Ancient Kingdoms of the Himalayas – Bhutan & Nepal

Itinerary

Itinerary:
Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Thimphu - Punakha - Chimi Lhakhang - Gangtey - Haa Valley - Paro - Chitwan - Kathmandu
Duration:
15 days / 14 nights (flexible)
Price:
From £3,199 per person (excluding flights)

Discover a mixture of lively cities, gleaming white Dzongs, devout monks, elephants and rhinos during this itinerary from Nepal to Bhutan. You’ll begin your trip amongst the bustling streets of Kathmandu and visit the ancient medieval towns. Then it’s a flight into the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan, as you hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and visit the world’s largest monastic fortress. Discover the life of a local Bhutanese family then go in search of the elusive black-necked crane. Explore the traditional charm of the Haa Valley before completing your adventure back in Nepal at Chitwan National Park.

Days 1-4 – Nepal: Kings & gods of the valley

Wander between cobbled streets and scattered temples in the atmospheric medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley, feeling utterly lost in a timeless daydream. Combine the enchanting chaos of Kathmandu with nearby Bhaktapur and Patan and get straight to the heart of mystical valley culture. Weave between fluttering prayer flags, watch monkeys scamper through temple complexes and kids play with paper kites in the cobbled streets.

This morning you’ll start the next leg of your journey from Nepal to Bhutan as you’re collected from your hotel in Kathmandu and transferred to the airport. From here you’ll take a Druk Air flight to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Flying time today is roughly 1 hour. Today you’ll travel to your comfortable hotel in Thimphu. Your hotel is in the heart of the city, walking distance from souvenir shops, bars and cafes. Thimphu is a city which encapsulates Bhutan’s juxtapositions of old and new and reputedly the only capital without traffic lights. In the evening, head out to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional dinner.

From Thimphu you’ll travel by private car to Punakha, a journey that takes roughly 4 hours. It’s time for a glimpse of life in the countryside. After crossing the prayer-flag laden pass of Dochula you’ll arrive amongst the lush greenery of the Punakha Valley where you’ll stay in a small hotel just outside the town. The next day you’ll walk through rice fields and visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong, before spending the night at a local homestay.

The colourful towers and white walls of this characteristic building form a striking contrast to the emerald green scenery and turquoise rivers. Next you’ll travel by car into Bhutan’s countryside, arriving at a local bed & breakfast late in the afternoon. This is where you’ll spend the night. The accommodation is simple and functional and you’ll have your own private room. This is a real opportunity to get a glimpse of Bhutanese village life.

You’ll travel along with your guide and driver to the Phobjikha Valley, which is about 4 hours drive. Visit one of the most beautiful valleys in the whole of the Himalayas, home to the black-necked crane. These celestial birds settle here between November to February. You’ll stay in a charming mid-range hotel on the edge of the valley. As the morning mist slowly rolls away and the rising sun sparkles off the morning droplets of dew, you’ll get the feeling of being somewhere truly special.

It’s a long 9 hour journey today as you travel by private car to Haa. It’s a fantastic drive through changing landscapes. Your journey to the untouched Haa Valley will take you through the Chelila Pass and past the Kila nunnery. You’ll see remnants of a time when this was the main trade route between Tibet and Bhutan. The area is so peaceful and beautiful we would recommend a walk along the banks of the river, with Tibet’s majestic peaks as your backdrop, or a hike up one of the high passes in search of blue poppies.

You’ll jump back in your private car with your guide and driver for the 3 hour journey on to Paro. On arrival in the charming town of Paro you’ll be taken to your typical Bhutanese hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town with your guide, visit the famous (and most impressive) Paro Dzong and try your hand at a spot of archery, a Bhutanese national sport. After your first night, you’ll hike up to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on the side of a 3000m cliff overlooking Paro Valley. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a hot stone bath made with fresh herbs, an authentic Bhutanese spa experience you won’t try anywhere else on earth!

Next, you’ll wave goodbye to Bhutan as you’ll be taken to the airport to catch your Druk Air flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival you’ll be transferred to Neydo Monastery. This is a truly unique experience and opportunity to witness everyday life in a Tibetan monastery in Nepal. You’ll be staying in a guesthouse at the Neydo Monastery, nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. Watch the monks praying, chanting and offering sacrifices. You’ll have an early start as the bells ring to wake the monks at 5am and you’ll witness them having debates, praying for world peace and learning to write and read Tibetan.

The following day we’ll arrange the journey by private car and driver to Chitwan. Today’s travel time is about 6 hours. Set off on an adventure in search of the one-horned rhino. Glide along twisting rivers in a canoe at dawn, watching golden light flood the plains, and watch elephants gather at the shores in the early morning haze. The lush subtropical lowlands of Chitwan National Park are bursting with wildlife and adventure, so get your binoculars at the ready. Take a walking safari, sleep in a scenic bungalow and sail past crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank. It’s a rustic outdoor experience that will bolt your eyes wide open. After your time in Chitwan you’ll begin the drive back to Kathmandu where you’ll spend another night in the same hotel. The following day we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport where you’ll catch your flight back to the UK.