Nepal & Bhutan Explorer - 13 Days

Arrive at any time. Welcome meeting will be in the evening with an included entrance and self-guided walk in Patan Durbar Square. Our hotel is located in Patan, as such we have included the entrance ticket to nearby Patan Durbar Square where you can explore on your own.

Take a guided tour of the royal city of Bhaktapur and visit the most ancient shrine in Kathmandu, Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch. The evening is free to do as you please. Take a tour of the world heritage site of Bhaktapur and visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the monkey temple, the oldest shrine in Kathmandu. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles!

Later, opt to visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

Drive across the mountains to beautiful Pokhara. Immerse yourself in the views of the spectacular Annapurna Range. Upon arrival set out on an orientation walk along Phewa Lake. A lively ride along stunning scenery brings us from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Spend the day as you please, indulging in a variety of optional activities in Pokhara. Find a cute cafe to sip some tea in or maybe go for a short hike in the Annapurna ranges. You could also walk up to Sarangkot for incredible views or spend time boating in Phewa lake and walk through the gardens.

Leave Pokhara behind and transfer by private vehicle to Chitwan. Upon arrival enjoy a welcome by the Chitwan Community Guesthouse.

Travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy an overnight cultural experience with the indigenous Tharu community. Experience their culture through dance and song, along with a traditional meal in the familial dining area. In the evening, retreat back to your private thatched cottage to watch the buffalo and goats roaming about. Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Chitwan National Park. Known as the Terai Tarai ("moist land"), the landscape you travel through today is a belt of marshy grassland, savannah, and forests at the base of the Himalayas.

Take a 4x4 jeep safari through the national park and search for the elusive tiger. Explore the national park by 4x4 safari before a guided half-day walk inside the park. Enjoy free time to enjoy some bird watching.

The Terai-Duar region is home to the endangered Indian rhinoceros, as well as elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, leopards, and other wild animals. The Royal Chitwan National Park and Royal Bardia National Park preserve significant sections of habitat for these animals, making them home to some of the greatest concentrations of rhinoceros and tigers left in South Asia.

Travel back to the capital city and enjoy a free evening for last minute shopping and exploring. Return to Kathmandu and enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring.

Fly from Nepal to Bhutan today for the start of the next leg of your adventure. Transfer to Thimphu from the Paro airport and opt to grab dinner with the group.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Point, and Motithang Takin Preserve. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, known as the "Fortress of Glorious Religion", initially built in 1702. Today, it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body, and the office of the king.

Travel to Punakha in the morning crossing Dochula Pass. After a pleasant stop for views enjoy a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple learning about its historical significance. In the afternoon explore the stunning Punakha Dzong.

Take a scenic drive back to Paro this morning with a few stops en route. Upon arrival the group will visit the Paro Dzong as well as the local archery grounds. This evening you'll have free time to wander and indulge as you please.

Enjoy a morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The hike is about 7km and offers a chance to visit 13 holy relics, at a place considered to be one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. After finishing the hike you'll have the rest of the evening free to explore more of Paro on your own before one last dinner with the group.

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included. While at the airport, opt to experience a cultural art class at the social enterprise, VAST, a the tour operator-supported studio. Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home.