Trekking and Cultural Tour in Bhutan and Nepal

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – briefing and welcome dinner

  You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss together the course of the coming trip, and in the evening we cordially invite you to a welcome dinner. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek

  Today we explore Kathmandu together with a local guide. Among the sights are Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in the country; Swayambhunath – also known as the Monkey Temple – with its wonderful view across the valley; and the peaceful Boudhanath Stupa, an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel and pack our equipment for the upcoming trekking tour. Things you do not need along the way can easily be left at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara – drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana (1,925 m) – approx. 4 hrs, ↑ about 600 m

  Already on the approach to Pokhara we can, in clear weather, make out the first famous peaks of the Annapurna region, including the striking Machapuchare (6,993 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m). After the drive to Phedi we begin our ascent to Pothana, where we spend the first night in a tea house. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600 m) – approx. 4 hrs, ↑ approx. 700 m

  The path leads through dense forests of oak, maple and rhododendron. In a few clearings we can already catch the first glimpses of Lamjung Himal (6,983 m) before reaching the simple but warm-hearted Forest Camp. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 5: Trek from Kokar to Low Camp (3,150 m) – approx. 5 hrs, ↑ around 550 m

  The higher we climb, the further the panorama opens up. From Low Camp we look directly at Machapuchare (6,993 m) and parts of the mighty Annapurna South face (7,219 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,600 m) – approx. 4 hrs, ↑ approx. 450 m

  Above the tree line, the path follows the ridge. We enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Machapuchare (6,993 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), which accompany us for almost the entire day.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 7: Day trip to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200 m) and return to Low Camp – 6–7 hrs, ↑ approx. 600 m, ↓ approx. 1,050 m

  Early in the morning we climb up to the viewpoint, which offers us a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. In front of us lie Annapurna South (7,219 m), the sacred Machapuchare (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Mardi Himal (5,587 m). A magnificent view that ranks among the most beautiful in the region. We then descend to Low Camp. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 8: Trek to Kalimati (1,900 m) – approx. 5 hrs, ↓ about 1,250 m

  On our descent, beautiful views back to Machapuchare (6,993 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m) appear time and again, before we dip back into the forest zone and reach the Brahmin village of Kalimati. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 9: Trek to Lwang (1,400 m) – approx. 5 hrs, ↓ approx. 500 m, ↑ slight counter-climbs

  The path leads through picturesque cardamom fields and terraced landscapes. From time to time the view opens up onto Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Lwang is a traditional Gurung village known for its hospitality. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 10: Hike through the tea plantations and drive to Pokhara (822 m) – 1 hr of hiking, ↑ 150 m + 3 hrs of driving

  Above the tea plantations we once again enjoy fantastic views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). We then drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at the Hotel Mount Kailash Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 11: Sightseeing and free time in Pokhara

  Pokhara impresses with an unmatched panorama of the Annapurna massif. From the town we see, among others, Machapuchare (6,993 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Phewa Lake, in which the mountain peaks are reflected, forms the perfect setting for our excursion. We start with a leisurely boat trip to the small island with the Barahi Temple, before we climb up via a beautiful trail to the World Peace Pagoda. The roughly one-hour path offers wonderful views of the Annapurna massif again and again. Once at the top, we enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the open view over Pokhara. We then continue walking to the impressive Shiva statue of Pumdikot, from whose platform another magnificent panoramic view opens up. Afterwards we drive back to Pokhara and have the rest of the day at our leisure – ideal for relaxing on the lakeshore or for a leisurely stroll through Lakeside. Overnight at the Hotel Mount Kailash Resort or similar (B).

• Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu and free time

  Early in the morning we fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy, in clear weather, impressive views of the Himalayan range once more. After arrival, we are taken to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. You can stroll through the lanes of Thamel, visit a café or simply rest at the hotel and let the impressions of the past days settle. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B|L).

• Day 13: Flight to Paro (2,280 m) and onward drive to Thimphu (2,320 m) – approx. 1½ hrs of driving

  Today we fly from Kathmandu to Paro – a flight that, thanks to its proximity to the Himalayas, is one of the most impressive in the world. In clear weather an overwhelming panorama of the eastern Himalayan range spreads out before us, and with a bit of luck we can even make out, in the distance, the eight-thousanders Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga. After landing and the visa formalities, we drive briefly into the centre of Paro. A walk to the Paro Dzong and across the traditional wooden bridge offers us our first cultural impressions. After lunch we continue to the capital, Thimphu, where we move into our hotel and acclimatise to Bhutan’s altitude. In the late afternoon we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the prayers and circumambulations on a leisurely walk around the Memorial Chorten Stupa. Those who wish can afterwards visit the local craft market. Overnight at the Pelyang Boutique or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

• Day 14: Thimphu (2,320 m) to Punakha (1,250 m) – 71 km, approx. 2½ hrs of driving and approx. 4 hours of hiking

  After breakfast we drive to Punakha (1,240 m). Along the way we reach the Dochula Pass (3,150 m) with its 108 chortens, which were erected in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers and at the same time symbolise the 108 sacred teachings of Buddhism. In clear weather, a magnificent view of the Himalayan range opens up from here, including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest still unclimbed mountain on earth. From the pass we set off on a hike to Lungchotse Gompa (3–4 hrs, approx. 7 km, easy to moderate), which leads through fairy-tale rhododendron and hemlock forests. After the descent we continue the drive to Messina, where we stop for lunch. We then visit the famous “Mad Man’s Temple” (Chimi Lhakhang), which we reach after a pleasant walk of about 30–45 minutes through the fields. In the late afternoon we arrive in Punakha. Overnight at the Meri Puensom Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

  

• Day 15: Punakha (1,250 m) to Gangtey (approx. 3,000 m) – 85 km, approx. 2 hrs of driving – approx. 1.5 hours of hiking

  After breakfast we follow the Pho Chu River and cross a suspension bridge before visiting the magnificent 17th-century Punakha Dzong. We then drive over the Lawala Pass (3,300 m) into the idyllic Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful high valleys in Bhutan. Along the way, in clear weather, we have magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Black Mountains and the distant chains of the main Himalayan range. The Phobjikha Valley itself is a broad, U-shaped glacial valley that borders the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. In the afternoon we take a leisurely walk (1–2 hrs) through small villages, fields and forests to the Gangteng Monastery (Gangtey Gompa), an important Buddhist monastery that sits majestically on a hill above the valley. In winter the valley is home to the black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet. They are considered sacred and bring a particular mystique to the valley. Overnight at the Hotel Dewachen or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D). Overnight at the Hotel Dewachen or similar (B|L|D).

  

• Day 16: Phobjikha Valley – Longtey hike – 4 to 6 hours of hiking

  Today we set off on the famous Longtey hike, which depending on the route takes 4 hrs / 7 km or 6 hrs / 11 km (moderate). The trail begins above the valley and leads through dwarf bamboo forests, rhododendron groves and across broad meadows, before we slowly descend into the Phobjikha Valley. Along the way, impressive views open up of the surrounding mountain ranges of the Black Mountains. Especially in spring, when the rhododendrons are in bloom, the path is of almost fairy-tale beauty. In the afternoon we visit the information centre for the black-necked cranes and learn more about these rare birds. Overnight at the Hotel Dewachen or Hotel Phobjikha (B|L|D).
  Overnight at the Hotel Dewachen or similar (B|L|D).

• Day 17: Gangtey (approx. 3,000 m) via Thimphu (2,320 m) to Paro (2,280 m) – 170 km, approx. 5 hrs of driving

  After breakfast we drive back to Thimphu and first visit the School of Astrology there. We then undertake a roughly 1½-hour hike to the Wangditse Temple through fragrant pine forests with beautiful views into the Thimphu Valley.
  Afterwards we continue to the Buddha Point / Kuenselphodrang. The 52-metre statue at 2,600 metres offers a magnificent view over the capital. In the afternoon we continue on to Paro. The valley welcomes us with massive farmhouses, soft pine slopes and broad rice terraces. An evening walk through the old town brings the day to an atmospheric close. Overnight at the Tashi Namgay Resort or similar (B|L|D).

• Day 18: Via Bumdra Trek – day hike to the Tiger's Nest ↑ 1,000 m ↓ 1,500 m and approx. 8 hrs of hiking

  Our tour starts early in the morning at the Sang Choekor Buddhist College at around 2,800 metres. From there we climb steadily uphill through pine and rhododendron forests. A short detour leads to the secluded Chhoe Tse Lhakang, from which a wide view opens up over the Paro Valley and, in good weather, as far as the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The trail then follows an old pilgrim path through quiet forests and across some rocky sections lined with colourful prayer flags. Bit by bit the terrain opens up, and we reach the high pastures below Bumdra Monastery at around 3,800 metres. The monastery, whose name means “Cave of a Hundred Thousand Prayers”, sits impressively against a rock face and offers a wide all-round view. After a short break we begin the descent toward the Tiger’s Nest. In about three hours we reach the famous viewpoint, from which the iconic view of the Taktsang Monastery opens up, perched spectacularly on a sheer rock face at 3,100 metres above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Padma Sambhava is said to have landed here in the 8th century on the back of a tigress in order to defeat demons and anchor Buddhism in Bhutan. The final steps lead us directly to the monastery itself, one of the most important spiritual sites in the country. In total we cover around 900 metres in altitude before descending further into the valley in the afternoon and returning to Paro – filled with a day of nature, spirituality and magnificent views. Overnight at the Tashi Namgay Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B|L|D).

  

• Day 19: Flight back to Kathmandu – free time

  Today it is time to take our leave of Bhutan with all of its impressions and encounters, with gratitude. We say goodbye to our guide and driver and drive together to the airport in Paro, from where we fly back to Kathmandu. There we are already expected and taken to our hotel. The rest of the day is at our leisure – a lovely opportunity to rest, stroll comfortably through Thamel or take care of last purchases. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or similar (B).

• Day 20: Flight back home

  After breakfast – depending on the flight time – there may still be a little time for a relaxed start to the day. We then drive to Kathmandu airport and begin our journey home – enriched with many unforgettable impressions from Bhutan and Nepal. (B)

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.
  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner