Pokhara:

➤ International Mountain Museum: The International Mountain Museum showcases famous Himalayan expeditions and the culture of mountain communities.

➤ Begnas Lake: Begnas Lake offers a peaceful alternative to Phewa Lake. It is also a beautiful lake surrounded by lush hills and farmland.

➤ Bindhyabasini Temple: The Bindhyabasini Temple is one of the oldest temples in Pokhara. It is situated on a hilltop. You can see locals performing rituals and praying.

➤ Phewa Lake: Situated in the heart of Pokhara city, Phewa Lake offers a tranquil retreat from the noise of the city. Here, you can see the Annapurna Range and Mt. Fishtail. Kayaking and boating are quite popular on this lake.

➤ World Peace Pagoda: The World Peace Pagoda is situated across Phewa Lake. From here, you can see a panoramic view of Pokhara.

➤ Davis Falls: Davis Falls is a beautiful waterfall that disappears into an underground tunnel. The waterfall becomes very powerful during the monsoon season.

➤ Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave: Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave is located just across from Davis Falls. The cave houses a Shiva lingam and extends deep underground.

➤ Mahendra Cave: Mahendra Cave is a large limestone cave. It is thrilling and adventurous to explore this cave and is very popular among locals.

Today, we have a very exciting day ahead of us. Start the morning early with a gorgeous sunrise from Sarangkot with the Himalayan mountains as the backdrop.

Then get ready to fly to Annapurna Base Camp, the lap of the tenth-highest mountain in the world. Our team will transfer you to the domestic airport.

You will leave the city and fly to Annapurna Base Camp. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Himalayan mountains such as Annapurna, Nilgiri, Fishtial, Dhaulaigiri, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, and many others.

In less than 30 minutes of flying, you will reach the Annapurna Base Camp. If the weather and visibility allow, you may also enjoy a short landing. This flight is going to be one of the major highlights of your trip.

In around two hours, you will return to Pokhara. Rest and have food. Later in the day, you will visit the tourist sites around the city that we have mentioned above.

Leaving the terraces and mountains, you will travel to the subtropical lowlands of Nepal. The ride from Pokhara to Chitwan will be quite comfortable.

We use a private, luxury four-wheeler to travel from Pokhara to Chitwan. The road follows lush green hills and rivers. You will see lovely scenery along the way. Upon reaching Chitwan, check in at the hotel and rest.

In the evening, get ready to go on a short village tour of the Tharu community. During the Tharu village tour, you will see their traditional stick dance, music, attire, and culture. After the tour, return to the hotel to spend the night.

Begin your morning with the gentle sounds of the jungle and the chirping of birds. Have breakfast and get ready for an immersive wildlife experience in Chitwan National Park.

Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a peaceful morning jeep safari. You will venture deep into grasslands and sal forests to see Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, and a variety of birds.

After that, you will canoe on the Rapti River. It is great for seeing birds, gharials, and mugger crocodiles. We also offer activities such as a deep jungle walk and bird watching for those interested. It involves animal tracking and learning about the rich vegetation of the Chitwan National Park.

On this day, you will travel back to Kathmandu. You will take a morning flight. So, you will have ample time to rest, explore, and shop in Kathmandu as it is your last day in the city.

Upon landing, our team will escort you to the hotel. Rest for a bit. Then we will take you on a heritage tour to Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

You will explore Newari culture, traditions, art, and architecture while visiting these historical sites and also learn about the royal history of Nepal.

The evening is free. You can do some shopping. We meet for a cultural dinner and end the tour in Nepal with the whole team.

➤ Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square also used to be a royal residence and now serves as an open museum. Here, you can see the finest examples of Newari craftsmanship. Likewise, learn about Nepalese art, religion, and architecture.

➤ Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This is the third and last royal residence of Kathmandu Valley. You will explore traditional houses, artisans practicing pottery and wood carving, ancient temples, and courtyards.

Flying into Bhutan will leave you speechless. It will be one of the most incredible flights of your life. The aircraft glides between the Himalayan mountains and lands at Paro International Airport.

Our Bhutanese representatives will welcome you at the airport. The city's crisp air, mountain river mist, and pine scent will become your core memory.

After a small meet-and-greet, you will travel to Thimphu. Our team will accompany you. We provide a private, luxury vehicle for the ride.

On the way, you will see beautiful landscapes and pass by traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and fluttering prayer flags. You will arrive in Thimphu in around one hour and fifteen minutes' drive.

Freshen up at your hotel and later meet us for a welcome dinner. It will be a peaceful evening with delicious food and the rejuvenating rhythm of Himalayan life.

Today, you will spend a full day exploring ancient historical sites and museums in Thimphu. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma. It is one of the world's largest statues of Buddha.

Then, you will visit the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong. Then, you will visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, where you will gain deeper insight into Bhutanese heritage.

You can also visit the National Textile Museum. Finally, we will explore local artisan workshops at the lively Centenary Farmer's Market (on weekends) and end the day with a gourmet dinner.

➤ Tashichho Dzong: Tashichho Dzong is situated along the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is a dramatic fortress-monastery that serves as both the administrative headquarters of the Royal Government of Bhutan and the summer residence of the country's monastic body. Tashichho Dzong is one of the outstanding examples of marvellous Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship.

