14-day Himalayas tour: best of Nepal & Bhutan

Kathmandu - Transfer To The Hotel - Thamel

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu!

On arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and taken to your hotel in the capital city. Feel the amazing ambience as you take in the initial glimpses of Kathmandu. In the evening, you can discuss with the expert about the coming days of the tour.

Pashupatinath - Boudhanath Guided Tour

Day 2: Visit Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple

See two holy attractions of Kathmandu–one Buddhist, the other Hindu–both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit the Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu. A majestic structure with a white dome and a gilded tapering spire with paintings of the Buddha’s eyes, this stupa is one of the most popular attractions in the city. You will see hundreds of prayer wheels, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and many small images of the Buddha all around. After seeing this beautiful Buddhist stupa, you will proceed to see a Hindu place of worship–the Pashupatinath temple–dedicated to Pashupatinath, an incarnation of Shiva. A complex of several structures located along the Bagmati River, the main temple is built in pagoda style with a gold-covered roof.

Kathmandu - Kathmandu Durbar Square - Swaymbhunath Guided Tour

Day 3: Stroll Along the Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu city is a fascinating place and you will see another aspect of it on your visit to the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Wander through this square that has beautiful old buildings including royal structures and temples with wonderful architecture that exude a traditional charm. It is also the home of the living goddess Kumari. Next on your itinerary is a visit to the Swayambhunath stupa known as Monkey Temple situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu valley. A series of steps takes you to the stupa that dates back to around the fifth century AD although renovations have been carried out in the recent past. Take a look at this fabulous stupa topped by a golden spire and feel the serenity even amidst the bustle. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the top.

Kathmandu - Drive To Chitwan National Park In A Private Vehicle - Sunset View, Tharu Dance, Village Walk

Day 4: Encounter Wildlife at Chitwan National Park

Early morning, you will travel outside Kathmandu valley for a look at the wild side. Your drive takes place along a road that passes by the River Trishuli and takes you to Sauraha. It is the gateway to your jungle adventure in the Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wonderful terrain consisting of forests and grasslands is home to diverse animal life. During your time at the park, which encompasses more than 900 sq. km., you will be able to see some of these creatures. Among the animals that inhabit this park are the one horned rhino, sloth bears, gaurs, leopards, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, and the Royal Bengal tiger. Of course, you need to have lots of luck to spot this wild cat as the sighting is very rare. Several species of birds too are found at the park.

Chitwan National Park - Canoe Ride, Bird Watching - Jeep Safari

Day 5: Enjoy Interesting Activities at Chitwan

You have the entire day to explore Chitwan National Park. Discover the landscape and the fauna at the park through a choice of various activities. Some of these include an enriching nature walk that will familiarize you with this fabulous area, and canoeing on the river for glimpses of nature and the animals found here. Other ways of exploring the park are through an elephant safari or a jeep safari. You can choose any of these activities according to your preferences and comfort. Additionally, you also have an opportunity to enjoy a cultural program from the Tharu community and a village tour.

Chitwan - Drive To Pokhara In A Private Vehicle - Explore Lakeside

Day 6: Travel to Pokhara

Can you hear the call of the Himalayas? This magnificent mountain range beckons you today as you travel to Pokhara, a scenic destination with magical snow-capped peaks and picturesque lakes. A trekking hotspot especially to the stunning Annapurna range, Pokhara is also a great place for various activities including boating as well as rafting, paragliding and other thrilling adventure sports. You will reach Pokhara after a journey of 4 to 5 hours. Check-in at your hotel after arrival and familiarize yourself with the idyllic destination.

Pokhara - Davids Fall, Phewa Lake - Tibetan Refugee Camp And Mt.museum

Day 7: See the Scenic Sights including Phewa Lake

Wake up to a new day where you will explore the natural beauty and attractions of Pokhara. Set out on a half day tour during which you will visit the Mountain Museum that will give you a good understanding of mountains and mountaineering through its exhibits. Brush up your knowledge about various peaks, mountaineers from around the world, historical photos, mountaineering gear, and the indigenous inhabitants of the mountains. Afterwards, proceed to see the lovely cascades of the David’s waterfall and explore the Gupteshwor Cave. You will also make a trip to the Phewa Lake, surrounded by an enchanting landscape. Here, you can spend some free time – stroll along the lakeside and watch the colorful boats on the water or relish some delicious food at one of the lakeside cafés.

