Avila Travel Nepal Chitwan NP baby elephant

Nepal and Bhutan trip | Round trip Kingdoms in the Himalayas

  • Boutique
  • 15-day trip
  • From €7,750 p.p.
route-map

Nepal and Bhutan trip | Round trip Kingdoms in the Himalayas

This extraordinary journey takes you on a cultural and spiritual voyage of discovery through Nepal and Bhutan. Two countries where mysticism, nature and ancient traditions blend seamlessly. You’ll start in Kathmandu, where you’ll experience the city’s vibrant energy amongst the temples of Boudhanath, Patan and Pashupatinath. Discover rituals, monks and goddesses, stroll through royal squares and admire the refined Newari architecture. You’ll then travel to Bhaktapur and the jungles of Chitwan, where you’ll come face to face with Nepal’s wilderness on boat safaris and walks . From serene morning pujas to dinners under the stars: every day brings new experiences full of colour, scent and spirituality.

The second part of your journey takes you to mythical Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. After a panoramic flight, you’ll arrive in Paro and travel to Thimphu and the picturesque valleys of Phobjikha. You’ll visit majestic dzongs, meet local people, discover ancient monasteries and admire sacred stupas amidst impressive mountain landscapes. The highlight is the hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, the famous Tiger’s Nest, which hangs like a jewel from the cliff face. With every step, you’ll learn more about the soul of Bhutan. Your journey ends with a heart full of memories of the beauty, simplicity and depth of the Himalayas.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 Flight to Nepal
  • Day 2 Overnight stay in Kathmandu
  • Day 3 Exploring Patan and attending an Aarti puja
  • Day 4 The medieval city of Bhaktapur
  • Day 5 – 6 An adventure in Chitwan National Park
  • Day 7 Back to Kathmandu
  • Day 8 Off to Thimphu in Bhutan
  • Day 9 Exploring Thimphu with a guide
  • Day 10 The journey to Phobjikha
  • Day 11 Exploring the Phobjikha Valley
  • Day 12 From the Phobjikha Valley to Paro
  • Day 13 Walk to Tiger’s Nest
  • Day 14 Exploring Paro further
  • Day 15 Departure from Bhutan
  • Day 16 Arrival
Day 1
Air travel to Nepal
Day 2
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Day 3
Discovering Patan and attending an Aarti puja
Day 4
The medieval city of Bhaktapur
Day 5 to 6
On an adventure in the Chitwan National Park
Day 7
Back to Kathmandu
Day 8
On to Thimphu in Bhutan
Day 9
Discover Thimphu with a guide
Day 10
The trip to Phobjikha
Day 11
Discovering the Phobjikha Valley
Day 12
From the Phobjikha Valley to Paro
Day 13
Walk to Tiger's Nest
Day 14
Explore Paro further
Day 15
Departure from Bhutan
Day 16
Arrival

Accommodations

Experiences

Destinations

Paro District

Paro lies at an altitude of 2,200 metres and is the gateway to beautiful Bhutan. This Himalayan oasis is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. So there is plenty to see in this traditional town on the banks of the Pa Chhu (Paro River).
A fantastic day trip is the trek to the famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage, built against the sheer face of a 1,000-metre-high cliff.

Taktshang with prayer flags3 Paro dzong and watchtower

Phobjikha Valley

Nestled in the western slopes of the Black Mountains lies the bowl-shaped Phobjikha Valley, a breathtakingly picturesque glacial valley situated at 3,000 metres above sea level and tucked away close to central Bhutan. A large flock of black-necked cranes soars above the vast expanses of lush greenery that cover the landscape, whilst the alpine region is covered in thick grassland, marshland and dwarf bamboo. The valley is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including barking deer, wild boar, sambar deer, the Himalayan black bear, the Himalayan serow, leopards and foxes. Highlights include Gangtey Goenpa Monastery, the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, and a two-hour walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The valley also serves as a convenient starting point for the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of the largest unspoilt forest areas in the Himalayas.

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Gangtey

Idyllically situated in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, the small village of Gangtey lies in the Wangdue Phodrang district in Central Bhutan. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly beautiful surroundings. This village lies at an altitude of 3,000 metres and is tucked away in an ancient glacial valley with lush greenery and cultivated fields.
The village of Gangtey is home to the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. In winter, visitors can spot the endangered black-necked cranes migrating from the Tibetan Plateau and the vast plains of Central Asia to this warmer corner of the world. The lucky ones can enjoy the famous Tshechu festival, a lively and colourful annual celebration featuring a vibrant mix of games, costumes, dancing and drumming.

