Day 1
Kathmandu
You’ll be met on arrival into Kathmandu and transferred to your hotel. There will be a group briefing with your tour leader in the afternoon and your evening is free to explore legendary Kathmandu with its bustling markets and bazaars. An optional dinner will be organised by your tour leader.
No meals are included on this day.
Day 2
Kathmandu
Weather permitting, you can take a scenic flight over majestic Mount Everest, to fly over Sagamartha National Park and witness the world’s highest peaks. There’s organised sightseeing tour in the afternoon, with a visit to Bodhnath Stupa, one of the world’s largest shrines and Pashupatinath, the country’s most famous Hindhu temple. Your afternoon is free to explore Kathmandu.
Breakfast is included
Day 3-4
Pokkara
Set off early for your 30-minute flight Pokhara, with spectacular Himalayan views en route. Take a boat across Nepal’s second largest lake (Phewa Tal), visit the Peace Pagoda with mountain views and see Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and across to Pokhara. You’ll hear intrepid climbing tales at the International Mountain Museum before returning to your hotel. Day 4 is free for exploring tranquil Pokhara. Take a boat out on the lake or soak up the atmosphere whilst exploring shops, cafes, temples and monasteries.
Breakfast is included on both days.
Day 5-6
Bandipur
A 2-hour drive transports you to lovely Bandipur for cultural and scenic enjoyment, whilst uncovering one of the country’s best hidden gems. On day 6 enjoy your free time discovering more of Bandipur’s beauty, with walking trails, emerald forests and tribal villages. Look for ‘power places’ and hilltop shrines in this untouched area with exceptional Himalayan vistas.
Breakfast is included on both days.
Day 7-8
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a 4-hour drive away to enjoy a late-afternoon safari to see exciting wildlife. Evening entertainment includes a local Tharu dance troupe and a relaxing evening in the bar, listening to the sounds of the jungle. The following morning, take a safari in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and bird life. Perhaps spot a rare tiger before breakfast and then leave the comfort of your lodge for a dugout canoe adventure to view marsh mugger crocodiles on the banks of the Rapti River.
Breakfast is included on both days.
Day 9
Chitwan National Park – Bhaktapur
Enjoy an optional early bird watching safari and after breakfast depart for your Kathmandu flight and onward drive to Bhaktapur. Savour sights and sounds on a free evening of exploration or relaxation at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Breakfast is included
Day 10
Bhaktapur – Kathmandu
Explore Bhaktapur’s temples, starting at Durbar Square, home to the Lion Gate and Golden Gate and a visit to the Pashupati Temple. In the afternoon, you’ll take a 2-hour drive to Kathmandu for an evening at leisure. Optional evening meal in Kathmandu.
Breakfast is included
Day 11
Kathmandu
The Nepal part of your trip comes to an end after breakfast, where your tour leader will advise and assist with onward travel arrangements
Breakfast is included
Day 12
Paro - Thimphu
Meet your local guide and driver at Paro Airport and drive for 2 hours past mountains, rivers and rice fields to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner and opportunity to explore the streets of Thimphu.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 13
Thimphu
After breakfast, take a gentle stroll through paddy fields, woodland and a Tibetan village. Walk the trail to Pangri Zampa Gompa and spot Bhutanese chortens (Buddhist religious) monuments along the river. You’ll cross a bridge on a one hour walk uphill to a monastery, followed by a riverside picnic lunch. Enjoy an afternoon taking in the sights of Memorial Chorten, Dubthob Nunnery, School of Arts and Crafts and the Textile Museum, with time for shopping before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14-15
Punakha
Leave Thimphu and set out on a 4-hour drive to Punakha, stopping en-route at Dochu-La pass for breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas and Bhutan’s highest mountain, the Gangkar Punsum. Pass through forests and cultivated valleys and once in Punakha, enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple known as ‘The Divine Madman’ and to witness one of Bhutan’s most beautiful Dzongs. On day 15, you can further explore the small town with your group leader and after lunch, there’s an optional one-hour hike to visit Khamsum Yulley Monastery. The views are worth the uphill walk.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included on both days.
Day 16
Thimpu – Paro
Depart in the morning and travel back over the Dochu-La towards Thimphu. Relax on the 4-hour drive before arriving into the Paro Valley. After a long day of driving, you’ll be treated to a local homestay experience, delicious home cooked food and a friendly atmosphere.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17
Tiger’s Nest Monastery – Paro
Start your memorable day with an early breakfast and a drive to the starting point for your hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). See the holy caves at Pelphug Lhakhang and learn about Tantric Buddhist mythology and the nation’s cultural heritage on this fabulous hike. After an hour of walking, you’ll reach a tea house with panoramic views of the temple. Stop for lunch or hike on further for closer views. The full walk takes 5 to 6 hours, including stops.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18
Paro
After breakfast, you will depart for your transfer to Paro and your flight from Bhutan.
Breakfast included.
What’s Included
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16 nights’ accommodation (3 guesthouse), (11 hotel), (2 lodge)
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International flights and all internal transfers
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Team leader, experienced and knowledgeable local guides
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16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
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Activities: Kathmandu: Everest Scenic Flight, Pashupatinath Temple, Bodhnath Stupa. Pokhara: Fewa Lake boat trip, Peace Pagoda, International Mountain Museum. Chitwan: Canoe safari, Bird Watching walk or Jeep safari. Bhaktapur Guided walk. Thimpu: Traditional Arts School, National Library, Folk & Heritage Museum, National Chorten, Takin Reserve. Punakha: Chimmi Lhakhang, Dzong tour. Paro: Tadzong Museum & Trongsa Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery
What’s Not Included