➤ Buddha Dordenma: Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of a Kuenselphodrang Nature Park overlooking the Thimphu Valley. It is one of the most iconic statues of Buddha, standing around 54 meters (177 ft) tall. Buddha Dordenma was built as a part of celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the 4th king of Bhutan. Inside the shrine, there are 125,000 smaller bronze Buddha statues.

➤ National Memorial Chorten: The National Memorial Chorten is located in the heart of Thimphu. It shows the devotion of Bhutanese to Buddhism. The chorten was built in memory of the beloved 3rd king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Hundreds of worshippers visit this chorten daily.

➤ National Folk Heritage Museum: At the National Folk Heritage Museum, you can understand the everyday life of Bhutanese people. It houses and preserves the country's richest cultural experiences. You can see ancient Bhutanese kitchens, farming equipment, handmade household tools, prayer rooms, etc.

➤ National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum preserves and passes on Bhutan's most treasured artistic traditions. The museum showcases local artisans' traditional weaving and exhibits the excellence of the finest Bhutanese textiles.

Thimphu to Gangtey via Phobjikha Valley is one of the most scenic routes in Bhutan. It takes you from the bustling capital to a peaceful, high-altitude glacial valley.

Phobjikha Valley is also known as the valley of black-necked cranes. The drive will be around 5-6 hours long. From Thimphu, you will drive west and gradually climb the Dochula Pass (3,100 m).

You will stop at the pass to see the 108 chortens and panoramic mountain vistas. Then continue driving from here into the Phobjikha Valley, enjoying remote, serene landscapes.

Settle in at your premium mountain lodge. Later in the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail and explore the local market.

Begin the day early with a delicious breakfast. After that, your guide will pick you up from the lodge and take you to tourist sites such as:

➤ Black-necked Crane Information Centre: Between late October and February, black-necked cranes migrate to Phobjikha Valley to spend the winter. Learn about these exotic birds at the information centre.

➤ Khewang Lhakhang: Khewang Lhakhang is an ancient temple but less known among tourists. It is an ideal place to experience the authentic religious and spiritual side of Bhutan.

➤ Gangtey Monastery: The monastery is located on a hill and offers a stunning view of the valley. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma school of Buddhism.

➤ Gangtey Village: Gangtey Village is a lovely Bhutanese village where you can see the mountain lifestyle, traditional houses, and beautiful farmhouses.

Leaving Phobjikha Valley, you will travel to Punakha. It will be around a 2.5- to 3.5-hour scenic drive. The road gradually ascends out of the wide glacial valley and passes through forests and small villages.

You will join the main road near Wangdue Phodrang and descend into warmer, subtropical landscapes. The road is quite good, so you will have a smooth ride.

As you get close to Punakha, the climate becomes milder. You will see terraced rice fields, rivers, and lush greenery. Settle in a luxury hotel and spend the evening exploring the local market.

➤ Chimi Lhakhang: Chimi Lhakhang is also known as the Fertility Temple. It was established in the 15th century. Locals and believers from around the world visit this temple to ask for a blessing for a child. You have to walk through traditional farming villages and terraced fields to reach the temple.

➤ Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits on a ridge. The chorten was built to promote peace, harmony, and stability throughout Bhutan. To reach the chorten, you have to hike for around 45 minutes.

➤ Punakha Dzong: Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. It is known as the Palace of Great Happiness. The fortress was built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Inside the fortress, there are intricately carved wooden balconies, towering prayer halls, sacred relics, murals, and magnificent temples.

➤ Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha Suspension Bridge is 180 meters across the Pho Chhu River. It is the longest and most beautiful suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge is decorated with colorful prayer flags.

On this day, you will travel back to Paro. You will leave Punakha early after a big breakfast. You will follow the same route back via Dochula Pass and Thimphu. Therefore, the ride will be scenic. Upon arriving in Paro, you can rest in your luxury hotel and later explore the local market.

Start the day early and go on a hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. It is an iconic landmark with an extraordinary location and marvelous architecture. The monastery sits 900 meters above Paro Valley.

You have to hike for around two hours to reach the top of the monastery. The trail winds through pine forests and fluttering prayer flags and offers jaw-dropping mountain vistas.

*Travelers who are not able to hike can rent a horse and a horseman. An additional charge applies.

Inside the monastery, you can see meditation caves, temples, sacred shrines, and prayer halls adorned with intricate murals, centuries-old Buddhist artworks, and gilded statues.

Apart from Tiger's Nest Monastery, you will also explore the following tourist sites in Paro:

➤ Rinpung Dzong: Rinpung Dzong is known as the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels. Built in the 17th century, the dzong is the administrative headquarters of Paro District and an active monastery housing hundreds of monks.

➤ Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong is located at the northern end of Paro Valley. The Bhutanese military defeated the Tibetan invaders from here. On clear days, you can see magnificent views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,325 m) rising behind the fortress.

➤ Kyichu Lhakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang is among Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. It dates back to the 7th century and is believed to be one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayas to subdue a mythical demoness.

➤ National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong): Ta Dzong is a circular watchtower built in 1649 to defend the fortress below. Today, it is one of Bhutan's finest museums, preserving the nation's history, culture, and natural heritage. There is an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, heirlooms, artifacts, stamps, textiles, and weapons inside the museum.

We will drop you off at the Paro International Airport on this day. You can leave your feedback on our website or by email. If you wish to extend the trip or do any other activities, feel free to share with us.