5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $7299/per adult
Next available departure
21 Oct - 1 Nov
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Wander the Kingdoms of Kathmandu, learn about the ancient cultures of Nepal and experience the intimate spirit of Buddhism in Bhutan on our 12-day Kathmandu Valley & Bhutan Adventure. Starting in Kathmandu, you'll visit a children's home, explore Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park in the foothills of Kathmandu, get to know the beautiful and generous Tamang people of rural Nepal and hike amongst terraced fields from Mystic Mountain Resort. After taking one of the most scenic flights in the world, from Kathmandu to Paro in the Kingdom of Bhutan, you'll immediately notice a change in scenery and culture. Your Kiwi and local guide work in parallel to bring you on an incredible journey through Bhutan's most fascinating landscapes and temples. You'll take the stunning hike to Tiger's Nest monastery, perched high on the cliffside some 900m (almost 3000ft) off the valley floor, and explore numerous other sacred sites of significance to the Buddhist religion. This trip exploring Nepal and Bhutan sees culture and incredible scenery unlike anywhere else on earth.
Get a print-friendly PDF version of this itinerary - you will also get a copy in your inbox!
Village to village
Hiking
Gangte Nature Trail
Hiking
Tiger’s Nest
Hiking
Kingdoms of Patan & Bhaktapur
Plus ...
Sights of the Himalayas
Plus ...
Changangkha & Chimi Lhakhang
Plus ...
National Museum & Rinpung Dzong
Plus ...
Tamang culture
Plus ...
Bhutan Flight
Plus ...
Day 1
Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu. You’ll be met at Kathmandu Airport by a friendly face from Active Adventures Himalayas who will accompany you to our hotel. If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back street courtyards, colorful market stalls and ancient temples on your own for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. This afternoon, your guide will meet you at our hotel and run through what to expect from the days ahead. Tonight, we’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant, for your first experience of Nepalese dining - a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe which makes for some really delicious flavor combinations. Elevation: Kathmandu - 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Dinner)
Day 2
Today you’ll see Kathmandu from a new perspective as we wind our way up out of the valley that defines the capital city. After a tea break, we’ll enter the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, in the foothills on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley - at this altitude the vegetation transitions from subtropical to temperate and the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. After our hike, we’ll journey onto Bouldhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on the ancient trade route from Tibet. For many centuries Tibetan merchants have rested here and offered prayers. After exploring the Bouldhanath Stupa, we’ll dine at a local restaurant with views looking down upon the Stupa. Elevation: Kathmandu - 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 115 meters (380 feet) / - 310 meters (1,020 feet)
Day 3
Patan (or Lalitpur, ‘city of beauty’), now a part of greater Kathmandu, was once the capital of a powerful independent kingdom. You’ll notice as we explore this area, a calmer vibe - the craftspeople here, many of whom are Buddhist, have created exquisite temples and other works of art which give the area a distinct artisan feel. After lunch, we’ll ascend on a classic Nepali road northeast to Nagarkot. It’s refreshing to once again leave the bustling Kathmandu Valley behind on our way to Mystic Mountain Resort. We’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to check into our rooms and relax next to the pool, with views of the Himalayas. Elevation: Nagarkot - 2195 meters (7,200 feet)
Mystic Mt Resort, Nagarkot (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 1 hour, elevation + 24 meters (80 feet) / - 45 meters (150 feet)
Day 4
By now you’ll be nicely adjusted to Nepal time, making an early wake-up for an epic mountain sunrise all the more appealing. Add coffee and an excellent breakfast and it doesn’t get any better! Full of energy, we’ll hike a stunning ridgeline and jungle path to Nala. Mostly descending, we’ll pass typical Tamang villages learning about subsistence living and the challenges these people face - you wouldn’t know it though, as we’re greeted with beaming smiles around every corner. We’ll stop and visit the Human Welfare Society home, for children rescued off the streets. It’s a short drive onwards to Bhaktapur for lunch, and a chance to explore another of the medieval city-states of the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll see here in the ‘City of Culture’ some of the devastating damage caused by the 2015 earthquake. But there’s plenty still standing including many pagodas, shrines, carved wood columns and temples. After dinner, your trip leader will brief you on the Bhutan adventure to come. Elevation: Kathmandu - 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 115 meters (380 feet) / - 310 meters (1020 feet)
Day 5
