19 Days Best of Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Burma

ITINERARY

Day 1: Kathmandu | Arrive Kathmandu

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The evening will start with a dinner show featuring Nepalese cuisine at Nepali Chulo, traditional live music and dance to welcome you to Nepal.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 2: Kathmandu | Discover Nepal’s Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start early start exploring the capital of Nepal with a stop at a vegetable and spice market. Learn a bit about Nepalese cuisine and observe the daily life of locals in the morning. Then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square. First, you’ll visit Taleju Temple – where Nepalese have selected a young girl to embody the goddess of Taleju. The temple is her palace and where locals come to worship her. Then continue to Kal Bhairab – an icon that many locals pay homage to.

In the afternoon, visit the Monkey Temple – an important Buddhist site that overlooks the Kathmandu Valley. Then transfer to Patan Durbar Square where lay the ancient royal palace of the Malla Kings. It is said one could spend a day looking at the architecture and temples of the Patan Durbar Square and not take in all its grandeur. When you’re ready, you’ll transfer back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 3: Kathmandu | Mount Everest and the Bhaktapur Kingdom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, enjoy a 1-hour scenic plane ride over the Himalayas and Mt. Everest – the tallest mountain in the world.

Mount Everest – 19 Days Best Nepal Bhutan Thailand Burma

In the afternoon, transfer to the ancient city capital of Bhaktapur to visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square – a square which sets in front of the old royal palace of the Bhaktapur Kingdom. It is one of the best-preserved palace courtyards and distinguishes the old architecture and styles. Finish the day with a visit to the oldest temple in Nepal, the Changu Narayan Temple. The original pillar dates back to 464 AD. Enjoy the pleasant views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Kathmandu for leisure time.

The evening will start with a dinner show featuring Nepalese cuisine at Nepali Chulo, traditional live music and dance as a triumphant finale to your Nepal explorations.

Accommodation: Hotel Dwarikas

Day 4: Kathmandu – Thimphu | Flight to Paro | Bhutan Capital Discovery

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Paro. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and continue to your hotel in Thimphu for check-in.

Get out and stretch a little with a visit to the weekend market. During you can mingle with locals and see them exchange colorful produce and livestock. In addition, visit the Takin Preserve known for its wildlife. The Takin is a unique goat native to the Himalayas and also Bhutan’s national animal.

Finally, return to the resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Thimphu

Day 5: Thimpu – Punakha | Highlights of Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast
During the morning, start with a visit to the National Library. Most noteworthy, it is home to a large collection of Buddhist literature. Continue to the Institute for Zorig Chusum. This is where students study six years to learn the 13 national arts and crafts. Then visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Here research and preparation are done on medicinal herbs found in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Stop for lunch, then visit the National Memorial Chorten – a monument to world peace and prosperity. Also, stop at the Handicraft Emporium. This is where locals offer a wide range of arts and crafts including the unique “thangkha” paintings and Bhutanese textiles. Continue to the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum.

During the afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Punakha. The journey will take you through the scenic Dochu Pass. It is over 10,000 feet above sea level. Stop at the pass to see the 108 stupas and take in the panoramic views of the Himalayas. Then continue to Punakha and check-in.

Dochula Pass – 19 Days Best Nepal Bhutan Thailand Burma

Accommodation: Uma Resort

Day 6: Punakha – Paro | Explore the Punakha Dzong

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong. This fortress sits at the fork of the Pho-chu and Mo-chu rivers. It is considered by locals to be the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Also, it has played an important role throughout the country’s history.

Then drive to the Wangdi’s Palace. It is magnificent to look upon because it is situated high on a bluff overlooking two rivers. Moreover, the fortress was pivotal in unifying the regions of Bhutan.

