Nepal & Bhutan Cultural and Spiritual Journey

Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu, the fun capital of Nepal. Start with a personal tour of Old Kathmandu’s narrow streets, colourful markets and traditional workshops. Visit sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites where religions coexist. See Durbar Square’s big temples, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath for great views, where you’ll notice the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Wander through the peaceful Garden of Dreams and meet the living goddess, Kumari Devi. This day is a mix of history, spirituality and culture and gives you a great introduction to the heart of Nepal.

Kathmandu Valley

Explore the cultural richness of the Kathmandu Valley. Visit the ancient royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, famous for beautiful brick houses, carved woodwork and temple courtyards. See master craftsmen at work making metal crafts and ceramics. The Patan Museum gives you a deep insight into Nepalese art. Discover the art of Buddhist thangka painting and shop for fine pashmina. Try local snacks, especially the sweet curd called juju dhau. For something extra special, take an optional scenic flight and see Mount Everest and the Himalayas from the air, witnessing the dramatic elevation difference from Kathmandu's valley floor to the towering peaks high above sea level.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley

Spend another day in the Kathmandu Valley. Return to favourite sites or discover new ones, including lesser known temples or villages. For those seeking a gentle walk, consider a short hike to a nearby viewpoint or temple for scenic views and a taste of local culture. Chat with locals to learn more about their way of life and traditions. Take an optional scenic flight to see the snow capped peaks from another angle. Whether you revisit key landmarks or go off the beaten track this day gives you flexibility to deepen your understanding of Nepal’s cultural and natural heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chitwan National Park

Leave Kathmandu behind and head to Chitwan National Park, a lush wildlife sanctuary. Check in to a luxury lodge on the Rapti River, surrounded by greenery and birdsong. In the afternoon, go for guided walks, riverside activities or just relax and enjoy the scenery. This UNESCO listed park is a haven for wildlife and a great place to connect with nature. It’s a peaceful change of pace and a great way to experience Nepal’s jungle in comfort.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Chitwan National Park

Spend a full day in Chitwan’s natural wonders. Go on jeep safaris to spot rhinos, sloth bears, deer and even Bengal tigers if you’re lucky. Take a boat ride down the Rapti River to see birds and possibly crocodiles. Visit Tharu villages and meet locals to learn about their traditions. Cycle through rural areas to see village life. This day combines wildlife spotting with cultural interaction and is a full and rewarding day in Nepal’s lowland jungle.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu for an overnight stay. You can revisit your favourite sites, explore parts of the city you missed or just relax at your hotel. It’s a good chance for last minute shopping, a cultural show or a quiet dinner. This is the end of your Nepal journey and a comfortable transition before flying to Bhutan, the next part of your Himalayan adventure. International flights between Nepal and Bhutan are arranged as part of the transition to the next stage of your journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kathmandu

Thimphu

Arrive at Paro Airport, the main gateway to Bhutan, and transfer to the capital, Thimphu. En route, stop for cultural visits and enjoy scenic views of the Thimphu Valley, the heart of Bhutan's capital region. After checking into your hotel, start exploring this lovely city, immersing yourself in Bhutan's unique traditions and culture. Visit local markets, Buddhist temples, and museums on Bhutanese art and crafts. Meet a traditional astrologer and tour the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Optional activities include guided hikes to nearby villages, cooking classes, or quiet meditation with monks. This day is a gentle and meaningful introduction to Bhutan’s way of life.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thimphu

Go deeper into Thimphu’s culture and spirit. Spend time visiting temples, craft workshops and museums, where you can admire traditional Bhutanese architecture and its unique craftsmanship. Walk through the markets and try Bhutanese food. Go for a private hike to scenic viewpoints and hilltop monasteries for peaceful breaks from the city. This day is flexible and tailored to your interests, whether you prefer light sightseeing or deeper spiritual exploration. It’s a chance to experience Bhutan’s capital in a personal way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

From Thimphu drive to Punakha, the former capital. Cross the Dochula Pass, experiencing a notable elevation gain and a scenic ascent, where 108 memorial chortens offer great views. As you descend into the Punakha Valley you’ll see terraced fields, banana trees and rhododendrons. Visit peaceful villages, temple rituals and short hikes for valley views. Tour the beautiful Punakha Dzong and a hilltop nunnery. Stay in a serene lodge surrounded by rice fields, comfortable and with a sense of place. In the late afternoon, unwind at the lodge or enjoy optional activities such as exploring the nearby countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Punakha

Punakha

Spend a full day in Punakha with a mix of gentle walks and cultural visits. Walk through farmland and villages set along the scenic Mo Chhu rivers, and experience the slow pace of Bhutanese village life. Choose a longer hike for panoramic views or a more relaxed route through rice paddies. Visit key sites like Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful landmarks. This day lets you absorb the peacefulness of the countryside and learn more about the area’s history and religion.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Drive back across the mountains from Punakha to Paro. En route stop for scenic views and small cultural visits. Once in Paro, take a walking tour of Paro town, exploring its traditional streets, shops, and cafes. The scenic Paro Valley, with the Paro River flowing nearby, surrounds the town and adds to its peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect base for the last part of your journey. This quiet valley is slow and relaxing with time to rest or plan for the famous Tiger’s Nest hike.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Paro

Paro

Today is the highlight: hike to the Tiger's Nest, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery or Taktshang Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff high above the Paro Valley Floor. The trail is lined with colourful prayer flags and fluttering prayer flags, creating a sacred atmosphere as you ascend. The hike is challenging but rewarding, offering a panoramic view and spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape from the monastery. This sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated, making it one of Bhutan's most spiritually significant landmarks. Visit the National Museum, housed in Ta Dzong, to learn about Bhutan's history and culture. Take the opportunity to visit Ta Dzong itself, an ancient watchtower with historical significance. You can also visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery that is a key part of Paro's cultural heritage and an important site to visit in Bhutan.

Meals Included: Breakfast

PARO - DEPARTURE

Conclude your journey with a private transfer to the airport for your flight to your next destination. On your final evening, consider joining a farewell dinner—a special event where travelers gather to enjoy a traditional meal, share stories, and celebrate the unforgettable experiences in Bhutan. Reflect on the rich experiences and memories gathered throughout your travels in Nepal and Bhutan as you prepare for your onward journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast