Tour of Nepal and Bhutan

 

Mr. Pollard Desmond Laurence and Ms. Childers Beverly Booth from United States of America enjoyed the hospitality of Explore Himalaya from March 21, 2013 to April 1, 2013 during their fun-filled tour to different parts of Bhutan and Nepal.

The elderly guests were very much fun loving and they had the leisurely pleasures during the couple of free days on their own at Kathmandu. Prior to their Bhutan tour our very important visitors were on a sightseeing cultural tour of Kathmandu. Kathmandu itself is a heritage city with plentiful of heritage sites including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Apart from these heritage sites every corner of every street in Kathmandu holds ancient temples and shrines which are equally worthwhile for thorough exploration.

On March 23, they flew to Bhutan. Exploring the two Bhutanese cities- Paro and Thimpu jam-packed with cultural edifices including Tiger Nest was one of the best parts of the trip. Bhutan is a small landlocked country with tremendous cultural variety to the rest of the world. Tiger Nest situated at a high cliff 900m above Paro is a five hours walk.

Upon returning from Paro, they headed to Chitwan National Park. A park which is perfect blends of modernity outside the premises whereas extreme wilderness prevails inside the premises. They enjoyed the wildlife activities during wildlife safari at Chitwan.

Finally after all these glorious cultural and wildlife activities the Americans departed back home on April 1, 2013.

Cultural tour to Bhutan

 

Michelle from Australia, Denise from India, Tara from United States and Anna from Ireland were on a Bhutan tour with Explore Himalaya from February 14 to February 18, 2013. All four ladies were excited to witness the scintillating aerial views of world’s highest peaks during the flight to Paro on 14th.

Their trip to Bhutan majorly covered the sacred monasteries and monumental historic edifices of Thimpu and Paro.  Beginning with the shiny Paro River drifting down to the Paro valley the trip rewarded with the bounty at Ta Dzong- a watch tower once upon a time but an elegant museum now. Five hours hike from Paro to the Taktsang Monastery aka Tiger’s Nest was the next awe-inspiring encounter of the trip. Monastery nestling on high cliff  900m above Paro valley is considered a Bhutanese jewel.

The manifestation of eleven headed Cherezig statue at Changangkha Lhakhang- a 12th century temple was equally fascinating highlight of the trip. Thimpu valley from the courtyard of Changangkha Lhakhang is a tempting vista. Every building in the Bhutanese cities is worthwhile exploring. Paro Dzong, Takin Preserve, Memorial Chorten and many more unique constructions reflect the wealthy Bhutanese culture.

On 17 February, after the completion of short exploration in the Bhutanese outback and lively city streets all the four ladies departed Paro to their respective onward destinations.

Tour to Bhutan: Unique land.

 

Simthoka

Simtokha Dzong- Artistic example.

After spending a part of vacation in Nepal Mr. Marcinkowski Lech from Poland flew to Paro, the one and only international airport in Bhutan. He landed at Bhutanese Airport on 15 November, 2012. His itinerary in Bhutan had sightseeing tour of Bhutanese capital Thimpu, the sightseeing tour of Paro and a day hike to Taktsang Monastery.

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Students in their school dresses.

Thimpu 2400m, is the city with unique mixture of modern development and the traditional culture. The paintings and statues at Memorial Chorten reflects the insightful Buddhist philosophy. The stupa was built in 1974AD in the memory of Bhutanese 3rd king, Late His Majesty King Jingme Dorji Wangchuk. Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 is popular for noteworthy artistic feature. Similarly, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Weekend Markets, Craft Bazaars and many other places in Thimpu worth a thorough visit.

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Display of arts- Kyercho Dzong.

Paro 2200m, is the home of scenic beauty, the oldest monasteries and temples of Bhutan and numerous myths and legends. the northern end of the Paro Valley shines with Mt. Chomolhari 7314m, which is the base of Paro River down through the deep gorges. The most fertile valley in Bhutan, Paro is also the home of Dzongs (fortress). Ringpung, Ta, Drukgyel are the popular Dzongs in Paro. Besides, the most popular Monastery in Bhutan Tiger Nest lies on a cliff 900m above on the Paro valley.

Tiger Nest is also known as Taktsang Monastery. It is a prominent sacred Buddhist Monastery which was first built in 1692 AD. The elegant structure built around the cave by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye holds the numerous myths and legends.

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Monastery on the cliff- Taktsang Monastery.

After encountering with all the possible tourism sites in Bhutan Mr. Lech departed from Paro on 19 November 2012.

Pics: EH