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The Ancient Kingdoms of Nepal & Bhutan
17 days from £6,680 for 2023 per person
This awe inspiring itinerary crosses the mighty Himalayas to visit the ancient kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, two of the most strikingly beautiful areas on earth. Explore colourful Kathmandu and go elephant-back tiger trekking in Nepal before venturing on a thorough cultural odyssey across Bhutan.
This itinerary begins in Nepal where you will visit some of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, a series of spectacular capital cities of bygone rulers, before continuing to Chitwan National Park, home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna, including the royal Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant and the one-horned Indian rhinoceros, the most famous animal at Chitwan. From Kathmandu fly to Paro, and connect to Thimphu, Bhutan’s mountainous capital. Get under the skin of Bhutan’s profound history and culture, both heavily influenced by Buddhism, and witness the dramatic scenery on the journey between the capital Thimphu and the smaller and more rural towns and valleys in the centre of the country. Finish your journey with two nights in Calcutta, cradle of the British Raj, where you may explore contemporary life as well as its rich history.
This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own tailor-made holiday to Nepal and Bhutan. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Epic Journeys, as well as our favourite Wildlife, Active, Family-Friendly, and Multi-Country itineraries.
Itinerary details
17 days from £6,680 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 2 - Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu
Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. - Day 3 - Kasara Jungle Resort - Chitwan National Park
Fly to Bharatpur for Chitwan National Park and spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 4 - Kasara Jungle Resort - Chitwan National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. - Day 5 - Kasara Jungle Resort - Chitwan National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives. - Day 6 - Dwarika's Hotel - Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu and spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 7 - Zhiwa Ling Ascent - Thimphu
Fly to Paro and transfer directly to Thimphu. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 8 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
This morning drive to Gangtey through high passes and stopping off on the way to admire the scenery. Spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 9 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
Full day exploring the Gangtey valley, including the Black-Necked Crane Centre and the Gangtey Gompa. - Day 10 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha via Wangdue Phodrang and Wangduephodrang Dzong. Spend the rest of day at leisure. - Day 11 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
Full day sightseeing in Punakha including a visit to the famed Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stupa. - Day 12 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
Return to Paro and spend the afternoon at leisure. - Day 13 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
Take a day hike in the valley ending at the Tiger's Nest. - Day 14 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
Spend the day at leisure for local activities in the Haa Valley. - Day 15 - The Oberoi Grand - Calcutta
Transfer to Paro airport and fly to Calcutta. Transfer to your hotel and have the afternoon free to explore. - Day 16 - The Oberoi Grand - Calcutta
Sunrise visit to the flower market on the banks of the Hoogly river followed a walking tour of Kalighat. Afternoon visit to the Marble Palace. - Day 17 - In transit.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationI can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson
