Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, located at 1,350 meters, and begin your journey in Nepal, the gateway to the Himalayas. A representative will greet you and provide an air-conditioned private vehicle transfer into Kathmandu before your free time begins.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Thamel at your own pace. Experience its vibrant streets, colorful markets, restaurants, and cultural atmosphere. In the evening, attend a briefing covering the route and arrangements for your upcoming 10-day Nepal and Bhutan journey.

Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist district and remains active late into the night, with bookshops, travel agencies, and trekking gear stores.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Kantipur Village

After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start at sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the world’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, Nepal’s largest Buddhist stupa.

Next, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and view the Kathmandu Valley from its panoramic setting. Later, explore historic Kathmandu Durbar Square and discover Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. This full day of cultural immersion is a highlight of your Nepal and Bhutan journey.

The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage property comprises seven monument zones shaped by Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Kantipur Village

After breakfast, travel to Pokhara by private vehicle on the included one-way drive. The scenic journey follows winding mountain roads, passing terraced hillsides and picturesque villages before reaching Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside city at an elevation of 850 meters.

Upon arrival, spend the evening strolling along Lakeside and taking in views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Pokhara’s relaxed atmosphere contributes to its reputation as one of the most popular destinations featured in this Nepal and Bhutan journey.

Phewa Lake is the largest of Pokhara’s three major lakes.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Dahlia Boutique Hotel

Wake early for a sunrise excursion to Sarangkot, considered one of Nepal’s finest viewpoints. From this elevated setting, watch the morning light reveal Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other Himalayan peaks. The broad panorama makes this sunrise viewing a central part of the day’s scenic program.

After breakfast, continue with a full-day Pokhara sightseeing tour. The program includes a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visits to Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and Seti Gorge, and the included hike to the World Peace Pagoda. These lake, mountain, and sightseeing experiences form a memorable part of the Nepal and Bhutan journey.

Machhapuchhre is also known as Mount Fishtail because of its distinctive shape. 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Dahlia Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, transfer by air-conditioned private vehicle to Pokhara Airport. Board the included one-way domestic flight to Kathmandu, a short scenic journey offering aerial views of the Himalayan range. The domestic airfare is included as applicable, along with the required domestic airport taxes.

After arriving in Kathmandu, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You may explore local markets, enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine, or prepare for the Bhutan portion of your journey. This unscheduled time provides flexibility before you continue to the next stage of the 10-day program.

Nepal does not have one distinct cooking style, as its food traditions vary by region and cultural community.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Kantipur Village

Begin the Bhutan portion of your journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Paro. This sector forms part of the included round-trip economy-class airfare, which is subject to change. During what is described as one of the world’s most scenic mountain flights, view the Himalayan landscape before landing in Paro.

Upon arrival, meet your Bhutanese guide and continue by private surface transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital at 2,320 meters. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Tashichho Dzong. These sites introduce Bhutan’s culture and its philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Gross National Happiness has four pillars: sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Hotel Norpheling

After breakfast, continue exploring Thimphu’s cultural attractions. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and Traditional Arts School, followed by the local handicraft markets. These scheduled visits focus on Bhutan’s folk traditions, artistic practices, and handicrafts before you depart the capital.

Later, travel by private surface transfer to Punakha, crossing scenic Dochula Pass at an elevation of 3,100 meters. The route offers striking Himalayan views before your arrival. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically significant fortresses.

Punakha Dzong is the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort

Begin with a relaxed morning in Punakha before departing for Paro by private surface transfer. The return drive passes through Bhutan’s picturesque countryside, with views of traditional villages, terraced fields, and forested hills. Take in the changing rural landscapes as you continue toward Paro.

Upon arrival, visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, with monument entrance fees included as specified in the itinerary. Continue by exploring Paro’s charming town center. The combination of countryside scenery and cultural visits reflects why this Nepal and Bhutan program is popular with travelers.

The National Museum of Bhutan occupies a historic watchtower renovated for museum use in 1960.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Green Valley Boutique

After breakfast, begin the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang. This is the central highlight of the 10-day Nepal and Bhutan journey and leads to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. The monastery stands on a cliff approximately 900 meters above Paro Valley.

At the monastery, take in expansive views across Paro Valley and experience the site’s deep spiritual significance before beginning the descent. After completing the hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, recognized as one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The day’s planned activities conclude after this final cultural visit.

Construction of the Tiger’s Nest temple began in 1692 and was completed in 1694.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range Accommodation: Green Valley Boutique

After breakfast, transfer by air-conditioned private vehicle to Paro International Airport. Board the return flight to Kathmandu, completing the included round-trip economy-class airfare between Kathmandu and Paro. As specified in the program, the airfare remains subject to change.

After arriving in Kathmandu, connect to your onward journey according to your international flight schedule or extend your stay in Nepal. The 10-day Nepal and Bhutan program concludes with memories of ancient heritage, Himalayan landscapes, vibrant cultures, and spiritual experiences across two Himalayan kingdoms.

Paro International Airport’s terminal was commissioned in 1999 and designed to reflect Bhutanese architectural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast