Nepal

Welcome to Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. Today is your first day with Amigo Treks & Expedition. Therefore, we sent one of our company representatives to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), who will further escort you to the hotel. Today, we also arrange a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can also enjoy ethnic dance and cultural music along with great Nepali food. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner can be scheduled for the following day.

The capital, Kathmandu valley itself, is a big storehouse of exclusive natural, cultural, and historical sites. Therefore, today, we take you on a few-hour tour of the major attractions of Kathmandu valley. After spending a few hours observing these wonderful sites, we again meet for a few hours for the final preparation of the trip. The night will be spent at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Chitwan. We head west of the Kathmandu Valley and soon we are on the Prithvi Highway. Each turn on the highway offers something new for the passengers to capture in their cameras.

After about 5 hours of driving on a winding highway along the Trishuli River, we reach the Chitwan National Park, where we freshen up and have lunch at the hotel. We then set off to visit the Tharu Village (an ethnic group of Nepal), explore their lifestyle, and even visit their museum. In the evening, we enjoy the sunset at the bank of the river, and the evening ends with a cultural show performed by the Tharu people along with a bonfire. The night will be spent at a hotel in Chitwan.

We spent the whole day exploring the Chitwan National Park. The main purpose of visiting Chitwan is to track wildlife hidden in the dense jungle by a variety of means – foot, dugout canoe, jeep safari, and elephant ride. As far as possible, we do all of these things. We start our day with an elephant ride, which is followed by a dugout canoe trip down the Budhi Rapti River that presents us with the opportunity to spot various waterbirds.

We then visit the elephant breeding center and elephant camp, and if time permits, we also visit the Bis Hajar Taal. If you want to save time, instead of an elephant ride, we can also hire a jeep and enjoy a jeep safari. Or, we can even go for a jungle walk. A single day isn’t enough to explore all of Chitwan.

Pokhara is the destination set for the day. However, before leaving Chitwan, we go bird-watching. After that, leaving Terai, we head towards the hills in Nepal, that is, we head towards Pokhara, situated 200 km west of Kathmandu and 6 hours from Chitwan. Enjoying the hills, river, vegetation, and the settlement of people, we reach Pokhara. We check into the hotel, freshen up, and set off to explore the Lake area of Pokhara. We relax in a boat on the placid water of Phewa Tal, visit Barahi Temple, or even try fishing. We also enjoy the nightlife in Pokhara.

This 124-square-kilometer valley offers endless options to spend a quality day. We spend our day visiting some major attractions of the valley. The attractions include a visit to Davi’s Fall (a famous waterfall), Gupteswor Cave, Bindabasini Temple, Seti River Gorge, and the museums. We also arrange for an hour boating trip around the lake that gives you enough opportunity to capture some of the best shots of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna. If time permits, we can visit other attractions like Shanti Stupa, Mahendra Cave, and Begnas Lake. As we need to wake up early tomorrow, we call for an early night.

Today we start our day earlier than the sun. We wake up early in the morning and drive to Sarangkot, which is at a distance of 5 kilometers from the lakeside and a 45-minute car ride from Pokhara. With the beautiful sunrise view, the top presents the sight of shimmering Phewa Tal and Suikhet Valley with a stunning vista of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. We then drive down to the hotel to pack our stuff and head back to Kathmandu. After 7 hours drive, we reach Kathmandu. You will be escorted to your hotel, where you can freshen up and get ready for the final meeting and the farewell dinner. The night will be spent in Kathmandu.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Your adventure begins the moment you step into the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu. As you exit the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), we will be there to greet you, holding a sign with your name. We’ll present you with a traditional marigold garland as a gesture of welcome before escorting you to your comfortable hotel in a private vehicle.

Once you’ve had a moment to settle in and refresh, we’ll invite you to our office for a detailed pre-trip briefing with your expert guide. This is a perfect opportunity to ask any last-minute questions and get acquainted with the plan for the incredible days ahead. To celebrate your arrival, the evening is dedicated to a special welcome dinner at a classic Nepali restaurant. You’ll savor a delicious spread of authentic local dishes while enjoying a captivating cultural performance of traditional music and folk dances, offering your first true taste of Nepal’s rich heritage.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

An early start this morning offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: a scenic mountain flight that brings you face-to-face with Mount Everest and the majestic Himalayan range. As the plane soars over a sea of snow-capped giants, you’ll gain an unforgettable perspective of the world’s highest peaks—an absolutely mesmerizing start to the day.

