Himalayan Kingdoms

You arrive in Kathmandu today where we meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Our rep will help you settle in and give you an introduction to the surrounding area. The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight, and perhaps head to one of the many cafes and bars in the touristic district of Thamel near your hotel.

Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.

We pick you up from the hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Bhutan (try and sit on the left side of the plane for the best views). While en route, complete immigration and custom form formalities for later declaration and keep your custom forms safe, as you will need to produce them again on departure. (Note - the Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu flights are not included in the tour price but may be purchased separately or added as an extra option. Please see the Options section and Tour Notes for more details).

Today, buckle up for an exhilarating adventure as we ascend the legendary Dochu La Pass, a winding mountain road that climbs through a tapestry of emerald forests to an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,007 feet). Feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and verdant valleys that unfold with every twist and turn.

Lace up your boots and get ready for an invigorating morning walk. Our destination: the magnificent Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. But the journey is just as rewarding as the destination itself. We'll follow a scenic trail that winds along the gushing Mo Chhu River, passing through a kaleidoscope of terraced fields bursting with colorful chilies and vegetables. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging through the trees and vibrant birds flitting amongst the blossoms. Reaching the hilltop chorten, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Punakha Valley – the perfect spot to snap some Instagram-worthy photos!

Today, immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural riches of the Phobjikha Valley. Embark on a leisurely nature walk through this breathtaking landscape, a haven for a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic black-necked cranes, which grace the valley with their presence from October to March after an epic migration over the Himalayas. These elegant birds hold a special place in Bhutanese hearts, and if you're lucky enough to visit in November, you might even witness the vibrant Crane Festival, a celebration of their arrival.

Today, we embark on a captivating journey that takes us back over the majestic Dochu La Pass, where breathtaking mountain vistas and fluttering prayer flags will once again steal your breath away. But before reaching the bustling capital of Thimphu, we'll take a detour back in time with a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Today promises a captivating exploration of Thimphu's cultural treasures. We begin our journey at the Memorial Chorten, a revered monument that embodies Bhutanese spirituality and architectural grandeur.

Rise early, as today we embark on a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most iconic landmark – the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Prepare your legs and your spirit for an invigorating 2-3 hour hike that winds its way through pine forests and up a steep mountain path. But trust us, every step is worth it! As you ascend, the legendary monastery will slowly reveal itself, perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face 800 meters above the valley floor. This sacred site, steeped in history and legend, attracts pilgrims from all corners of Bhutan and beyond, all drawn to its spiritual aura and unparalleled beauty.

We leave Kurintar this morning and drive back towards Kathmandu. An upgrade to an internal flight is available on request. Contact us and we can make this change to your Nepal tour package.

This morning we hope for spectacular sunrise views from Nagarkot before driving down to one of the other ancient cities in the Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur. The centre of Bhaktapur has been designated a World Heritage Site, and hosts the best preserved ancient buildings and temples in the Kathmandu valley, with some great examples of traditional wooden architecture to be seen. Our tour here will really give you a taste for how life has been led in the valley for centuries, and you'll see several traditional crafts still taking place, including a whole square dedicated to pottery - You'll even have the chance to partake in an included pottery class.

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. A range of options are available if you would like to extend your tour in Nepal. These include white water rafting on the Bhote Khosi river, one of the best one day rafting trips in the world, hikes and tours in the Kathmandu valley, or more extensive rafting or trekking tours. We can also arrange visits to Chitwan and Bardia National Parks in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. Please contact us for more information and ideas.