Nepal and Bhutan are some of the most undiscovered places on Earth, but this two-week adventure will reveal their magic before the rest of the world catches on. You’ll take part in traditions of small Nepalese communities, experience the wildlife and rich biodiversity of Chitwan National Park, and feel Bhutan’s spiritual nature in storied Buddhist temples. This adventure might be big, but the journey won’t ever feel rushed, meaning you’ll have plenty of time to meet local people and embrace their way of life.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration, Kathmandu
Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Immersion, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park. Walk in Patan Durbar Square. Sustainable Development Fees. Guided tour of Bhaktapur City. Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration. Swayambhunath Temple Visit. Enjoy a welcome by the Chitwan Community Homestay and a traditional meal. Chitwan National Park 4x4 safari. Cycling through villages in Chitwan. Memorial Chorten & Motithang Takin Preserve visit. Tashichho Dzong visit. Chimi Lakhang Hike. Explore Paro Dzong and Archery grounds. Hike to Taktsang Monastery Tiger's Nest. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the sights in old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Learn to make Nepalese momos from a group of local women, Search for tigers in Chitwan National Park, Marvel at the mountain landscapes, Visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas
How large will the group be?
Max 20, avg 14.
What meals are included in this trip?
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, 4x4, walking/hiking, flight from Nepal to Bhutan.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (10 nts), guesthouse/cottage (2 nts).
Itinerary
Kathmandu
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.
Kathmandu
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.
Kathmandu/Pokhara
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.
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.
Pokhara to Chitwan National Park
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.
Chitwan National Park
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.
Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu
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.
Kathmandu to Thimphu via Paro
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.
Thimphu
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.
Thimphu/Punākha
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.
Punākha/Paro
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.
Paro
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.
Paro
Depart at any time. Airport transfer included. Your CEO will help arrange your transfer to the airport and all exit formalities before your journey home.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.