Himalayan Kingdoms
Himalayan Kingdoms
Himalayan Kingdoms
12 Days
Visiting: Bhutan, Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
319
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
8-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This 12-day adventure immerses you in the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you'll explore the bustling streets of Thamel by rickshaw, wander through the historic Durbar Square, and marvel at the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately known as the "monkey temple". From there, you'll take a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas to the mystical kingdom of Bhutan.
In Bhutan, you'll delve into centuries-old traditions and explore majestic fortresses known as dzongs. You'll witness the art of incense making, hike to sacred temples nestled in breathtaking valleys, and even experience the unique hospitality of a Bhutanese homestay. A highlight of your trip will be the challenging but rewarding hike to Taktsang Monastery, the iconic Tiger's Nest clinging to a sheer cliff face. This journey offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and spiritual exploration.
Returning to Nepal, you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas from Nagarkot, a picturesque village in the Kathmandu Valley. You'll then delve into the ancient city of Bhaktapur, with its well-preserved temples and traditional crafts, and even try your hand at pottery. The tour culminates with visits to significant religious sites in Kathmandu – the Hindu temple of Pasupatinath and the Buddhist Boudhanath stupa – offering a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Nepal. This itinerary promises an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and breathtaking scenery.
For those looking for a longer adventure, featuring India, please see our Temples, Dzongs and Taj Tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Arrive In Kathmandu: Transfer To Your Hotel
You arrive in Kathmandu today where we meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Our rep will help you settle in and give you an introduction to the surrounding area. The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight, and perhaps head to one of the many cafes and bars in the touristic district of Thamel near your hotel.
Day 2 : Day 2: Thamel Rickshaw Ride. Walk Around Durbar Square: Visit Swayambunath Stupa
Our Nepal tour starts with an exciting Rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, to Durbar Square. We'll pass through small back streets full of numerous tiny shops, workshops, temples, and stupas to Durbar Square with its array of wooden and stone carved temples and palaces, where we'll have plenty of time to walk around and explore. After lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, we drive to the important Swayambunath Stupa which sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, visible from miles around. Also known locally as the 'monkey temple', we'll see these nimble inhabitants scampering in and around the trees and temple.
Day 3 : Day 3: Fly To Bhutan. Kuzuzangpo La! And Welcome To Bhutan. Afternoon Sightseeing To Ta Dzong: Paro Dzong And Learn The Art Of Incense Making
We pick you up from the hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight over the Himalaya to Bhutan (try and sit on the left side of the plane for the best views). While en route, complete immigration and custom form formalities for later declaration and keep your custom forms safe, as you will need to produce them again on departure. (Note - the Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu flights are not included in the tour price but may be purchased separately or added as an extra option. Please see the Options section and Tour Notes for more details).
Day 4 : Day 4: Journey Over The Scenic Dochu La Pass: Visit The Fertility-Blessing Chimi Lhakhang Temple.
Today, buckle up for an exhilarating adventure as we ascend the legendary Dochu La Pass, a winding mountain road that climbs through a tapestry of emerald forests to an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,007 feet). Feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and verdant valleys that unfold with every twist and turn.
Day 5 : Day 5: Walk To Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten: Visit Punakha Dzong And Settle In To Your Phobjikha Valley Homestay
Lace up your boots and get ready for an invigorating morning walk. Our destination: the magnificent Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. But the journey is just as rewarding as the destination itself. We'll follow a scenic trail that winds along the gushing Mo Chhu River, passing through a kaleidoscope of terraced fields bursting with colorful chilies and vegetables. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging through the trees and vibrant birds flitting amongst the blossoms. Reaching the hilltop chorten, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Punakha Valley – the perfect spot to snap some Instagram-worthy photos!
Day 6 : Day 6: Explore Phobjikha Valley On A Nature Walk: Visit The Revered Gangtey Monastery: And Experience Authentic Bhutanese Life With Your Host Family.
Today, immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural riches of the Phobjikha Valley. Embark on a leisurely nature walk through this breathtaking landscape, a haven for a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic black-necked cranes, which grace the valley with their presence from October to March after an epic migration over the Himalayas. These elegant birds hold a special place in Bhutanese hearts, and if you're lucky enough to visit in November, you might even witness the vibrant Crane Festival, a celebration of their arrival.
Day 7 : Day 7: Head To Bhutan's Modern Capital Thimphu: Via Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Today, we embark on a captivating journey that takes us back over the majestic Dochu La Pass, where breathtaking mountain vistas and fluttering prayer flags will once again steal your breath away. But before reaching the bustling capital of Thimphu, we'll take a detour back in time with a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Day 8 : Day 8: Exploring Thimphu: Visit The Memorial Chorten: Folk Heritage Museum: School Of Arts & Crafts & Takin Research Centre
Today promises a captivating exploration of Thimphu's cultural treasures. We begin our journey at the Memorial Chorten, a revered monument that embodies Bhutanese spirituality and architectural grandeur.
Day 9 : Day 9: Hike To Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Drukgyel Dzong And Kyichu Lhakhang. Optional Hot Stone Bath
Rise early, as today we embark on a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most iconic landmark – the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Prepare your legs and your spirit for an invigorating 2-3 hour hike that winds its way through pine forests and up a steep mountain path. But trust us, every step is worth it! As you ascend, the legendary monastery will slowly reveal itself, perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face 800 meters above the valley floor. This sacred site, steeped in history and legend, attracts pilgrims from all corners of Bhutan and beyond, all drawn to its spiritual aura and unparalleled beauty.
Day 10 : Day 10: Fly To Nepal And Head To Nagarkot In The Kathmandu Valley
We leave Kurintar this morning and drive back towards Kathmandu. An upgrade to an internal flight is available on request. Contact us and we can make this change to your Nepal tour package.
Day 11 : Day 11: Sunrise Mountain Views. Bhaktapur Ancient Centre With Pottery Class: Pasupatinath & Boudhanath
This morning we hope for spectacular sunrise views from Nagarkot before driving down to one of the other ancient cities in the Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur. The centre of Bhaktapur has been designated a World Heritage Site, and hosts the best preserved ancient buildings and temples in the Kathmandu valley, with some great examples of traditional wooden architecture to be seen. Our tour here will really give you a taste for how life has been led in the valley for centuries, and you'll see several traditional crafts still taking place, including a whole square dedicated to pottery - You'll even have the chance to partake in an included pottery class.
Day 12 : Day 12: Kathmandu: Tour Ends With Airport Transfer
Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home. A range of options are available if you would like to extend your tour in Nepal. These include white water rafting on the Bhote Khosi river, one of the best one day rafting trips in the world, hikes and tours in the Kathmandu valley, or more extensive rafting or trekking tours. We can also arrange visits to Chitwan and Bardia National Parks in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. Please contact us for more information and ideas.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* -
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- All accommodation in comfortable mid-range hotels
- All transport in private AC vehicles with a local driver
- All transfers, including 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
- Services of a local guide throughout your time in Bhutan
- Services of a tour leader in Nepal and specialist city guide for Kathmandu tours
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bhutan visa fee (worth US$40)
- Bhutan government Sustainable Development Fee (worth US$100/ night)
- A wealth of local experiences
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus/people-carrier
Internal flight
Accommodation
3 to 4-star & boutique hotels
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Nepal Visa
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Many nationals can obtain their Nepalese visa in Kathmandu airport upon arrival (including UK, EU, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA citizens). The costs for a single entry visa are currently:
- up to 15 days - US$ 25
- 16 to 30 days - US$ 40
- 31 to 90 days - US$ 100
An additional $20 fee is charged to convert these into a multiple entry visa which will be needed for any tours returning to Nepal after visiting Bhutan or Tibet.
The visa is obtained in the immigration area at the point where your passport is stamped. Forms to fill in are available in this immigration hall and may also be given out on your flight (if so, do fill them in before you land as it will reduce your queuing time). You will also need to fill in an arrivals card. Once your paperwork is completed, head to the immigration desk and hand over your forms, 2 passport photos, your visa fee and passport. The visa fees are set in US Dollars, but you can also pay in other currencies, but don't rely on getting given change.
Passport Photos: You will need two passport photos for your Nepal visa if you are obtaining it on arrival. If you are doing any trekking, rafting or visiting a National Park (i.e. on many of of our tours), you should bring extras, as some of the permits we may need to get require these. Please bring at least 4 passport photos with you - they will always come in useful later if you don't need them all. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.