ABOUT THE TOUR
Our adventure begins in Nepal in the wonder-filled capital of Kathmandu, a fascinating and exotic city of ancient temples, palaces, stupas and colourful streets of traditional houses, many intricately carved. We also visit the nearby medieval Newar town of Bhaktapur. We travel on to the Pokhara Valley in the Nepalese Himalayas to stay in a remote mountain lodge with breath-taking scenery, before returning to Kathmandu.
We then fly on to the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, which for centuries was closed to western visitors and remained hidden behind the peaks of the Himalayas – thankfully no longer the case today. Our journey encompasses splendid stupas and dzongs (monasteries) along with the country’s spectacular landscape of fertile valleys, lush forests and snow-capped peaks. We meet the delightful people and discover the unique culture of this delightful Kingdom on the ‘roof of the world’.
TOUR LEADER
Hamish Van Gruisen
15 days from £8,460 per person
TOUR DATE: 29 MARCH – 12 APRIL 2026
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: £2,180
Price Includes
- Accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary
- Breakfast daily; 9 lunches; 11 dinners
- Domestic flights
- Flight over Everest
- All entrance fees, visits, excursions and transportation as per the itinerary
- Gratuities in restaurants for included meals; gratuities to driver/s; porterage
- Gratuities to guide/s
- Local English-speaking guide/s
- The services of your tour leader throughout
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)
- Government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 15/04/25
DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW
Sunday, 29 March – London to Kathmandu
Depart from London Heathrow on a flight to Kathmandu via Doha (not included in the cost of the tour).
Overnight in-flight.
Monday, 30 March – Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu, meet your guide and transfer to Dwarikas Hotel. After check-in, lunch under own arrangements. In the afternoon, visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant.
Overnight: Dwarikas Hotel, Kathmandu
Tuesday, 31 March – Kathmandu
After breakfast, visit Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square. Lunch at Chez Caroline. Later, enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride around Kathmandu Durbar Square and through the old markets of Ason to Thamel. Dinner under own arrangements.
Overnight: Dwarikas Hotel, Kathmandu
Wednesday, 1 April – Kathmandu
Optional early morning mountain flight over Everest. After breakfast, transfer to Bhaktapur for a walking tour of the palaces and temples. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Kathmandu for an afternoon at leisure. Dinner under own arrangements.
Overnight: Dwarikas Hotel, Kathmandu
Thursday, 2 April – Kathmandu to Pokhara
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Pokhara. On arrival, visit Lakeside and enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Lunch under own arrangements. Continue to Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for check-in. Later, take a short hike in the surrounding hills. Dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Friday, 3 April – Pokhara
After breakfast, take a ridge-top walk through the Annapurna foothills. Activities available at the lodge include guided day hikes, bird walks, cultural village walks, and massages. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Saturday, 4 April – Pokhara
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure or participate in lodge activities as preferred. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Sunday, 5 April – Pokhara to Kathmandu
Early breakfast and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, return to Dwarikas Hotel and check in. Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon at leisure for shopping. Dinner at Vishnumati House, hosted by long-time resident Lisa Choegyal (subject to confirmation).
Overnight: Dwarikas Hotel, Kathmandu
Monday, 6 April – Kathmandu to Thimphu (via Paro)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Paro. On arrival, drive to Thimphu and check in at the Pemako Hotel. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Changangkha Monastery. Also visit the National Library, School of Bhutanese Art and Crafts, and Simply Bhutan Museum. End the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Pemako Hotel, Thimphu
Tuesday, 7 April – Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, visit the National Textile Museum and the Craft Bazaar. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Lunch en route at the pass. On arrival, enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Check in at Dhensa Boutique Hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Hotel, Punakha
Wednesday, 8 April – Punakha
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong and walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, walk to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, and continue to Wangdue to visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Dhensa Boutique Hotel, Punakha
Thursday, 9 April – Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro. On arrival, check in at Zhiwaling Hotel. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and walk to Rinpung Dzong. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Zhiwaling Hotel, Paro
Friday, 10 April – Paro
After breakfast, hike to the iconic Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Lunch at the monastery café. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Zhiwaling Hotel, Paro
Saturday, 11 April – Paro to London (via Kathmandu and Doha)
After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, lunch under own arrangements. Transfer to the international terminal for your return flight to London via Doha (not included in the cost of the tour).
Sunday, 12 April – Arrival in London
Arrival at London Heathrow.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
"*" indicates required fields