Day 3 Ghandruk

A morning flight jets us to Pokhara valley where we'll be transferred to the mountain village of Ghandruk. The road passes terraced fields, lush hills, river valleys., and occasional views of snowcapped peaks along the way. Ghandruk is known for its traditional slate-roofed houses and rich Gurung (indigenous) heritage. We'll settle in for the night in our rustic but comfortable lodgings before an optional hike to one of the many viewpoints for vistas of the mighty Annapurna and Dhauligiri Ranges.

Shangri-la Guesthouse (1 night)

Day 4 Pokhara

An optional dawn viewpoint hike opens this day. After a liesurely morning we'll return to Pokhara. The valley's unique charm derives from its splendid climate and stunning views of magnificent Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and the Annapurnas. Enhancing Pokhara's appeal is picturesque Phewa lake. After checking into our hotel you'll have the rest of this day free to explore the town and lake.

Day 5 Pokhara

Another full day unfolds for us this morning. We'll visit the World Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa that provides magnificent views of the lake and city. Next we'll venture to Davis Falls where a stream from Phewa Lake vanishes underground through a natural tunnel. For lunch today we'll visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp where you will learn how to cook Momo, the popular Nepali dumplings. Our sightseeing concludes with a boat cruise on Phewa lake.

Hotel Barahi (2 nights) https://barahi.com/properties/hotel-barahi/

Day 6 Chitwan

After breakfast, we'll make the half-day drive to Chitwan National Park for our nature and wildlife encounter. Upon arrival and after checking in, we'll go for an excursion to a Tharu village. The Tharu people are an indigenous community of southern Nepal known for their unique culture, costumes, and traditions. Our activities include a Tharu stick dance presentation.

Day 7 Chitwan

Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering its wildlife. Chitwan, which means “heart of the jungle”, is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its diverse wildlife and opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. It is particularly famous for the population of Greater One–Horned Rhinoceros that it protects along with the rare Royal Bengal Tiger. You'll board a

jeep and take a morning safari drive through the Park, looking out for a variety of wild species ranging from the rhinos, to honey badgers, Bengal foxes, civets, mongooses and, if we're a very lucky, one of the tigers that call the park home. In the afternoon we'll float down the Rapti River in dugout canoes, keeping an eye out for exotic bird life, marsh mugger crocodiles and gharials that inhabit the riverbanks.

Kasari Resort (2 nights) https://kasararesort.com/

Day 8 Kathmandu

Today is primarily a travel day as we motor back to Kathmandu. After some down time in the afternoon we'll visit one more iconic sight: Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines of Nepal, and certainly one of the most photogenic. For dinner tonight we head to Newa Ghasa for a unique Newari dinner.

Hotel Yak and Yeti (1 night)

Day 9 Thimpu

Today is another travel day, beginning with a transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Paro. Spectacular views of the Himalayas escort us on our flight. More spectacular views of the Himalayas loom above the runway at Paro International Airport, welcoming us to Bhutan.  From there we'll be bused via the mountainous roads to picturesque Thimpu. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner on our first Bhutanese evening.

Day 10 Thimpu

Our Thimpu sightseeing begins with a picturesque stroll through paddy fields, woodlands, and a Tibetan village to reach Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery. Next we'll take in breathtaking views from the Buddha Dordenma and then explore traditional Bhutanese homes and culture at Simply Bhutan Museum. Next up, we visit the National Memorial Chorten, a modern stupa of dazzling white with golden spires and prayer bells. You'll be free to wrap up your day shopping for traditional goods at the National Handicrafts Emporium or visiting a paper-making enterprise that uses traditional methods.

Hotel TBD (2 nights)

Day 11 Paro

Departing Thimpu, we continue our journey back to Paro. Our first activity will be a visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now housing the National Museum. It features Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and historic artifacts. Then we take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), known for its

rich history and Buddhist wall paintings.

Dinner at Farmhouse. (This experience offers a cultural immersion with traditional Bhutanese architecture, a menu of local delights like Ema Datshi, and red rice on tables, attentive staff in traditional attire, and of a cultural performance create an enchanting and unforgettabledining experience)

Day 12 Paro

Begin your day with an early breakfast and a short drive to embark on a remarkable hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. This ediface is clearly the jewel of Bhutan and a tour highlight. Perched high above the valley floor, the monastery offers breathtaking views not to mention the photographic masterpiece of the building itself. The reward for our hike is lunch in a mountain teahouse.

Day 13 Tour Over

The tour ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

Hotel TBD (2 nights)