Himalayan Kingdom: Bhutan & Nepal

Kathmandu • Mount Everest Flight & Chitwan • Chitwan Safari • Pokhara • Kathmandu • Bhutan • Thimphu • Punakha • Paro • Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Himalayan Kingdoms

Nepal & Bhutan

From the natural beauty of Nepal to breath-taking Bhutan, be captivated by the Himalayan Kingdoms, with striking scenery incredible wildlife and a serene way of living. Seek out rhinos on a safari, take a once-in-a-lifetime flight to the Himalayas, with views of Mount Everest, and witness the tranquility of Buddhist monks.

Mount Everest

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Departure

Overnight flight to Kathmandu.

DAY 2 – Arrival in Kathmandu

Set in a Himalayan valley 4,500 feet above sea level, Nepal’s cultural heart is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Explore the fascinating sights of Kathmandu and visit Patan’s Durbar Square, full of centuries-old temples and palaces. + Included Experience – Visits to Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square V Signature Experience – Listen to the thrilling account of a climb to the top of Everest by a summiteer and learn what’s involved in such a daring and dangerous ascent

DAY 3 – Mount Everest Flight & Chitwan

Experience something most people never will - a flight to see majestic Mount Everest. Later this morning we’ll take the scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most famous wildlife reserve. (B,L,D) + Included Experience – Mount Everest flight V Signature Experience – Spend an evening in the company of an expert naturalist who’ll impart their knowledge of the Chitwan region and the lives of the Tharu tribe, so closely and harmoniously connected to the natural world

Kathmandu: The Aloft

(1) HHHH Superior

Chitwan: Tigerland

Safari Lodge (2) HHH

Pokhara: Pokhara

Grande Hotel (2) HHHH

Kathmandu: The Aloft

(1) HHHH Superior

Thimphu: Le Meriden

(3) HHHHH

Paro: Le Meridien (2)

HHHHH

Kathmandu: The Aloft

(1) HHHH Superior

DAY 4 – Chitwan Safari

Rising early, we cross into the reserve in small jeeps to hopefully spot rhino, wild boar and sloth bears. Later we have the option of a trip by dugout canoe to a crocodile farm. This evening we enjoy a BBQ at the lodge. (B,L,D) + Included Experience – Chitwan National Park Safari and BBQ

DAY 5 – Pokhara

Arriving in the small town of Pokhara take time to fully comprehend the staggering beauty of an area surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks. We take a boat ride across Lake Phewa for views of the Annapurna mountain range, one of the finest mountain panoramas in the world. (B) + Included Experience – Visit Pokhara and take a boat ride across Lake Phewa V Signature Experience – Immerse yourself in the remarkable story of the Gurkhas at the museum in their honour and hear tales of daring and bravery first-hand from a retired member of this courageous brigade

DAY 6 – Free Day in Pokhara

Visit the charming Gurkha Museum and the Devil’s waterfall. The rest of the day is free to bargain for local handicrafts, and perhaps sample the local momos (freshly cooked dumplings with meat and spices), or humble dal bhat, the nation’s staple dish made with red lentils and served with rice, pickles and chapati. (B)

DAY 7 – Kathmandu

We fly back to Kathmandu and visit the famous 14th century Boudhanath Stupa, Tibetan in origin and one of the holiest of Buddhist sites. (B) + Included Experience – Visit Kathmandu and the Boudhanath Stupa

DAY 8 – Fly to Bhutan

We fly from Kathmandu to Paro. After lunch we drive to Bhutan’s small capital, Thimphu. (B,L)

DAY 9 – Thimphu

Enjoy fabulous views from Buddha Point, visit the charming Folk Heritage museum and bustling local markets. See the King’s Memorial Stupa with its regal, gold spires and multi-coloured prayer wheels. Afterwards watch the Bhutanese practicing their national sport, archery. (B,L) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Thimphu and visits to the Folk Heritage Museum and the King’s Memorial Stupa

DAY 10 – Punakha

We drive over the Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and the famous ‘Dzong’ (monastery-fortress) in Bhutan. It’s a vast edifice still an active monastery. Enjoy a scenic walk through the rice terraces to a local fertility temple, before returning to our hotel. (B,L) + Included Experience – Visit the ‘Dzong’ monastery fortress and fertility temple

DAY 11 – Paro

Visit the Bhutan National Museum, beautifully housed within a traditional Dzong monastery. After lunch, we’ll visit a local Bhutanese home just outside Paro. (B,L) + Included Experience – Visit the Bhutan National Museum and a local Bhutanese home

DAY 12 – Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Today we’ll head to the stunning Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Located at 3,100m (10,240ft) on the side of a cliff, the only way to reach the monastery is to hike up a rough mountain path for approximately two and half hours so you need to be in good physical health. If you prefer you may opt to go to the café halfway up - on clear days you may be able to see the monastery. (B,L) + Included Experience – Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

DAY 13 – Fly to Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu. (B)

DAY 14 – Return flight

Flight home, arriving later the same day.

NEPAL

KEY

Arrive Depart Flight Route Pokhara

Chitwan

TIBET

KATHMANDU Thimphu

Paro Punakha

BHUTAN 2023

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Your tour includes

• Return flights from the UK • Stay in hand-picked three-star to five-star accommodation • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout

(B) Daily Breakfast, (L) 7 Lunches, (D) 2 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • Take an exhilarating flight to see majestic Mount Everest and the

Himalayas from the air • 6 visits including Patan Durbar

Square, Boudhanath Stupa in

Kathmandu, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the famous ‘Dzongs’, the monasteryfortresses of Bhutan and a typical

Bhutanese home • Take a jeep safari with a naturalist guide through Chitwan National Park • Enjoy a boat ride in Pokhara across

Lake Phewa • Guided tour of Thimphu

Signature EXPERIENCES

The exhilaration of reaching the top of the world’s tallest mountain is brought to life as a summiteer recounts the most exciting and memorable stories of what’s involved in a climb to the top of Everest. Enjoy the most fascinating insight into the beautiful natural environment of the Chitwan region and its indigenous Tharu tribe, through the eyes of an expert specialist; and immerse yourself in the story of the world-famous Gurkhas at a museum honouring this renowned and fearless brigade, which has been part of the British Army for almost 200 years.