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Call us: +44 (0) 1453 844400Email us: info@mountainkingdoms.com

Worldwide Small Group and Tailor Made Adventure Travel

What’s included

  • An English speaking Bhutanese leader
  • Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
  • Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
  • All internal flights and hotel/airport...

Gentle Walking Bhutan Festivals

Walking & Trekking

Bhutan | Walking & Trekking

Gentle Walking Bhutan
  • Grade:
    • ?
      Gentle

      Suitable for people who enjoy easy-paced walks or exploring the countryside on foot.

      Find out more...

    Gentle

  • Duration: 15 days from the UK
  • Walks on: 7 or 8 days
  • Private Departures Available

Flight inclusive from £5100, Land only from £4020

The best of Bhutan - gentle walks, cultural highlights and comfortable accommodation.

Highlights

  • Explore the cultural highlights of Bhutan including iconic Taktsang Monastery and Punakha Dzong
  • First-rate accommodation in Bhutan using comfortable hotels and lodges
  • Relax at Dwarikaâs hotel in Kathmandu â a unique heritage property
  • Excellent and varied programme of gentle walks
  • Join the flamboyant celebrations at a Bhutanese festival

Reviews          

This was a wonderful trip and an experience I will remember for a long time, particularly the climb up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery! We were very lucky to have Tshering as our tour leader, a very experienced guide and a really nice man. Everything went smoothly, thanks to the hard work he put in behind the scenes. Thanks to Mountain Kingdoms for offering such a good trip.

Mrs L T, Oxfordshire

Next

Personally the trip exceeded expectations in terms of accommodation, comfort, food etc and every day was just excellent. Bhutan has been a dream for a long time, and I was just in awe of the scenery, the wonderful people and all the special experiences.

Mrs P, Devon

Next

What a beautiful country Bhutan is. The scenery is stunning. The people are so friendly and welcoming. Our guide was excellent. His knowledge of the country and Buddhism was excellent. Our driver drove us well around the endless bends. We were lucky to have blue skies most of time. The accommodation was good although rather cold on occasions. The staff were always welcoming and food mostly good....

Carol, East Sussex

Next

A fantastic and memorable experience which exceeded all my expectations, superbly organised with excellent guides and drivers. A holiday of a lifetime, thank you all so very much.

Mr R G, Shropshire

Next

Absolutely perfect introduction to Bhutan with a mix of walks, guided tours of temples and dzongs, and a festival. Hotels were of high standard of comfort. Guide was knowledgeable, personable and really made the trip. Even the driving was a fascinating experience.

Mr R A, Dorset

Next

Bhutan is a magical experience - it surpassed our expectations. Excellent organisation. Superb attention to detail. This is the third time I have travelled with Mountain Kingdoms and every time the trips have been excellent. Mountain Kingdoms are our first choice of company for this type of trip.

Mr & Mrs S, West Sussex

Next

An exceptional holiday. Such a delightful contrast of culture, festivals, information and history. Travelling across the country with beautiful scenery and welcome from everyone. Our guide was so informative, good company and attentive to every detail. Thoroughly enjoyed the walking.

Aileen and Bob

Next

I wouldnt call the trip a holiday - I think its best described as a unique experience - seeing a little bit of Bhutan's wonderful life and how structured their country is. Certain elements of the trip will live with us forever.

David & Debra

Next

The scenery was fabulous - and the people, wonderful

GH

Next

We have enjoyed numerous holidays among mountains around the world (several of them with MK) but for its combination of easy walking amidst stunning scenery and insights into a fascinating culture, our two weeks in Bhutan marked a new high. Our local guide was simply fantastic, a wonderful companion and mine of information whether leading us down forest trails graced by unfamiliar flowers and...

Ken & Anne

Next

Our guides were really awesome guys. Very competent, knowledgeable and kind. We loved the hiking in rural areas, historic temples, friendly local people, good healthy food and Himalayan mountain scenery.

Julianne

Next

View All

From our many years of experience in Bhutan we have created this outstanding itinerary, our most popular walking holiday with the aim of combining interesting walks, great scenery and comfortable accommodation. We have researched walks to give you the best possible experience, ranging from easy valley walking visiting temples, in effect sightseeing on foot, to more demanding walks offering a bit more of a challenge.

We will visit the main towns of Paro and Thimphu as well as Punakha with its fabulous dzong, and Bumthang, the cultural heart of the kingdom. You will also visit the lovely Gangtey Valley where in the winter months you may see the rare Black-Necked Crane. Finally no holiday to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to iconic Taktsang, the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff.

This is a holiday that will be enjoyed to the full by those who enjoy weekend walks in the British countryside. As well as the main walk, on certain days a gentler or harder walk may also be possible. On certain days it is also possible to opt out of the walk, enabling you to relax in or around your hotel or lodge. There are also exciting road journeys following twisting mountain roads and crossing high passes in your comfortable mini-coach. By its nature this is an adventure with plenty of varied walking in a place that is only just emerging into the 21st Century.

Each departure takes in a fabulous festival where you can mingle with the locals as they celebrate and socialise - a real highlight of any visit to Bhutan.

Private Departures

Kirsty and Adam on Kala Pattar close up 800x750

Gentle walking Bhutan - Private Departures
If If you would prefer to travel with just your partner, friends or family, we can arrange a private departure of this holiday. You follow the same itinerary, but travel on dates that suit you. Alternatively we can include elements of this holiday in a bespoke Tailor Made itinerary. Contact our friendly team for details and prices, and to make a booking.


At a glance

Grade:

Gentle

Duration: 15 days from the UK

Walks on: 7 or 8 days

Max. Altitude: Cheli La Pass, 3,990m/13,090ft, Day 12

Private Departures Available

Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients

Maximum group size: 12

Accommodation types: Hotels

Festival:

October 2024 departure attends the Jakar Tsechu

4th March 2025 departures attends the Punakha Tsechu

30th March 2025 departures attends the Paro Tsechu

September 2025 departure attends the Thimphu Tsechu

November departures attends the Black-necked Crane Festival

December departures attends the Trongsa Tsechu

Meal arrangements: Bed and Breakfast in Kathmandu and full board elsewhere.

Itinerary overview
Day Activity
1-3 (This is the itinerary for one of our Black-necked crane festival departures. Detailed itineraries for all departures can be downloaded below). Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu.
4 Sightseeing and walk in and around Thimphu.
5 Drive over the Dochu La to Punakha. Visit Chimi Lakhang and village walk.
6 Walk in the Punakha Valley and visit Punakha Dzong. Drive to Gangtey.
7-8 Walk in the Gangtey Valley. Drive to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Tsechu. Drive to Jakar walk. 
9-10 Fly to Paro. Drive to Haa across the Cheli La. Walks in the Haa Valley. Drive back to Paro.
Leader: Local leader, Bhutan

You will have an English speaking Bhutanese guide. Mountain Kingdoms have been working with the same partner in Bhutan since 1986. Their guides are some of the best in the Kingdom. They speak fluent English, as this is taught in all Bhutanese schools, and are fully qualified guides. The Tourism Authority of Bhutan insists that a Bhutanese trek or tour leader must pass his/her guiding exams in Thimphu before accompanying groups of foreign visitors. Guides receive regular ‘top-up’ training and 15 of our regular leaders have completed an extended training course run by Mountain Kingdoms in Bhutan.

Local leader, Bhutan

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu

Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.

Overnight icon Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

You will be met and transferred to the luxurious and stylish Dwarika's Hotel which is filled with Nepalese wooden carvings and statues and has a superb restaurant where you can eat in traditional style. It also has a cool, elegant courtyard and a swimming pool. After the long flight from London there's no better place to relax.

Overnight icon Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 3 - Fly to Paro, 2,200m/7,218ft. Sightseeing as time permits.

After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for the short flight up to Bhutan. On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest and Kangchenjunga, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. Although you are at the mercy of the airline computer, if possible try to sit on the left hand side of the plane for the most spectacular views.

In Paro you will be met by your Bhutanese guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the flight schedule you may have time for a little sightseeing or exploration of the town on arrival.

Overnight icon Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Paro Valley. Drive to Thimphu and visit giant Buddha statue.

Today's sightseeing in Paro will begin at the ancient temple of Kyichu Lakhang which was one of 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo an important early Tibetan king, to pin down the Bon demon who was thought to hover over the whole of Tibet. Afterwards you will visit Paro Dzong and

You will then visit the huge Paro Dzong, one of the most important in the kingdom. Above the dzong is the 17th century watchtower or Ta Dzong. This unusual, circular building houses Bhutan's National Museum and has recently been fully restored. The museum has a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures with displays including depictions of a wide range of Bhutan's history and culture and an impressive collection of ancient thangkas featuring Bhutan's important saints and teachers. You will also find some fearsome festival masks, a collection of religious statues, some early stone carvings and the original iron links from the nearby Tamchhog Bridge.

In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu - a journey of around 1½-2 hours. Thimphu has an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city although it has grown greatly in recent years. When you arrive in Thimphu you will drive up to see the large Buddha statue, perched above the town, this will give you excellent views and is a good way to orientate yourself to Thimphu and its surrounds.

Overnight icon Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 5 - In and around Thimphu - sightseeing and visit Wangditse Monastery.

This morning you will drive up to Sangaygang next to the Bhutan First Broadcasting Service tower, located in the North West of Thimphu. It is only about a mile drive up to the tower so if you feel like you would like to burn a bit more energy you can always walk up instead. From the tower you will have great views over Thimphu Dzong and the Thimphu valley as you start your walk contouring the beautiful hills to visit Wangditse Gompa. This walk should take around 1.5 hours. You will have time to visit the gompa before you walk down for another 30 minutes to reach Dechen Phodrang Monastery. This monastery houses around 450 student monks enrolled in a 8 year course. The monastery is also home to some fantastic UNESCO monitored 12th century paintings. You will then meet your vehicle and be driven back to Thimphu.

In the afternoon there will be time to enjoy some sightseeing. There are many places of interest to visit in Thimphu, including the Tashichhodzong (the main government buildings), the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the School of Painting and the silversmiths and pottery workshops. The Government Handicrafts Emporium is possibly the best place to look for local handicraft. It is interesting to visit the handmade paper workshop to see the paper being made and there are some nice items made from handmade paper for sale there. You could also visit the Post Office to buy some of Bhutan's very attractive stamps, they will even print a valid stamp with your face on it while you wait! They also have good t-shirts on sale.

While in Thimphu you might also like to visit the 'zoo'. This is in fact a very large enclosure (several acres) just above the town, containing only Takin, the very rare animal found exclusively in Bhutan and parts of China and possibly one of the most quirky and strangest looking animals you will ever see.

Overnight icon Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu

Day 6 - Drive to Punakha 1,242m/4,075ft, over the Dochu La. Visit Chimi Lakhang. Drive to Talo, walk through village and on to Nobgang.

Driving out of Thimphu you climb to cross the Dochu La Pass, 3,048m/10,000ft, a spot marked by 108 chortens. Here, weather permitting you may take in a magnificent mountain vista. On clear days there are fabulous views of the eastern Himalaya from here, but this is a beautiful and atmospheric spot even on misty days. You then drive down through varied forest into the lush Punakha Valley.

Firstly you will visit Chimi Lakhang, a temple built by Drukpa Kunley. Known as the 'The Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley was a 15th Century Bhutanese Lama and is Bhutan's most popular Saint and one of the most important figures in Bhutanese folklore. Despite the apparent conservatism of the Bhutanese people, Drukpa Kunley with his unconventional views on sex is a great favourite throughout the country - the phallus symbols painted on the outside walls of many houses date back to his teachings. Chimi Lakhang is especially popular with women, who come here to make offerings and to pray for children. This charming lakhang is reached by a short walk across the paddy fields and the short excursion takes about 45 minutes each way.

Later you will drive up to the charming village of Talo (altitude 2,800m). This attractive village is famed for its pretty girls! First you will drive up to its fine gompa, built above the village and worth a visit for the spectacular views. After visiting the gompa you walk down through the village and will see traditional village life going on. It's all very pretty - the beautiful farm houses of the village have their own well-kept flower gardens and corn and vegetables are grown in abundance. There is an air of prosperity and contentment. You come out back onto the road below the village and then you may either walk down through woods and fields, or drive down, to visit the village of Nobgang, the birthplace of the four girls who in 1979 married King Jigme Singye Wangchuk to become his four queens. After the king's abdication they became Bhutan's Queen Mothers. The gompas in Nobgang are sponsored by their family. The two villages of Talo and Nobgang have a longstanding rivalry in archery. Once your walk is done you will be driven back to your Punakha hotel.

Overnight icon Overnight: Zhingkham Resort Or Similar, Punakha

Day 7 - Punakha Valley walk. Visit Punakha Dzong. Drive to Gangtey.

Today you will do a lovely walk in the Punakha Valley. You drive further up the valley and start your walk at a pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chu River and follow up through paddy fields to the base of the hill where Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is sited. The climb to the top is then quite steep but takes only 45 minutes or so. This Chorten was consecrated in December 1999 and contains sacred relics donated from Punakha Dzong. Leaving the grounds of the chorten via a different gate you descend to join a contouring path which ultimately leads you to the small village of Yabesa and you then follow the Mo Chu downstream past Sonagasha, the King's Palace and on to Punakha Dzong.

The fabulous Punakha Dzong, one of the most spectacular and important in the kingdom, is situated at the confluence of two rivers. In 1994 there was a major flood in the town which caused a lot of damage to the dzong but it has now been beautifully renovated and is a real showcase for Bhutanese craftsmanship and painting. You are normally allowed into the dzong unless there are VIPs visiting.

After lunch you drive down the valley to Whangdi Phodrang, whose dzong tragically burnt down in 2012. You then drive up the valley of the Dang Chu river and turn off to arrive at the Gangtey valley.

Gangtey (or Phobjikha as this area is also called) is a beautifull wide, unspoilt, glacial valley and is particularly famous as a major wintering ground for Black Necked Cranes, which arrive here late October and stay until early spring before heading back to their breeding grounds in Siberia. These birds are particularly respected in local culture and feature in local tradition as 'heavenly birds'.

Overnight icon Overnight: Hotel Gakiling Or Yo Lo Koe Lodge or Similar, Gangtey

Day 8 - Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and attend the Black-necked crane Festival. Drive to Trongsa.

Today you may see the Black Necked Cranes which should be in residence for your visit. It can be worthwhile arranging to go to see them before breakfast as they awake and before they fly off to their feeding grounds for the day. Speak to your guide about this. After seeing the cranes you will drive up to visit the Information Centre where you will find much interesting background information about the cranes.

Next you will attend the Black-necked Crane Festival which takes place every year in Phobjikha. Initiated by the Bhutan Royal Society for Protection of Nature, the festival is now organised by the local community and celebrates the annual arrival of the cranes. The festival has a full day's programme of traditional masked dances and plays, including the 'crane dance'. Whilst it is not one of the more traditional Tsechus, being of recent origin and more community based, the festival has the advantage of receiving relatively few western visitors and offers a real insight into the Bhutanese 'at play'. The festival takes place in the monastery courtyard and there are local food and handicraft stalls. A traditional archery competition is usually held nearby.

After lunch you will leave Gangtey and drive out to the main road and up to cross the Pele La Pass at 3,300m/10,827ft. You might like to stop to admire the views from here. You then descend from the pass and drive down, passing the large chorten at Chendebji and on to Trongsa. You will see Trongsa's splendid Dzong long before you reach it because the road takes you up a long side valley before eventually turning back to Trongsa town. Trongsa has an exceptionally dramatic dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. Because of its important strategic location this was one of the most important dzongs in the country. Set above the dzong is the Ta Dzong, the watchtower, a lovely old building which has been recently really beautifully renovated and houses an excellent museum with several floors of royal memorabilia and sacred artefacts. The views from the roof are worth the climb.

Overnight icon Overnight: Yangkhil Resort Or Similar, Trongsa

Day 9 - Drive to Chumey and up to Tharpaling. Ridge walk 3-4 hours. Drive to Jakar, 2,580m/8,465ft.

From Trongsa you drive across the Yotong La and towards Bumthang. The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys and Jakar town where you will stay is in the main valley called Chokhor. The other valleys are the Ura Valley which is to the east, Tang Valley which is slightly more off the beaten track and the Chumey Valley. Arriving in Chumey your first port of call is the Nyimalung Monastery. Founded in 1938, the monastery is home to over 100 musically talented monks. From here you can walk down in 10 minutes to visit Prakhar Monastery a quaint village temple. Then rejoining your vehicle you will visit Zugney, a famous centre for weaving, where you will see the industry that is an integral part of Bhutanese society. It's said that every Bhutanese home is equipped with a loom for weaving and young girls are proficient in the craft before they reach the age of twenty.

You then drive up to the cluster of temples at Tharpaling - a sacred spot and place of meditation, founded by Geluwa Lonchen Rabchampa (1308-1363) during his self-exile from Tibet for ten years. Several picturesque monasteries dot the hillside above the Chumey Valley with views over Domkhar (Chumey) and Domkhar Summer Palace. After a picnic lunch, you start the 4 hour walk along an old trail back towards Chumey. The path starts out beneath craggy cliffs, from where it climbs fairly gently up to the ridge top and reaches the Shutre Sae Pass at 3,700m/12,139ft. Sited on the pass in a glass case is a statue of the founder of Tharpaling. From here the views are phenomenal - looking south you can see over the Chumey/Domkhar Valley with the Black Mountains in the distance. The other way you get fabulous and unexpected views over Jakar town with the airport runway and the dzong clearly seen far below. Beyond and further north, you can see towards the high mountains - perhaps even Mount Gangkar Punsum on a clear day.

You descend from the pass in beautiful forest, nearly all downhill. On the higher reaches, you pass through pine, fir and rhododendron forest. Eventually you reach the road again at a huge area of prayer flags where you will meet your transport and head to your hotel in Jakar.

Overnight icon Overnight: Ugyenling Hotel Or Similar, Jakar

Day 10 - Fly to Paro. Drive over Cheli La pass, 3,990m/13,090ft, to Haa Valley with visit to Kila Nunnery on way.

Today you fly to Paro. (if your flight is delayed or cancelled you will drive back to Paro over two days).

Arriving in Paro, you will drive in about 1½ hours up to the Cheli La, a pass at 3,990m/13,090ft where in clear weather you will have wonderful views of the snow-capped mountains to the west which mark the border with Tibet. On the way you will call in at Kila Nunnery, a peaceful retreat for some 30 nuns who live a life of seclusion in an incredibly pretty spot set in lush forest beneath cliffs.

From the pass you descend on a long zig-zag road down into the Haa Valley. As you approach you will notice three almost identical conical hills in a line on the other side of the valley. These are believed by the locals to be the physical manifestations of three very important Buddhist saints. The left one is Manjushri (the god who holds the flaming sword which cuts the knot of ignorance), the middle one is Chenrizig (the Buddha of compassion of which the Dalai Lama is the human incarnation) and the right hand hill is Chana Dorji (this being the protector god of Bhutan). Collectively they are known as Rigsum (three hills). As you descend further you look down on the square yellow roof of Haa's monastery-fortress, the Namgay Dzong. Spread around the dzong are the buildings of the Indian Army dating from the visit of President Nehru - the Indian army has a presence in Bhutan ostensibly to protect the kingdom from possible invasion from China. Although part of the dzong is used by the Indian Army the central tower of the Dzong is still used by the local people. The old town itself is just to the north-west and is really quite attractive with traditional two storey shops and a post office. There is a large school in Haa. In the afternoon you should have time for some initial exploration in the Haa Valley.

Overnight icon Overnight: Lechuna Heritage Lodge or Similar, Haa

Day 11 - Walks in the Haa Valley. Drive back to Paro with visit to Dzong Drakha.

In the morning you will have time for a walk in the Haa Valley. Firstly you might drive up to the very top of the valley for an overview. This is a very pretty drive talking about 40 minutes and from here you will get really good views of the valley as well as over to the mountains of the west. On your return you take a spur road to Talung village and walk down from the top of the village for a look at a typical Haa village. Rejoining your vehicle at the bottom of the village you then drive the short distance to the bottom of a track for a nice walk up to Yongto Gompa, an ascent of 100 metres taking about 30 minutes. Yongto Gompa is perched on a ridge overlooking the main valley and is one of the oldest monasteries in Haa, thought to have been built in the 15th century. From here you walk downhill for 30 minutes through pine trees to Yangtha village. This is a large village on the floor of the main valley. In 2001 they suffered a huge fire which destroyed 12 houses. Amazingly, the fire left the temple of the village perfectly intact. After the fire the King visited the people of the village and paid for the reconstruction. The new houses are built in exactly the same traditional style and blend in remarkably well.

After lunch you drive back to Paro with a visit on the way to the temple of Dzong Drakha, a beautiful cliff temple spectacularly located on a broad ledge with vertical limestone cliffs above and below and with lovely views.

Overnight icon Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 12 - Walk to Taktsang Monastery.

A short drive beyond Paro town takes you to the trail head for the walk up to the famous Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It's a steep uphill walk through woods, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a tea house (an ascent of 340m/1,115ft.) Apart from offering welcome refreshment this tea house is one of the principle viewpoints of Taktsang, and those who prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others continue on. If there is a particular religious gathering or VIP visit in progress, you will not be able to enter the monastery but the further half an hour's ascent is well worth it in any case, as it brings you to another viewpoint directly across from Taktsang. If you are able to make a visit, the final section of the walk takes you from here steeply down 100m/330ft into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery gate.

Once you have walked back down you will have lunch and then the rest of the day can either be used to do any further sightseeing your guide suggests, or to do a little last minute shopping before you leave Bhutan.

Overnight icon Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro

Day 13 - Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

Again a sensational take-off and scenic Himalayan flight past Chomolhari, Bhutan's second highest peak, past Kangchenjunga and Everest back to Kathmandu, where you transfer to your hotel.

Overnight icon Overnight: Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Day 14 - At leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport and depart for London.

You will have much of the day free in Kathmandu when you may wish to do some sightseeing or shopping or simply relax by the pool at your hotel. Later there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to London.

Overnight icon Overnight: In flight

Day 15 - Arrive London.

Map

Map Key

  • Airport Airport
  • Point of interest Point of interest
  • Mountain Peak Mountain Peak
  • Day walk in this area Day walk in this area
  • Flights Flights
  • Internal Transfers Internal Transfers
  • Trek Trek

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Hold your place

Not quite ready to book? Why not call us on +44 (0) 1453 844400 to hold a no obligation place while you make up your mind?

Optional supplements
  • Single Room Supplement
    From £585
No Surcharge Guarantee

No surcharges will be applied to your holiday after you book. Prices on this website are updated regularly. The Flight Inclusive holiday price, or Land Only holiday price, will be confirmed to you at the time you make your booking. There will be no surcharges after your booking has been confirmed.

Flight inclusive holidays

The 'flight inclusive' holiday prices shown on this website are based upon our preferred airlines and the best priced economy class fares we are able to secure at the time of publication.

We will be able to advise on fares with alternative airlines, upgrades to Business Class, and the options for flights from regional UK airports, please contact us for more details.

Booking your holiday
  • Deposit
    From £400.00

For the majority of our holidays, a deposit payment of £400.00 per person is required to secure your place(s), however a small number of holidays require a higher deposit - please refer to the holiday itinerary for more details. If the holiday departs within 60 days, a deposit of £1,000.00 per person is required.

Book now!
  1. Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
  2. Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
  3. Call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 and one of our travel specialists will talk you through the booking process.

What’s included

  • An English speaking Bhutanese leader
  • Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
  • Single, timed group airport transfers for international flights on arrival and departure
  • All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers
  • Dwarikaâs 5* hotel in Kathmandu, bed & breakfast on twin-share basis
  • All road transport by private vehicles
  • In Bhutan, good standard hotel accommodation in main towns and best available hotels in outlying towns, on full board, twin-share basis.
  • Bhutan Visa
  • Bhutan Departure Tax
  • Sightseeing where specified
  • Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
  • A free Mountain Kingdoms Water-to-Go bottle

What’s not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees for Nepal
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • Optional trips
  • Tips


Read holiday reviews by Mountain Kingdoms travellers.

Overall score:           (Based on 37 reviews)

Gentle Walking Bhutan - tailor made holiday          

An exceptional holiday. Such a delightful contrast of culture, festivals, information and history. Travelling across the country with beautiful scenery and welcome from everyone. Our guide was so informative, good company and attentive to every detail. Thoroughly enjoyed the walking.

