Map of Nepal & Bhutan Journey including Bhutan and Nepal

Discover the colourful world of Nepal and captivating Bhutan.

Journey into the heart of Nepal and experience the colourful sights and culture of this enchanting region. Mingle with local villagers and craftspeople, visit tranquil temples and sacred Buddhist sites, travel the cobbled streets of tiny mountain towns, and search for unique wildlife. From the whirlwind of Kathmandu to the lush jungle of Chitwan National Park - with plenty of delightful hidden gems in between - take an unforgettable tour of Nepal, brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty. Then turn your sights on Bhutan, nestled between China and India, this place is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, quiet townships and fewer tourist numbers. The land is dotted with red-clothed monks, ancient Buddhist temples, and friendly smiles. It is one calm country, where gross national happiness is more important than money and where chillies are used as a vegetable rather than for spice. From Nepal to Bhutan, this trip offers scenic delights, an insight into the local culture and plenty of adventure in between.


Start
Kathmandu, Nepal
Finish
Paro, Bhutan
Destinations
Bhutan, Nepal
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
HNKBC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Witness the world-class mountain scenery of Everest from a heavenly viewpoint, with a breathtaking scenic flight.

  • Take a jeep safari with a local guide in Chitwan National Park, a place brimming with exotic birdlife and game - you may be lucky enough to spot rhinos or elusive leopards and tigers.

  • Explore Nepal's diverse architecture, from the stately Newari dwellings in Bandipur to the hill-perched Buddhist Peace Pagoda in laid back Pokhara.

  • Journey to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, and soak in its magnificence.

  • Hike to the top of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a monastery built to bring peace to the world, and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding rice terraces.

Is this trip right for you?

  • While on a map we aren't travelling particularly far, the reality of road travel in Nepal and Bhutan is that things always take longer than you expect. Some roads will be bumpy, dusty, or even unexpectedly blocked requiring reroutes and plenty of patience. We fly the farthest distances to make the most of our time together.

  • Bhutan is a high-altitude destination, so taking it easy for a day or two makes for a much more comfortable trip. Drinking tea and water and avoiding strenuous exercise will help you acclimatise after arriving.

  • The trek to Tiger's Nest is quite vigorous but well worth the climb. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of this hike, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.

  • Hotels in some destinations may vary in standard and facilities, and on occasion, hot water may be limited. There will be times when the location of our accommodation will mean it is practical to eat at the hotel restaurant rather than heading out for meals.

  • While there will be opportunities to spot many kinds of wildlife, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

  • You will see tour operators offering elephant riding activities and many tourists taking part in them during your time in Chitwan. Intrepid Travel has a strong elephant welfare policy and as such we discourage travellers from riding elephants in Nepal or anywhere around the world. Please refer to the ‘Responsible Travel’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Weather permitting, take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. Later in the morning, you will explore Kathmandu, visiting Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. Perhaps head to Durbar Square, in front of the old royal palace and home to numerous beautiful temples, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today you will have an early departure from the hotel for your transfer to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. From here you will fly to Pokhara. There are often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north on this flight. On arrival, you will take a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. You can see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. You will also visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn some amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight time is approximately 30mins.
Enjoy a free day for further exploration in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. With an elaborate Hindu temple, Buddhist monastery and bazaar to visit, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied. Or you may like to relax at a restaurant by the lake - in clear weather the views at sunrise and sunset are fantastic.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's true hidden gems. Bandipur was once an important stop for traders travelling to Tibet and the single main street of the town is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. The town is quieter than during its trading days and certainly quieter than current day Kathmandu, so enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bandipur - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Enjoy a day of free time to further explore Bandipur. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages, verdant forests, 'power places', and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town’s temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you will be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss the activities program. There is some flexibility, and activities may vary depending on the time of year and on wildlife movements. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You will then enjoy dinner and afterward, you will be free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan - Bird watching walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 4 hours.

