The Highlights of Nepal and Bhutan

Day 2

Kathmandu city tour with optional Everest flight

Enjoy a day touring the city taking in the highlights such as Swoyambhunath Stupa, Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

You also have the option to take an early morning hour-long scenic flight to Everest.  What better way to start your Himalayan adventure.

Stay

Kantipur Temple House, Kathmandu

Day 3

Fly to Pokhara and explore

Take a 25-minute internal flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, situated on the southern edge of the Annapurna Massif.  Nepal’s second city has a laid-back atmosphere, the tranquil Lake Pewa, adventurous activities on tap, and spectacular views all round.  You’ll have time to explore this beautiful area, enjoy boating on the lake, and visit Davis Falls and the International Mountain Museum.

Stay

Temple Tree Resort, Pokhara

Day 4

Sunrise at Sarangkot and on to Bandipur

After an early breakfast head up to Sarangkot for (weather permitting) the awesome sunrise vista on a huge sweep of the Himalayas, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) to Machhapuchhare (6997m) - unclimbed out of religious respect - and Annapurna II (7937m).

Drive on to the Newari settlement of Bandipur where you will stay the night.  The village has beautifully preserved 18th century architecture from its time as a key trading route stop-over.  Set high on a ridge with views of snow-capped peaks and terraced fields there is plenty to explore.

Stay

The Old Inn, Bandipur

Day 5

Chitwan National Park

Get up early (if you wish) to catch the sunrise over mighty Manasalu. After breakfast take the drive south toward the sub-tropical Chitwan National Park.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be met by one of their representatives to plan various activities for this afternoon and tomorrow, including jeep safari, river safari, bird watching, jungle walks and a visit to the local Tharu village.  

Stay

Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan

Day 6

Wildlife Safaris in Chitwan

Rise early for a game drive in Nepal’s most famous reserves.  Home to tigers, rhinos, wild elephants, bison, antelopes, sloth bears, and the Gharial crocodile. 

Your morning and afternoon game drives will take you out into the park to the areas of most recent wildlife sightings and activity.  When not on a game drive you’ll have the opportunity to do a river safari.

Stay

Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan

Day 7

Return to Kathmandu and medieval Patan

Early morning bird watching before breakfast then you will fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Patan. Once an independent city-state Patan is now part of the greater Kathmandu area but has its own very distinct feel. 

The ancient medieval streets wind in and out of squares and courtyard.  The rightly famous Durbar Square is home to numerous beautiful temples and place of tranquillity and the many Fairtrade shops give the opportunity to buy gifts and souvenirs knowing that the proceeds are properly distributed. 

Stay

The Inn, Patan

Day 8

Fly to Paro, Bhutan

The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is spectacular. On arrival in Paro, you will be met by your guide and driver and taken along willow-lined roads to your hotel.

Depending on your flight time, today will be a relaxed day to explore the peaceful Paro valley and town, with a walk through the valley to the Dzong and National Museum. There are lots of interesting temples in Paro valley, but we particularly like Kyichu Lhakhang with its magic orange tree, and the unusually shaped Dungtse Lhakhang with its ancient murals. There should be time today for a bit of leisure time - perhaps take a hotstone bath, or learn how to play archery.

Stay

Rema Resort or Gangtey Palace, Paro

Day 9

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan

Stop by the small Sunday market in Paro town before being taken along the national 'highway' to the capital of Thimphu, stopping off at Thamchu Lhakhang on the way. The view over Thimphu from the big Buddha statue helps get our bearings before heading into Thimphu town.

A stop at the weekend market is a must. Lunch at one of the capital's relaxed cafes. Later this afternoon head up to Mothitang to see Bhutan's national animal, the rare and elusive Takin. If there is time, for those who wish to stretch their legs, there are great views of the town and Dzong on a lateral hike through the forests (1hr-1.5hr) to Wanguetse and Dechenphodrang monasteries.

Stay

Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimphu

Day 10

Exploring Thimphu

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit the memorial Chorten, which is so important to Thimphu's inhabitants and the Folk Heritage Museum which will give you an insight into how many rural Bhutanese live.

This afternoon, a walk to Cheri or Tango Goempas on the outskirts of town. Alternatively you can stay in town and have time to explore the town further, head back to the market, or rest. Discuss within the group and with your guide. This evening dine at one of Thimphu's international restaurants.

Stay

Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimphu

Day 11

Over Dochu Laa to Punakha

This morning you will really get a sense of being in the mountains as you ascend to the colourful Dochu Laa pass where you will hopefully see clear views of the snow-capped mountains to the north. Generally the views from the pass are clearer first thing in the morning - so it is best to start as early as possible.

Take time to visit the ornate Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) and perhaps enjoy a tea break before descending into Punakha Valley. As you descend into the subtropical valley of Punakha, you will notice the forest changing in character from pine and evergreen to huge leaved tropical trees. After lunch walk through a small hamlet and paddy fields to a temple on a hill. Round off the day with a riverside walk with views of the Dzong.

Stay

Meripuensum Resort, Punakha

Day 12

Punakha Dzong and Chorten Walk

This morning you drive up to the other side of Punakha valley to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal chorten. It's a 45 minute hike up to the chorten over a suspension bridge.

Afterwards head back down into the valley for a picnic lunch and visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong - arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, where you will take time to explore some of the magnificent temples.

Later this afternoon, time permitting, drive around Punakha valley to the villages of Talo and Nobding.

Stay

Meripuensum Resort, Punakha

Day 13

Return to Paro Valley (Possible Bhutanese Festival)

After breakfast drive back west to Paro Valley. Visit the magical Kyichu Lhakang, the unique cone shaped Dungtse Lhakhang (take a torch) and the atmospheric ruins of Drugyal Dzong. You may also have time to visit Dzongdrakha, a tranquil village of about eight farmhouses built around four temples in the cliffs. It is about an hour’s walk. Tonight, dine in a local farmhouse.

Bhutan is famed for its colourful festivals so, if you travel at the right time of the year, we can incorporate one into your journey - Such as the spectacular Dochu Laa festival help atop the pass.

Stay

Rema Resort or Gangtey Palace, Paro

Day 14

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery Hike

One of the most sacred of pilgrimages in the Himalayas, this hike is quite tough - but most abilities will be able to cope with it if it is taken at a steady pace. Although those accustomed to the altitude might take 2 hours to climb to the temple, we allow the full day for the excursion and stop regularly, including for coffee on the way up, and for lunch on the return leg.

You will be able to go at your own pace (or hire a pony - ask your guide) and if you prefer to stop at the cafe or view point a little higher up, that is fine. Walking through oak, rhododendrons and trees draped in lychen, it is a rewarding and photogenic hike. If there is time (and you have the energy!) you may like to visit Drukgyal Dzong on the way back to the hotel.

Stay

Rema Resort or Gangtey Palace, Paro

Day 15

Fly to Kathmandu

An early start for another spectacular flight over the Himalayas. On arrival back in Kathmandu you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax in the famous Dwarika's Hotel or to explore Kathmandu city. If you would like to arrange guided sightseeing please ask Kath.

This evening you will have a 6-course farewell dinner at the traditional Nepalese Krishnapan restaurant in Dwarika's Hotel. It is a great experience, and will round off your trip before your flight home tomorrow.

Stay

Dwarika's, Kathmandu

Day 16

Depart Nepal

Transfer to the airport to catch you flight home.

If you want to take the optional Everest scenic flight today, this is also possible, time and weather permitting.