Prepare to shift gears as we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and fly east to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is a country, situated on the silk road, that has endured independence for centuries and has never been colonized! Bhutan is the least populous nation in South Asia, ranking first in economic freedom, ease of doing business and peace. After driving from Paro to Thimphu, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. Next, it’s onto the Tarkin wildlife reserve, and we’ll have lunch at Simply Bhutan, an interactive living Museum where we’ll experience an introduction into traditional life in Bhutan. Dinner this evening is at the hotel, and you’ll have a chance to soak in your first culturally-immersive day in Bhutan. Elevation: Thimphu - 2334 meters (7,657 feet) Elevation: Thimphu - 2334 meters (7,657 feet)
Hotel Damisa or similar, Thimphu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Day 6
Making the most of our day, we’ll take an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu valley. This statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world, and we’ll visit the temple the Buddha sits on. Afterwards, we’ll hike a forest trail from Buddha Dordenma, down through the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. After lunch, we’ll journey to the lush district of Punakha, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Our journey to Punakha will take us over the Dochula pass. When the weather is nice, this pass (3,100 m / 10,300 ft) offers tremendous views of the eastern Himalayan ranges and along the pass there are an astonishing 108 memorial chortens. We’ll take some time to explore this majestic fortress, which is the administrative center of Punakha District. Elevation: Punakha - 1242 meters (4,075 feet)
Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 5 kilometers (3 miles), 2 hours
Day 7
We’ll stretch our legs after breakfast with a hike up the trail leading to the Klamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The stupa was built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world. Your ascent will be rewarded with incredible views overlooking the Punakha Valley. Afterwards we’ll explore the Punakha Dzong, taking a short hike from the Dzong across a swing bridge towards a local farmhouse, where we’ll enjoy lunch. We’ll then drive to Chimi Lakhang, the Fertility Temple. This Buddhist temple is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility inducing magnet - thousands make the pilgrimage each year in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Elevation: Punakha - 1242 meters (4,075 feet)
Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Hike to Chimi Lhakhang: 1.5 kilometers (1 mile), 1 hour, elevation + 30 meters (100 feet)
Hiking: Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 200 meters (656 feet)
Day 8
This morning we’ll journey east to Phobjikha. The walk we’ll take here, along the Gangte Nature Trail, is spectacular! We’ll pass through flowering meadows, lush forest and a small village. At the end of our hike we’ll arrive at Khewang Lhakhang, a 15th-century Buddhist Temple with statues of the past, present and future Buddhas. This area has some wonderful valley viewpoints, where there are opportunities to see Black-necked cranes, or ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’, the subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. Our hotel tonight offers another fine example of the local hospitality you’ll experience on this trip, with outstanding service and exotic food... And did we mention the views!? Elevation: Phobjikha - 3000 meters (9,842 feet)
ABC Lodge or similar, Phobjikha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles), 2-3 hours
Day 9
After breakfast we’ll depart for the journey back to Paro, taking lunch along the way. In Paro we’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, and you’ll also have views of this Buddhist monastery from your hotel, as it’s lit up in the evening. Elevation: Paro - 2200 meters (7,218 feet)
Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Day 10
A trip to Bhutan is not complete until you’ve visited Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest. We’ll take an early breakfast so that we can begin hiking whilst the trail is quiet - the trek is challenging - and thankfully this is what protects this extraordinary attraction from overcrowding. Once you’ve cleared the trees you’ll get your first glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest, somehow perched on the cliff high above the valley floor. Once at the monastery you’ll take a fascinating tour of the buildings, with plenty of time to find a quiet spot and soak it all in. You’ll be in awe, wondering how the Buddhists established this area, first as a meditation cave in the 8th century and later as a monastery in the 17th century. Amazing! Our final dinner will take place at the ‘Farmhouse’ for a Bhutanese Cultural performance and wait for it... Some hot stone baths! Elevation: Paro - 2200 meters (7,218 feet)
Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), 5 hours, elevation +/- 518 meters (1,700 feet)
Day 11
We’ll take a morning flight back to Nepal, so with any luck, we’ll be treated to more spectacular Himalayan views out of the right-hand side of the plane. For those who are keen after lunch, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas. Elevation: Kathmandu - 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12
Today is the final day of your Nepal and Bhutan cultural exploration. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to give suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking and adventures you’ve had with us!
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
Looking for a shorter trip? Try our 9-day Bhutan Adventure.
Full
Almost Full
Full
Full
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