Upon returning, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before delving into the spiritual heart of Kathmandu, where we’ll explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our first stop is the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most significant Hindu shrine on the banks of the Bagmati River. Next, we visit two of the world’s grandest Buddhist stupas: Swayambhunath, perched on a hilltop with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha gazing over the valley, and Boudhanath, a massive mandala that acts as a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. We’ll finish our tour at the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a fascinating complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples that showcases the incredible artistry of the Newar people.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today, we trade the ancient history of the valley for the lush, wild jungles of the south. After breakfast, we embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive by private vehicle to Chitwan National Park. The journey itself is a spectacle, descending from the terraced hillsides and winding alongside the Trishuli River before opening up to the flat, subtropical plains of the Terai region.

Known as the “Heart of the Jungle,” Chitwan is a world away from Kathmandu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a critical sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the elusive Bengal tiger, and over 500 species of birds. Upon arrival, we’ll check you into your comfortable jungle lodge. After settling in, you’ll be briefed on the next day’s activities before enjoying a delicious dinner, with the sounds of the jungle as your evening soundtrack.

Overnight in Chitwan National Park.

An entire day dedicated to exploring the incredible biodiversity of Chitwan! Your adventure will be a thrilling mix of activities designed to bring you as close to nature as possible. We’ll embark on a Jeep Safari deep into the grasslands and forests, searching for rhinos, os, deer, monkeys, and if we are fortunate, a Bengal tiger. A serene dugout canoe trip on the Rapti River offers a chance to spot marsh mugger crocodiles and a vast array of exotic water birds.

We will also visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn about the conservation efforts for these gentle giants. In the evening, prepare for a cultural treat as you witness a vibrant and energetic Tharu cultural dance performance. The local Tharu community will share their traditions through music and dance, including the famous stick dance, providing a perfect end to an adventurous day.

Overnight in Chitwan National Park.

After a final jungle breakfast, our journey continues onward to Bandipur, a 3-4 hour drive away. Bandipur is a true hidden gem—a beautifully preserved hilltop town that feels like a living museum of Newari culture. Its main street is pedestrian-only, lined with traditional 18th-century architecture, charming cafes, and temples that whisper tales of its past as a vital trading post.

We’ll arrive around midday and check into our hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore this enchanting town at your leisure. Wander the stone-paved lanes, discover hidden shrines, or simply find a viewpoint to relax and soak in the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri massifs.

Night at your hotel.

Waking up in Bandipur offers one of the most serene sunrise experiences in Nepal. We’ll find a perfect spot to watch as the first rays of dawn set the distant Himalayan peaks ablaze with color. After breakfast, we’ll make the short and scenic 2-3 hour drive to Pokhara, the famed ‘City of Lakes’ and the gateway to the Annapurna region.

Nestled in a tranquil valley, Pokhara’s charm is immediate, with the stunning pyramid peak of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the massive Annapurna range creating a dramatic backdrop to the shimmering Phewa Lake. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and explore the lively lakeside area, with its quaint shops, inviting cafes, and laid-back atmosphere.

Night at your hotel in Pokhara.

Another early start takes us to the viewpoint of Sarangkot for a world-class sunrise. From this vantage point, you’ll witness the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges light up in hues of orange, pink, and gold—a truly unforgettable spectacle with the entire Pokhara valley spread out below.

After breakfast back at the hotel, we’ll spend the day exploring Pokhara’s treasures. We’ll visit the powerful cascade of Devi’s Fall, then venture into the sacred and mysterious Gupteswor Cave, located directly across from it. We’ll pay a visit to the peaceful Bindabasini Temple, a hub of local spiritual life, and marvel at the milky turquoise water of the Seti River Gorge, which carves a deep, narrow chasm through the city. To cap off a perfect day, we’ll enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, paddling to the Tal Barahi Temple situated on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Night at your hotel in Pokhara.

Today, our journey takes a spiritual turn as we travel to Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha. A short, scenic morning flight will take us from Pokhara to Bhairahawa, offering a final, stunning aerial perspective of the Himalayas before we descend to the flat, fertile plains of the Terai.

From Bhairahawa airport, it is approximately a one-hour drive to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage site that radiates an incredible sense of peace and tranquility. This is one of the most important spiritual destinations on earth for millions of Buddhists and seekers from around the globe. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel, allowing you time to relax and take in the serene atmosphere of this holy place.

Night at your hotel in Lumbini.

After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the heart of Lumbini. Our tour will be a meditative walk through history and spirituality, beginning in the Sacred Lumbini Garden. Here, you will see the Mayadevi Temple, which houses the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama. We’ll also visit the Ashoka Pillar, erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the site, as well as the sacred Bodhi tree and pond.

We will then explore the fascinating Monastic Zone, where Buddhist nations from across the globe have built exquisite monasteries and temples in their own unique architectural styles. A walk through this zone feels like a world tour of Buddhist culture, from the ornate temples of Thailand and China to the serene monasteries of Germany and France.

Night at your hotel in Lumbini.

This morning, we will drive back to Bhairahawa airport for our flight back to Kathmandu.

Upon arriving at the capital, our journey continues as we drive approximately 2 hours out of the city’s hustle and bustle to the tranquil hilltop monastery of Namo Buddha. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

The legend of Namo Buddha recounts the story of the Buddha’s compassion in a previous life as a prince who sacrificed his own body to save a starving tigress and her cubs. The atmosphere here is deeply spiritual, and the site offers spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. We will check into a comfortable guesthouse located at or near the monastery, allowing you to experience the peace and serenity of this sacred place fully.

Night at your hotel in Namo Buddha.

Waking up to the sound of monastic chanting and a glorious sunrise at Namo Buddha is a truly special experience.

After breakfast, we will make the 1.5-2 hour drive to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Known as the ‘City of Devotees,’ Bhaktapur is a beautifully preserved medieval kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will transport you back in time.

We will spend the day exploring the cobblestone streets of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, marveling at the iconic 55-Window Palace, the intricately carved Golden Gate, and the five-storied Nyatapola Temple, Nepal’s tallest pagoda. The city is a living museum, filled with artisans practicing traditional pottery and woodcarving. We will spend the night in Bhaktapur, allowing you to experience the magical ambiance of the city after the daytime crowds have departed.

Night at your hotel in Bhaktapur.

After a final, memorable breakfast in the historic city of Bhaktapur, your incredible 12-day cultural journey through Nepal comes to an end. Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in plenty of time for your flight home. You will leave us with a profound understanding of Nepal’s culture, a gallery of stunning photographs, and memories that will inspire you for years to come.

You will be greeted at the airport by your private driver, who accompanies you to your hotel in the heart of the Nepalese capital. You drop your luggage and meet your Travel Expert, who gives you all the latest information necessary for the smooth running of your trip to Nepal and Bhutan. Depending on your arrival time, why not stroll along the narrow, picturesque and bustling streets of Thamel, the must-see tourist district of the capital, and soak up its special atmosphere: a mixture of tradition, religious influence and modernity.

In many of the area’s restaurant terraces, you will enjoy Newar cuisine, the local cuisine of the inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley.

Day: The highlights of Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch included)

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and bring you to visit the most emblematic sites of Kathmandu. Your first stop is the Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, which you admire as you take part in a clockwise circumambulation.

Not far away, the Hindu site of Pashupatinath, which borders the sacred Bagmati River, gives you an experience of great religious fervour.

In the afternoon, you will explore the golden dome of Swayambunath Temple, also called “Monkey Temple”. From here, you can admire the view of the surrounding landscapes and royal cities from the heights of Kathmandu. Night at the hotel.

Wake up early to reach the city of Bhaktapur. Once the rice granary of the valley, today it is a place of great religious devotion.

On the Durbar Square, visit the famous five-roofed temple called Newari Nyatapoladedicated to the goddess Siddhilaxmi. Legend says that the king of Bhaktapur and all the local population participated in its construction. Spend a beautiful day strolling the streets of this old Newar city, which has preserved all of its medieval character. Try to see if you can spot the places where some scenes of the film Little Buddhawere shot.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Today, you take the road to the Royal Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan offers particularly rich fauna and flora and is home to one of the last populations of single-horned rhinoceros. It is also renowned as one of the last refuges of the Bengal tigers.

You settle down in your lodge and enjoy a free afternoon to rest in the heart of the jungle. Do not hesitate to walk around. With its magnificent landscape, lush vegetation, and the Himalayas in the background, the park is an area of ​​rare beauty.

Overnight in the lodge.

After breakfast, you will go on a Jeep safari to discover the fauna and flora of the Chitwan National Park. Then, you have the opportunity to see swamp crocodiles during a boat trip on the Rapti.

In the afternoon, take a walk in the forest where you observe numerous exotic birds, always accompanied by your guide, who helps you to detect rare specimens in this dense setting.

As night falls, you continue on your safari – that’s when leopards and tigers go out to hunt, which gives you the best chance of seeing the animals you may not have seen in the morning.

Overnight in the lodge.

After an exciting time at the Chitwan National Park, your private driver will take you to Pokhara, a peaceful town bordered by a large lake and surrounded by the Himalayan peaks.

On the sunniest days, the Annapurna chain is reflected on the water, revealing peaks over 8,000 meters tall.

