Treasures of Nepal & Bhutan

Arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, we transfer to the Hotel Barahi, our home for the next two nights. This afternoon, we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal, before visiting a thangka painting studio to learn about the significance of these hand-painted religious scrolls. Later, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink, before dinner together at our hotel.

We journey to Pokhara today, a picturesque lakeside city surrounded by towering mountains. En route, we stop to take a cable car ride up to Bandipur, a charming town in the foothills of Himalayas known for its Newari architecture, cobbled streets and unique Nepalese heritage. We enjoy a delicious Nepali Thali lunch – a traditional meal made up of many small dishes including rice, lentils, curry and pickles – before taking time to explore the town. Descending by cable car again, we continue our drive to Pokhara and check in at the Bar Peepal Resort, where we spend the next three nights.

We start our day with sunrise at the World Peace Stupa, perched high on a hill overlooking Phewa Lake. Here, we have the opportunity to practice yoga and meditation as we enjoy the far-reaching views. Later, we visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum, celebrating the rich history of the legendary Gorkha soldiers and their contribution to military history, particularly in the British and Indian armies. We continue to the International Mountain Museum to learn about Nepal’s mountains, the people, flora, and fauna that call them home, and the mountaineers who climb them. There is free time to explore the lively lakeside market, offering local crafts and souvenirs, before enjoying a scenic boat ride on Phewa Lake. Our day finishes with a traditional Aarti ceremony.

We ride the scenic cable car up to Sarangkot Hill this morning, offering breathtaking vistas of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna mountain range. We then take a gentle hike through terraced farms, lush vegetation and charming rural villages. Later, we visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Chhorepatan, an inspiring place preserving Tibetan culture and traditions. This evening, we gather for a cooking demonstration led by the hotel chef, and learn how to create some delicious Nepali dishes.

We make the scenic drive to Chitwan, the first national park of Nepal and home to an abundant array of wildlife. Arriving at our hotel for the next three nights, Green Mansions Jungle Resort, we enjoy lunch and settle in. Later, we head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional community indigenous to the Chitwan area. In the evening, learn more about the local ecosystem, wildlife and conservation efforts from a naturalist guide.

Today, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including the One-Horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, countless bird species, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Later, we head out in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the serene Rapti River taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes as we keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores, including the two species of crocodiles that live here: the critically endangered Gharial and the robust Marsh Mugger. This evening, we enjoy the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, showcasing the rhythms, stories, and customs of this traditional community.

We join our naturalist guide for a morning nature walk – a great opportunity to further explore the park's rich biodiversity. Afterwards, we visit the Elephant Breeding Centre, a unique facility dedicated to the conservation and care of these gentle giants. Our afternoon is at leisure, but should you wish, you can join a further jeep safari at no additional cost.

We make the return journey to Kathmandu and stay overnight at the Hotel Barahi. Later, we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel, weaving through its lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and time-honoured crafts. We finish our day with an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Paro, our entry point into the fascinating country of Bhutan. On arrival, we journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s compact capital, and transfer to the Hotel Druk, our home for the next two nights. After lunch, we explore the local farmers’ market before continuing to Thimphu Monastery (Tashichho Dzong), to witness the unique flag down ceremony. The seat of government since the 1960s, it is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture with towering white walls, golden rooftops, and beautiful gardens. The evening is dedicated to exploring Thimphu’s local handicraft and souvenir markets.

Today we discover more of Thimphu’s rich cultural landmarks and traditions, starting with Buddha Point, home to the grand Buddha Dordenma statue, an impressive 51 metres tall, and offering panoramic views. We continue to Zorig Chusum, also known as the Bhutanese Institute of Traditional Arts, where students are trained in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts, including wood carving, painting, and sculpture. We also visit the Textile Museum, showcasing the artistry and skills of Bhutanese weavers. This afternoon, we visit the Motithang Takin Preserve for a chance to see the strange-looking Bhutanese national animal before ending our day at the local farmers’ market of Kaja Throm.

Returning westwards, we make the scenic drive to Paro this morning, stopping en route to enjoy lunch at a beautifully restored restaurant. After settling in at the Kaachi Grand Hotel, our base for the next two nights, we visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan displaying over 3,000 artefacts of Bhutanese art and history in a former watchtower. We then head to a local farmhouse, where we don traditional attire and try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery. Later, enjoy a cultural performance of dance, music and traditional storytelling before partaking in a home-cooked dinner, and some true Bhutanese hospitality.

We transfer to Paro airport this morning, for our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, we travel to nearby Bhaktapur, a city celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage, often called Nepal's open-air museum. Stroll through its atmospheric alleys, marvelling at the ancient architecture and discover Pottery Square, before witnessing the intricate art of authentic Nepali woodcraft. We stop at a traditional paper factory to learn how they use the bark of the lokta shrub, and enjoy the beauty of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient sculptures and architectural masterpieces. We continue to Nagarkot, a scenic village sitting on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, and check in to our hotel for the night, Club Himalaya. Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas from its terrace - the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

If you wish, rise early to watch the majestic sunrise over the mountains from the hotel terrace. After breakfast, get a glimpse into local life as we walk through the nearby village surrounded by verdant landscapes and far-reaching views. Then it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal as we transfer back to Kathmandu Airport for our flight home. Our flights with Qatar Airways operate via Doha.

After 18 wonderful days exploring Nepal and Bhutan, we arrive back into our chosen UK airport with memories that will last a lifetime.