After lunch, return to Paro with a stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens on the way.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 7: Paro | Expedition to Tiger’s Nest

Meals: Breakfast
Today, hike to the ancient cliff monastery of Taksang – the Tiger’s Nest. It is the highlight of your Bhutan tour. First of all enjoy scenic views of the forest and Paro Valley on the climb up. Then experience the famous Tiger’s Nest. Legend says it was home to the first Tibetan monk in Bhutan.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore Paro town.

Accommodation: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 8: Paro – Bangkok | Flight to Bangkok

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, board a flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Then you are at leisure to explore the Chao Phraya riverfront, go shopping, or visit a Muay Thai boxing gym on your own.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 9: Bangkok | Bangkok by Boat

Meals: Breakfast
In the early morning, take a traditional longtail boat to Wat Arun – the Temple of the Dawn to enjoy a stunning view and explore the gem of Bangkok.

Continue to one of the must-see sights, the spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark. Built-in 1782- and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government – the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the palace complex are several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes on the Buddha are changed with the seasons by HM The King of Thailand and forms an important ritual in the Buddhist calendar. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace around the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to mark all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings. Then return to the hotel for some leisure time in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 10: Bangkok | Ayutthaya Kingdom Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Start early and transfer North to the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Start by visiting Wat Phu Khao Thong – a temple outside of Ayutthaya started by the invading Burmese who built the base when they overtook Ayutthaya and was finished by Siam who later took back their city. Continue to Ayutthaya and start with the Royal Palace and Royal Temple – dating back to the 14th century. Continue to the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit where the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand is housed.

Enjoy a Thai lunch and some free time. Have a short visit to Wat Lokaya Sutha – the image of the reclining Buddha. Then continue to the Royal Palace at Bang Pa In, which is the Summer Palace of the Thai Royal Family. Return back to your hotel in Bangkok for leisure time.

Ayutthaya Ancient Ruin – 19 Days Best Nepal Bhutan Thailand Burma

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 11: Bangkok – Chiang Mai | Flight to Chiang Mai | Temples of the Lanna Kingdom

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The old city walls still stand verdantly against the course of time, inviting pilgrims to come rest, and explore the lost treasures of the Lanna Kingdom. Established as the capital in 1296AD of the vast “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields”, Chiang Mai carries a heritage lurking around every quiet cobble-stone alley and corridor. These days, cafes, boutiques, pubs, and spas are auspiciously peppered throughout, while colorful Meo and Akha hill tribes make their daily ritual visit to the valley to offer their handmade tapestries and handicrafts to curious adventurers. The Ping River weaves through the valley to the East of the Old City while a peaceful moat surrounds the time-worn walls.

In the afternoon, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha.

Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453. You’ll return to your hotel for some leisure in the evening.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 12: Chiang Mai | Befriending the Gentle Giants of Asia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will join in a tour to an elephant sanctuary in the jungles near Chiang Mai by 4WD truck. First, you’ll learn about the project and hear the amazing stories of each rescued and orphaned elephant. Learn how they became a proud herd free from abuse and misuse. Then have an opportunity to feed them. Next, enjoy a picnic spread. Then take a stroll with the herd to the nearby river. Here you will have the opportunity to observe or participate in bathing the elephants with the sanctuary staff.

After you have said your farewells, return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Day 13: Chiang Mai – Mandalay | Alms Giving | Tea Plantations & Hmong Hill Tribe

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Rise early morning to join locals in visiting a Buddhist monastery. You can watch or participate in offering alms to Buddhist monks at Wat Srisodain. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then take a trip up in the hills and visit a tea plantation. Take a seat above the terraces flowing with arched rows of green tea shrubs while you sip on a fresh cup of hot Oolong. Explore the tea plantation to learn a little about the process of cultivating and harvesting tea. Then continue to a Meo hill tribe village. Have the opportunity to see their unique apparel and simple way of living. Meo families take a great deal of pride in their herbal gardens. After seeing their home and making a new friend, return back to Chiang Mai.

Northern Thai hill tribes – 19 Days Best Nepal Bhutan Thailand Burma

In the afternoon, take a flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay Hotel

Day 14: Mandalay | Explore Mandalay Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to relax.

In the afternoon, you’ll go to see the Highlights of Mandalay, you’ll start off your day with an opportunity to learn about the distinct Buddhist culture unique to Burma. You’ll visit the Mahamuni Image where you’ll have an opportunity to watch locals pray and place the gold paper on the statue of Buddha for a blessing. You can participate as well if you like for a small donation to the temple(only men are allowed to place the gold on the statue).

You’ll also visit a gold paper factory to see how golden leaves are made, a staple in Burmese religious practices. Then you’ll visit the 19th-century Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist mythology.

Next, you’ll see the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is a Buddhist stupa that contains the world’s largest book of Buddhism.

At the end of your day, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay Hotel

Day 15: Mandalay | Amarapura Ancient Capital

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Transfer by private vehicle to Sagiang, the capital of Sagiang Division located on the Irrawaddy River. You’ll cross the Inwa Bridge, which was built by the British in 1934. Then you’ll visit the Maha Ganayon Kyaung Monastery to see hundreds of monks line up for daily meals. Then visit the U Bein Bridge which is 1.2 kilometers long and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world.

Next, you’ll see Kaung Mu Taw Pagoda: a dome-shaped pagoda which rises up 46 meters. At the base of the pagoda there are 812 stone pillars, each one with a hollow and image of a Nat inside. Continue with a visit to Sagaing Hill. The hill has a number of small pagodas with many meditation centers along with Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda – pagoda painted with gold. You can stop at monasteries and nunneries to speak with monks while enjoying hot green tea.

Lunch at a restaurant.

Then continue to visit with a visit of Amarapura,”City of Immortality”, the old capital of Myanmar. At the end of the day, visit the ancient temple of Pahtodawgyi which was built in 1820.

Return to Mandalay and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Teak Wood Bridge

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay Hotel

Day 16: Mandalay – Bagan | Flight to Bagan | Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Today you’ll explore Bagan, where you will see its thousands of Buddhist pagodas spread in the valley of the Ancient City of Bagan. These pagodas used to own by individual families during prosperous times. You will visit the Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Then you’ll visit the Shwezigon Pagoda which is the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Have a rest in hotel during the hot afternoon. Then you’ll enjoy a Horse Cart Ride first to the small village of Taung Phi where rests a worn teak monastery awaiting the rare tourists who are lost. You’ll continue by horse cart around temples and winding roads as the sun makes it’s a way to the sky’s edge casting curious shadows from the temples across the plain. Continue to Shesandaw Pagoda. From your vantage point, you’ll watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia. Then you’ll take a horse cart ride back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 17: Bagan – Yangon | Hot Air Balloon | Flight to Yangon

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Experience the unrivaled majesty of thousands of ancient temples drifting below you in style, comfort, and safety. You’ll rise early in the morning to beat dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the unique Bagan scene aloft in your hot air balloon. The captain will explain the safety procedures, and you can some coffee or tea before departure. Then the balloon will take off and you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the temples across Bagan. It is also great to see the other balloons in flight. After an hour ride, you’ll have a smooth landing.

Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temple

In the afternoon, take a flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 18: Yangon | Burma’s Capital City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, visit the downtown area to see the Old City Hall and Maharbandoola Park. Then take a stroll along the old street ending at the old Strand Hotel. Next, drive to Botahtaung Pagoda which features golden decorations inside the pagoda. Continue to Bogyoke Market which sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone carving, wood carving, bronze carving, painting, etc.

In the afternoon, visit Kandawgyi Park for a stroll near Chaukhtetgyi Reclining Buddha Image – one of the largest in Yangon. Continue to the highlight of Yangon: the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, which has been described as one of the wonders of the world. Shwedagon plays a very important role in the Old Burmese History and also is an important Buddhist icon. Enjoy the sunset over the pagoda.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 19: Yangon | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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