01273 320580
Timphu, Bhutan
Dochula Pass, Bhutan
Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan
Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
From: Kathmandu, Nepal
To: Kathmandu, Nepal
£1,825
Your Himalayan adventure begins in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. Here temples, markets and Buddhist monasteries line the streets and the friendly people will welcome you proudly to their nation’s capital.
From Kathmandu you’ll fly to Bhutan to embark on the next stage of your trip. Explore the cities of Paro and Thimpu, where temples cling to edge of the cliffs and prayer flags flutter in the breeze. From the striking monasteries of Punakha you’ll emerge in the blue pine forests of the Haa Valley, with stunning views of the Himalayas from the Chele La Pass.
This tour explores a variety of areas in Bhutan as well as the exciting city of Kathmandu in Nepal, combining the beauty and culture of these tiny Buddhist Kingdoms.
On arrival you will be met at Kathmandu Airport and transferred to the Hotel Nirvana Garden where you will stay for 2 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Your hotel is walking distance to the Royal Palace and other highlights of Kathmandu but sits in its own tranquil garden where a waterfall, lush vegetation and flowers take you away from the bustle of the city.
You’ll spend the day being shown the city by an English speaking guide, from the traditional architecture and golden idols of the Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares to the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, where both monks and monkeys inhabit the most sacred of Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Today you’ll be taken to the airport for your onward flight to Paro in Bhutan, before being transferred to the capital city of Thimphu. Welcome to what is considered to be the worlds happiest nation!
Your stay in Bhutan is based on 2/3* properties on a half board basis throughout.
Thimphu is the seat of the Royal Family and a city brimming with cultural and historical heritage. Explore the famous Tashichho Dzong which will take up a chunk of your morning but the Centenary Farmers Market and the Buddha Dordenma are also not to be missed, as well as experiencing Thimphu’s unique traffic system, where policemen waving directions with their hands are the alternative to traffic lights.
After breakfast you’ll be driven to Punakha via the Dochula Pass where you can enjoy panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas as well as exploring the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a cluster of 108 chortens that surround the main monument that is dedicated to the King.
You’ll also visit Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple built in 1499 after the area was blessed by Drukpa Kinley, a saint who taught Buddhism through humour and singing.
Puunakha is famous for its rice farming, as it has a warmer climate than other areas of the country. Your sightseeing will include the splendid Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) where the King was married in 2011 before driving on to the Haa Valley where countless monasteries and summer festivals fill the lush valleys.
Today you will be driven to Paro via the Chele La Pass where you will find superb views of Mount Chomolhari before stopping at the Kila Nunnery Gompa, where around 70 nuns live in isolation with unique views over the valleys below.
Paro is your last stop in Bhutan and with over 150 monasteries and temples there is plenty to see here. One highlight is the Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest which clings to the edge of the sheer cliffs, high above the pine forests below. You can learn about Bhutan’s history in the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower in the heart of the city.
Leaving beautiful Bhutan behind you will be transferred to the airport and fly back to Kathmandu, staying another night at the Hotel Nirvana Garden.
Today you have a free morning in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
March to May and September to November are considered ‘high season’ and rates and availability may be affected during these times – especially if there are festivals occurring!
Our itineraries are designed to give you an idea of what is possible; all trips can be tailor-made to suit your needs so please speak to your travel consultant for a personal quote.
9 nights in 2/3* standard accommodation, hotels in this category include:
