Nepal & Bhutan Journey

Namaste! 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 trip 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.

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Today, you’ll fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan Mountain chain to the north. When you arrive, take a scenic boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second largest lake in Nepal. You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat. Enjoy a free evening, perhaps asking your leader for their favourite lakeside restaurant to visit for dinner.

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning were spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momo (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour.

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street 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. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages 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.

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Embark on an early-morning jeep safari in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife or joining one of the other activities available to explore the park (the safari will either happen on day 7 or Day 8, depending on the hotel staff's schedule). After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of 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.

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was 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.

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate.  You 'll also visit the Yakcheswor Mahadev Temple- a replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Bhaktapur. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal adventure comes to an end.

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu. You may like to explore the Thamel Market, perusing the shops and stopping for tea and some 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.

This morning, board a short flight to Bhutan. If you can manage to get a seat on the left-hand side of the plane, you’ll be treated to the best views of the Himalayas. After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you’ll be greeted by your leader and driver and warmly welcomed to the 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. You'll meet the new travellers joining you tonight at a welcome meeting with your leader, then head out for dinner. Take an evening wander through the streets of Thimphu – the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!

Start today with an uphill hike through the valley, passing paddy fields, woodlands and a Tibetan village to reach the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, Bhutan’s first ruler. Return to Thimphu, stopping to enjoy the 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 might like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Then, visit the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. After, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts, including carpentry, masonry, paper making and embroidery. The 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 some shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods like handcrafted paper.

This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for an excellent view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain – the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue your journey before stopping for another break. Consider joining your leader for an optional short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal. Arrive in Punakha and settle into your accommodation for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.

After breakfast, head out on a short hike 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! After, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and take in the views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. You’ll also see the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and soak up the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Then, return to Punakha for the evening.

Head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu this morning. 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. Be sure to have your favourite playlist, podcasts or a good book queued up for the drive. After lunch, continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town when you arrive. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!

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 m above the Paro valley floor. After ascending the mountainside, you’ll reach a small teahouse with a panoramic view of the temple where you’ll stop for lunch. If you’re interested, you can get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Otherwise, you can simply relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. Return to Paro in the evening, then 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 form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. After today’s hike, a soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.

Have breakfast at your hotel, then take a departure transfer to Paro Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.