MAGICAL HIMALAYAN KINGDOMS , and The best of the east comes together in this itinerary where you’ll discover the beauty, history, tradition and , Tibet, and Bhutan. We’ll weave our way through ancient sites, magnificent palaces and the winding tales of history in this journey for the intrepid traveller. From the serene Himalayan to the journey on to Nepal where you’ll meet the friendly locals and search for wildlife. You’ll travel by private vehicle and take a hike to some incredible viewpoints. You’ll journey into the forbidden land – Lhasa. The fight for a free Tibet continues, led by the Dalai Lama, for a land which is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 2 DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS 01-02 Bhutan’s cultural heart 03 Meander through terraced rice fields 04-05 Paro The iconic “Tiger’s Nest” 06-07 Chitwan Search for tigers 08-09 Discover the rich and traditional culture 10-13 Lhasa Explore the lively bazaar, and holy lakes 14 Lhasa Departure

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Day 01-02 Bhutan’s Cultural Heart Thimphu, Bhutan Welcome to Bhutan! The Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan is the last of the Buddhist kingdoms that once occupied a vast area of the . You are welcomed at the Paro airport on arrival, then set off immediately with your driver and host on the hour-long journey to Thimpu, the country’s capital. Spend the next day exploring Thimphu with your guide. Offer a prayer at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point), then delve into the city in detail. Admire ancient manuscripts in the National Library and vibrant textiles at the Royal Academy. Visit the magnificent medieval fortress- of ; the vast building was constructed entirely by hand and without a single nail. Meet with the nuns at the Wangsisi Nunnery. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 4 Day 03 Picture-perfect views of the Himalayan mountain ranges Punakha, Bhutan Drive the super-scenic Dochu-La pass at 3088 metres stopping frequently to take in the views of the Himalayas with the fluttering prayer flags in the foreground and admire the many lining the route. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang , the fertility temple constructed by the ‘Divine Madman’, an eccentric yogi and saint who blessed the grounds. Hike to Khamsum Yuley Monastery to see the elaborate built to ward off evil spirits. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 5 Day 04-05 Last of the Buddhist kingdoms Paro, Bhutan Visit the magnificent , at the confluence of the Mo and Po (‘female’ and ‘male’) Rivers. This huge fortress is one of the most important (and most beautiful) in the country and holds some of the country’s most sacred relics. Then head back Paro by road, stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. Visit (“Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture and the Paro Ta Dzong, a mid-17th century circular fortress with Its extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings and textiles.Take the unforgettable and energizing two- to three-hour walk to the magical Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery in Bhutan. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 6 Day 06-07 Wildlife at Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park Chitwan, Nepal From Paro, take the spectacularly scenic flight across the Himalayas to Kathmandu. From here, head out immediately to Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park, 75 miles southwest of Kathmandu in the lowland Tarai. One of the best wildlife and bird sanctuaries on the subcontinent, Chitwan provides a dense wooded and grassland habitat for Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian bison or guar, sloth bear, Asian one-horned rhinoceros, golden-backed jackal, four kinds of deer, marsh-mugger and gharial crocodiles, wild elephants and numerous species of birds. Enjoy tiger safaris, jungle walks, bird watching, and a boat ride on the Narayani River with the local naturalist guides. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 7 Day 08-09 Ancient temples Kathmandu, Nepal Return by road to Kathmandu. Engage your senses with a visit to the golden-topped Swayambhunath Stupa, the 1500-year-old iconic Buddhist structure with prayer flags fluttering, monkeys gambolling in trees, and vultures soaring high in the sky. Visit the Pashupatinath Temple situated beside the sacred Bagmati River and the ancient Stupa to join red-robed monks on their circumambulation of the temple’s octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Explore medieval Patan, filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, Hindu temples, and over 1200 beautiful monuments. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 8 Day 10 Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Fly Kathmandu – Lhasa (TIBET) Yet another spectacular flight to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Lhasa was built around the sacred Jokhang Temple, where yak-butter lamps, lama chants, horns, bells and devout pilgrims provide a dramatic setting to observe the resurgence of the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices in modern day Tibet. We’ll arrive at your hotel by late afternoon. Meals: Breakfast www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 9 Day 11-13 Old City of Lhasa Lhasa, Tibet Immerse yourself in three full days of discovery with your guide to experience the rich cultural history of Lhasa. Explore the Old City filled with temples and the Barkor Bazaar, with its multitude of stalls selling anything from ceremonial scarves to thermos flasks. Ascend to the iconic and lofty 17th century Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, which seems to grow out of the rocks into the crisp air above and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore beyond the city, travelling along the Southern Highway running parallel to the Himalayas to the brilliant turquoise blue Yamdrok Tso Lake, one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet. Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Departure Lhasa, Tibet Transfer to the Lhasa airport for departure flights. www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 10 What’s Included: • All airport and hotel transfers • Accommodation based on double occupancy for 13 nights • Meals as per itinerary daily • Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage • All sightseeing, excursions, activities as per itinerary o Marvel at the great fortresses “dzongs” of Bhutan o Explore Bhutanese folk heritage at the National Textile Museum o Enjoy picture-perfect views of the Himalayan mountain ranges o Take a walk to the enchanting “Tiger’s Nest” – an important pilgrim site o Stay in a pioneer safari lodge and view wildlife at Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park o Discover the rich and traditional culture of the Tibet people o Explore the royal city of Patan and its Buddhist and Hindu temples o Explore the lively Barkor Bazaar in Lhasa o Tour the palaces of the Dalai Lama o Visit the holy lakes of Lhasa • Entrance fees where applicable • 24/7 Support Service • Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information • All taxes and fees • 02 Internal flights (Paro - Kathmandu - Lhasa)

What’s not included: • International flights • Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc. • Video / Photography fees at monuments • Travel insurance • Visa fees • Gratuities • Beverages (other than water) at meals

www.alaya-travels.com Magical Himalayan Kingdoms | 11 ACCOMMODATIONS

City Stay Heritage / 5 Star Boutique / Luxury

Thimphu 2 N Taj Tashi Post Card Dewa

Punakha 1 N Dhensa Uma

Paro 2 N Zhiwaling Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary

Chitwan 2 N

Kathmandu 2 N Dwarika Dwarika

Lhasa 4 N Shangri La St Regis

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