High in the Himalayas: Nepal and Bhutan holiday

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Kathmandu
• 2 nights Chitwan National Park
• 2 nights Pokhara
• 1 night Kathmandu
• 2 nights Thimphu
• 1 night Gangtey
• 2 nights Punakha
• 2 nights Paro
• 1 night Delhi

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu 

On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for two nights. Kathmandu is a beguiling city, with twisting alleys and bustling markets, as many idols as men and as many temples as houses. The concentration of art, culture and tradition that is found in the Kathmandu Valley, is hard to come across anywhere else in the world.  

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Kathmandu    

Start your trip with an incredible experience - a scenic helicopter flight to see Mount Everest. You’ll soar over the Himalayas, looking down upon the tallest peak in the world, as well as the majestic ranges around the famous mountain. It’s a wonderful way to experience the Himalayas and start your trip in style!

In the afternoon, you’ll head out to explore Kathmandu with your guide. First you’ll visit Durbar Square, full of temples, monuments and ancient palaces in the heart of the city. You’ll see the Taleju Temple, towering over you at over 40m high, Kumari, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the giant pagoda, Kasthamandap, said to have been build from a single tree. Next, you’ll head to the famous monkey temple, Swayambhunath, which sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The oldest reference to this stupa is from the 5^th Century but it could date back even further. Finally you’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, around 5km from Kathmandu, where you can admire the Newari architecture and various temples, filled with stone carvings, metal statues and dozens of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel     

Day 4: Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park         

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for the short flight to Chitwan National Park. On arrival you’ll be driven to your accommodation, Bahari Jungle Lodge, where you’ll check in for two nights. This afternoon you’ll head out on a jeep drive to look for wildlife. Set in the foothills of the Churia Ranges, Chitwan is a wilderness of jungle and forest where elephants and rhino wander amongst the lush undergrowth. Tigers are rare but can be spotted if you are lucky!

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, dinner, Bahari Jungle Lodge       

Day 5: Chitwan National Park      

You’ll spend the day searching for wildlife and exploring the lush forests of Chitwan. Birdlife is thriving here and bird watchers will have over 450 species to look for in the early mornings and magical twilight times. You’ll be able to enjoy a jungle walk, exploring different areas from the flood plain grasslands to the dense Sal forests. Walking around disturbs the animals less, as well as giving you the opportunity to learn about the plants and herbs in the forest. You’ll also get to go on a dugout canoe along the river, looking for gharials, a type of crocodile, as they float with their babies on their noses.  

Chitwan is famous for its one-horned rhinos, as well as being a protected area for the Bengal tiger. Look out for elephants in the undergrowth, pulling down vines with their trunks while they eat, and hornbills soaring through the air in a rush of flight. 

Included: All meals, guiding, Bahari Jungle Lodge            

Day 6: Fly to Pokhara

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Pokhara. Known as the ‘jewel of the Himalayas’, Pokhara is nestled amongst a backdrop of snowy peaks, serene lakes and lush greenery, with something for every visitor, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. It’s the start point of many of Nepal’s most famous treks and has been luring mountain climbers for decades. 

After checking into your hotel, you’ll head out to visit Tibetan Refugee Camp, to learn about the history of Tibet and their home in Nepal since the 1960s. It’s a wonderful way to interact with the community and learn about their plight. You’ll also take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda, with spectacular views over Phewa Lake. 

In the evening, you’ll take a boat ride on the lake – sit back and soak up the views of colourful boats along the shoreline, clear fresh water and the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to explore the lakeside souvenir shops and restaurants. 

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, transfers, guiding, 4* hotel                

Day 7: Pokhara

Today you’ll be up early to visit Sarangkot village, a small hill station near Pokhara. With panoramic views of the Himalayas you can enjoy the best sunrise views over the mountains, Pokhara City and Phewa Lake before returning to the hotel for breakfast. 

After a delicious meal, you’ll head off to explore Pokhara, starting at the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Here, you’ll learn about the history of mountain climbing in this area before exploring the Bindabasini Temple with its colourful views over the city below. You’ll be able to explore the traditional bazaar, haggle over pretty bangles and scarves and enjoy friendly interactions with the locals. 

In the afternoon you’ll leave the city and explore Seti River Gorge, where you can stand on the bridge and watch the turbulent river rush through the gap before visit Devi’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall nearby. Across the road, you’ll also see Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, with a huge stalagmite that is worshipped as a Shiva lingam. 

Included: Breakfast, guiding, 4* hotel           

Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu     

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, you’ll be driven to Bhaktapur, to explore the city. Named as the City of Devotees, this place is a hub oof medieval art and architecture. Around 9 miles away from Kathmandu, it is shaped like a conch shell, with the Durbar Square in the heart of the streets. You’ll visit the Nyatapola Temple, with five terraces making up the pagoda, as well as the 55 window palace that overlooks the square. 

In the evening you’ll head back to Kathmandu for your final night in the city – why not head out for a delicious dinner to celebrate your final night in Nepal and begin to get excited to arrive in Bhutan tomorrow.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel                  

Day 9: Fly to Bhutan

After breakfast, you'll head to the airport for the short flight to Paro in Bhutan. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas and soon you'll touch down, where you'll take your first breath of fresh mountain air. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and welcomed, before being driven along the Paro Valley to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. 

After checking into your hotel, you'll head out to explore the town with your guide - starting with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu's most iconic monuments. You'll interact with locals who come to visit the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Next you'll explore the market area, of Ka Ja Thorm, where the modern and traditional elements of Bhutanese life merge. You can browse the handicrafts and taste local street snacks while soaking up the atmosphere - Ka Ja Throm is a quintessential Thimphu experience.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Thimphu

After breakfast, you'll head out to visit the Buddha Dordenma, atop a hill within the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. It is believed that this statue emits an aura of tranquillity and joy, extending its influence on the entire world. Crafted from bronze and adorned with a layer of golden gilding, this colossal Shakyamuni statue is one of Bhutan's largest monuments. From here, you'll embark on a two hour hike to Changangkha Lhakhang temple, walking past prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and through the pine forest filled with rhododendrons. At the end of the trail you'll arrive at the temple to admire the building, learning about it's history all the way back to the 12th Century. You'll also visit the Zilkha Nunnery with it's spectacular views and the Folk Heritage Museum, to learn about the documentation of local life. 

Finish your day at the Trashichhoedzong, often referred to as the 'fortress of the glorious religion.' This remarkable building serves as the heart of both government and religion in Bhutan and houses the monarch's throne room.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Thimphu to Gangtey

This morning you'll begin your journey to Gangtey, around 6 hours drive from Thimphu. The journey is so scenic, taking you through the breathtaking Dochu-la Pass, soaking up the panormaic views and gazing over the Himalayas that peep out above the clouds on clear days. You'll also come across the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 chortens are arranged in three circles, symbolising spiritual reverence. Continuing on, you'll pass through the dense forests of oak and rhododendrons, eventually arriving in the valley of Gantey. 

In the afternoon, you'll visit Gangtey Goenpa, a magnificent monastery perched atop a small hill in the heart of the valley. Notably, it's the sole Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the largest of its kind in Bhutan. After exploring the monastery, you'll visit the Black Neck Crane Information Centre, strategically located on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. Equipped with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes, the centre provides an ideal vantage point for observing the majestic cranes in their natural habitat. 

Finish your day with by dropping in for evening prayers at Kuenzang Chholing Shedra, a Nyingmapa school with over 300 student monks. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Gangtey to Punakha

Today you'll be heading over to Punakha, straight after breakfast. Enroute you'll stop to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, found on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You'll enjoy a pleasant walk along a trail throug the rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. 

Stop in to explore the Wangduephodrang Dzong before arriving in town and checking into your hotel for two nights. In the afternoon you'll visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. Cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge, gracefully suspended over the rushing waters of the Mo Chhu River. A marvel of engineering, you'll see the prayer flags fluttering in the wind and hear the river's roar below - crossing this bridge provides an exhilarating blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Punakha

Spend the day exploring Punakha, embarking on a scenic hike leading up to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. The chorten stands as a commanding presence in the upper Punakha Valley, offering breath-taking panoramas that sweep over the Mo Chhu River and extend towards the towering peaks of Gasa and the surrounding landscape. 

After lunch you'll visit Talo Village, where residences are scattered along the hillside of the valley. The beautiful farmhouses of the village have their own flower gardens and are surrounded by wildflower meadows where corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. You'll spend the afternoon in Nobgang and Talo villages visiting farmhouses and meeting families, experiencing Bhutanese rural life. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Punakha to Paro 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Paro along the scenic highway. On the way you'll visit the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong built in 1629, often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan. On arrival in Paro, you'll check into the hotel before heading out to explore the valley. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries - after a local style lunch, you'll visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore the local area at your leisure. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Tiger's Nest hike 

Spend your final day in Bhutan visiting the most iconic monastery in the country. Head off early on the five hour round trip hike up to Taktshang Monastery, known as Tiger's Nest. Clinging to the side of a cliff above the Paro valley floor, legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress and engaged in meditation, hence earning it the name 'Tiger's Nest.' It is now a pilgrimage site frequented by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. After this incredible experience you'll be brough back to Paro town, stopping in at Kyichu Lhakhang before spending your final evening in Paro, toasting an incredible trip exploring India and Bhutan. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Depart Bhutan

After breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport for your flight home. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights

Day 17: Arrive UK