Wonders of Nepal & Bhutan

18 Days | Group Tour | Go Beyond | From £5,140pp

Journey through the soaring peaks and tranquil valleys of the Himalayas on an extraordinary adventure through Nepal and Bhutan. Discover breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, deep spiritual traditions and fascinating local cultures across two of Asia’s most captivating destinations.

From Nepal’s vibrant cities and wildlife-rich national parks to Bhutan’s peaceful valleys and spectacular monasteries, this 18-day adventure combines iconic sights with authentic local experiences. Meet welcoming communities, savour regional cuisine and experience the warm hospitality for which this remarkable part of the world is known.

New Tour Launch Offer

Choose Partner Flies Free OR Half Price Single Supplements – saving up to £485pp

Offer ends 1st September 2026

T&Cs apply. Selected departures. Subject to availability.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 18 Days
Tour Type: Group Tour
Tour Style: Go Beyond
Price From: £5,140pp
Accommodation: 16 nights in 4-star accommodation
Meals: 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches & 16 Dinners
Flights: International flights & current taxes included
Group Size: Maximum 18 guests
Physical Rating: 2 – Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet
Touring: Guides & entrance fees included

Tour Highlights

The Wonders of Nepal & Bhutan tour combines spectacular Himalayan scenery with rich culture, wildlife and memorable local encounters.

Explore ancient cities and spiritual sites, admire dramatic mountain landscapes, discover the traditions of rural communities and enjoy authentic cuisine along the way.

Tour Experiences

Momo Making with a Local Family – Pokhara

Step inside a Nepali home and learn how to prepare momos, Nepal’s much-loved dumplings. This relaxed, hands-on experience offers an authentic glimpse into everyday cooking traditions, shared meals and local hospitality.

Tharu Village Walk & Cultural Performance – Chitwan

Explore a traditional Tharu village on foot and learn about indigenous life in Nepal’s Terai region. Afterwards, enjoy a lively traditional stick-dance performance celebrating the community’s heritage through music and movement.

Bhutanese Farmhouse Experience – Punakha Region

Experience everyday life in rural Bhutan with a visit to a traditional working farmhouse. Meet your welcoming hosts, sample home-cooked dishes and discover traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

Your 18-Day Itinerary

Days 1–2 – Fly to Kathmandu

Fly overnight to Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant and historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to relax and begin soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating Himalayan city.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3 – Explore Kathmandu

Begin in the historical heart of the old city at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through ancient courtyards and temples before exploring the bustling alleyways of Thamel on foot.

Later, visit sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, followed by the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, where colourful prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner accompanied by a lively cultural dance performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 – Journey to Pokhara

Cross scenic countryside to reach spectacular Pokhara, a town on the shores of Lake Phewa backed by the towering peaks of Annapurna.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. As the sun begins to dip behind the mountains, perhaps join your guide at the lakeside to witness the atmospheric sunset aarti ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 – Lakes & Mountain Culture

Spend the morning cruising across the serene waters of Lake Phewa, soaking up magnificent Himalayan scenery.

Later, delve into Nepal’s proud mountain heritage at the Gurkha Memorial Museum and International Mountain Museum before enjoying a hands-on momo-making experience with a local family, learning the art of crafting Nepal’s famous dumplings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Travel to Chitwan National Park

On a scenic journey, descend from the hills into the lush flats of the Terai and Chitwan National Park.

Later, take a guided walk through a traditional Tharu village before an evening talk from a naturalist who will introduce you to the incredible flora and fauna of the national park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 – Safari in Chitwan National Park

Embark on an exciting jeep safari through Chitwan National Park in search of one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild elephants and an array of birdlife.

Visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre before returning to the lodge for lunch. Later, glide peacefully along the Rapti River by canoe and, this evening, enjoy a traditional Tharu Stick Dance performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – Jungle Adventures

Explore deeper into Chitwan National Park on a thrilling guided jungle walk accompanied by an experienced naturalist.

This afternoon, embark on another jeep safari through the park’s dense forests and grasslands, keeping watch for elusive wildlife, including the Royal Bengal tigers that call this wilderness home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 – Return to Kathmandu

Depart the jungles of Chitwan and return to Kathmandu, travelling through dramatic mountain scenery and charming rural villages.

The evening is at leisure to relax or perhaps explore the lively streets around your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 – Fly to Paro, Bhutan

Bid farewell to Nepal and fly to your second Himalayan kingdom, arriving in Paro, Bhutan.

Travel onwards to Thimphu, stopping en route at Tachogang Lhakhang, a beautiful 15th-century temple steeped in legend.

Later, discover the impressive Trashichodzong, a magnificent monastery-fortress that serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government and monarchy.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 – Discover Thimphu

This morning, enjoy a scenic hike from Sangaygang to Yangtse Monastery, passing fluttering prayer flags and enjoying panoramic views across Thimphu Valley.

This afternoon, visit Pangrizampa Astrology Institute, where Buddhist monks study traditional astrology, a practice deeply woven into Bhutanese culture and spirituality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 – Into the Valley of Gangtey

Travel east through spectacular mountain scenery, crossing the dramatic Dochu-La, a pass adorned with colourful prayer flags and chortens.

Continue into the beautiful Gangtey Valley, one of Bhutan’s most peaceful and picturesque regions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 – Spiritual Bhutan

Explore the serene landscapes of Gangtey with a gentle nature walk, stopping at Kewa Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple.

This afternoon, visit the revered Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, where you may be able to witness monks chanting during evening prayers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 – Travel to Punakha

Journey to Punakha, stopping en route at Chimi Lhakhang, the famous ‘Temple of Fertility’, beautifully situated amid rice paddies.

Continue to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a peaceful hilltop monastery with glorious views over the Punakha Valley.

Here, meet resident nuns and join them in the lighting of traditional butter lamps.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 – Punakha Dzong

Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, spectacularly positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Afterwards, enjoy an authentic Bhutanese experience at a rural farmhouse, tasting local cuisine and enjoying a demonstration of traditional cooking methods.

Continue to Paro before visiting the Namgay Artisanal Brewery for a tasting of locally crafted beers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 – Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Make an early start for one of Bhutan’s most iconic experiences – the hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest.

Follow a well-trodden trail past fluttering prayer flags and creaking prayer wheels to one of the Himalayas’ most extraordinary sights: a monastery perched 900 metres up the steep side of the Paro Valley.

Return to Paro and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner accompanied by local dance performances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 – Return to Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu. Visit the neighbouring city of Bhaktapur and explore the intricately carved medieval temples and palaces of its UNESCO-listed Durbar Square.

Later, perhaps visit the iconic hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, for sweeping views across the Kathmandu Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 – Fly Home

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, arriving home the same or following day.

Meals: Breakfast

Places Visited

UK → Kathmandu (2N) → Pokhara (2N) → Chitwan National Park (3N) → Kathmandu (1N) → Thimphu (2N) → Gangtey (2N) → Punakha (1N) → Paro (2N) → Kathmandu (1N) → UK

What’s Included?

• 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches & 16 dinners
• International flights and current taxes
• Domestic transportation
• 4-star accommodation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK & Irish passport holders
• Maximum group size of 18

2027 & 2028 Departure Dates & Prices

2029 departures are also available – contact Aspen Travel for dates and prices.

New Tour Launch Offer

Choose between:

Partner Flies Free – Save £450pp

OR

Half Price Single Supplement – Save up to £485pp

Offer ends 1st September 2026.

T&Cs apply. Offer varies by departure and is subject to availability.

Additional Price Information

• Prices based on London Heathrow departures
• Flight upgrades available on request
• Tipping paid locally: US$175
• Prices based on new bookings only
• Single supplement from £930
• Land-only arrangements from £4,240pp

Ready to Explore Nepal & Bhutan?

From the bustling streets and ancient temples of Kathmandu to the wildlife of Chitwan and Bhutan’s spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery, this is an unforgettable journey through two of the Himalayas’ most fascinating countries.

18 Days | From £5,140pp

Speak to the Aspen Travel team for availability, departure dates and the latest Wendy Wu offers.

Call 0161 755 3081 or enquire with Aspen Travel today.