You drop off your belongings at your hotel in the Lakeside district, a lively area on the shores of the lake. You then have the opportunity to go for a boat ride to visit Tal Barahi, the temple of peace, located on the lake, or choose to indulge yourself in a traditional Nepali massage, excellent for relaxation and well-being of the body.

This morning, your driver will bring you from Pokhara to Phedi.

From there, put on your walking shoes and set off for an easy 3h30 walk through the beautiful forest and countryside to reach Dhampus. A stunning village in itself, it is also an excellent spot from which to see a panoramic view of the Himalayas, in particular, the Machhapuchhare and Annapurna Ranges. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and spectacular view before making your way back to Phedi (1h30 – 2h walk), where your car will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Pokhara.

This morning, you will return to Kathmandu from where you will leave for Bhutan. Stop at the village of Bandipur, a jewel of Newar art that is worth a visit for its history and architecture as well as its location in the middle of the mountains with extraordinary views of the Annapurna peaks, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu.

When you arrive in Kathmandu, we recommend you visit the Swayambunath Temple to soak up its spiritual aura, gaze at its gigantic golden stupa, and enjoy a magnificent panorama of the whole city.

In the evening, enjoy a good meal of momos, delicious stuffed Tibetan ravioli.

Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, your driver will bring you to the airport to catch your flight to Paro International Airport.

Your local guide and driver will welcome you to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and you will immediately take the road to the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Your first glimpse of the landscape will amaze you and offer a magnificent view of the majestic Mount Jomolhari, whose summit reaches 7,316m. You can also see the Simthoka Dzong, one of the characteristic fortress-monasteries of the country.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Thimphu, where you can stroll in the city centre and soak up the traditional architecture of Bhutan with its paintings and Buddhist motifs that the government puts in the spotlight. Night at the hotel.

This morning, depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of the kingdom. The road climbs to the Dochu Pass at 3,050m. You discover the Himalayas of Bhutan with many snow-capped peaks reaching more than 7,000 meters and the Gangkhar Puesum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,570m altitude. You are impressed by the Druk Wangyal, a set of 108 chortens at the top of the pass.

Then, you descend via a winding road that crosses beautiful landscapes of terraced fields scattered with Bhutanese farms.

Then, the landscape changes, and you arrive in the subtropical valley of Punakha.

Enjoy a free afternoon and overnight at the hotel.

Wake up early to visit Punakha Dzong, punctuated with stories and legends. Located at the confluence of the rivers Po Chu and Mo Chu, it is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan and one of the most elaborately decorated.

Then take the road to the rich and fertile Phobjikha Valley, the gateway to the Black Mountain National Park. Spend a day exploring this magnificent valley on foot, hiking from village to village. After around 30 minutes, you will reach a magnificent viewpoint where you can observe traditional villages and farmers tending to their fields of buckwheat, potatoes, and turnips.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the village of Wangdue (1,300 m), famous for its mastery of bamboo, stone, and slate, and admire the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will head to Kabjisa, the starting point for a wonderful hike in the Punakha Valley.

You walk along a path that climbs slightly and gradually, and observe the local rural life as you pass pretty villages surrounded by orange orchards. The atmosphere is cheerful and serene, and the nature is resplendent. You arrive at the top of a hill overlooking the valley of Punakha, where you can find the Nebu chorten, slightly off the beaten path, where the monks will certainly invite you to share some tea.

In the afternoon, your guide takes you on foot, through farms and rice fields, to reach the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery, the temple of fertility.

Night at the hotel.

In the early hours of the morning, go for a nice walk to the Taksang Monastery, nicknamed “The Tiger’s Nest”. Perched on the cliff, as if defying gravity, this is the most sacred site in Bhutan. Legend has it that in the eighth century, Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutanese Buddhism, arrived on the back of a tigress to the cave nicknamed “The Tiger’s Nest” to meditate. It has now become a hermitage where every three years a monk comes to isolate himself.

With your driver, you then join the ruins of Drukyel Dzong, from where the view of Jhomolari is magnificent. Night at the hotel.

*** For those who wish, the climb can be done on horseback, but the descent can only be done on foot.

This morning, why not take advantage of your last hours in Bhutan to discover Paro, a charming little town?

Along the main street, many stalls are perfect for finding take-away souvenirs for you and your loved ones. Let yourself be tempted by sumptuous traditional and colourful Bhutanese fabric. This handicraft of Bhutan, which follows the ancestral methods of weaving, is the pride of the kingdom.

Your private driver then picks you up at your hotel to accompany you to the airport for your flight onward.

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