About Cultural Tour of Nepal and Bhutan
Annapurna Foothills offer amazing Trekking Packages which combine the best of nature and culture in two Himalayan countries.
Explore the culture of Nepal:
This tour is designed to share the rich history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is a colorful mosaic of diversity and harmony created by antiquity and modernity, Hinduism and Buddhism, ethnicity and caste creating the fabric of a vibrant society. The Kathmandu Valley is comprised of three ancient cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. These were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in these three cities.
- palaces of the three kings who reigned in the Kathmandu Valley
- Kathmandu Durbar Square, Ancient Palace and home of Living Goddess
- Patan Durbar Square, with a strong Buddhist element
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a living museum where old traditions remain
- exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and magnificent art
- medieval art and architecture
- Pashupathinath, the birthplace of Lord Shiva
- Boudhanath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa with a Tibetan atmosphere
- Swayambhunath, the ‘Monkey Temple’ and a city viewpoint
Explore the culture of Bhutan:
This tour explores the highlights of this mystic Land of the Thunder Dragon, or Druk Yul as it is known to the Bhutanese. This beautiful Shangri La, nestled in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, has been little affected by globalization or modernization. Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage remains immersed in ancient Buddhism, mythology and legend. A spiritual nation, Bhutan measures its development by Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Procuct.
Travelers to this Buddhist kingdom are enraptured with spectacular unspoiled scenery of verdant valleys, forests and Himalayan peaks. Bhutan’s beautiful western valleys of Paro,Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang offer diverse mountain landscapes, a rich Buddhist heritage including monasteries, temples and chortens, centuries-old fortresses and an extremely warm and happy people with ancient ways of life.
- ancient ways of life and rich culture in Bhutan’s scenic western valleys
- ancient frescoes and carvings in medieval Dzongs
- sacred Buddhist monasteries of the Himalaya
- markets and museums
- insight into the rural life in Punakha and Wangdue
- Spectacular mountain view from Dochula Pass,3050m
- Taktsang Monastery perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor
Optional/Additional Day Trip: About a 2-hour scenic drive from Paro takes you to the beautiful Ha Valley where few tourist venture.
The Haa Valley Trip takes you via the beautiful Chele La Pass, 3988m. There is a superb view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake from the pass. After a picnic lunch by the river, visit Lhakhang Karpo, the White Temple and Lhakhang Nagpo, the Black Temple.Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan with its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain.Outdoor fans will love the Haa Valley. It is still basically unknown to tourists, as it was opened for tourism only in 2001. summer visitors may enjoy some of the Haa Valley festivals where there is yak riding, archery and other traditional games and sports.They can also get to know the nomadic lifestyle of the Haaps and taste their traditional delicacies.