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The Ancient Kingdoms of Nepal & Bhutan

17 days from £7,480 for 2025 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 £7,480 for 2025 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 Chitwan - Chitwan National Park
Fly to Bharatpur for Chitwan National Park and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 4 - Kasara Chitwan - Chitwan National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Day 5 - Kasara Chitwan - 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.

Key

Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

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Client Testimonials

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

The Ancient Kingdoms of Nepal & Bhutan

17 days from £7,480 for 2025 per person

Itinerary details

17 days from £7,480 for 2025 per person

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Client Testimonials

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