Nepal and Bhutan Trekking

Start your trip from Kathmandu and spend a leisurely evening exploring the streets of Kathmandu. Relish the ancient architecture, rich artistic and cultural heritage and the local markets.

In the early morning you will make an attempt at the Mount Everest scenic flight. This amazing experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park, through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, climaxing by getting up close to Mount Everest.

Spend the later part of the morning exploring Kathmandu. Start with the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world. Pay homage at Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, based alongside the Bagmati River. Observe, Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and a general hustle bustle. Spend the remaining afternoon in Kathmandu at leisure, sightseeing and exploring the city on your own. You could go to Durbar Square, near the old royal palace, which his home to numerous beautiful temples.

Fly to Pokhara and enroute soak in the spectacular view of the main Himalayan chain. Start your trip with a boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal), the second largest in Nepal. Head to Peace Pagoda to check out the stunning view of the mountains. You can also see the Annapurnas from here, and the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare. Explore the fascinating International Mountain Museum and get to know about past climbing expeditions.

Enjoy a free day to explore Pokhara. You could go on a boat ride on the lake, especially if the weather’s fine. The lakeside has immense shopping opportunities. You could also explore the old part of the city and visit the Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery.

Drive to beautiful Bandipur (approximately 2 hours). Enjoy the spectacular views, maintained architecture and beautiful walking trails.

Enjoy a day of free time where you can explore the hidden treasures of Bandipur. The surrounding hills make an ideal place for hiking. You can walk across tribal villages, verdant forests and visit the hilltop shrines that were once also fortresses.

Drive to Chitwan National Park (approximately 4 hours). Indulge in a late afternoon safari through the forests and across grasslands and spot the exciting wildlife in the park. Relish a performance by the local Tharu dance troupe in the evening.

Start the day early with a safari to different parts of the park and look for the great Indian rhino, deer, and exotic bird life. You could also opt for other activities available in the park. After breakfast head out for a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. You might spot the marsh mugger crocodiles on the way and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Your further programme for the day could include more excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

If you are an avid wildlife lover you could go for an early-morning birdwatching safari. After breakfast drive on to Bhaktapur (approximately 4 hours), which was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom in the 15th century. It has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich heritage, intricately carved temples and artisanal history. Spend the evening exploring on your own.

Explore Bhaktapur’s famous temples; including Durbar Square, renowned for its architecture in Nepal. It is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. Pay homage at the Pashupati Temple, a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu (approximately 2 hours). You have the evening to yourself.

Spend a day in Kathmandu exploring on your own. You could look at the range of optional Urban Adventures or walk down the buzzing streets of Thamel.

Start off early for Bhutan- the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside lofty mountains, winding rivers to reach Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. After lunch visit Nado, Bhutan’s famous traditional incense maker and the colorful Gagyel Lhendup weaving center. Spend the evening exploring the streets of Thimphu.

Start your day with a walk around the valley through paddy fields, beautiful woodlands and a quaint Tibetan village. Visit the Pangri Zampa Gompa and as you walk along spot Bhutanese chortens on the riverside route and go through the villages of Choku and Begana.

Reach, Cheri Dorji Dhen, built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the riverside.

Drive back to Thimphu and indulge in some sightseeing, including the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in the memory of the 3rd King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Afterwards, visit Dubthob nunnery, and then the School of Arts and Crafts where you learn about traditional arts. No tour of Thimphu is complete without a visit to the Textile Museum. You can buy some things from the Thimphu Handicraft Emporium as gifts.

Leave Thimpu this morning and drive to Punakha (approx. 4 hours) the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Soak in the breathtaking view of the Himalayas at the Dochu-La pass (10,000ft/3,048m). Take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499. Traditionally, childless women have visited this temple to be blessed by the saint.
In Punakha, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. It is one of the best of Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs with its three towers and magnificent placement at the confluence of two rivers.

Go to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan and immerse yourself in the spectacular views of Punakha Dzong. After lunch you could go for an optional hike (approx. 1 hour) to visit the Khamsum Yulley Monastery.

Head back to Thimphu. (approx. 4 hrs). After lunch in Thimpu, continue to the Paro Valley. Spend the night at a home stay in Paro, enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.

Start early and drive up to the starting point and get set for a hike to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) – a magnificent monastery, atop a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.We drive to the end of this road and then start the hike near the mountain to get a closer view of the temple. After approximately an hour walking uphill you can stop at a teahouse for refreshments and get a panoramic view of the temple. You could get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to an hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple.

After breakfast get a transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan.