Adventuring through Nepal and Bhutan

Welcome to Nepal — a landlocked country in South Asia renowned for the Himalayas, Mount Everest, ancient spiritual traditions, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check in and refresh after your journey.

From Kathmandu, a 2-3 hour drive leads to Charaudi for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience on the Trishuli River. Paddle through dramatic gorges, terraced hillsides, and tranquil sandbars, with glimpses of local villages and wildlife along the way. Afterwards, a scenic cable car ride carries you up to the peaceful hilltop of Manakamana for an overnight stay.

Perched above the Trishuli River in the Gorkha district, Manakamana is a captivating blend of Himalayan wilderness and spirituality. Lush forests, panoramic views of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges, and the sacred Manakamana Temple — dedicated to wish-granting Goddess Bhagwati — make this a truly memorable stop.

Journey south into the Terai — Nepal’s sweeping lowland plains, where fertile landscapes meet remarkable biodiversity. On arrival, settle in with a welcome drink and a gentle orientation to the lodge and its lush surroundings.

As the afternoon light softens, venture out on a leisurely village walk to experience the rhythm of Tharu life. One of Nepal’s most distinctive indigenous communities, the Tharu have called these forests and plains home for centuries, their traditions and warmth offering an unforgettable glimpse into a life shaped by the land. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind in the peaceful, forest-fringed setting of the lodge.

Venture deeper into Chitwan National Park this morning with a local naturalist guide. Board a jeep and head into the forest in search of the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, while gaining insight into Nepal’s conservation journey through an Indigenous lens. After the safari, a gentle canoe ride along the Rapti River offers a quieter, more intimate way to explore the park’s lush wetlands and riverside habitats.

Return to the forest this morning for a second jeep safari along an alternate route through Chitwan National Park, another opportunity to immerse yourself in the park’s varied flora, fauna, and pristine wilderness.

As evening falls, settle in for a vibrant cultural performance by members of the Indigenous Tharu or Kumal communities. Local farmers from nearby villages, they carry forward centuries of ancestral tradition through music, movement, and ceremonial dress,  a warm and authentic glimpse into the living heritage of Chitwan’s peop

Savor your final moments in Chitwan before a post-breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace — take a dip in the hotel pool, browse local shops for souvenirs, or simply unwind before the journey ahead.

Arrive in Paro and be welcomed through airport formalities before the 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, winding alongside the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers through mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and terraced valleys — a beautiful first taste of Bhutan.

Perched at 2,350 metres, Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital but refreshingly unhurried — no traffic lights, no rush, just a calm small-town rhythm that eases you gently into the country’s mountain way of life. After check-in and lunch, the remainder of the day is kept leisurely to allow for acclimatization.

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

This morning, wind up to Dochula Pass for sweeping views of Bhutan’s highest Himalayan peaks, with a chance to spot local birdlife including the rare Fire-tailed Myzornis and laughingthrushes along the way. Continue below the pass for a gentle walk along the Lamperi Botanical Trail — a peaceful forest route through protected wilderness, ablaze with rhododendrons in spring. After a day of crisp mountain air and quiet nature observation, descend into Punakha Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today is dedicated to exploring Punakha Valley on foot. After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the 1.5–2 hour ascent to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten — one of Bhutan’s most beautifully located temples. The trail winds through terraced rice fields and pine forest before opening to sweeping views over the valley and river below. The temple itself is richly adorned with Buddhist artwork and symbolism.

Descend through small villages and farmland, continuing along riverside trails and across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, strung with colorful prayer flags. A picnic lunch by the river makes for a perfect pause.

In the late afternoon, visit a local nunnery or monastery for tea with monks and a quiet glimpse into Bhutanese monastic life.

Drive back to Paro with a stop at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for lunch. Continue to Tachogang Temple, founded by the legendary 15th-century Tibetan saint and bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Cross the iron-chain suspension bridge before a leisurely walk through villages, rice fields, and riverside paths along the Pa Chhu River.

Arrive in Paro by late afternoon, with the evening free to relax or explore the charming town at your own pace.

In the morning, hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic landmark. Clinging to a cliff face 900 metres above Paro Valley, it is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The trail winds through pine forest draped with prayer flags, with rest stops along the way and a tea house at the halfway point offering one of the finest views of the monastery. A packed picnic lunch can be arranged for the trail.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon, where a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath can be arranged — the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after the climb.

Free at leisure at your hotel before transferring to the airport.