Our journey to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, begins with Turkish Airlines flight TK 726 at 01:20. After approximately a 7-hour flight, we arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport at 11:05 local time. Following customs, passport, and visa-on-arrival procedures, we transfer to our hotel by private vehicle. After lunch at the hotel and check-in, we have a short rest and then begin visiting the historical center of Kathmandu: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath: This Buddhist stupa, believed to be around 2000 years old, is located on a hill overlooking the valley, 2 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The earliest written reference to the stupa dates back to the 5th century, though it may have existed long before that.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Located in Basantapur at the heart of Kathmandu, this core Durbar Square comprises temples, courtyards, monuments, and ancient royal palaces of former Nepalese kings. Key sites include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the towering Taleju Temple (over 40 meters high), the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari (Kumari Ghar), the Ashok Vinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and the wrathful deity Kal Bhairav.
At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel. Dinner will be served at Thamel Kitchen in our hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the early morning, we depart from the hotel with our luggage and fly from Nepal to Paro, Bhutan with Druk Air. This flight, one of the most scenic in the Himalayas, lasts about 1.5 hours and, if weather permits, offers a view of Mount Everest—the highest peak in the world. Upon landing, Bhutan welcomes us with its fresh, cool mountain air.

After entry formalities, we head toward Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The route passes through the Paro Valley and follows the Paro and Thimphu rivers to their junction at Chuzom. Thimphu is a unique city where modern developments blend with ancient traditions and is likely the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, we begin our Thimphu tour with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten.

National Memorial Chorten: This large white structure crowned with a golden spire is an ideal place to interact with locals who circumambulate the stupa, spin large red prayer wheels, and pray inside the small temple.
We then visit Trashichhoedzong, also known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” which serves as the religious and governmental center of Bhutan. It houses the throne room of the King and the seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Initially built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, it was meticulously reconstructed in the 1960s using traditional Bhutanese architectural techniques—without nails or architectural plans.

After the tour, we’ll have time to explore the Thimphu market. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we travel north of Thimphu to visit Buddha Dordenma, a massive Shakyamuni statue perched on a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. We then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where we will also have lunch and enjoy an authentic Bhutanese meal.
The enormous Buddha statue, revealed by Terton Pema Lingpa—a discoverer of sacred treasures—fulfills an ancient 8th-century prophecy. Believed to radiate peace and happiness, the 51.5-meter-tall bronze and gold-plated statue is one of Bhutan’s largest. Inside are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also bronze and gold-plated.
Folk Heritage Museum: The museum introduces visitors to Bhutan’s rich rural heritage and traditional life through exhibitions, demonstrations, and educational programs.

After lunch, we cross the Dochula Pass (3,088 m), adorned with 108 stupas known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens, and continue on a scenic 3-hour drive to Punakha.

The 108 stupas, commissioned by Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, are arranged in three tiers: 45 on the first, 36 on the second, and 27 on the third—surrounding a central chorten.

Punakha served as the capital and government center until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and nourished by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the fertile Punakha Valley is known for its abundant crops and fruit. Located at 1,300 meters above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is a popular year-round destination.
Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, we visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic fortress-monastery once served as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan. We then visit Chimi Lhakhang, located on a round hill in the heart of Punakha Valley, near Lobesa. Built in 1499, it is a revered temple.

Lunch will be a riverside picnic featuring Bhutanese beer. We then visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Monastery, home to female monks. During the visit, we will discuss the history of women in Bhutanese Buddhism.
Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Punakha.

Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Bliss,” measures approximately 183 x 73 meters and features a six-story central tower with a golden roof. Inside its walls lie courtyards and sacred statues reflecting deep historical and spiritual traditions.

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic 5-hour drive to Paro. Along the way, we enjoy pristine valleys, rivers, and village views, accompanied by majestic Himalayan landscapes. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century across the Himalayas. This temple symbolizes the early acceptance of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast, we embark on a memorable hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The first part of the ascent is done on horseback, each accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We then continue on foot up a moderately steep trail (approx. one hour one way), with ample time to rest along the way. Once everyone gathers at the monastery entrance rest area, we begin touring the sacred shrines inside the monastery.

We then descend and enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the monastery. This will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable and rewarding days of your life. The rest of the day is free for exploring Paro market or relaxing at the hotel.

Taktshang Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate, hence the name “Tiger’s Nest.” Every Bhutanese aims to visit the monastery at least once in their lifetime.

In the early morning, we transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu via Druk Air. After arriving, we visit the Pashupatinath Shiva Temple and the cremation grounds along the Bagmati River.

We then continue to Bhaktapur, located 12 km east of Kathmandu. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery quarter, tiered temples, and historic architecture. We’ll have lunch in Bhaktapur.

Our final visit is to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and oldest Buddhist structures in Nepal. The stupa, 36 meters tall, is built in a three-tiered Mandala style and surrounded by colorful homes where families live, creating a warm and friendly environment. It attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims annually from all over the world.
We enjoy our farewell dinner at Krishnarpan, a special restaurant within our hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport. We depart from Kathmandu with Turkish Airlines flight TK 727 at 12:25 and arrive in Istanbul at 18:05 local time.
WELCOME BACK!