Premium Nepal & Bhutan - 17 Days

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe check out the futuristic Taragaon Museum, showcasing the history of Kathmandu’s architecture. After your meeting, head out into the hustle and bustle of the Thamel and Jyatha neighbourhoods for an included dinner with your leader and group. You’ll try woh (a pancake made from freshly ground black lentils) or kukhurako masu (chicken cooked Nepali style).

After breakfast, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square – the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the surrounding monasteries. Stop by a Thangka painting studio and gain inside knowledge on this sacred and traditional form of Buddhist art and the training that goes into being a Thangka artist. Visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, where you’ll see Hindu holy men meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon is free for further explorations.

This morning, join a cooking class to gain a true understanding of Nepal’s culinary heritage, founded and led by local Nepali women with a passion for conserving, promoting and sharing the rich food culture of the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley. You’ll learn about the traditions that have spanned centuries and recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Master the local methods of cooking and put together some classic dishes, then sit down to lunch with your new friends. After, begin the journey to Nagarkot, stopping at Bhaktapur along the way – a beautifully preserved ancient city, home to many temples and statues. Explore three of the most important squares – Durbar, Taumadhi and Pottery square – before continuing your journey. When you arrive, prepare for an overnight stay at Club Himalaya, renowned for its unrestricted view of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and the surrounding areas. End the day with a relaxing sundowner while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains as the sun sets. Start with a local cocktail and Nepalese masala tea before tucking into sel roti’a (traditional Nepali ring-shaped fried bread). This bread symbolises good fortune, peace and family unity and you’ll watch it being made before tucking in – yum!

Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, 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 boat ride across the lake of Phewa Tal – the second largest lake in Nepal. Visit the Peace Pagoda for excellent views of the mountains, including the Annapurna Range, the famous fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and a glimpse back across to Pokhara. In the afternoon, maybe take some time to enjoy Pokhara’s mellow atmosphere and wander its colourful streets or take a stroll along the lake and see the brightly painted paddle boats in the water. Pokhara has no shortage of restaurants to tempt your tastebuds, so be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations.

Start the day with a visit to Sarangkot viewpoint for a sunrise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, from the Annapurna Ranges to Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre). Your leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the landscape. Then, head to the International Mountain Museum, which is full of fascinating tales of climbing expeditions from the past – some ending in triumph and others in tragedy. After some time at the museum, you’ll visit a local Tibetan community. 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 momos (steamed dumplings), which you’ll then eat together for lunch. Later, enjoy a free evening in Pokhara.

After breakfast, make the morning drive to Chitwan National Park and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights – Barahi Jungle Lodge. Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Rapti River, opposite the park, this jungle oasis offers first-class service and naturally warm Nepali hospitality. After settling in, you’ll venture from the lodge to your Exclusive Experience with the Tharu community. This indigenous group has inhabited the Terai plains of southern Nepal and northern India for centuries, and you’re invited to experience their culture and lifestyle, religious practices and cooking methods. You’ll sip local tea and, if you wish, raksi (traditional alcohol), learning how it’s prepared. Chat with senior community members about their life on the plains, then head to the Rapti River, champagne sundowner in hand. Watch for egrets, storks and maybe even a sloth bear in this beautiful spot – don't worry, your wildlife guide can help you identify what you’re seeing. End the evening with a special bush dinner, as the stars start to pop out above you.

After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your local guide will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but you might see one if you’re lucky! When you return to dry land, set out on a late-afternoon safari to see the park’s varied flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your group and relax at your accommodation’s bar while discussing the day’s sightings or listening to the songs of the jungle.

Have breakfast at the resort before driving back to Kathmandu. After arriving back in the capital, you’re free to explore and further soak up this vibrant city. Tonight, join your leader and group for a farewell dinner at Kaiser Café. The restaurant is a short walk from the hotel, so you can take this opportunity for a final stroll through town before one last taste of Nepal’s delicious traditional food.

Today, wave goodbye to Nepal and catch an unescorted flight to Bhutan. When you arrive, you’ll be met at Paro Airport and transferred to Thimphu (2400 m), Bhutan’s capital city. After settling in, you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new group and trip leader. If time permits, join your leader for an orientation walk to get acquainted with Thimphu’s main street and visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in honour of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This evening, sit down to a welcome dinner at a restaurant that’s a favourite with the locals. Learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with a tasty chilli cheese. You may like to try some Bhutanese peach wine or perhaps some Ara (the national spirit, served neat and hot).

