Compare Nepal & Bhutan Journey by Intrepid Travel vs Nepal and Bhutan Tour by Peregrine Treks and Tours

Day 1 Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu and take your complimentary airport transfer to the hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. The evening is free to explore the streets of Kathmandu, whose mixture of ancient architecture and modern development, and rich artistic and cultural heritage means it remains the legendary destination it has been for decades. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats, and sacred cows. You may like to join your leader and group for an optional dinner at one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2 Kathmandu

Weather permitting, you'll have the option to take a Mount Everest scenic flight this morning. This experience will take you over Sagamartha National Park through a crescendo of the highest peaks in the world, getting up close to Mount Everest. After breakfast, you'll explore Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you'll see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. You'll also visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After lunch, it's time to explore Swayambhunath Temple (the Monkey Temple). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the city's most famous temples and fascinatingly reflects Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. From here, you'll head to Durbar Square, which sits at the front of the old royal palace. You'll get a chance to admire the beautiful temples and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. The evening is yours to explore the city as you wish.

Day 3 Pokhara

Today you'll leave your hotel early and hit the road to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Time to relax after you arrive. If you wish, you can stroll around and take in the views of the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.

Day 4 Pokhara

If you're an early riser, you'll have the option to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over Sarangkot Hill this morning. Then, after breakfast, you'll visit the Peace Pagoda, where spectacular views of the mountains await. Take in vistas that span the Annapurnas to the famous fishtail peak, Machhapuchhare, and back to Pokhara. From here, you'll visit the fascinating International Mountain Museum to learn the amazing tales of past climbing expeditions – some ending in triumph, some ending in tragedy. After a morning of exploring, you'll head to a local Tibetan Refugee Camp for lunch. You'll hear stories of their journey from Tibet to Nepal, learn about local life and take part in a traditional cooking demonstration to find out how to make delicious momos (steamed dumplings). Of course, you'll sit down for a group lunch and tuck into the fruits of your labour. In the afternoon, you'll take a scenic boat ride across the lake (Phewa Tal). You can stretch your legs and check out Taal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake or simply admire the views from the boat.

Day 5 Bandipur

Today you'll travel to Bandipur by private vehicle. This traditional Nepalese town is a natural treasure and one of the country's hidden gems. Bandipur was once an essential stop for traders travelling to Tibet, and the town's single main street is still lined with buildings that once housed a wide variety of merchants. Many of the buildings have been converted now, but their architecture remains. Enjoy a peaceful stay in this charming, rural location.

Day 6 Bandipur

Enjoy a day of free time to explore Bandipur further. The surrounding hills are ideal for hiking along trails that will take you through tribal villages and hilltop shrines that once doubled as fortresses. Bandipur is saddled on a high ridge above Dumre, making for an exceptional view of the Himalayan panorama. You may prefer to visit the town's temples or relax with a coffee and a spectacular view.

Day 7 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, you'll drive to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, you'll be introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists, who'll discuss the activities for the upcoming days. A late-afternoon safari will take you through forests and across grasslands to spot wildlife and explore the park. In the early evening, the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. You'll enjoy dinner as a group and then the evening will be all yours – maybe relax in the bar and discuss the day's animal sightings or listen to the stirrings of the jungle at night.

Day 8 Chitwan National Park

Embark on an early-morning excursion. This could include another safari to different parts of the park (in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic birdlife) or joining one of the other activities available in the park. After breakfast, you’ll leave the lodge and go on a dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to catch a glimpse of marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program will be organised for the rest of the day and may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.

Day 9 Bhaktapur

If you’re an avid wildlife lover, an optional early-morning birdwatching safari is available today – a worthwhile addition to your trip. After breakfast, drive along the Trisuli River to Bhaktapur and enjoy a stop along the riverbank for lunch. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal and the Great Malla Kingdom during the 15th century. Its rich heritage, inspiring temples and artisanal history played a big part in Bhaktapur being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an evening of exploration on your own, soak up the lovely atmosphere in one of the local cafes, or simply relax in your hotel.

Day 10 Kathmandu

Spend the morning exploring Bhaktapur's famous temples, starting at Durbar Square, which is said to be the most beautiful piece of art in Nepal. Durbar Square is home to the majestic Lion Gate and Golden Gate. You’ll also visit the Pashupati Temple – a replica of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, drive to Kathmandu. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – your group may like to head out for an optional final dinner as your Nepal portion of the trip soon comes to an end.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Enjoy the last day in Kathmandu before the Bhutan portion of the trip starts. Your leader can help with recommendations on things to do and see and nice places where to grab a bite and watch people go by.

Day 12 Paro - Thimphu

Time has come to say goodbye to Nepal and board your flight from Kathmandu to Paro. After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. Stop in at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening wander through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!

Day 13 Thimphu

Today begins with a pleasant walk that meanders gently up the valley through paddy fields, pristine woodlands, and a Tibetan village, a trail that continues uphill (1 hour) to the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Back in Thimphu, stop to enjoy the incredible views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You may like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Stop by the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents consider this to be the heart and soul of the city and gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. Afterward, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts - from carpentry and masonry to paper making and embroidery. The incredible National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and if you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods and a small family-run enterprise that manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods.

Day 14 Punakha

This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue the journey before taking another break. Enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Ngawang Chogyel. Arrive in Punakha for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.

Day 15 Punakha

After breakfast we head out on a short hike (1.5 hours) to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! Afterwards, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and admire breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country, as well as the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and take in the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Return to Punakha for the evening.

Day 16 Paro

This morning head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town on arrival. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!

Day 17 Paro / Tiger's Nest Monastery

After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. After approximately 1 hour ascending the mountainside, reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple and the ideal place to enjoy lunch. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking any further can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. In the evening, after returning to Paro, experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath. A great way to relax after your hiking, this bath is a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. A soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.

Day 18 Paro

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Representatives from Peregrine Treks and Tours will receive you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. At the hotel, you will meet your leader and he will give a briefing about your trip in the late afternoon. The briefing contains trip details, itinerary description and schedule. If there are any last-minute changes, coordinate with the leader to make rearrangements. Later in the evening, you are free to stroll around the streets of Kathmandu by foot. Kathmandu is a city carrying ancient architectures and modern structures both at the same time. There are mostly Newari people and their traditions are the ethnic group inhabiting the city-forming street markets (bazaar). After the street walks, consult with the leader for dinner in the local restaurants with your group.

Day 2: Mountain Flight to Mount Everest and Kathmandu return

Meals: Breakfast

On the second day, you will take a mountain flight and fly over the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The weather is quite unpredictable for the flight but, we will try our best to take records of probable weather timing. With this flight, you will also gain the experience of flying over Sagarmatha National Park. It is the first national park of Nepal to be listed in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Descending from the highest peak we will return to Kathmandu and move ahead to explore few World Heritage Sites. Our next attraction is Bouddhanath Stupa which is located at the heart of Tibetan trade to Kathmandu. The structure of Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and unique in the world.

Also, we will visit the biggest Hindu Temple, Pashupatinath situated on the bank of divine river Bagmati. Walking around the temple, you might encounter the Hindu funeral on the bank (ghat). The most common ritual of the funeral in Hindu religion is burning the corpse. It might give you a cultural shock. The temple usually closes from noon till 5 Pm.  If you have more time then you can come back to the temple the biggest araistarting from 6 pm till 7:30 pm. Either way, you can walk around the nearest durbar square, Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is surrounded with astounding architecture dating back to the Lichhavi Period in the third century. Moreover, all these three complexes were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the same year, 1979 AD.

Day 3: Flight/Drive to Pokhara

Meals: Breakfast

On this day, we will catch the early morning bus to Pokhara or flight on an additional USD 120, where we are going to spend two nights there. Pokhara is famous as the city of lakes. There are seven lakes in Pokhara region, among which Phewa Lake is the second largest in Nepal. We will reside in one of the best hotels near Phewa Lake. At the day time, we will ride for 20 minutes to reach Peace Pagoda. Out of eight Peace Pagodas, Nepal has two; one in Lumbini and another in Pokhara. From here you can see the panoramic view of Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare (fishtail peak) and other surrounding peaks. After exploring and gaining peace from visiting peace pagoda, we will move to our next attraction. Many people know Nepal as a mountainous country. By visiting the International Mountain Museum, you will be able to learn about the history of mountains and its culture. You can call your day off after mesmerizing the past of mountains and the alluring tales.

