Flight: EY290 Abu Dhabi - Kathmandu 10.50 - 17.10

Private transfer: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed to Nepal by your local guide and transferred to the Hotel Tibet in a chauffeur driven car for a two-night stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet (Deluxe Room)

Guided tour of Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will set out to explore this famous city which is situated at 1,336m above sea level and covers an area of 218 square miles. Start your tour with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, located on the western banks of the Bagmati River on the city’s northeastern side. This temple is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in the world and a sacred place for cremations. Afterwards, visit the Boudhanath Stupa which claims to be the largest stupa in the world. Round off the morning with an introduction to Nepalese cuisine at the Kaiser Café at lunchtime (payable locally). In the afternoon head towards Swayambhunath one of the most important religious and cultural sites in Nepal and which is associated with the birth of the Kathmandu Valley civilization. Later you will see Kathmandhu Durbar Square which was built in the 17th century and which serves as the main square of ancient Kathmandu with Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and numerous other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses that surround the palace.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Kathmandu to Nuwakot: Set off from your hotel in Kathmandu in a northwesterly direction and drive past the Shivapuri National Park towards Nuwakot on the Trisuli Road. This scenic journey provides sweeping views of jungle clad hills, and takes between 3-4 hours.

Exploring Nuwakot: At your preferred time set off on a gentle walking tour of the historic fortress and temples around the village of Nuwakot. The most impressive building is the seven-tiered palace built by Prithvi Narayan Shah 1762, from where he launched his attack on the Kathmandu Valley that led to the foundation of modern day Nepal. The fortress and surrounding villages were badly hit in the 2015 earthquake, and reconstruction is ongoing to restore the sight to its former glory. The stroll to the fort takes you through several villages where locals go about their daily routines unperturbed by outsiders. If you still have energy there are several longer walks around Nuwakot that your guide can take you on, to sunset viewpoints with panoramic views of the Trisuli Valley, and some small temples dotted around the hillside.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Famous Farm (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Nuwakot to Pokhara: After breakfast this morning, set off on the drive to Pokhara, a journey of around 4-5 hours. The first part of the drive follows the Trisuli River until reaching the Prithvi Highway. There will be a stop for lunch at the town of Mugling near the cable car to the Manakamana Devi Temple.

Guided tour of Pokhara: Set off from your hotel to explore the town of Pokhara and surrounding area. Places and activities of interest include Bindebasini Temple, the World Peace Pagoda, Seti Gorge, David’s Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, the Gorkha Museum and a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Fewa Lake. Please discuss the options with your guide who will advise on what is possible in the time available.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Half day hike to Naudanda: After breakfast this morning drive approximately 30 minutes to the Sarangkot viewpoint, one of the best in the area for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as well as Pokhara and Phewa Lake. Early risers might want to depart from their hotel before dawn in time to watch the sun rise from Sarangkot. After enjoying the views start the 4 -5 hour walk through forested hills to Naudanda, most of which is downhill. On the hike expect to see plenty of mountain views, villages and local people going about their daily routines. The half way mark is the village of Maula from where there is a path up to Kasikot, once the seat of power for the whole Pokhara Valley. Continue to Naudanda where your driver will be waiting for you, and transfer back to your hotel in Pokhara.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Atithi Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Pokhara to Bandipur: At a convenient time today, depart Pokhara for Bandipur, an easy drive of approximately 3 hours.

Exploring Bandipur: Today you have a guide at your disposal to explore Bandipur and the surrounding area. Early risers might want to start with a hike to the wooden shrine of Thani Mai perched on top of the steep slope of Gurungche Daada. On a clear morning views of the Himalayas are unbeatable from here, and the town in the foreground provides some great perspective. An alternative place to head for sunrise, sunset or any part of the day is the tudikhel parade ground near the main bazaar. This playing field is located on a cliff edge from where the views of the mountains and valley below are almost as spectacular. Other activities include a trip to the extensive cave network at Siddha Gupha, Nepal's largest cave network that was first discovered in 1987, which can be done on foot or by car. For the more active there is a rewarding 4-hour trek to the Magar village of Ramkot. This scenic village has some rare thatched roundhouses and traditional buildings with wooden balconies, and is a place to see age old farming techniques in practice.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at The Old Inn (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Bandipur to Chitwan National Park: Set off in a south easterly direction along the Prithvi Highway to the village of Mugling beside the Trisuli River in the Central Hills. From here head south and descend towards the Chitwan National Park, a total drive of around 5-6 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jungle Villa Resort Chitwan (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Full day wildlife excursions:  There are several wildlife excursions to choose from today, starting with an early morning bird watching tour. After breakfast the most popular activity is a jeep safari in the National Park, to explore the jungle and open grasslands in search of a variety of wildlife. Your driver and guide will take you to the best places to spot animals, and talk with the local rangers to find out if any animals have been recently spotted. The guide will also provide information about Chitwan’s environment and the wildlife. After lunch back at the lodge you will have the opportunity to take canoe ride down the Rapti River to spot wildlife and birds, finishing with a short trek through the forest and visit to a crocodile breeding centre at the National Park HQ. An alternative option is a visit a local village to interact with the Tharu people that have inhabited this area for centuries. Please note that all these excursions are operated by the Jungle Villa Resort and are on a shared basis with other guests staying at the lodge.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Jungle Villa Resort Chitwan (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from the Jungle Villa Resort Chitwan and transferred to Bharatpur Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Flight: U4352 Bharatpur - Kathmandu 10.55 - 11.20

Road journey from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur: Set off in an easterly direction to the ancient town of Bhaktapur, a drive of around 45 minutes.

Guided tour of Bhaktapur: Take a guided tour of this atmospheric and picturesque medieval city, much of which is now pedestrianised and well-preserved. Bhaktapur was established around the 9th Century by the Newars, who still follow many age old traditions and customs to this day. Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses some of the best examples of Nepali craftsmanship in wood and stone such as the Palace of 55 Windows built in 1697, the five storied Nyatapola Temple, the Kashi Biswanath Temple and the Dattatreya Temple among others. The city is a labyrinth of ancient monuments, many constructed from the familiar deep-red brick, and home to some of the best examples of Nepali wood and stone carvings. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Heritage (Classic Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After an early breakfast this morning, you will be met by your guide & driver, then transferred to the airport for your flight to Bhutan.

Flight: KB205 Kathmandu - Paro 09.10 - 10.25

Private transfer to Thimphu with sightseeing: Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at a height of 2,280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your guide and driver will meet you and take you on a short one hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu which is Bhutan’s capital. On the way you can make a stop to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. On arrival in Thimphu you will check into your hotel and lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Guided tour of Thimphu: This afternoon walk around the town and soak up the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. You can then visit some of the nearby sights such as the Radio Tower which offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags, the Takin Reserve which showcases the unique national animal, the Takin, or a visit to the Changangkha Temple which is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town and to which devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. Afterwards return to your hotel for dinner.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Pedling (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Guided sightseeing in and around Thimphu: This morning take a short drive out of the capital and walk uphill for an hour or so to visit Tango Monastery. Founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa in the 12th century, today the monastery is a school for the study of Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics and poetry. On the way back to Thimphu stop to see Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit the revered Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum and also Tashicho (Trashi Chhoe) Dzong, built in 1641, which housed the original National Assembly and is now home to Government offices, the throne room & offices of the King. This afternoon is also a good time to visit the local handicraft shops and purchase some souvenirs. Please let your guide if there is anything in particular that takes your interest.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Pedling (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Private road journey to Punakha with sightseeing: In the morning, drive approximately 3 hours to the old capital of Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3,050 metres, where you will stop for a hot drink to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. At this altitude you will notice a change of climate and vegetation as you approach the lower lying Punakha which sits at 1,250 metres above sea level. On arrival in Punakha you will check into your hotel and lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Guided tour of Punakha: This morning visit the imposing Punakha Dzong or “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Here you have an opportunity, if interested, to view an exhibition of traditional Bhutanese cantilever bridges (known as bazams) in the tower of the Puna Mo Chu Bazam.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Meri Puensum Resort (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning hike in Punakha: In the morning, hike an hour or so up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which sits high on the hill across the other side of the valley. Here you will get some good views of Punakha and the surrounding countryside. After the walk you will have an early lunch.

Private road journey to Paro: After the sightseeing, you will set off on the 4 hour drive to Paro which will take you over the Dochu La Pass again and if the weather was not clear on the way out, hopefully you will get to see the amazing views on the way back. After checking into your hotel there will be time for a quick orientation tour around this small town.

Guided tour of Paro: After checking in you will have time to look around Paro. The town is situated in a beautiful valley at a height of 2,280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant and afterwards you will visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), which was built to commemorate victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644, but destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Olathang (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Guided tour of Paro and surrounds: Today take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor and is one of the most famous images of Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. This afternoon, on the way back to Paro, you will visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Arrive back at your hotel for your last night of the tour.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Olathang (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Paro International Airport for your Druk Air flight to Kathmandu.

Flight: KB204 Paro - Kathmandu 11.50 - 12.35

Private transfer: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the Hotel Tibet International in a chauffeur driven car for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hotel Tibet International (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi International.

Flight: EY293 Kathmandu - Abu Dhabi 21.30 - 00.45 (overnight)

Meals: Breakfast