Nepal & Bhutan: From the Annapurna Foothills to Tiger's Nest

Arrive at Kathmandu and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel. Later, join the group for a welcome meeting to meet fellow travelers and get oriented for the journey ahead. The day concludes with an unforgettable six-course Nepali dining experience at Krishnarpan, Dwarika’s Hotel, where traditional flavors and slow-dining hospitality offer a perfect introduction to Nepal’s rich culinary heritage.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, take a short flight to Pokhara before transferring to Lumle, the gateway to the Annapurna foothills. Begin a scenic 1.5–2 hour trek from Lumle to Tomijong Lodge, winding through cultivated fields, local homesteads, and forested trails with panoramic views of Machapuchhare. Enjoy lunch and free time at the lodge, soaking in the terraced gardens and Himalayan backdrop. Later, stroll through the Gurung village, meet retired Gurkha soldiers, and glimpse rural life and local honey-harvesting traditions, before returning to the lodge for a relaxing dinner.

After breakfast at the lodge, embark on a scenic hike from Tomijong through the lower Annapurna foothills, passing terraced farmlands, wooded hillsides, and charming villages. Stop in Tolkha Village to meet the local Magar and Gurung communities before continuing to Landruk Village, where stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli await. After lunch at Landruk Lodge, return downhill to Tomijong, enjoying the lush rice terraces and traditional stone paths, and spend the evening relaxing at the lodge before dinner.

Start the day with breakfast at the lodge before hiking to Australian Camp, perched at 2,050 m and offering breathtaking panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Enjoy lunch amid the stunning scenery before trekking back to Lumle and driving to Pokhara. After checking in to your hotel, unwind with a Trekkers Healing Massage, then take an orientation walk around the vibrant Lakeside area to explore its bustling streets, shops, and lakeside charm.

Celebrate your OMG Day with a choice of morning activities designed to refresh your body and mind: Yoga or a Sound Bath session. After breakfast and some free time at the resort, your group comes back together as you travel together to a Tibetan refugee village to engage in a fascinating momo making class with your local hosts. Momos were brought from Tibet to Nepal by the refugees who came during the Chinese invasion. The village you visit this afternoon are preserving their cultural heritage by continuing to tell their story and cook their cuisine. Engage with your hosts by getting involved in kneading the dough, filling the dumpling with their savoury filling, and sharing a delicious meal with your new friends. After the cooking class, your options continue with either cycling around Pame or a Mandala Art workshop, making this a fully customizable day of wellness, culture, and hands-on experiences.

After breakfast, journey from Pokhara to Chitwan, following scenic highways to the serene setting of Barahi Jungle Lodge. After lunch and time to relax, set out on a cycling ride through a nearby Tharu village, soaking in the local atmosphere and experiencing the authentic lifestyle of the Tharu community. The day concludes with an evening cultural dance performance by locals, followed by dinner.

Wooden canoes, seating only six people, carry you slowly down river, expertly paddled by your local guide. In relative silence, watch for kingfishers diving into the river. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodile on shore sunning themselves. Your boat ride brings you down the Rapti river until it meets with the Narayani. This morning river safari is an incredibly unique experience in Chitwan, and without the noise of the vehicle motor, witness as wildlife comes remarkably close. Your river safari ends at midday as you approach the riverbank, greeted by welcoming new friends. Your hosts for lunch are from the Barauli Community homestay. This social enterprise provides meals, accommodation and much more to travellers visiting this remote part of Nepal. Dine on a delicious Tharu specialties and learn more about the community. Afterwards, your adventure continues by jeep through the secluded edge of Chitwan National Park. Slowly navigating the forest, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide array of wildlife—including the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger—making this an unforgettable finale to a truly unique day.

After breakfast, transfer to Bharatpur Airport and fly back to Kathmandu, then continue to Bhaktapur for a guided exploration of this UNESCO heritage city. Experience its ancient architecture, vibrant local life, and participate in a hands-on pottery-making session, learning to craft traditional clay objects. Return to Kathmandu for some rest before concluding your journey with a farewell dinner at Bricks Café, celebrating your adventure and the memories shared along the way.

Enjoy a last breakfast in Nepal before your journey begins to Bhutan. Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be met by a G Adventures representative and transfer along the scenic National Highway to Thimphu, Bhutan’s serene capital. After checking in, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 169-foot monument perched in the mountains. A gentle climb of 228 steps rewards you with sweeping views of Thimphu valley and a closer look at the intricate golden statue commemorating Bhutan’s Fourth King. Later, wander through the bustling Centenary Farmers Market, filled with fresh produce, vibrant spices, and handcrafted souvenirs, offering an authentic taste of Bhutanese daily life. Conclude your day with a welcome dinner, savoring traditional Bhutanese flavors in a cultural setting.

Begin the day with a drive to the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,200 meters, where 108 Chortens (stupas) and colorful prayer flags frame stunning views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, the country’s highest mountain. Descend to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple surrounded by lush rice fields. Walk through the village of Sopsokha, noted for its unique phallus-painted houses, and experience local rituals and blessings at the temple. Continue to Punakha town to cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge and enjoy lunch before visiting the striking Punakha Dzong, renowned for its historic and architectural significance. Return to Thimphu in the evening with free time to explore before dinner at your hotel.

Explore Thimphu’s cultural highlights, beginning with the serene National Memorial Chorten, followed by a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum, where traditional Bhutanese life is brought vividly to life. Continue to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, showcasing Bhutan’s unique arts and crafts, and stop at the Royal Textile Academy to admire intricate weaving traditions. In the afternoon, drive to the picturesque Haa Valley, a serene mountain valley rich in natural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley, taking in the landscapes and local village life. Conclude the day with a hands-on cooking experience, preparing traditional Bhutanese Hoenty dumplings.

Today is your OMG Day, offering you the chance to choose between two unforgettable adventures in the stunning Haa Valley. Option 1: Juney Drak Hike & Cultural Immersion Hike near Katsho Village through pine forests to the cliffside Juney Drak Monastery (“mini Tiger’s Nest”), seeing sacred footprints of Machig Lhadrön, naturally formed rocks, and golden and silver bowls, with panoramic views of Haa Valley. Continue to the 200-year-old Ingo Village, enjoy a picnic lunch, and free time before exploring a fishery center and learning wood carving. Option 2: Haa Panorama Hike Drive to Yangthang Goenpa and follow a scenic trail through pine forests, meadows, and riverside villages connecting ancient monasteries. Ascend to 3,150m, taking in spectacular views of the Meri Puensum peaks and Haa Chu River. Cross traditional bridges, enjoy a picnic lunch on the trail, and descend into Wangtsa Village, a charming traditional settlement. In the evening, your group will reunite for a thrilling archery demonstration and dinner at the hotel, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.

Travel along the winding Bondey-Haa Highway to Chele La Pass, where dense forests of spruce, larch, and rhododendron open to breathtaking views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the northern Himalayas. Hike to the serene Kila Nunnery, nestled on a cliffside and home to meditating nuns, then descend to Gorina Lhakhang before driving to Paro town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tara Monastery, perched on a ridge with panoramic valley views and a unique vantage point of Paro Airport. Return to your hotel and indulge in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, where fire-roasted river stones heat mineral-rich water in a centuries-old wellness ritual. The soothing warmth, aromatic herbs, and tranquil setting provide the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of hiking and sightseeing. Conclude with dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the day’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures.

Embark on a scenic hike through verdant forests and winding mountain trails to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside. This sacred 8th-century site, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on a tiger, offers panoramic views of the Paro Valley and a profound sense of history and spirituality. Pause for lunch at the cafeteria, then return to your hotel with free time to explore the charming streets of Paro town. Conclude your journey with a celebratory dinner accompanied by traditional Bhutanese cultural dance, a fitting finale to your unforgettable adventure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, savoring your final moments in Bhutan’s serene surroundings. For travelers with early flights, a packed breakfast will be thoughtfully provided so you can start your day smoothly. A private airport transfer will ensure your comfortable and timely journey to Paro International Airport, where you will bid farewell to the majestic landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences of Bhutan.