There’s so much to do in Chitwan, we thought we’d give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Bird watching can be excluded for those who are not interested.
Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include either another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast, you will leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chitwan - Bird watching walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
If you are an avid wildlife lover, there is an optional early-morning birdwatching safari available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast fly to Kathmandu and drive to Bhaktapur - once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples, and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight time is approximately 30mins and the driving time is approximately 1 hour.
Spend the day exploring Bhaktapur’s famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is reputed to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You will also visit the Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. This will be an enlightening morning of discovery and enrichment, as you delve into all Bhaktapur has to offer. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu (approximately 2 hours). The evening is yours to spend as you wish - your group may like to head out for an optional dinner to celebrate the wonderful time you've spent together in Nepal.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 1 hour.
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu. You may like to explore the Thamel Market, perusing the eclectic shops and stopping for tea and people-watching. A language, craft or cooking class at Seven Women, a local social enterprise, is also a wonderful way to understand more about Nepal and its people. Your leader can make recommendations to suit your interests or assist you in arranging any sightseeing you might wish to do today.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
This morning board a short flight to Bhutan, you will be unescorted on this flight. Ask to sit on the left-hand side of the plane for the best views of the Himalayas. After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. Stop in at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening wander through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
  • Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time from Paro Airport to Thimphu is approximately 2 hours.

As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today begins with a pleasant walk that meanders gently up the valley through paddy fields, pristine woodlands, and a Tibetan village, a trail that continues uphill (1 hour) to the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Back in Thimphu, stop to enjoy the incredible views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You may like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Stop by the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents consider this to be the heart and soul of the city and gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. Afterward, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts - from carpentry and masonry to paper making and embroidery. The incredible National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and if you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods and a small family-run enterprise that manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen
  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
  • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue the journey before taking another break. Enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Ngawang Chogyel. Arrive in Punakha for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.
After breakfast we head out on a short hike (1.5 hours) to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! Afterwards, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and admire breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country, as well as the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and take in the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Return to Punakha for the evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop
  • Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
This morning head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town on arrival. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours.
After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. After approximately 1 hour ascending the mountainside, reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple and the ideal place to enjoy lunch. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking any further can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. In the evening, after returning to Paro, experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath. A great way to relax after your hiking, this bath is a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. A soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Paro - Home-cooked dinner
Optional Activities
  • Paro - Farmhouse hot stone bath - USD25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s hike is quite challenging and good quality, comfortable shoes are required. Please remember to drink lots of water and wear layers as it gets quite cold as you ascend. Don't forget a sunhat! You will also be at 3120 metres above sea level so remember to take your time as altitude can have an impact.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan.
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Travel in Bhutan is strictly controlled and to do any independent travel outside of a group tour is extremely difficult and expensive to arrange. We provide a group visa for travellers on our tours in Bhutan, which stipulates that all travellers must arrive and depart on the same days that our tour program starts and finishes. Travel outside the tour dates on independent visas is not permitted, and additional nights of accommodation cannot be booked.

Meals

17 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight
  • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu - Bodhnath Stupa
  • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
  • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
  • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
  • Bandipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Chitwan - Bird watching walk
  • Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
  • Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
  • Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen
  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
  • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop
  • Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Paro - Home-cooked dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Nepal & Bhutan Journey trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5,6,9 (Guesthouse) and Days 7,8 (Lodge) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Entry to Bhutan is very strict and travellers can only enter Bhutan on a group visa as part of a tour. All travellers must arrive on Day 12 and depart on Day 18 to be eligible for a group visa. At time of booking, please provide your booking agent with a scanned colour copy of your passport, a scanned colour passport photo, proof of travel insurance that includes coverage for Covid-19 and proof of Covid-19 vaccination.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. Bhutan's airlines are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours transit time before and after your flights into and out of Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.
6. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance for domestic flights is 15kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. The international flight between Nepal and Bhutan has a luggage allowance of 20kg for check in luggage and 5kg for carry on. While in Nepal, you can store excess luggage at the Kathmandu hotel.
7. The Sustainable Development Fee of USD200 per traveller per day, charged by the government of Bhutan, is included in your trip price. It only applies to the days you will spend in Bhutan.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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