Luxury Nepal & western Bhutan 10-day tour

Kathmandu

Day 1: Touchdown in Kathmandu

Flying through the Himalayan ranges, you will land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the city as you go. A local representative will meet you at the arrivals gate, and you will be driven to the hotel, with ample time to then rest and overcome your jet lag.

The Kathmandu Valley consists of three cultural cities, namely: Kathmandu - the city of chiming bells, Patan or Lalitpur - the city of fine arts, and Bhaktapur - the city of devotees. These cities contain seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and offer a world of fascination for you to uncover.

Kathmandu - Lalitpur - Kathmandu

Day 2: Tour iconic sites in Kathmandu & Lalitpur

After breakfast, set out on a city tour in and around Kathmandu, including visits to two iconic sites: Kathmandu's Monkey Temple and the Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, a beautiful symbol of ancient Newari architecture.

The Monkey Temple, also known as Swoyambhu Mahachaitya, is a UNESCO site in a prime hilltop location, with sprawling valley views. It's home to vast troops of monkeys (be sure not to carry any food with you so as not to tempt them!), and is also where you'll find various shrines dating back to ancient times. Meanwhile, in Lalitpur's square you'll find the famous Krishna Temple, with its 21 pinnacles built in the Shikhar style - a major highlight of any visit.

Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu

Day 3: Journey to Bhutan

After breakfast, journey to the airport for a flight to Paro, marking the start of your adventure in Bhutan! Your guide will greet you on your arrival at the airport and provide a private transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. You'll reach your accommodation for check-in, and will have the rest of the day to spend as you please.

Thimphu is the world's fifth-highest capital city by height, with elevations ranging from 2,248 m (7,375 ft) to 2,648 m (8,688 ft) above sea level. It is also the only capital city without traffic lights, and provides a one-of-a-kind combination of modernity and remarkable Bhutanese history.

Thimphu - Thinleygang - Punakha

Day 4: Cross the Dochula Pass en-route to Punakha

After an early breakfast, you'll be taken east towards the Dochula Pass, 3,100 m (10,200 ft) above sea level. In clear conditions, from up here you may get to see the Himalayas to the north! Mountain passes are sacred in Bhutan, and it's common to see locals burning incense as an offering - you could choose to join them as they honor the gods by hanging colorful prayer flags.

Visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple in Dochula, where you'll find one-of-a-kind paintings on display. Then, join the Divine Madman Trail as it descends into the nearby valley, following in the footsteps of Drukpa Kunley - the Divine Madman himself who journeyed into Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century. Take a break in Thinleygang village, where a hot lunch will be served by a local family, and visit the Thinleygang Lhakhang temple before transferring to your accommodation in the city of Punakha.

Punakha

Day 5: A day of exploring in Punakha

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Nalanda Monastery, home to a group of monks taking higher Buddhist studies alongside learning English - they'll be delighted to put their skills to the test with you!

Next you'll be taken to Sew Drangsa, reaching a clearing marked with prayer flags; on its seasonal journeys between Punakha and Thimphu, here is where the monastic body stops for lunch (though today, you'll get to visit a local restaurant for yours).

You'll also join the Trans Bhutan Trail, descending to the Punakha Dzong temple and taking in stunning valley vistas as you go. The temple itself is a remarkable historic site, having survived Tibetan invasions, fires, floods, and the collapse of a glacier lake; note that official Bhutanese attire is required in order to visit it.

Punakha - Rukubji - Gangtey

Day 6: Journey to Gangtey via Rukubji

Today you'll journey to Gangtey, home to endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to escape harsh winter conditions. An estimated 200 to 300 cranes occupy the valley - they're a truly breath-taking sight to behold.

En-route you'll cross the Pele La Pass at an elevation of 3,407 m (11,177 ft) above sea level. It is one of the country's highest passes, and is thought to define the border between western and central Bhutan. At Pele La, join the Trans Bhutan Trail heading east; as you descend the meadows, keep an eye out for distant yak herder settlements strewn across the valley. You'll reach the village of Rukubji, where you'll enjoy a nice farmhouse meal before touring the local temple, built on an extended plateau between two rivers.

Once you've reached Gangtey, visit the 17th-century Gangtey Gompa Monastery, before heading to your hotel to relax.

Gangtey - Paro

Day 7: Cultural discoveries in Paro

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Paro, with a lunch stop along the way. On your arrival into Paro, take one last cultural excursion to Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong - two stunning fortresses that tell tales of Bhutan's storied past and mystical history through sculptures, paintings, and relics. Return to your accommodation afterwards, to spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure.

Paro - Kathmandu - Dhulikhel

Day 8: Return to Nepal!

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Bhutan, as you transfer to the airport in Paro and board your flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival there, you'll take a tour of the iconic Bhaktapur Durbar Square before continuing your journey to Dhulikhel, where you'll check into your accommodation for a relaxing night's rest in a more rural setting.

Dhulikhel

Day 9: At leisure in scenic Dhulikhel

Spend the day relaxing amidst the natural beauty of Dhulikhel, enjoying a morning at leisure before taking a hike on the outskirts of town. This is a supremely beautiful part of the world, whose name translates to 'the place where tigers play'. You'll be surrounded by a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so on this last day of your trip, be sure to head beyond your hotel's doorstep to uncover many unforgettable treasures.

Dhulikhel - Kathmandu

Day 10: Goodbye, Nepal

Your last day in Nepal has sadly arrived: after breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport for your international flight home. Safe travels!