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Thimphu

The capital of Bhutan and the official seat of government. Thimpu is located at an altitude of 2,400 metres. It is an interesting mix of modern and historical architecture, traditional elements interspersed with modern buildings. Highlights include the Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, the national library, the textile museum and numerous craft shops.

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Bhutan

Temple4 Wheat harvest1

Kathmandu

Nepal's capital is set in a beautiful setting amid snow-capped mountain peaks with a very friendly population, a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a host of ornate stone temples hundreds of years old. The city can easily be seen as a big open-air museum, as there are particularly many ancient temples, squares and royal palaces to admire. Some highlights include a visit to Durbar Square, the central square with magnificent 12th-century Hindu temples, Kumari Bahal (the house of the living goddess), and the sacred Buddhist Swayambhunath Stupa. You visit the latter at sunset, when the last rays of the sun set the white monument in a magical glow.

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Wangdue Phodrang

Wangdue Phodrang is named after the dzong (fortress) which dominated the district in central Bhutan. Built in 1638 by the nation's founder, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the architectural wonder served as a temple and administrative centre. In 2012, the dzong burnt down, supposedly due to an electrical fault and plans are on track to rebuild it. The town has a charming and picturesque atmosphere. Tourist shops line the main street and there's a colourful weekly farmers' market. In autumn, Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu is observed for three days; a traditional festival known for the Raksha Mangcham (the dance of the Ox).

Nepal

Dana on the road Bridge panorama

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park has a history spanning more than three decades in park management and a wealth of experience in resolving conflicts between the park and local communities. It is a rich nature reserve in the Terai, in the subtropical south of Nepal. The nature park is renowned for its great diversity of animals and plants … It is home to more than 50 species of mammals and around 350 species of birds, including birds of paradise, the slender-billed vulture, the Bengal vulture, the Javan marabou and the greater river eagle. During a tour of the park, you can spot various species of monkeys, sloth bears, Indian elephants, crocodiles and leopards, whilst the endangered Indian rhinos and Bengal tigers can also be found here … a wonderful experience for nature and wildlife lovers! A few years ago, the number of Indian rhinos rose to 600 (the second-largest population in the world) and the number of Bengal tigers increased to 125 adult animals. The creation of the park has marked a major step forward in saving the rhinos and tigers threatened with extinction … and since they have been protected, the populations of these animals have also improved significantly.

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Sauraha

Resting amidst the tropical forest and dense towering trees, Sauraha is a small but lively village within the wonderful Chitwan District of Nepal. This quaint village has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, housing inviting restaurants, charming gift shops and fascinating attractions, such as the Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Centre, featuring educational exhibitions of the indigenous Tharu people. The enchanting destination of Sauraha is the gateway to the lush Chitwan National Park, where visitors can look forward to spotting rhino, monkey, deer and Bengal tiger by vehicle or on foot. It also serves as a base for travellers heading to the Hindu pilgrimage village of Devghat, home to various charming temples and caves dedicated to Hindu gods, goddesses and saints.

Paro

The city of Paro is set in a dramatic valley, framed by lush rice terraces and the meandering Paro Chhu River. Towering mountains rise above the city, with their snow-capped peaks and deep gorges highlighting the natural beauty of the area. Paro provides a convenient gateway to the surrounding wonders of the Paro Valley, with its lively main street full of traditional wooden houses, local shops and restaurants. The skyline is dominated by Paro Dzong, an imposing 1644 fort, which houses a monastery and administrative offices. Above the city, the National Museum is housed in an old watchtower, preserving relics from Bhutan's rich past. For those looking for adventure, a trek to Taktsang Monastery offers breathtaking views, while Paro's cultural calendar is brightened by the Paro Tsechu festival. The surrounding valley offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling and rafting, with the world-famous Snowman Trek providing a real challenge for adventurers.

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Nepal and Bhutan trip | Round trip Kingdoms in the Himalayas

We offer the described trip from €7,750 per person.
The price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.

Included

• Domestic and international flights as specified in the ‘itinerary’, including hold luggage
• Accommodation in excellent and distinctive properties
• All meals as specified in the programme
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a visit to Dilyak Monastery, Swayambhunath and a jeep safari
• Entrance fees to national parks for scheduled excursions
• Meet and greet on arrival
• National Geographic travel guide or similar
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Walk in the Phobjikha Valley
• Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
• Lunch at a local restaurant

Not included

• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrades
• Visa fees for Nepal and Bhutan
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Personal expenses/tips
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)

View other sample itineraries for Nepal here

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View other sample itineraries for Bhutan here

Discover Bhutan