Day 4: Pokhara: Exploration day

Meals: Breakfast

Today you can have this day by yourself. You can either call your leader for few advice on sightseeing or explore wandering in the streets and see where it takes you. As mentioned earlier, there are seven lakes in Pokhara. You can plan on grabbing a bike and ride to the nearest lake, or take a boat and sail around. You can also go to for shopping and enjoy meals at some interesting cafes.

Day 5: Drive to Chitwan National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will depart for our next destination which is the first national park of Nepal; Chitwan National Park. We will drive approximately four hours (depending upon traffic) to reach there. In the afternoon time, you will check in on one of the ethnic and eco-lodge in Sauraha. There, the lodge manager will welcome the group and later on, he will introduce us with the nature guide. A nature guide is most for any sort of activity done in the national park. The guide will brief about the list of activities to be done and its schedule. We suggest you take rest in the afternoon in your lodge to retain the stress from the road trip. Afterward, you can walk towards the riverside and enjoy the sunset with chilled beer.

Tharu people are the former inhabitants of Chitwan National Park. These people have their own culture, traditions, and customs. Every evening a group of Tharu people presents their cultural dance for an hour. You can consult with your leader and organize to see the cultural program in a nearby theatre. After the show, you can either return to the hotel or stay at any bar and enjoy the drink with your friends.

Day 6: Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Peregrine Tour and Trek is a travel agency which respect the animals. We do not support any activities like elephant safari or elephant bathing. Hence, there are other activities like Jeep Safari, Canoe ride, Elephant Walk and a friendly day with an elephant. In the morning time, you can book an activity of Elephant Walk, where you will be following an Asian captive elephant by foot. In this activity, you can get close to the elephant and gain education about her natural behaviour without causing any harm. After that get ready for the jeep safari. Chitwan National Park holds the second biggest population of endangered Rhinoceros unicornis. Around 120 tigers (Bengal tiger) inhibit in Chitwan National park but the sighting is pretty rare.

Apart from these magnificent creatures, you can see various kinds of deer, birds and other wildlife. Finishing the jeep safari, you can join for a canoe ride in the late afternoon and enjoy the silence of Rapti river. During your canoe ride, you can have a chance to see Gharial and Marsh Muggers. These are the only two species of crocodile existing in Nepal in which Gharials are considered endangered. After finishing these activities, you can rest your evening and have dinner in the local Tharu Kitchen.

Day 7: Return to Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

We have one option for you if feel like blending in nature for the last time of this trip. An early morning bird is watching the program for a couple of hours. You can join the program. After that, we depart from Chitwan and fly to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will wrap up Nepal trip and prepare for the next destined country, Bhutan.

Day 8: Kathmandu - Paro – Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner

We will take a short flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Bhutan and land in Paro Airport. If it’s possible then manage your seat on the left side of the plane to enjoy scenic views of the mountains. Upon arrival in Paro, we will have to go through the immigration office and complete a few custom formalities. Later, a licensed Bhutanese guide will receive you and take you towards the capital city, Thimpu. Driving for two hours, you will see varieties of Bhutanese features starting from mountains, rivers, and agricultural fields with red rice planted. Reaching the hotel, you will have delicious local lunch and then get started to visit attractions nearby. On this day, the guide will take you to visit the two most popular and traditional factory. One is Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory and another is Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. You can then wander around the streets of Thimpu and explore the magical city.

After returning to the hotel, we will have a small group session in the evening to discuss the Bhutan trip and have dinner together.

Some Important Facts:

Bhutanese Government has strict regulations in the tourism sector. They give provision to quality tourist rather than quantity.

Peregrine Tours is one of the valued travel agencies for Bhutan tours and we only provide a group visa.

The travellers are compelled to arrive and depart on the fix dates arranged by the tour agency.

There might be a rare and unfortunate case of not getting a flight that causes early arrival or late departure.

In such cases, our agency can only book other accommodation in association with special individual visa.

Doing so could add you an extra sum for your tour around 600 USD, which has to be paid at the time of booking.

Day 9: Exploring Thimphu

Activities for the day:

Walkthrough the alleys of the Tibetan Village, agricultural fields, and pass natural timberland.

We will hike through the riverside trails to Pangri Zampa Gompa passing Tango and Cheri Gompa. It is the national centre of traditional astrology.

Enjoy the picnic lunch on the bank of the riverside.

Afternoon sightseeing in Thimpu.

Visit the National Memorial Stupa. It is one of the tallest monuments in Thimpu. It was built in the honor of the third king, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk.

Visit Zhilukha Nunnery also known as Drubthob Goemba. It is the biggest nunnery in Bhutan housing around 60 nuns.

Visit Choki Traditional Art School.

Visit the National Textile Museum. Here you will see the Bhutanese history of traditional textile weaving and heritage.

Last but not the least, you can go shopping at the National handicrafts Emporium on the last day of your Thimpu stay. This place is popular for high quality handmade traditional products.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Drive to Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Punakha is one of the districts lying at an altitude of 1,242m lower than Thimpu. Due to the lower elevation, the temperature is quite warmer and also considered as the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. The distance between Punakha and Thimpu is around 72 km which will take us four hours of bus drivers. During the journey to Punakha, we will pause at Dochu-La pass to steal a glance of Gangkar Punsum. Gangkar Punsum is the highest peak with an altitude of 24,770ft/7,550m.

Reaching Punakha, we will settle at the hotel and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This complex is known as fertility temple where childless women visit for the blessing of a child from the saint. There is a legend of Chimi Lhakhang which is dedicated to Mad Saint, Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is believed that Lama Kunley protected this area from the demon who appeared in the form of dog from Dochula Pass. He used his “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom” (Saint’s Phallus) to restrain the demon and captured it in a stupa outside of the monastery.

Experiencing the ancient tale of Chimi Lhakhang, we will return to our hotel and call it a day off.

Day 11: Exploring Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On this day, we will visit the second largest and oldest dzong in the country, Punakha Dzong. It is located at the junction of two main rivers of Bhutan; the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Punakha Dzong carries the relics of the Tibetan Buddhism, Bhutanese architecture and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal. He was the unifier of Bhutan as a nation-state.

After lunch, we will hike for an hour from Mo Chu river base to visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is situated at an altitude of 1800 meters and the trail is mostly uphill on loose earth mud path. Despite the trail, the small hike is worth as you reach the chorten. You will be enduring awe-inspiring 360 views of Punakha valley viewing the paddy field and Mo Chu River.

Day 12: Return to Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early in the morning, we will start the day by driving to the Dochu-La pass. Along the trail, you will encounter 108 memorials chortens (DrukWangyal Chortens). Each chortens honours the Bhutanese soldiers who defended Bhutan in 2003’s war against Assam, India.

From Dochu-La pass, we will reach Thimpu for lunch and relax for a while. Again, we will continue our drive till Paro Valley where we will be staying tonight. To relieve the tiredness from the long-day walk, we will have local Bhutanese meals and rest for the night.

Day 13: Tiger's Nest Monastery: Challenging but worth taking trail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will drive to the nearest starting point after early breakfast from our hotel. We are going to take a challenge to hike the to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). It is located at the cliff of 3000 ft straight above Paro valley. We will be attaining a total of four kilometres distance to reach legendary Taktsang. During the climb, you might feel it impossible to complete the hike, but the pain dissolves with the mesmerizing scenario of the monastery and surrounding valleys. The religious, historical, and peculiar features of construction signify the monastery and help to stand out. Exploring the tranquillizing and captivating aura of the monastery we climb down and spent our last night in Paro valley.

Important Tips for travellers:

The trekking trail is a bit challenging. Hence, wear proper and comfortable hiking boots.

Carry the required amount of water and proper energy-giving snacks.

Use trekking poles, which will make your walk less painful.

Wear proper layers and sunglasses.

There is no wheelchair ramp.

Day 14: Farewell from Paro

Meals: Breakfast

On the last day of Bhutan, you will have a delicious breakfast and then we take a ride towards Paro Airport. Leaving Bhutan behind and carrying the memories, we now depart from here and fly back to your destination.

Important Notice

All travellers from the group are required to leave Bhutan on the same day as per the requirement of a group visa.