Early Morning Sarangkot Sunrise - Fly Back To Kathmandu - Relaxation Or Explore Thamel

Day 8: Marvel at the Sunrise Vistas of the Himalayan Range

Wake up at dawn to see the radiance of the mountain range at sunrise. To enable you to experience this sight, you will be taken to the Sarangkot Hill station. See the first rays of the sun illuminate the mountains, and watch the awe-inspiring views of the spectacular sunrise over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri range and Mt. Fishtail. Time almost stands still as you see these magnificent mountains in the first light of the sun. Simply sublime! Spend a couple of hours at this beautiful location. After breakfast, you will head back to Pokhara city and driven to the airport. Catch a flight to Kathmandu from where you will be taken to your hotel in Thamel. You have free to time to explore the delightful Thamel neighborhood or rest at your hotel.

Kathmandu - Fly To Paro Bhutan - Drive To Thimpu

Day 9: Discover Thimphu’s Top Attractions

In the next phase of your tour, journey to the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan, a country blessed with an outstanding landscape. When your flight from Kathmandu touches down at Paro airport, your guide will welcome you with a khadar (traditional scarf). From here, you will be driven towards Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. Make a short stop at Chuzom. Later, visit the Simtokha Dzong, a former fortress and monastery.

When you arrive in Thimphu, discover the Folk Heritage Museum to see the traditional Bhutanese way of life, King's Memorial Chorten – a stupa constructed in honor of the third king of Bhutan, the Handicrafts Museum, Tashichhodzong a beautiful fortress structure that functions as the seat of the government, and the Kuensel Phodrang Buddha point where you can see one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Take in the stunning views of Thimphu valley from here.

Thimpu - Drive To Punakha Via Dochula Pass

Day 10: Explore Punakha Dzong

Get going to the next destination on your Bhutan tour–Punakha via the Dochula Pass. At this pass situated at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas in three layers on a hillock. On a clear day, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayan range all around. After arriving at Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong by walking along a suspension bridge. It is a lovely dzong set amidst an even more stunning landscape with rivers, greenery and mountains. Experience the serenity here.

In the evening, you will set out on a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th century Buddhist monastery situated on a hillock. Pass through the terrain dotted with paddy fields to reach this wonderful monastery.

Punakha - Paro

Day 11: Enjoy the Sights and Landscape at Paro

From Punakha, you will be driven to Paro to see the sights of this historic valley town. On arrival, set forth on a visit to Ta Dzong, a watchtower that now houses the wonderful National Museum which has some amazing artifacts and paintings. Below this museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (Heap of Jewels) located along the river. You can go around and take a look at the superb architecture of this fortress and monastery.

Later, at evening time, drive to see the Kichu Lhakhang Buddhist temple built in the 7th century AD by the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo. After a tour of this place, you will proceed to the south side of the valley to look at the ruins of the Drukgyal dzong and take in the splendid views.

Paro - Visit Taktsang Monastery

Day 12: Go on a Hike to the Breathtaking Taktsang Monastery

Perched high on the edge of a cliff above Paro Valley, the Taktsang Monastery is the most famous attraction of Bhutan. You will explore this spectacular monastery known as Tiger’s Nest through a hike to the top. It takes around four hours to go up and down this dramatic cliffside terrain. The sacred monastery complex includes the temples, dwellings of the monks, and the caves including the one where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated. Take a tour of the monastery complex. And, of course, you can marvel at the incredible views from high up on the cliff.

Later, relax in your car as you head back to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Paro - Fly Back To Kathmandu - Explore Thamel

Day 13: Catch a Flight to Kathmandu

In the morning, proceed to the Paro Airport to catch your flight to Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. Relax or explore the wonderful attractions of Nepal’s capital city.

Transfer To The Airport

Day 14: Goodbye, Himalayas!

Your journey to the Himalayan nations of Nepal and Bhutan has come to an end. Say farewell to the mountains, temples, wonderful people and culture as you head to the airport to catch your flight.