Premium Nepal & Bhutan

17 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan on a 17-day Premium adventure. Be blown away by the majestic snow peaks of the Himalaya mountains, explore the wild lands of Chitwan National Park, learn about black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha, uncover the sacred religions and devoted beliefs of the pilgrims, and find the secret to happiness in Bhutan. Discov...
26%
$11,840
From$8,770
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Experience two incredible Feature Stays – a stylish and elegant resort right on the border of Chitwan National Park, and a traditionally beautiful and eco-conscious resort tucked away in the gorgeous valley of Paro.
    • Get an intimate look at local culture with Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with the Seven Women social enterprise, lunch with a Tibetan community in Nepal, and a conversation with a senior monk at a monastery in Bhutan.
    • Witness world-class mountain scenery during a picturesque hike through the inspiring landscapes of Pokhara.
    • Come face to face with rare and fascinating wildlife in the breathtaking Phobjika valley, including a visit to a protection and information centre for black-necked cranes, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
    • Climb to the teetering monastery of Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) 900 metres above Paro’s valley floor and take in once-in-a-lifetime views.

What's this trip about?

    Explore the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan on a 17-day Premium adventure. Be blown away by the majestic snow peaks of the Himalaya mountains, explore the wild lands of Chitwan National Park, learn about black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha, uncover the sacred religions and devoted beliefs of the pilgrims, and find the secret to happiness in Bhutan. Discover spectacular landscapes, rich cultures and magnificent wildlife with experienced local leaders by your side on a journey to remember.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKathmandu
End CityParo

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Bhutan
  • Nepal

Attractions

  • Bhaktapur
  • Kathmandu
  • Mount Everest
  • Paro
  • Pokhara
  • Thimphu
  • Tibet

Trip includes

    • Kathmandu - Welcome dinner
    • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
    • Kathmandu - Pashupatinath Temple
    • Kathmandu - Durbar Square
    • Kathmandu - Boudhanath Stupa
    • Kathmandu - Thangka Painting Studio Visit
    • Bhaktapur - Leader-led walking tour
    • Nagarkot - Sunset local cocktail at Club Himalaya (one drink included)
    • Kathmandu - Cooking class at Seven Women
    • Pokhara - Phewa Tal Lake boat trip
    • Pokhara - Peace Pagoda
    • Pokhara - Tibetan community visit with momo lunch
    • Pokhara - International Mountain Museum
    • Pokhara - Sarangkot Viewpoint
    • Chitwan NP - Village tour
    • Chitwan - Sunset Snacks by Rapti River
    • Chitwan - Private bush dinner (on hotel grounds)
    • Chitwan - Canoe Safari
    • Chitwan - Jeep Safari Tour
    • Thimphu - Welcome dinner
    • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
    • Thimphu - National Library
    • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
    • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
    • Thimphu - Takin Conservation Park
    • Thimphu - Zilukha Nunnery
    • Thimphu - Voluntary Artists School
    • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
    • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
    • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
    • Dochula Pass - Druk Wangyal Chortens
    • Thimphu - Simtokha Dzong
    • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
    • Punakha - Punakha Dzong
    • Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
    • Phobjikha - Gangtoe Goemba
    • Phobjikha - Black Necked Crane Information Center
    • Phobjikha - Valley hiking
    • Paro - Tadzong Museum
    • Paro - Drukgyal Dzong
    • Paro - Kaja Throm Market Visit
    • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
    • Paro - Home-cooked dinner
    • Paro - Complimentary Departure Transfer

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, the country’s exhilarating capital. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Join an important welcome meeting with your leader and small group at 6pm. If you arrive with time to sp...

Day 2 Kathmandu

After breakfast this morning, explore Kathmandu on a sightseeing tour with your leader. Head to the lively Durbar square, the once glorious centre of Nepal’s royal power. Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Bud...

Day 3 Nagarkot

This morning, set off for a truly special experience that is sure to be one of your enduring memories of Nepal. Visit the headquarters of Seven Women, a social enterprise that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged women in Nepal. Meet the local women and hear ho...

Day 4 Pokhara

Wake up and witness an early morning 180-degree sunrise view before travelling to Kathmandu airport by chartered coach. From here, you will fly to Pokhara – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the spectacular Himalayan mountain chain to the north. On arrival,...

Day 5 Pokhara

Start the day with a visit to Sarangkot Viewpoint for a sunrise over the snowcapped Himalayan peaks, from the Annapurna Ranges to Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre). Your leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the inspiring landscape as you marvel at the ...

Day 6 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, make the morning drive to Chitwan and arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation for the next two nights, Barahi Jungle Lodge. Perfectly positioned on the banks of the Rapti River, opposite Chitwan National Park, this jungle oasis offers first-class se...

Day 7 Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, leave the lodge for an early morning dugout canoe adventure on the Rapti River. Your tour leader will help you spot marsh mugger crocodiles along with the various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but the magnific...

Day 8 Kathmandu

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before driving back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, so perhaps engage in some shopping or learn more of Nepal’s cultural heritage during a visit to the Nepali Folk Musical Instrument Museum, home to more than 650 unique ins...

Day 9 Paro - Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, a land where mystery and legend go hand in hand. On arrival, you will be met at Paro airport and transferred to Thimphu (2736 m), Bhutan’s capital city. After settling in, meet your small group and tour leader for a welcome meeting. If time permits,...

Day 10 Thimphu

After breakfast you will venture out to explore Thimphu. Stop off at Buddha point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin, the national animal...

Day 11 Punakha

This morning, visit Desho Paper Factory to see a traditional method of making paper by hand. Next, travel out to the castle-monastery of Simtokha Dzong, built to guard against a demon that is said to have escaped into the nearby rock. Next, drive the winding Dochula p...

Day 12 Punakha

Begin the day with a short drive to the base of a hill where a ridge-top monastery sits. In this almost sub-tropical valley, begin a hike at a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chu river and pass through paddy fields before starting to climb a moderately inclined ...

Day 13 Phobjikha

This morning, pass through lush forests and luxuriant vegetation as you make the scenic drive to Phobjikha. Here you’ll find a spectacular valley rich with wildlife – keep an eye out for serows, a mystical goat-like animal, and muntjacs, also known as barking deer. Ma...

Day 14 Phobjikha

Start the day with a visit to the centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) where you will learn about the vulnerable black-necked cranes who fly to Bhutan each winter. The Phobjika valley receives more of these lovely visitors than any other part of...

Day 15 Paro

This morning, begin the journey to Paro. On arrival, visit the impressive Ta Dzong, a 17th century watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Enjoy some free time to wander in the Paro town before making your way to your Feature Stay accommodation, a resort in th...

Day 16 Paro

Miraculously balanced 900 metres above the valley floor sits Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest, a beautiful monastery and Bhutan’s most recognised building. After breakfast, begin a hike through plentiful pine forests, passing beneath thousands of brightly coloured prayer...

Day 17 Paro

After breakfast your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Please check with your tour leader about the exact departure time from the hotel. Please note that your tour leader may not be with you as the group may leave on different flights.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,770
Price per day$516
Last Updated: 3/22/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
31 Mar 2024
16 Apr 2024
$10,035
Sold Out
07 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024
$8,770
Sold Out
14 Apr 2024
30 Apr 2024
$8,856
Sold Out
28 Apr 2024
14 May 2024
$9,200
2 spots left
08 Sep 2024
24 Sep 2024
$9,025
5 spots left
22 Sep 2024
08 Oct 2024
$9,730
Sold Out
29 Sep 2024
15 Oct 2024
$9,290
Sold Out
02 Oct 2024
18 Oct 2024
$9,290
7 spots left
06 Oct 2024
22 Oct 2024
$9,200
6 spots left
09 Oct 2024
25 Oct 2024
$9,555
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights),Chitwan Feature Stay (2 nights),Paro Feature Stay (2 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Plane,Jeep,Canoe,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Plane,Jeep,Canoe
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines STRIKES: Demonstrations and protests are common in Nepal, with strikes regularly occurring that may result in curfews or roadblocks being enforced at short notice. At these times, businesses may close and vehicles may not be allowed on the roads. You should avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings and follow local advice, including that of your group leader or local representative in the event of any disruptions. PETTY THEFT & CRIME: Pickpocketing and other petty theft is common, especially in places where tourists or foreigners frequent. Take care when walking around at night. Avoid walking on your own and don’t carry large sums of cash. Keep valuables in a hotel safe if possible. Bars and restaurants now close at midnight as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. Foreigners remaining in bars and clubs after hours have been detained by the police. Police have increased their presence in Thamel and Durbar Marg, popular tourist districts in Kathmandu, in an effort to reduce crime in these areas. You should seek out police if you have been robbed or affected by any crime. ALTITUDE: Altitude sickness is a risk, including on the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek. INSURANCE: Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuation costs. FESTIVALS: Travelling in Nepal during Holi Festival (23-25 March 2024), can at times be dangerous due to revellers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Your group leader or local representative will advise you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or your group leader or local representative in a high-risk situation. Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (12 Nov 2023, 1 Nov 2024) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival, your group leader or local representative may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting the group at risk. INTERNAL FLIGHTS: There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for included internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Summit Air. PETTY CRIME: The crime rate in Bhutan is low, but there are occasional thefts and petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching in areas frequented by tourists.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information
Finish point Hotel Kaachi Grand Near to Children Park Paro BHUTAN
Trip ID
intrepid-HNPEC

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