After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu. Stop at Buddha Point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin (hoofed mammals resembling goats and antelopes) – the national animal of Bhutan. Pass by the fortress and monastery of Tashichho Dzong, sitting on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu River. After lunch, your leader will weave together the cultural heritage of Bhutan during visits to the National Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum (where you can try your hand at the national sport of archery) and the Voluntary Artists Studio in Thimphu – an institution where young people receive formal education in the arts of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery and bamboo crafts from all over Bhutan.

This morning, visit Desho Paper Factory to see a traditional method of making paper by hand. Next, travel to the fortified monastery of Simtokha Dzong, then follow the winding Dochula Pass (3100 m), marked by more than 100 chortens built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers. Continue through lush forests on the scenic drive to Phobjikha. Here, you’ll find a valley rich with wildlife – keep an eye out for serows (a goat-like animal) and muntjacs. This afternoon, visit Gangtey Goemba – a monastery with magnificent views of the valley. Your guide will provide a local perspective on Buddhism and happiness – the two most important pillars of Bhutanese culture. Here, you’ll take part in an Exclusive Experience – a prayer flag blessing ceremony. In Bhutan, prayer flags are an important symbol of the Buddhist faith. During this special ceremony, the monks of Gangtey Goemba will bless two flags for each traveller – one will be placed near the monastery and you’ll take the other one home as a keepsake symbolising good fortune, peace and prosperity. Spend the next two nights at Gangtey Tent Resort – your Feature Stay. Your deluxe tent offers views of the Phobjikha Valley and is decorated in traditional Bhutanese style.

Start the day with a visit to the centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) where you’ll learn about the vulnerable, black-necked cranes that fly to Bhutan each winter. The Phobjikha Valley receives more of these visitors than any other part of the country and the RSPN has taken special measures to protect them, as well as 13 other vulnerable species. Learn about the cranes’ habitat and behaviour and use the centre’s spotting scopes to search for cranes in the valley. Wild cranes will only be visible during the winter months, but if you visit outside this period, you may still have the chance to see black-necked cranes that are being rehabilitated in the centre. In the afternoon, join your leader on a gentle hike around the valley and learn about the flora and fauna that call this region home.

Journey to Punakha this morning, stopping at a local village along the way where you’ll take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang – the Temple of Fertility. Your leader will explain how people from all corners of the country visit the Lhakhang to seek a blessing from Drukpa Kunley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. A revered womaniser and drinker, this wandering preacher taught that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. On the walk through the village of Sopsokha to the temple, you’ll notice the phallic symbols painted on walls – a symbol of fertility and protection from evil.

Begin the day with a short drive to the base of a hill where you'll begin your hike up to a monastery. In this almost sub-tropical valley, you’ll head out on a hike over a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chhu River and passes through paddy fields before following a moderately inclined trail to the Khamsum Yulley Temple. Built by the Queen Mother, the temple is a classic example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. From the top, you can take in sweeping views across the valley. After lunch, you’ll visit the white-walled, red-roofed Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre and winter retreat of the Je Khenpo – the chief abbot of Bhutan. See the Dzong’s intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings decorating the walls and doorways. End the day at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and Nunnery, where you’ll arrive in time for evening prayers.

This morning, begin the journey to Paro. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to wander Paro town. In the afternoon, visit Kaja Throm – a local farmers market where you can browse fresh produce and handicrafts and watch as locals go about their shopping – before having dinner with your group.

Balanced 900 m above the valley floor sits Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest – a beautiful monastery and Bhutan’s most recognised building. After breakfast, begin a hike through pine forests, passing beneath thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags. Your leader will guide you up into the mountains for a closer view of the temple, sharing the legend of its history along the way. Reach a small teahouse and stop for lunch and refreshments while taking in truly unforgettable views. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer look at the Tiger’s Nest by hiking another hour each way to reach the temple. Otherwise, you can relax at the teahouse and soak in your surroundings. Back in Paro, immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese culture as you visit a farmhouse for a home-cooked dinner with your group.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Please check with your leader about the exact departure time from the hotel. Please note that your leader may not be with you as the group may leave on different flights.