Best of Nepal and Bhutan Tour

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu

  

  Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative, who will be holding a placard with your name outside the International Arrival Hall. You will then be transferred to your hotel, conveniently located in the city center. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or to take a gentle stroll around the local area and enjoy your first impressions of Nepal. Hotel check-in: From 13:00 hrs Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

• day 2

  Full-Day Kathmandu Sightseeing – 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  

  After breakfast, your English-speaking local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:30 hrs to begin a full-day cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your first visit is to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Often referred to as the “Abode of Shiva,” the temple is accessible only to Hindus for worship; however, visitors may observe the temple complex and daily rituals from the opposite bank. Here, you will also witness traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies at the riverside ghats, offering profound insight into Hindu beliefs and life rituals. Next, drive to Boudhanath Stupa, located approximately 3 km from Pashupatinath. Known as “Mini Tibet,” Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Surrounded by monasteries, prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags, this area provides a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist rituals and monastic life. In the afternoon, continue to Swayambhunath Stupa, majestically perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Popularly known as the “Monkey Temple,” this sacred site symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, as devotees from both faiths come here to pay homage. From the stupa, enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and, on clear days, glimpses of the central Himalayan ranges. Your final stop is Patan Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the historic city of Patan, also known as the “City of Beauty.” Explore the ancient royal palace complex, beautifully preserved temples, and medieval architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Patan’s narrow lanes while visiting highlights such as Krishna Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, and the Golden Temple. Patan is also renowned for its exquisite metalwork and wood carvings, reflecting the artistic heritage of the Newari people. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

• day 3

  Drive to Chitwan & Jungle Activities Distance: 175 km | Duration: ~6.5 hours

  

  After breakfast at 07:30 am, your driver will pick you up for a scenic drive to Chitwan, traveling along the picturesque mountain highways. Chitwan is one of Asia’s premier national parks, renowned for its rich wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, deer, and a wide variety of flora and fauna thriving in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your lodge’s resident naturalist. Enjoy lunch at the lodge’s dining complex, followed by a briefing on the day’s activities. In the afternoon, embark on a guided jungle walk, accompanied by your naturalist, to explore the forest and its unique ecosystem. You will also visit nearby Tharu villages, home to the indigenous Tharu people, and learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture. The day concludes with an evening Tharu Stick Dance performance, offering a glimpse of the region’s vibrant local traditions. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Chitwan

• day 4

  Full-Day Jungle Activities in Chitwan

  

  Start your day with an early breakfast, followed by a serene canoe ride on the Rapti River. Glide through the calm waters while observing a variety of water birds and, if you're lucky, spot crocodiles basking along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting jeep safari into the dense forest of Chitwan National Park. This is your chance to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, with the one-horned rhinoceros as the highlight of the day. With some luck, you may also catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger or other fascinating wildlife species. After the safari, return to your lodge to relax. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Chitwan

• day 5

  Drive to Pokhara & Sightseeing Tour | Distance: 145 km | Duration: ~6 hours

  

  After breakfast, depart for Pokhara, a serene city renowned for its stunning Himalayan views and peaceful, snow-fed lakes. On clear days, the reflection of Mount Fishtail and the Annapurna range on Phewa Lake is simply breathtaking. Pokhara also serves as the gateway to Annapurna treks and offers a range of scenic day hikes around the valley rim. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a Pokhara city sightseeing tour, visiting cultural and natural highlights such as Bindabasini Temple, Seti Gorge, Devi’s Fall, and the sacred Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

• day 6

  Sarangkot Sunrise & Pokhara Excursions

  

  Start your day with an early morning excursion to Sarangkot, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Annapurna, the Dhaulagiri Massif, and Mount Fishtail. Return to your hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, head to the Lakeside area for a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake, enjoying reflections of the surrounding mountains and serene waters. Next, proceed to the Peace Stupa (White Pagoda), located on a hilltop overlooking Pokhara Valley. A short 10-minute walk from the parking area brings you to the stupa, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake, and the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. For those seeking adventure, there is an optional 3-hour hike from the Peace Stupa down to the lakeside, offering an immersive experience of the Annapurna foothills and local landscapes before returning to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

• day 7

  Hike in the Annapurna Foothills

  

  After breakfast, drive to Kande, the starting point of today’s gentle trek. Embark on a 2-hour walk to Australian Camp, a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range. After spending some time enjoying the mountains and taking photographs, return along the same trail to the vehicle pickup point. For those preferring a gentler option, you can explore Chandrakot Village, also located in the Annapurna foothills. This easy 2-hour round-trip walk provides an opportunity to experience local village life, terraced fields, and serene mountain surroundings at a relaxed pace. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

• day 8

  Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  

  Enjoy a leisurely morning in Pokhara to relax, stroll around the lakeside, or soak in the Himalayan views. Later, you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport to board your domestic flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

• day 9

  Fly Kathmandu to Paro & Drive to Thimphu – Sightseeing Tour

  

  Transfer to Kathmandu Airport to board your flight to Paro, Bhutan. The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains and lush landscapes. Upon arrival in Paro and completion of visa formalities, you will be warmly received by our representative and transferred to Thimphu (54 km, approximately 1.5 hours). On the way, enjoy visits to some of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks: Buddha Park (Kuensel Phodrang) – Home to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan. Tashichho Dzong – An impressive fortress and monastery serving as the seat of Bhutan’s government. National Memorial Chorten – A revered stupa dedicated to peace and prosperity. Changangkha Monastery – A 15th-century temple overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

• day 10

  Thimphu Sightseeing & Drive to Gangtey – Explore Phobjikha Valley

  

  Start your day with visits to Thimphu’s cultural highlights, including: Painting School – learn about traditional Bhutanese arts National Library – home to ancient Buddhist texts Royal Goldsmith Workshop – showcasing exquisite traditional craftsmanship Handicraft Centers – offering insight into Bhutanese artisan skills Afterwards, begin a scenic 3-hour drive to Gangtey, passing through Wangdue Phodrang and crossing the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Gangkar Punsum (7,520 meters), the highest peak in Bhutan. The route descends into the warmer valleys of Lobesa, offering a striking contrast of landscapes. Continue to Gangtey Gompa in Phobjikha Valley (2,800 meters), home to the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. This serene valley is also the winter habitat of the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) ensures the safety of the cranes, while locals follow careful traditions to preserve their environment. Explore the peaceful valley, observe the unique ecosystem, and immerse yourself in its spiritual and natural beauty before returning to your resort. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

• day 11

  Drive to Punakha – Chimi Lhakhang Hike & Punakha Dzong

  

  After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, set amidst the scenic Punakha Valley. Begin your exploration with a visit to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Built at the confluence of two rivers, this architectural marvel has withstood glacial floods and fires over the centuries. If visiting in February, you may witness the vibrant Punakha Tshechu, a traditional festival commemorating Bhutan’s historical victories. En route, enjoy a short hike (approximately 30 minutes) to Chimi Lhakhang, the iconic “Fertility Temple,” passing through typical Bhutanese villages and farmlands. This gentle walk offers a glimpse of rural Bhutanese life and culture, making for an immersive experience. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

• day 12

  Drive to Paro & Sightseeing Tour

  

  After breakfast, drive back to Paro and check in at your hotel. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Drugyel Dzong, a historic fortress strategically located to defend the Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions in the early 17th century. On clear days, enjoy stunning views of Mount Chomolhari (7,320 meters) towering above the dzong. Continue through the picturesque valley to the Ta-Dzong (watchtower), which was converted into the National Museum in the 1960s by the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven-floor museum showcases Bhutanese culture, history, and artifacts dating back to the 7th century. A short downhill walk brings you to Rinpung Dzong, which functions as both an administrative center and a school for monks. Cross the traditional bridge to explore Paro Town, experiencing local markets and Bhutanese architecture up close. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Paro

• day 13

  Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

  

  After breakfast, embark on a scenic uphill hike to the world-famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as “Tiger’s Nest.” The hike through pine forests takes approximately 4–5 hours round trip, offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley along the way. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 800 meters above the valley, this iconic monastery is a sacred site in Bhutanese Buddhism. Legend has it that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) arrived here in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for three months, blessing the region and establishing it as a spiritual sanctuary. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a local farmhouse in Paro, experiencing authentic local cuisine and hospitality. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Hotel in Paro

• day 14

  Fly Paro to Kathmandu & Drive to Nagarkot | Distance: 38 km | Duration: ~1.5 hours

  

  After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport in time to board your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, meet your driver and enjoy a scenic drive to Nagarkot, a picturesque hill station located 38 kilometers from Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,100 meters. Nagarkot is renowned for its incredible sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas, offering vistas of 8 of Nepal’s 13 highest mountain ranges. Spend the afternoon at leisure—take a gentle stroll around the hill station or relax at your hotel while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery. On exceptionally clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Nagarkot

• day 15

  Bhaktapur Sightseeing & Drive to Kathmandu

  

  Start your day with a leisurely morning in Nagarkot, enjoying the sunrise over the Himalayas from your hotel and relaxing until late morning. After check-out, drive down to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved ancient city in the Kathmandu Valley and a vibrant cultural hub of the Newari people. While many buildings were damaged during the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes, the main square still showcases remarkable architecture, including: Lion Gate Statue of Bhupatindra Malla Palace of 55 Windows Bell of the Barking Dogs Nyatapola Temple Replica of Pashupatinath Temple Wander through the narrow lanes of Bhaktapur, observe daily life, and explore traditional crafts. You may also find exquisite thangkas (oil paintings on silk), perfect for souvenirs. After the sightseeing tour, drive back to Kathmandu and check in at your hotel for an evening at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

• day 16

  Departure transfer

  

  Breakfast and transfer to Kathmandu airport in time to board your flight back home (check-out time: 1100 Hrs).