Tiger's Nest Trek, Bhutan & Kathmandu Valley Trek, Nepal

Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu

Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.

Overnight: In Flight

Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel in Bhaktapur.

On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Bhaktapur. This ancient city, located just nine kilometres from Kathmandu, is a real cultural gem. Bhaktapur is one of three major cities built in the Kathmandu Valley by the old Malla kings who ruled the valley hundreds of years ago. These cities, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, are repositories of traditional Nepalese architecture and local Newari craftsmanship where you will find ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines, picturesque Rana palaces and crowded bazaars.

Overnight: Heritage Hotel, Bhaktapur

Day 3 - Tour of Bhaktapur.

Today you will explore the streets and historic buildings of Bhaktapur.

Many of the buildings in Bhaktapur have their origins in the 15th Century and the side streets, being mostly brick paved, still have a really medieval feel to them. There is still evidence of the damage caused by the devastating 2015 earthquake; restoration has been slow but this hasn't spoiled Bhaktapur's ancient charm. This is very much a lived in city, and, with much of it closed to traffic, walking around is a pleasure and you will get a feeling for how things must have been in medieval times. Bhaktapur is quieter than Kathmandu city and still has quite a rural feel. The local people are predominantly farmers and the town is famous for its home-made yoghurt, as well as for its pottery made from the local red clay - you can see this production going on in the so-called 'pottery square' and other side streets.

On your tour you will see fine palaces and temples with gilded roofs, open courtyards and elaborate windows carved in wood. The main focus for the town is the central Durbar Square where many of the finest buildings are found, including the famous Palace of 55 Windows which shows some of the best examples of elaborately carved windows and doors.

Overnight: Heritage Hotel, Bhaktapur

Day 4 - Drive to Dhulikel - 1 hour. Start trek at 1,557m/5105ft, trek along the ridge to Namo Buddha, 1,750m/5,830ft - 3-4 hours.

You will leave this morning by vehicle climbing out of the Kathmandu Valley passing through the town of Banepa before climbing up to the Newari hilltop town of Dhulikhel where you begin your trek. It is a delightful trail with superb mountain vistas, verdant terraced fields, and picturesque villages where local people live their traditional rural lives.

The path initially winds up from Dhulikhel on the 1,000 steps which pilgrims use to reach the Kali Temple viewpoint, 1,688m. This takes about an hour. A very fine giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sits gazing out at the panorama of Himalayan peaks towering above 7,000m including Langtang Lirung, Gauri Shankar and Melungtse. You can also see the 14th highest peak in the world, Mount Shishapangma, 8,027m, which lies inside Tibet. Continuing on, you descend through the village of Kavre to cross a road at the Kavre Bangjang Junction. You then climb again through little hamlets up another set of steps to a shrine. You may see boys playing cricket, cattle in the yards of houses, and general village life. In November 2021 we saw a wedding ceremony, watched chlidren playing on a swing, and listened to the sounds of tropical birds, barking dogs, tinkling of temple bells, and as people passed by the greeting of 'Namaste'.

You come to the very nice stupa Pasthali, next to a football pitch. Descend from here to avoid the hotel built on the col. At a junction take the upper track to arrive at the beautiful Namo Buddha Lodge. Set on a hilltop the property was built in 2006 and is a collection of individual small houses set in forests and gardens. It is very eco friendly and has a sauna, two cats and three buffaloes and serves vegetarian food. There are also grand views of the Himalya from the lodge.

Overnight: Namo Buddha Lodge Or Similar, Namo Buddha

Day 5 - Trek to Balthalli Village, 1,562m/5,125ft - 5 hours.

Dropping down a short way you come to a forrested ridge with big drops on either side until you descend to a rough road. from here you get your first views of Namo Buddha Monastery.

For centuries Namo Buddha has been a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site where, it is said, the reincarnated Buddha selflessly offered his body to a hungry tigress so that she could feed her cubs. Hence the name, the Tigress' Den. The stupa is believed to house the bones of the young Buddha. The stupa is accessible by road and pilgrims visit Namobuddha from all over the world to accumulate merit by making offerings and circumambulating the site. Sitting above the stupa, is the Thruangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery complex, founded in 1978 and now home to over 250 monks. Here you will find a stone depiction of the legend of the Buddha.

After visiting the impressive stupa you descend on a trail decked out with masses of prayer flags. Continue losing height through forest to reach a road high above a large river below. Turn left down the road to reach a bridge and then climb into a beautiful valley of terraced fields, scattered houses and hamlets.

Entering Lower Balthali Village you come to a village temple with an enormous metal head of a trident spear propped against its wall. Cross fields on narrow paths and don't be surprised if friendly local dogs attach themselves to your party - they may stay with you today and tomorrow! Climb again easily now for quite a long way to Upper Balthali Village. The lodge sits astride a ridge and hilltop with fabulous views. There is an open fire to sit around in the evening to swap stories.

Overnight: Balthalli Resort Or Similar, Balthalli Village

Day 6 - Trek to Panauti, 1,400m/4,593ft and Khopasi, 1,447m/1,474ft - 3-4 hours. Drive to Bhaktapur - 1 hour.

Your last day on trek in Nepal is a really nice one. Saying farewell to your hilltop stay, you begin with a 'short cut' down to the dirt road below. Across the other side of the valley are lovely terraced fields and hamlets. Carry on down to a village with a temple then continue down to cross a suspension bridge high above a deep gorge. Up a mostly forested hill on the other side and down to a second suspension bridge. Beyond here signs of 'civilisation' appear and before too long you enter a typical 'out-in-the-sticks', scruffy Nepalese town called Khopasi. Such a change in culture! As you leave town visit the paper factory and silk factory.

Carry on crossing fields to gain houses and Panauti town. As you reach the town proper you come to a 12th century temple with its own small museum. Here you meet your vehicle and drive to your hotel in Bhaktapur.

Overnight: Heritage Hotel, Bhaktapur

Day 7 - Transfer to Kathmandu Airport and fly to Paro in Bhutan. Drive to Thimphu and visit the giant statue of Buddha.

This morning you will transfer to the airport for the short flight across to Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, and include Everest and Kangchenjunga, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills into Paro which includes a few steep turns. Although you are at the mercy of the airline seating allocation, if possible try to sit on the left hand side of the plane for the most spectacular views.

In Paro you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and will drive to Thimphu. On the way you can stop to visit the 14th century Tachogang Lakhang, a beautiful spot.

Thimphu has an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city but has grown greatly in recent years. There are many places of interest to visit but a good starting point is the giant Buddha figure perched high above the town which offers splendid, orientation views of Thimphu and beyond.

Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 8 - Attend Dechenphu Tsechu.

Today you will attend a traditional Bhutanese festival, or tsechu. The Dechenphu Tshechu takes place annually at Dechenphu Lakhkang near Thimphu. The Lakhang, and the tsechu, are dedicated to Gay Ngyen Jakpa Melen, a powerful guardian deity of Bhutan. Festivals are welcome opportunities for the Bhutanese to get together, not only to socialise and have fun, but also because the very act of attending a festival is thought to confer merit and wash away sins. Spectacular masked dances are performed, called shams, which are intended to give moral instruction, drive away evil spirits, promote good crops and celebrate the Buddhist faith in its many guises. Watch out for the very jolly clowns who tease onlookers and dancers alike.

Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 9 - Morning walk to Wangditse Monastery. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu.

This morning you will drive up to Sangaygang next to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service tower, located in the northwest of Thimphu. The drive up to the tower isn't a long one so if you feel like you would like to burn a bit more energy you can always walk up instead. From the tower you will have great views over Thimphu Dzong and the Thimphu Valley as you start your walk contouring the beautiful hills to visit Wangditse Gompa. This walk should take around 1½ hours. You will have time to visit the gompa before the 30 minute descent to Dechen Phodrang Monastery. This monastery houses around 450 student monks enrolled on an eight year course. The monastery is also home to some fantastic UNESCO monitored 12th century paintings. You will then meet your vehicle and be driven back to Thimphu.

You return to Thimphu and in the afternoon there will be time to enjoy some sightseeing. There are many places of interest to visit in Thimphu, including the Tashichhodzong (the main government buildings), the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the School of Painting and the silversmiths and pottery workshops. The Government Handicrafts Emporium is possibly the best place to look for local handicraft. It is interesting to visit the handmade paper workshop to see the paper being made and there are some nice items made from handmade paper for sale there.

Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 10 - Drive to Punakha over the Dochu La. Visit Punakha Dzong. Three Temples walk from Jibjokha - 4-5 hours.

After breakfast you will drive east to Punakha. Leaving Thimphu you climb to cross the Dochu La Pass, 3,109m/10,200ft, a spot marked by 108 chortens. Here, weather permitting, you may take in a magnificent mountain vista. You descend from the pass into the lush Punakha Valley then drive to Punakha Dzong. This is one of the most spectacular and important dzongs in the kingdom as well as being one of the most picturesque. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers – the Mo Chu and the Pho Chu. Damaged by flooding in 1994, the dzong has now been beautifully renovated and is a real showcase for Bhutanese craftsmanship and painting. You are normally allowed into the dzong unless there are VIPs visiting.

From Punkakha Dzong you make the short drive to the Jibjokha Valley to do the Three Temples walk. This is a new, circular, day walk in three scenic valleys that follows undulating paths and tracks through picturesque, open farmland, shady woods and vast rice terraces. In the autumn, these terraces can appear to glow with a golden hue as the sunlight hits the rice stalks swaying in the wind. There’s not too much ascent and no steep climbs so it’s an opportunity for a gentle walk to see traditional village life in rural Bhutan. It is a walk that was created for Mountain Kingdoms so don’t expect to see other westerners on the trail.

Walking from the Kuenga Zhedheyling farmhouse you pass through the rice terraces, soon encountering your first temple (or lakhang) at the tiny settlement of Jibjokha. There are some interesting statues to see here. As you progress, your guide will point out Pangtse Shing (Symplocus) trees near the trail. This tree has many medicinal benefits and is also used for dyes and for the oil from its seeds which is prized in Bhutanese cuisine. In spring you will see the trees in flower and then the fruits appear in the autumn when the oil is extracted.

Your hike continues through fields into the Wangkha Valley where you will find your second temple built 40 years ago by the locals. After leaving the lakhang you will come across the house of Aum Karma Dem and may be able to rest awhile in her front garden and enjoy a cup of tea. Continuing on through more terraces the trail then enters some woods providing welcome shade if the weather is warm. At the end of the woods you reach a feeder ‘road’ leading into the Dawakha Valley. This valley is much more populated than the others. The main village here is Dawakha, which sits on high ground affording good views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is the home of the third temple of the walk. There is also a shop in the village so you may be able to grab a cold drink before setting off downhill on a wooded track to get back to Jibjokha.

After your walk you drive to your accommodation. You will be staying in a delightful homestay in a pretty riverside location tonight. This will give you a real insight into traditional family life in Bhutan.

Overnight: Lotay's Farmhouse Homestay, Punakha

Day 11 - Visit Punakha Dzong. Drive to Paro. Sightseeing in Paro.

Your day begins in style with a a visit to Punakha Dzong. Originally built in the 17th century, it was beautifully restored after a major flood in 1994, and is a real showcase for Bhutanese craftsmanship and painting. All of Bhutan's kings have been crowned at the dzong and it remains the official residence of the Dratshang - the body that oversees monastic affairs in Bhutan. There are a number of beautiful and unusual features to discover in the dzong including three courtyards, the 'hundred pillar assembly hall' and its cantilevered bridge. If there are VIPs visiting the dzong, access may be restricted.

You now drive back to Paro, crossing the Dochu La again. Once in Paro, you will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing. You will visit the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest in Bhutan, which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon that was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet.

You will also spend time at Bhutan's National Museum to see some of the treasures housed in the Ta Dzong, or watch tower, above the Dzong. Displays include a fascinating collection of ancient thangkas depicting Bhutan's important saints and teachers. You then visit the spectacular Paro Dzong. This dzong is one of Bhutan's most impressive and best-known, and is perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you'll see. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley. The dzong's correct name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels'. In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. The fort was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro valley from invasions by Tibet.

From the museum you may like to walk down into the town and have a wander around the streets before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 12 - Start the Bumdra Trek. Camp beneath Bumdra Monastery, 3,800m/12,467ft.

After breakfast you will take a short drive to the starting point of the two day trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, known as the Bumdra trek. You meet your trek crew and ponies, and then begin following a little trodden trail up from Paro Valley. Your initial ascent takes you up through forest to reach a ridge then to a clearing from where you will be able to see back down the Paro Valley. Continuing up, you next reach Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple, nestled in the side of the mountain, where you can rest and enjoy fine views of Paro beneath, and the snow-capped Himalaya in the distance. Today's final stage is now ahead of you as you ascend through ruins and thick forest to a high, open yak pasture bedecked with chortens and colourful prayer flags. This will be your campsite for the night at around 3,800m/12,467ft.

Above the pasture sits the 17th century Bumdra Monastery, hugging the cliff face. After a chance to rest and enjoy the spectacular views from the campsite you can walk up to the monastery and explore its many caves where legend has it that a thousand angels, or dakinis, once covened. If you have the energy, you could also make the 45 minute climb of Namgo La just behind the monastery. The 4,100m peak provides a natural viewing 'platform' to enjoy the commanding vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Overnight: Camp

Day 13 - Trek to Taktsang Monastery. Return to Paro.

After a tough day of ascent yesterday, today is all downhill. Once breakfast is finished at the camp, you will begin your descent. Following the monks' winding path down through larch and silver pine you can take your first welcome breather on the conveniently located deck chairs at the small hermitage of Yoselang at 3,300m. Continuing down the trail you will shortly reach Zangto Pelhri Monastery, from where you can peer over the side for your first fantastic views down to the golden roofs of Taktsang Monastery. From here it's a steep half hour down a rock hewn staircase to Taktsang - an approach that very few people experience to reach the famed Tiger's Nest.

The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking Paro Valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.

If open, you will be able to visit the monastery before continuing down to reach the car park where your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Paro, and your last night in Bhutan.

Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 14 - Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Time at leisure.

You will transfer to the airport where you will say goodbye to your Bhutanese guide and driver. You will then fly to Kathmandu with a further opportunity to see the peaks of the high Himalaya including Everest and Kangchenjunga (if conditions are clear). On arrival you will be driven to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Shangri La, Kathmandu

Day 15 - Morning tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa. Transfer to airport. Depart Nepal.

After breakfast you drive the short distance from your hotel to the important Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath. Here there is a large temple to the god Shiva and nearby, on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, are burning ghats where Hindus bring their dead to be cremated.

You will drive on to Boudhanath where you will visit its important and ancient Buddhist stupa. Pilgrims from all over the Indian subcontinent come to visit Boudhanath where they circle the stupa in a clockwise direction, turning prayer wheels as they pass, or visit one of the many Buddhist temples which have been built around the stupa.

In the late afternoon or early evening there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.

Overnight: In flight

Day 16 - Arrive London.