Donna and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Nepal and Bhutan alongside a Gate 1 tour group of 15. Our journey began with a flight from JFK to Doha, Qatar, and then to Kathmandu, where we were greeted by our tour guide Avash and the other members of our group. Our itinerary included some incredible highlights such as visiting the ancient palace of Hanuman Dhoka and the Temple of Kumari in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, exploring the Buddhist Stupa of Swayambhunath – a designated World Heritage Site, and experiencing the medieval city of Bhaktapur, known as the “City of Devotees,” which dates back to the 13th century.
Additionally, we embarked on a spiritual journey to the world-famous Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, spent three days at a Jungle Resort in Chitwan National Park, toured the Pokhara Valley, and visited the ancient city of Patan – a square filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. In Bhutan, we were in awe of the extraordinary scenery and striking monasteries, visited Thimphu – a blend of old and new, witnessed monks serenely strolling in their crimson robes, and joined Buddhists performing their daily rituals at the whitewashed National Memorial Chorten.
We also drove to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, pausing to view the astounding snow-clad peaks of Bhutan, visited Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan with its towering, whitewashed walls, and hiked to the world-famous “Tiger’s Nest” on the face of a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley. Our group consisted of seasoned travelers who got along very well, making for a very enjoyable and educational trip.
