Nepal & Bhutan Explorer - 13 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation will be in hotels for 10 nights and guesthouses/cottages for 2 nights.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, in some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your booking agent for further details.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, any flights noted on the itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by the tour operator during the tour.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Transportation will involve private vehicles, 4x4, walking/hiking, and a flight from Nepal to Bhutan.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will be with you throughout the trip, supported by local guides in specific areas.

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 20 travelers, with an average of 14.

• Will I get my own room if I'm travelling solo?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you've booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include an Everest Flight, visits to Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, birdwatching in Royal Chitwan National Park, and visits to Ta Dzong National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang Temple in Paro, as well as a VAST Airport Experience.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%) is customary in Asia. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from $1-$2 USD per person per day. A guideline of $20-30 USD per person per week is appreciated for the CEO if they did an outstanding job.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include exploring old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, learning to make Nepalese momos, searching for tigers in Chitwan National Park, marveling at mountain landscapes, and visiting various dzongs and Buddhist gompas.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for my trip to Nepal and Bhutan?

  All countries require a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity). For Bhutan, the tour operator will arrange the visa, and its cost is included. The Bhutanese visa is issued upon arrival. For Nepal, e-Visas are offered for some nationalities, and visas are also available upon arrival at the airport and land crossings.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn an income from tourism by developing and supporting community-owned businesses, which are integrated into the tour operator's itineraries.

• What are the main highlights of the Nepal & Bhutan Explorer tour?

  The main highlights include exploring the sights in old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, learning to make Nepalese momos from local women, searching for tigers in Chitwan National Park, marveling at the mountain landscapes, and visiting various dzongs and Buddhist gompas.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation will primarily be in hotels (10 nights), with some stays in guesthouses/cottages (2 nights), totaling 12 nights.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.

• What forms of transportation are used during the trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, 4x4 safaris, walking/hiking, and a flight from Nepal to Bhutan.

• Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement for this tour?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied is 18. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12. The maximum age for travelers is 100.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers, with an average group size of 14.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The tour will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip, supported by local guides.

• Are visas for Nepal and Bhutan included or arranged?

  The tour operator will arrange the Bhutan visa for you, and its cost is included in the tour price. For Nepal, e-Visas are available for some nationalities, and visas can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport and land crossings. A valid passport with a minimum 6 months validity is required for all countries.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour, though any flights noted on the itinerary for travel between destinations within the tour are included.

• What optional activities are available during the trip?

  Optional activities include an Everest Flight, Boudhanath Stupa Visit and Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit in Kathmandu, birdwatching in Royal Chitwan National Park, and Ta Dzong National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit in Paro. There is also a VAST Airport Experience option at Paro Airport.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex to avoid single supplements. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is tipping customary on this trip, and if so, what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is customary in Nepal and Bhutan. For service providers like waiters, approximately 10% is expected. Recommendations for tipping local guides and drivers range from $4-5 USD per person per day. For your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of $8-19 USD per person per day is suggested.

• How much emergency money should I have access to?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for use in unforeseen circumstances such as route changes due to natural disasters.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3. Please note there is a lot of walking and light hiking on this trip, some of it at higher altitudes, so you should be in decent physical condition.

• What are the 'G for Good Moments' included in this tour?

  The 'G for Good Moments' include a Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration in Kathmandu and a Barauli Community Immersion in Royal Chitwan National Park, which also includes a stay at the Barauli Community Guesthouse.