Essence of Bhutan & Nepal

27 Sept – 11 Oct 2027

Paro – Thimphu – Gangtey – Punakha – Paro – Kathmandu – Pokhara – Chitwan – Kathmandu

SEE BELOW FOR TOUR DETAILS

Overview

• Thimphu ( Le Meridien hotel – 4 ½ star hotel – Classic room )
• Gangtey ( Gangtey Lodge – Luxury Boutique hotel – Farmhouse Suite )
• Punakha ( Densa Boutique Resort – 5 star Boutique hotel – Suite )
• Paro ( Le Meridien hotel – Boutique Resort – Classic room )
• Kathmandu ( Hotel Nanee – Boutique Heritage hotel – Heritage room )
• Pokhara ( Temple Tree Resort & Spa – Boutique hotel – Deluxe room )
• Pokhara ( Tiger Mountain Lodge – Luxury Lodge – Deluxe Cottage )
• Chitwan ( Taj Meghauli Serai  – 5 star Safari Lodge –  Heritage room )

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival / Location  TBC.

Day 2

Location  TBC.

Day 3

Location  TBC.

Day 4

Location  TBC.

Day 5

Location  TBC.

Day 6

Location  TBC.

Day 7

Paro  Breakfast time. Today is a day at leisure with the option for those with a medium to high level of fitness to embark on a trek up to Tigers Nest Monastery ( 6-8 hr round trip trek ) the most sacred and famous of Bhutans monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor.  There is also the option to enjoy a 15 min scenic Helicopter flight to see the Monastery if you are unable to do the trek. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight at the Le Meridien.

Day 8

Paro / Kathmandu  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Nepal.  Transfer and arrival at boutique heritage hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day and evening at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Nanee.

Day 9

Kathmandu  Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to Bungamati village and Patan Square & Museum. Continue to a local eatery and enjoy a delightful ‘Singing Bowl’ demonstration and visit Thanka painting school.  Authentic Nepalese lunch and private talk and presentation by an Everest Mountaineer. Visit a local handicrafts store. Return to the hotel for a Welcome dinner with Newari degustation feast!  Overnight at Hotel Nanee.

Day 10

Kathmandu  Optional: Early morning spectacular one hour Mt Everest flight. Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Bhaktapur, Boundnath and Pashupatinath. Enjoy a Tibetan lunch. A unique and special visit to Fred Hollows eye hospital for a private tour and presentation. Return to the hotel. Overnight and dinner at Hotel Nanee.

Day 11

Kathmandu / Chitwan  Breakfast then morning flight to Chitwan National Park. Check in to your Wilderness Lodge. Late afternoon, enjoy a river safari followed by sundowners.  Experience an evening cultural show at the Lodge. Overnight at Taj Meghauli Serai.

Day 12

Chitwan  Morning jeep safari in Chitwan National Park. Famous for spotting one-horned rhinos, you will also get the chance to see deer, monkeys and some of the more than 500 species of birds. If you’re extremely lucky, you may even spot a tiger, wild elephant or a leopard. Return to the Lodge for brunch.  Afternoon more jungle and safari activities are on offer. Dinner and overnight at Taj Meghauli Serai.

Day 13

Chitwan / Pokhara  Breakfast and then fly to Pokhara, famous for its spectacular lake and distant mountain views. Enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, then explore the local markets for some shopping time. Enjoy an evening dinner at a scenic lakeside restaurant. Overnight Temple Tree Resort & Spa.

Day 14

Pokhara  Breakfast followed by a visit to the International Mountain Museum. Then drive to your Mountain Lodge, with spectacular views of the snow-capped Annapurna Mountain range. Mid-afternoon, set off for a village jeep drive to explore and a walk, which includes afternoon tea. Dinner at the Lodge. Overnight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge.

Day 15

Pokhara  Early morning wake-up for spectacular sunrise views. Breakfast at the Lodge. Enjoy the day at your leisure relaxing or local discovering. Optional: extra half day hike in the surrounding hills. Overnight at the Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge.

Day 16

Pokhara / Kathmandu / Departure Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to domestic airport and on arrival connect with your international flight for departure.

Prepare for your trip

In a world that is always on the go, Bhutan provides sanctuary.

Getting a visa for your visit to Bhutan is simple and straightforward. The whole process takes a matter of minutes, and then you’re ready to ENTER THE KINGDOM.

The Bhutanese often live in their ancestral homes and in close-knit communities. It is the custom to usually take off shoes before entering houses. The Bhutanese always smile, so don’t forget to smile back. Kuzu zangpo la means hello and can be used at all times of the day. Kadrin chey la means thank you.

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is the last Vajrayana Buddhist country in the world and it contains many revered religious sites – from roadside stupas to temples, monasteries and nunneries.

Here, you can find earthly pleasures: archery and age-old crafts, dishes of home-made cheese and fearsomely hot chillies, breathtaking treks and restorative hot-stone baths. A vibrant legacy of the arts has created a culture that’s tangible everywhere from the humblest home to the most important dzong.

Known as Drukyul or “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan is a land of arresting contrasts and uncommon harmony. A rich tapestry of ethnicities, this peaceable Buddhist nation embodies the deeply ingrained values of: compassion, inclusivity and hospitality.

BHUTAN BELIEVES.

“ This kingdom is steeped in history, but our gaze is fixed on the future. This is our moment of evolution. More than 70% forested, and the first carbon-negative country in the world, we’re also planting the seeds of science and tech innovation.

Guardians of some of the world’s most pristine, wild and sacred places – and of a rich, deeply rooted culture – we are steadfast as the cypress in our commitment to conservation.

Our future requires us to protect our heritage and to forge fresh pathways for forthcoming generations.

Those who seek us out are called here. Arriving as guests, you become our partners in this transformative moment and make a meaningful contribution towards preserving what is priceless. It’s where irreverent humour meets deeply held beliefs, and epic landscapes and slow journeys create room for quiet awe. In this Bhutan, you can enhance your well-being, immerse yourself in wonder and embark on exhilarating adventures.

We see a bright future. And we believe in our ability and responsibility to realise it together, and shine as a beacon of possibility in the world.“

Nepal is the ideal destination for adventures and cultural explorers.

The traditional manner to greet the locals involves placing your palms together in a prayer style and saying "namaste" or "namaskar". Address anyone older than you with respect using the terms "dai" for men and "didi" for women. If you are lucky enough to be invited into a Nepali home, remember to remove your shoes before entering.

Typical Nepali food is called “Dal Bhat”, and is made up of rice and lentils. Side dishes usually include a variety of fresh vegetables such as potatoes and cauliflower. Traditional Nepali food is often spicy, but you can usually specify how mild or hot you want it when ordering.

Nepalese Rupee is the official currency and is subdivided into 100 paisa. There are about 77 rupees to each Aussie dollar.

WHERE TO SHOP

Kathmandu has large cottage industries surrounding clothing materials, wood crafts, metal works and jewelry. Lesser known items include tea, sculptures, rice paper, incense, spices, dolls, puppets and trekking clothing.

Woollen goods are produced from both yak wool and sheep wool while finer items are made from pashmina, cashmere and silk. Nepalese traditional clothing is distinguishable by its high durability, warmth and often from bright colors used in the materials.

Pashmina fabrics spell classy in big letters! Many will explain that ‘pashmina’ refers to the soft under fur of mountain goats found in Nepal. Whereas ‘cashmere’ refers to the rest of the wool. There are also several different types of quality pashmina available in Nepal and the price varies accordingly. This fabric is soft and lightweight with beautiful embroidery. So, it's worthwhile to carry some home –think of shawls, stoles, scarves, ideal to be gifted to anyone or for yourself.

Pashmina products are available in the Thamel area of Kathmandu and also in some shops on New Road. Instead of going for 100% pure Pashmina products, opt for a 70/30 mix with silk as these will be more durable.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All tours include domestic flights, accommodation, transport, air-conditioned mini coach with refreshments, sightseeing entrance fees, special tour events and activities, local guides, all meals and all-inclusive tipping to cover day to day general tipping and local driver and guide. Prices may be subject to currency fluctuation or surcharges.

All visitors require a Visa before travelling to Bhutan. As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

Nepal Visa fee not included. Currently US$30 pp for 15 days ( to be paid in cash at airport).

As part of a conscious initiative to reduce the use of single use plastic bottles, TIKKA TOURS ground operator now provides alternatives to plastic bottled water. Re-usable metal water bottles with re-filling facility are part of our guest’s vehicles.

TOUR PRICE

16 Days / 15 Nights
On Request ( twin share per person )*
On Request ( single supplement )*
Fully escorted small group tour
( Based on min 6 passengers )