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Highlights of Bhutan & Nepal
Get off the beaten track and discover the wonders of Bhutan, an isolated nation which has retained its age old customs, traditions and lifestyle. Then continue on to Kathmandu to explore Nepal with its breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient temples, wonderful wildlife and more. Take in the best of these two captivating Himalayan Kingdoms in 15 days.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysStarts
ParoEnds
KathmanduRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 16Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
SaturdaysHotel Rating
3-4 starCountries
Bhutan, NepalArrival Transfer
Pre-tour not offeredDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 8, Dinner: 8Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paro
Day 1 - Paro
Saturday. Welcome to Bhutan and the start of your holiday! You’ll be met at Paro Airport and transferred to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 - Paro sightseeing tour & Thimphu weekend market
Day 2 - Paro sightseeing tour & Thimphu weekend market
Paro - Thimphu. We begin our journey at the 17th-century Ta Dzong watchtower, home to Bhutan's National Museum. After a guided tour, we visit the nearby Rinpung Dzong monastery, which appears in the Hollywood film Little Buddha. Later this afternoon we drive to the capital city of Thimphu and visit the weekend market, where local vendors set up shop and sell their produce every Friday through Sunday.
Day 3 - Memorial Chortan & Handicrafts
Day 3 - Memorial Chortan & Handicrafts
Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Bhutan’s capital merges its ancient Buddhist customs with a rapidly modernising society, creating a truly different experience. We’ll visit the sacred Memorial Chorten stupa, the vast National Library, the scenic Drubthob Nunnery, the Folk Heritage Museum, and of course the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s goat-like national animal.
Our tour will also introduce us to local arts and cuisine, with stops at various workshops producing a range of lovely handicrafts.
Day 4 - Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang Temple & Camp by the Mo Chu River
Day 4 - Punakha, Chimi Lhakhang Temple & Camp by the Mo Chu River
Thimphu - Punakha. This morning, we drive through lush forest to the 3050m-high Dochu La Pass, stopping briefly before proceeding to the Punakha Valley. We'll trek up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, a lama known as the 'Divine Mad Monk' for his unorthodox teaching methods. We then continue to the beautiful Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most architecturally striking monasteries, which is located at the confluence of two rivers.
Later this afternoon we head to our campsite on the banks of the Mo Chu River, where we have time to settle. Perhaps try a traditional hot stone bath and local drinks in the early evening before dinner.
Day 5 - Punakha Valley Sightseeing
Day 5 - Punakha Valley Sightseeing
Punakha - Paro. After breakfast, we embark on a scenic hike (2-2.5 hrs) to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a small but majestic hill temple looking down on the Punakha Valley. We'll also drive to the picturesque villages along the valley ridge. After stopping for a picnic lunch, we visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, with fantastic views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Apart from religious training, the nuns are taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. After our visit to the nunnery, we drive to back to Paro.
Day 6 - Tiger's Nest Monastery
Day 6 - Tiger's Nest Monastery
Today we embark on a 4-6 hour hike to the incredible sight of Taktshang Pelphung (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan's most sacred monasteries. Built on the face of a sharp cliff 900m above Paro Valley, Taktshang itself is only accessible on foot, though you can ride a pony for part of the journey (must be arranged in advance).
From the main trail, we take a steep hour-long walk up to a cafeteria for a short break, with views of the monastery. The trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high vantage point, then descends past a dramatic waterfall and hermitage, before a flight of steep steps leading to the monastery.
After exploring the monastery's shrines and temples, we return to the cafeteria for lunch, before trekking back to Paro. This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a farm house, giving you the opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about the local cuisine of Bhutan.
Day 7 - Paro
Day 7 - Paro
Friday. Paro - Kathmandu. Our tour of Bhutan concludes after breakfast today. A departure transfer will take you to Paro airport for your flight to Kathmandu in Nepal.
Note: The flight from Paro to Kathmandu is not included in the cost of the tour. Drukair fly direct. If you provide us with your flight details, we will be there to meet you at Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 8 - Kathmandu
Day 8 - Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, seamlessly merges ancient tradition with cosmopolitan crowds. In the morning we visit the significant worship site of Bodhnath stupa, home to spinning prayer wheels and prostrating pilgrims. We then travel to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, a World Heritage site famed for its art and architecture, including the vast Bhaktapur Durbar Square. We’ll watch local families make the unique Ju Ju dhau (yoghurt), and try crafting pottery ourselves. Our final stop is the old Newari city of Patan, which has its own Durbar Square. We end the evening with dinner and a traditional Nepali dance performance.
Days 9-10 - Chitwan National Park
Days 9-10 - Chitwan National Park
Kathmandu – Chitwan. On day 9 we travel by road to Chitwan National Park (approx 5 hr drive), arriving in time for lunch. Chitwan is hailed as one of Asia’s finest game parks, home to more than 500 species including the endangered one horned rhino, various types of deer, Indian elephant and the elusive Bengal tiger.
Over the next two days we enjoy a selection of activities offered by the lodge including a jeep safari, hoping to encounter the one horned rhino, various types of deer, boar, monkey, leopard and if we're very fortunate the Bengal tiger. Other activities at the lodge include a local village walk and nature walk in the jungle, a scenic dugout canoe ride down the Rapti River and bird watching. We'll also watch a traditional Tharu dance performance one evening with dinner.
Day 11 - Pokhara
Day 11 - Pokhara
Chitwan National Park – Pokhara. Today we take a short flight from Chitwan to Pokhara. Arriving early afternoon the rest of the day is free to relax and take a stroll around this scenic lakeside town. Pokhara is the gateway to the magnificent Annapurna Range, which boasts five mountains over 7200m and has one of the Himalayas most distinctive mountains - Machhapuchare with its unique ‘fishtail’ peak.
Day 12 - Boating on Lake Phewa
Day 12 - Boating on Lake Phewa
This morning, watch the sunrise from the Pokhara World Peace Pagoda, which offers impressive views of the Annapurna range from its hilltop location. A two-hour walk through Raniban forest takes us down to Lake Phewa for a short cruise. In the afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee camp and a local school, before observing daily prayers at Matepani Monastery.
Day 13 - R&R in Pokhara
Day 13 - R&R in Pokhara
Today is a free day for you to explore Pokhara and participate in optional activities such as paragliding, ultra-light flight, zip line, bungy jump, mountain biking, cycling, boating and horse riding, or if you prefer, simply relax down by the lake.
Day 14 - Kathmandu
Day 14 - Kathmandu
Pokhara - Kathmandu. This morning, we take a short flight back to Kathmandu. We continue exploring the city in the afternoon, admiring the views from the beautiful Swayambhunath stupa before walking to Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to over 50 incredible temples and shrines. We’ll also traverse the city streets by rickshaw, from Hanuman Dhaka to Thamel, immersing ourselves in Kathmandu’s daily life. We finish the day with an evening walk around the vibrant Thamel Market.
Day 15 - Kathmandu
Day 15 - Kathmandu
Saturday. Our tour comes to an end today with a transfer to Kathmandu Airport. An optional Everest scenic flight is offered on the morning of day 8 or day 15 (subject to availability) so if you’d like to book this please ensure that your onward flight on day 15 does not depart before midday.
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Hotels
Prices & Dates
Departures are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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