Highlights of Nepal & Bhutan
Experience Nepal & Bhutan; Kathmandu, "City of Temples"; biodiverse Chitwan; Pokhara, "City of Lakes"; Thimphu, Bhutan's capital; and beautiful Paro. Exciting Bhutanese festivals to choose from!
| Style | Small Group Tour Tour escorts & guides for some segments | ||
| Departures | September 2025 – April 2026 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | Active, History & Culture, Festivals | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, fully escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking often on uneven terrain, reaches high altitude, and long days on your feet. To fully enjoy the trip, it will require a high level of physical fitness.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Nepal and Bhutan. Begin in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where ancient temples and lively streets set the stage for a deeply immersive experience. Discover the medieval charm of Bhaktapur and witness the mesmerizing Bagmati Aarati ceremony. Venture into the lush wilderness of Chitwan National Park for exhilarating jeep safaris and riverboat rides, offering glimpses of Nepal’s incredible wildlife. Continue to Pokhara, a lakeside haven with stunning mountain views, before crossing into Bhutan’s mystical mountain kingdom. In Bhutan, explore the capital of Thimphu, the historic valleys of Punakha and Paro, and dive into Bhutanese culture with a choice of vibrant festivals. From the famed Paro and Thimphu Festivals to the Wangdi Festival or the unique Black-Necked Crane Festival, each offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s heritage through music, dance, and celebration amidst awe-inspiring scenery.
Package includes
- Flights
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (NYC) to Kathmandu (KTM), including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees.
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 14 nights accommodations in deluxe hotels
- 32 meals: 14 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners
- Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour guide
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional Morning flight over Mt. Everest
- Optional Namgay Artisanal Brewery
- Optional Archery Lessons
- Optional Hot Stone bath
Why you'll love it
- Experience one of Bhutan's cherished festivals: Paro Festival, Wangdi Festival, Thimphu Festival, or Black-Necked Crane Festival
- Visit Boudhanath and observe the ritual of Kora
- Explore the highlights of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness Bagmati Aarati, an evening ritual on the riverbanks
- Observe the daily life and unique traditions at a local Tharu Village
- Venture deep into Chitwan's forest on an exciting Jeep Safari
- Watch a lively Tharu Stick Dance performance
- Wander Pokhara's Old Bazaar, a bustling major trade center dating back to the 1770s
- Admire the sunrise over the Annapurna range in Sarangkot
- Embark on scenic boat rides across the Rapti River and Phewa Lake
- Meet skilled artisans and witness the art of weaving at the Chencho Weaving Center
- Offer prayers alongside locals at Buddha Point, home to Bhutan's largest Buddha statue
- Experience a glimpse of the daily life of the Pana villagers
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery, the spiritual heart of Bhutan
- Learn about the simplicity of Bhutanese cuisine with a cooking class
- Enjoy a live performance of Nepalese folk music and dance during a farewell dinner
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
- 3 Kathmandu
- 4 Bhaktapur & Kathmandu
- Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover (purchased locally) , $250
- 5 Kathmandu, Bharatpur & Chitwan
- 6 Chitwan
- 7 Chitwan, Bharatpur & Pokhara
- 8 Pokhara & Kathmandu
- 9 Kathmandu, Paro & Thimphu, Bhutan
- 10 Thimphu
- 11 Thimphu & Punakha
- 12 Punakha & Paro
- Optional Excursion: Namgay Artisanal Brewery , $12
- 13 Paro
- Optional Excursion: Hot Stone Bath , $36
- Optional Excursion: Archery Lesson , $25
- 14 Paro Festival
- 15 Paro & Kathmandu, Nepal
- 16 Depart Kathmandu/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart the USA for your overnight flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal
- Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal
- Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel
- Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner
Dusit Princess or similarDinner
Day 3 Kathmandu
- Visit Boudhanath and observe the ritual of Kora
- Explore the historic Durbar Square
- Travel by rickshaw to Thamel
- Admire Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple"
- Spend the evening at leisure
Dusit Princess or similarBreakfast
Day 4 Bhaktapur & Kathmandu
- Join an optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
- Explore the highlights of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Kathmandu's oldest Hindu temple, Pashupatinath
- Witness Bagmati Aarati, an evening ritual on the riverbanks
- Spend the evening at leisure
Dusit Princess or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Kathmandu, Bharatpur & Chitwan
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bharatpur, the gateway to Chitwan National Park
- Enjoy lunch at the resort
- Observe the daily life and unique traditions at a local Tharu Village
- View a slide-show presentation by a jungle expert to learn about the history of Chitwan National Park
Jungle Villa Resort or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Chitwan
- Venture deep into the forest on an exciting Jeep Safari
- See the endangered Gharial crocodile at the Crocodile Conservation Project
- Glide down the Rapti River in a traditional patela boat
- Witness a lively Tharu Stick Dance performance
Jungle Villa Resort or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 Chitwan, Bharatpur & Pokhara
- Transfer to the Bharatpur airport for a short flight to Pokhara
- Browse the local foods, crafts, and textiles at Pokhara’s Old Bazaar
- Explore the interior of Devi’s Fall and admire the statues and shrines
- Spend the evening at leisure
Temple Tree Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 8 Pokhara & Kathmandu
- Experience sunrise over the Annapurna range in Sarangkot
- Back at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time
- Visit the World Peace Stupa on Anadu Hill
- Hike to Pumdikot to see the towering Shiva Statue
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake
- Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kathmandu
- Spend the evening at leisure
Dusit Princess or similarBreakfast
Day 9 Kathmandu, Paro & Thimphu, Bhutan
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan
- Journey to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital
- Visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-turned-monastery
- Meet skilled artisans and witness the art of weaving at the Chencho Weaving Center
Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10 Thimphu
- Offer prayers alongside locals at Buddha Point, home to Bhutan's largest Buddha statue
- Admire Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan at the National Library
- Visit the King’s Memorial Chorten
- Learn about the production and purpose of incense at an incense factory
Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 11 Thimphu & Punakha
- En route to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to hang a prayer flag
- Arrive in Punakha and enjoy lunch at the hotel
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness”
- Spend the evening at leisure
Dhensa Boutique Resort or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Punakha & Paro
- After breakfast, drive to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility
- Experience a glimpse of the daily life of the Pana villagers
- Journey to Paro, one of the most fertile valleys in Bhutan
- Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King
Naskel Boutique Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 13 Paro
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery, the spiritual heart of Bhutan
- Visit Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower and now home to Bhutan’s National Museum
- Have the opportunity to relax in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath or take an archery lesson
Naskel Boutique Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14 Paro Festival
- Experience the vibrant and spiritually-rich Paro Festival at Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Learn about the simplicity of Bhutanese cuisine with a cooking class
Naskel Boutique Hotel & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 15 Paro & Kathmandu, Nepal
- Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Kathmandu
- Journey to Patan, The City of a Thousand Golden Roofs
- Enjoy free time to explore the Thamel area of Kathmandu
- Witness a live performance of Nepalese folk music and dance during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers
Dusit Princess Breakfast & dinner
Day 16 Depart Kathmandu/Arrive USA
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Important Notes
- The high altitudes reached on this trip and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, require that you be in good physical condition to enjoy the trip thoroughly. As there are several included hikes, we strongly suggest you consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding your ability to handle these conditions.
- We recommend bringing more than one pair of hiking boots or shoes and extra socks for your comfort during your trip.
- During the festivals, the Bhutanese customarily wear their finest brightly colored clothing. We suggest you bring a colorful article of clothing to match the festival's fervor. Itineraries will vary slightly depending on the festival. Learn more here.
- You will stay in well-rated, high-quality 4—and 5-star hotels.
- Some of the roads in the rugged Himalayan terrain are winding, bumpy, and can be muddy at times. It is suggested that you carry motion sickness medication if needed.
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Nepal?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Bhutan?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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