A Joyous Journey through Bhutan & Nepal

Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will welcome you, and transfer you to the Dwarika’s Hotel, a luxury 5-star hotel. It's only 2 km from the international airport, so your transfer will be quick. 

Check into the hotel and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. Relax and recuperate from your travels for the rest of the day. A jet lag spa treatment can be arranged for you at extra cost in the hotel spa. 

Meet for our welcome dinner at the hotel's Krisharpan Restaurant later that evening and discuss our plans for the next ten days. 

Today, we awaken refreshed and ready to begin our adventure. After breakfast, we will head to the airport for our flight to Paro, Bhutan. 

Our guide will welcome you at the Paro airport and transfer you to Thimphu. After a hotel lunch, we'll drop off our bags and visit the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful temple built in memory of the late 3rd King. 

Our next stop is at Changangkha Lhakhang, the valley's oldest temple, with a panoramic view of the surroundings. We will also visit the enclosure holding the national animal, the takin. Then, we're off to the recently erected Big Buddha statue. The statue gilded bronze statue has a magnificent view of the entire Thimphu valley. 

After a day of sightseeing, you may walk back to the hotel or take a ride.

Rest will come easily tonight after a delightful dinner and drinks at our 5-star hotel, the Le Meridien Thimphu.

In the morning after breakfast, we'll visit the Traditional School of Arts and Crafts, where students study the 13 arts predominantly used in Bhutan. 

Next, we'll explore the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Traditional Institute of Medicine. A drive to Zilukha Nunnery follows. You'll have a chance to interact and speak to the nuns. 

We'll have lunch in the town, then proceed to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3200m). If the weather permits, you'll be treated to a spectacular view of Bhutan's highest mountains. There will be time to walk around the 108 stupas before continuing to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha.

We'll overnight at the Dhensa Boutique Resort. Dhensa is in the heart of the tranquil and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha River and hundreds of paddy fields that gradually step down to the valley floor. We invite you to relax, revive your senses, and experience the simple beauty of our surroundings. Dinner is at the resort. 

Today, we will retrace our drive back to Paro, stopping for lunch along the way. After lunch, we'll take a leisurely walk to Paro Dzong Fortress, followed by a stroll across the oldest wooden bridge still in use. 

You'll have time to explore the charming old town of Paro, visit local handicraft stores, and, if you're fortunate, you'll see a traditional archery match. 

In the evening, take advantage of the hotel facilities of the 5-star Riverfront Le Meridien in Paro for relaxation and dinner. 

After breakfast, we'll take a scenic drive to the base for our hike (approximately 2-4 hours uphill) to the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most revered temple. Perched on a granite cliff overlooking the picturesque Paro Valley, this ancient temple has a truly breathtaking view. During the hike, we'll pause for lunch at the cafeteria. Most of the day is dedicated to this awe-inspiring journey. 

After you achieve the summit and come back down, you can relax and enjoy the facilities back at the hotel, with an optional hot stone bath available at personal expense. 

In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences in Bhutan. 

After waking and freshening up, enjoy breakfast and prepare to check out. Today, we are traveling back to Kathmandu. We'll transfer to Paro International Airport for a scenic 40-minute flight to Kathmandu. Then from the domestic terminal, we'll board a 30-minute flight to Pokhara. 

Once in Pokhara, we'll check into the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and program brief. Lunch is at the hotel. 

Meet your guide for a half-day city tour in the afternoon. The tour will take you to Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Tibetan Camp. You'll end the day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake. 

Dinner tonight is at the lodge's elegant multi-cuisine restaurant.

Wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise from the hotel or a nearby view tower On a clear day, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Annapurna Range. 

After watching the sunrise, return to the hotel for breakfast. Next, your guide will take us on a tour of Sarangkot village, where we'll discover the lifestyle as we meet the local people. 

Later we'll visit the Pokhara International Museum and the World Peace Stupa. You'll also have time to shop for souvenirs or anything you'd like to take home. 

In the evening, we'll witness the Evening Aarati, a ritual for gods and goddesses at Tal Barahi, where the Hindus worship. 

We'll relax over dinner tonight at the hotel this evening. 

After breakfast, we'll pack up and check out. We're back to the Pokhara International Airport for a 25-minute flight to Bharatpur, Chitwan. 

We'll be staying at the Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan. We'll check in and take some time to rest and explore the resort. 

Later in the day, we'll get to know the area by taking a village walk, when you'll learn about the Tharu People and their rich culture. The Tharu community will showcase their traditions, culture, and food for us providing us with a unique and enriching experience. 

Dinner tonight is at the lodge.

After an early breakfast at the resort, we'll depart for jungle activities, including a canoe ride, a short nature walk, and an Elephant Safari. 

We'll also visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn more about these majestic creatures. We're traveling by Safari jeep with a private English-speaking guide to witness the natural wonders of Nepal. 

After a long day in the wild, relax and unwind before dining at the resort tonight. 

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bharatpur Domestic Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, where your guide will receive you at the airport.

On the way to the hotel, we'll stop for an important visit to a local school and DOCS Foundation Nepal, an orphanage run by Liladhar Bhandari who helped us put this tour together. 

During the day, you will explore Kathmandu's major attractions, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

After the tour, we'll drive back to the Basera Boutique Hotel to rest and refresh. 

We'll meet later for a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with authentic Nepali cuisine and folklore at Babarmahal Revisited Restaurant. 

After breakfast, depending on the departure time, we'll visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bhaktapur before we check out and drive to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.