Treasures of Nepal & Bhutan – Exclusively Solos Tour

Depart with Qatar Airways from either London Heathrow or Manchester to Kathmandu, via Doha. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no extra cost.

Arriving into Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital, we transfer to the Hotel Barahi, our home for the next two nights. In the afternoon we visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Here, we are welcomed at a thangka painting studio and learn more about the significance and creation of these intricate, hand-painted religious scrolls. This evening, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and a chance to learn more about our upcoming adventures, followed by dinner together.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we visit historic Swyambhunath Stupa, with its numerous shrines and prayer wheels, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Built by King Manadeva in 460 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. Next, we head to Patan Durbar Square, known for its stunning architecture and intricate woodwork, and explore the impressive temples, courtyards and former palaces that date back centuries, before attending a singing bowl workshop. Traditional handmade singing bowls are used in meditation and for sound healing, and we have a chance to discover these ancient practices from an expert. We continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square this afternoon, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we explore the historical heart of the city and discover ancient royal palaces, a fascinating museum, and visit the House of Kumari, home to a living goddess. We finish our day learning to cook traditional momos, the famous Nepali dumplings, with a local family.

We journey to Pokhara today, a picturesque lakeside city surrounded by towering mountains. En route, we stop to take a thrilling cable car ride up to Bandipur, a charming town in the foothills of Himalayas known for its Newari architecture, cobbled streets and unique Nepalese heritage. We enjoy a delicious Nepali Thali lunch – a traditional meal made up of many small dishes including rice, lentils, curry and pickles – before taking time to explore the town. Descending by cable car again, we continue our drive to Pokhara and check in at the Bar Peepal Resort, where we spend the next three nights.

An early start today to experience sunrise at the World Peace Stupa, perched high on a hill overlooking Phewa Lake. We have the opportunity to practice yoga and meditation with an experienced teacher as we enjoy the far-reaching views and tranquil surroundings. After breakfast, we visit the Gorkha Memorial Museum, celebrating the rich history of the legendary Gorkha soldiers and their contribution to military history, particularly in the British and Indian armies. We continue to the International Mountain Museum, providing a fascinating insight into the mountains of Nepal, the people, flora and fauna that call them home, and the mountaineers who climb them. Enjoy free time for lunch and a chance to explore the lively lakeside market, offering local crafts and souvenirs. Later, take in the stunning scenery as we enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Phewa Lake before finishing the day with a traditional Aarti ceremony.

We ride the scenic cable car up to Sarangkot Hill this morning, offering breathtaking vistas of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna mountain range. We then take a gentle hike immersing us in Nepal's natural beauty as we traverse terraced farms, lush vegetation and charming rural villages. Reaching Deurali village, our vehicle returns us to Pokhara. Later, we visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Chhorepatan, an inspiring place preserving Tibetan culture and traditions. This evening, we gather for a cooking demonstration led by the hotel chef, and learn how to create some delicious Nepali dishes, followed by a shared dinner to end the day.

Saying farewell to Pokhara, we make the scenic drive to Chitwan, the first National Park of Nepal and home to an abundant array of wildlife including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, the elusive Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, and hundreds of bird species. Arriving at our hotel for the next three nights, Green Mansions Jungle Resort, we enjoy lunch and settle in. Later, we head out for a walk around a Tharu village, home to a traditional community indigenous to the Chitwan area, who mainly live off the land. In the evening, learn more about the local ecosystem, wildlife and conservation efforts from a jungle naturalist.

After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating jeep safari in Chitwan National Park with the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including one-horned rhinos, deer, and countless bird species whilst surrounded by riverine forests and expansive grasslands. In the afternoon, we head out in a traditional hand-rowed canoe on the serene Rapti River. As we drift along, take in the beauty of the national park’s lush landscapes and keep an eye out for the fascinating wildlife that inhabits its shores, including the two species of crocodiles that live here: the critically endangered Gharial and the robust Marsh Mugger. In the evening, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of the Tharu people with a dynamic dance performance, showcasing the rhythms, stories, and customs of this traditional community.

We join our expert naturalist guide for a morning nature walk through the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, an area that offers a great opportunity to explore the park's rich ecosystem up close and gain insights into the diverse flora and fauna that thrives here. Afterwards, we visit the Elephant Breeding Centre, a unique facility dedicated to the conservation and care of these gentle giants. Learn about the efforts being made to protect them while observing elephants of all ages. Our afternoon is at leisure, but should you wish, you can choose to join another jeep safari at no additional cost, allowing a further chance to spot larger mammals and rare wildlife.

We make the return journey to Kathmandu today and stay overnight at the Hotel Barahi. Later, we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the vibrant neighbourhood of Thamel, taking in the bustling market as we weave through its lively streets filled with shops, cafes, and time-honoured crafts. We finish our day with an authentic Nepali dinner accompanied by a colourful cultural show featuring traditional music and dance.

Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Paro, our entry point into the fascinating country of Bhutan. On arrival, we journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s compact capital, and transfer to the Hotel Druk, our home for the next two nights. After lunch, we visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the third King of Bhutan, before continuing to Thimphu Monastery (Tashichho Dzong), the seat of government since the 1960s. Housing the central administrative offices and the King’s throne room, it’s a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture with towering white walls, golden rooftops, and beautiful gardens. We also witness the unique flag down ceremony here. The evening is dedicated to exploring Thimphu’s local handicraft and souvenir markets.

Today we discover more of Thimphu’s rich cultural landmarks and traditions, starting with Buddha Point, home to the grand Buddha Dordenma statue, an impressive 51 metres tall, and offering panoramic views. We continue to Zorig Chusum, also known as the Bhutanese Institute of Traditional Arts, where students are trained in the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts, including wood carving, painting, and sculpture. We also visit the Textile Museum, showcasing the artistry and skills of Bhutanese weavers and the symbolic significance of various textiles. After a hearty lunch, we explore the Motithang Takin Preserve for a chance to see the strange-looking Bhutanese national animal before ending our day at the local farmers’ market of Kaja Throm.

Tour Highlight

We journey from Thimphu to Punakha today, stopping en route at Dochula Pass, a breathtaking spot at 3,100 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Arriving in Punakha, we check into our hotel for the night, the Zhingkham Resort or Meri Puensum Resort, and enjoy lunch. This afternoon we stretch our legs with a scenic stroll, passing rural paddy fields and through a traditional village as we head to Chimi Lhakhang, a sacred temple and monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman". Later, we explore Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and significant monasteries, nestled in a stunning location between two rivers and celebrated for its ornate architecture. Built in 1637, the Dzong remained the seat of government until the mid-twentieth century.

Returning westwards, we make the scenic drive to Paro this morning, stopping en route to enjoy lunch at a beautifully-restored restaurant. After settling in at the Kaachi Grand Hotel, our base for the next two nights, we visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, displaying over 3,000 artefacts of Bhutanese art and history in a former watchtower. We then head to a local farmhouse, where we don traditional attire and try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, for a truly fun and immersive experience. Later, enjoy a cultural performance of dance, music and traditional storytelling before partaking in a home-cooked dinner, a chance to experience true Bhutanese hospitality.

Tour Highlight

Start your day with an unforgettable adventure, hiking to view the iconic Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a revered pilgrimage site that seems almost suspended in mid-air on the cliffside. For those that wish, the entire hike including return typically takes around five hours. Alternatively, you may choose to take a shorter walk to one of two viewpoints and still be rewarded with spectacular views. From the trailhead, we take a strenuous yet rewarding hike that winds uphill through pine forests. Our first stop at the café takes around one hour to reach, offering a stunning panorama of the monastery from its terrace. Or climb on to the second viewpoint, a further 40 minutes away, providing great photo opportunities of the monastery, sitting almost directly opposite now. The final section involves steps up and down to visit the monastery itself, sitting at an elevation of over 3,000 metres. Anyone not wishing to participate in this morning’s walk may like to relax and enjoy the facilities at our hotel. After lunch and some time to relax, we head to the Namgay Artisanal Brewery to learn about the craft brewing process and participate in a beer tasting, before enjoying dinner in their pub restaurant.

Early this morning we transfer to Paro airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, we travel to nearby Bhaktapur, a city celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage, often called Nepal's open-air museum. We stroll through its atmospheric alleys, marvelling at the ancient architecture and discover Pottery Square, before witnessing the intricate art of authentic Nepali woodcraft. We make a stop at a traditional paper factory, which uses the bark of the lokta shrub, to learn more about this process, and enjoy the beauty of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to ancient sculptures and architectural masterpieces. After lunch, we continue to Nagarkot, a scenic village sitting on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, and check in to our hotel for the night, Club Himalaya. Enjoy magnificent views of the Himalayas from its terrace offering sweeping 360° panoramas - the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

If you wish, rise early to watch the majestic sunrise over the mountains from the hotel terrace. After breakfast, get a glimpse into local life as we walk through the nearby village surrounded by verdant landscapes and far-reaching views. Then it’s time to bid farewell to Nepal as we transfer back to Kathmandu Airport for our flight home. Our flights with Qatar Airways operate via Doha.

After 18 wonderful days exploring Nepal and Bhutan, we arrive back into our chosen UK airport with memories that will last a lifetime.