This private car and driver itinerary encompasses the best of Nepal and Bhutan with stunning temple architecture, breathtaking mountain scenery, and Chitwan National Park – home to the elusive Bengal tiger. Perfect for first time visitors to Nepal, this 7 night tour takes in the nation’s three most popular destinations – Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park and lakeside Pokhara - and is ideal for nature and culture lovers alike.
Meet our representative at the airport who will transfer you to the Hotel. Hotel checking-in and go for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Morning – breakfast in the hotel. After that leave for the full day UNISCO HERITAGE sightseeing tour, visit Swyambhunath Temple, Patan Durbar Square and Bungmati Village. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Travel south today through the southern foothills of the Himalayas to the lowland plains of the Terai where the country’s famous national park Chitwan is located (approx. 5 hours). On arrival at the lodge, where you will spend the next two nights, lunch will be served. This evening there will be a chance to take an ox cart ride to a local Tharu village, home to the ingenious people of the Terai. Stay: Safari Narayani Lodge. B, L, D.
Enjoy a full day of activities from the lodge, which is located in the jungle overlooking the Rapti River and the national park on the opposite bank. The park covers an area of 360 square miles at the foot of the Himalayan foothills and is home to a variety of rare wildlife species including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Asiatic rhinoceros and Asian elephants. Enjoy a canoe ride on the Rapti River, and take a walk through the jungle before visiting the Elephant Breeding Centre and the Charial (a native crocodile) Breeding Centre. Return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure. Stay: Safari Narayani Lodge. B.
The landscapes change again today as you head north west to Nepal’s third largest city – Pokhara – which sits in the shadow of the mighty Annapurna Massif. The city acts as a gateway to the trails and mountains for adventurous trekkers and climbers, as well as being a laid-back mountain and lakeside retreat. Your hotel is located in the popular Lakeside part of the city which is right on the shore of the beautiful Phewar Lake – the perfect location to shop, drink and dine.
Highlights here include the fascinating Gurkha Memorial Museum. The Gurkhas, many of whom were born and grew up in the nearby mountain towns and villages and are chosen during gruelling selection tests, have fought for the British army in many wars and campaigns over the past 200 years. The museum celebrates the achievements of these renowned regiments and showcases their history from the 19th Century to the present day. Here you can also discover the individual stories of Gurkhas who have been awarded the Victoria Cross medal – the highest military decoration for members of the armed forces in the commonwealth and former British territories. Stay: Atithi Resort & Spa. B.
This morning is the perfect opportunity to admire the beautiful Himalayan views (weather dependent). We recommend rising early to travel to Sarangkot to watch the changing light catching the changing light catch the peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas – including the distinctive Machhapuchhre, or ‘Fishtail’ mountain – as the sun rises. Return to your hotel for breakfast before discovering Pokhara’s main sights.
The World Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa, is set on at the top of Ananda Hill overlooking the city. A modern stupa by Nepalese standards this place of worship was built, along with many other World Peace Pagodas around the globe, in response to the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Other highlights include the Bindebasani Temple, Devi’s Falls, Gupteswor Cave, the old Pokhara Bazaar and the Tibetan Refugee Settlement. Stay: Atithi Resort & Spa. B.
Return to Kathmandu today by land (approx. 6 hours) passing through valleys and following the course of a few of Nepal’s many rivers. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you will stay one night. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Stay: Hyatt Regency. B.
Today you will fly to Paro in the remote Kingdom of Bhutan. If it is a clear day then during your flight you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas which, if you are lucky, include Mount Everest. Transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, for a two night stay. This afternoon visit Kuensel Phodrang to view the 169-foot bronze statue of Lord Buddha which overlooks the city. Stay: Hotel Riverview or similar. B, L, D.
Visit some of the country's most intriguing sights including the National Memorial Chorten – a place of worship; the Handicrafts Emporium which offers a range of hand-woven textiles and crafts; the National Library; and the Zorig Chusum school, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Stay: Hotel Riverview or similar. B, L, D.
Rise early and ascend the 3088-metre Dochula Pass for 360º views of the Himalayas and some of the nation’s highest peaks before continuing on to the former capital of Punakha. Here you will visit the beautiful 17th-Century Punakha Dzong. Drive onwards to Wangdue Phodrang, a typical small Bhutanese town with a lively market and shops. Stay: Hotel Riverview or similar. B, L, D.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the picturesque city of Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong – Bhutan's oldest building and home to the Buddhist University – en route. Proceed to Ta Dzong, which is home to the National Museum and the Rimpong Dzong which overlooks the picturesque valley. This evening visit a traditional farmhouse for the opportunity to interact with a local family. Stay: Hotel Olathang or similar. B, L, D.
Today you will visit a real icon of Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest, which seemingly clings to the side of a cliff making it one of the world’s most breathtaking temples. This afternoon witness the ruins of the 17th-Century fortress Drukgyel Dzong which is set on the trail from Tibet to Paro, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the nation’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples. Later, take a stroll along the main street and browse for souvenirs in the local handicraft shops. Stay: Hotel Olathang or similar. B, L, D.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, choose to extend your stay. B.
Today you will be free for your own activities like shopping. Afternoon we will drop you at the Kathmandu Airport end of the package.
All of our holidays are completely tailor-made and prices will vary based on things like when in the year you will be travelling (High season, Low season), how far in advance you book, the number of people travelling in your group, the level of accommodation you choose etc. Please click on the next tab (INQUIRY/ BOOKING) and send us your inquiry. We will reply you with cost and other necessary details within 24 hours.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908