Bhutan - a unique experience          

I wouldnt call the trip a holiday - I think its best described as a unique experience - seeing a little bit of Bhutan's wonderful life and how structured their country is. Certain elements of the trip will live with us forever.

Bhutan: people and scenery          

The scenery was fabulous - and the people, wonderful

A new high in Bhutan          

We have enjoyed numerous holidays among mountains around the world (several of them with MK) but for its combination of easy walking amidst stunning scenery and insights into a fascinating culture, our two weeks in Bhutan marked a new high. Our local guide was simply fantastic, a wonderful companion and mine of information whether leading us down forest trails graced by unfamiliar flowers and birds, or explaining the significance of paintings and statues at stunning temples and fortresses.

Private Itinerary Bhutan - Loved it!          

Our guides were really awesome guys. Very competent, knowledgeable and kind. We loved the hiking in rural areas, historic temples, friendly local people, good healthy food and Himalayan mountain scenery.


Extend your holiday

Bardia National Park extension

Bardia national park nepal
  • Jungle activities including an elephant experience, bird watching, rafting and nature walks
  • See wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Stay at the delightful Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge situated on the edge of the park
More Details

After your adventurous time in the Himalaya why not add a relaxing Jungle Safari to your trip? The Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the west of Nepal. We use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which is acknowledged to be the best lodge in the area. Bardia’s remote geographic location and the fact that the lodge has only 12 rooms, lends a degree of exclusivity to the experience, in comparison to other more popular parks. From the lodge you will be able to participate in safaris and have the chance of seeing some of the country’s wonderful wildlife, for instance, wild elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, wild boar and if you are lucky, the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. There is also the possibility of visiting the villages of the Tharu tribal people that surround the lodge. With its abundant wildlife, relaxing lodge and first class service, our Bardia extension is an experience you will savour!

Chitwan National Park extension

Chitwan national park s hobson
  • Activities include; bird watching, elephant washing, canoe ride, elephant experience, landrover safari and jungle walks
  • Choice of accommodation from budget to luxury
  • Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu
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Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting Nepal’s jungle region for a complete contrast to the high mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Chitwan is home to a rich and varied wildlife. Here are found wild elephant, rhinos, leopard, sambar, chital (spotted) deer, wild boar and arguably the most magnificent of cats, the Royal Bengal Tiger. You may even see sloth bear, gaur (wild cattle) and crocodiles. Chitwan is also wonderful for birdlife especially in the spring, when the jungle rings day and night to the calls of several kinds of Asian cuckoo.

Shivapuri Heights Cottage extension

Jasmin house shivapuri heights cottage kathmandu nepal
  • Escape the crowds and hustle and bustle of Kathmandu
  • Walks available from the cottage - explore the nearby countryside
  • Single and double rooms available, or exclusive hire of the entire cottage
  • Breakfast and dinner included, plus unlimited tea and coffee
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While in Kathmandu, why not experience an exclusive, private, home away from home? Shivapuri Heights Cottage is a “home-stay-style” property that offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the City. It is located in 2 acres of land at an altitude of 6,000ft /1,830m on the edge of the protected Shivapuri Reserve, with beautiful views looking down into the Kathmandu Valley.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge - Extension

Tiger mountain lodge pokhara annapurnas nepal
  • Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the Annapurna range of Nepal
  • The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting
  • Beautiful outdoor swimming pool reflecting view of the Annapurna range
  • Delicious Nepali dishes & continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients, home-grown herbs & garden salads
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Why not extend your adventure in Nepal by visiting the beautiful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Tiger Mountain Pokhara lodge is a lovely place, situated on a ridge half an hour outside Pokhara and enjoying the most stunning mountain views over the Annapurna range of mountains.

The lodge is an ideal base for you to relax in a rural mountain setting, away from the bustle of town. With a central lodge, bar and dining room, the comfortable rooms are arranged in clusters of cottages resembling a Nepali village. All have attached bathrooms, private verandas and Himalayan views. Daily menus feature a range of Nepali dishes as well as continental specialities made from local fresh ingredients and home-grown herbs and garden salads. You may enjoy lovely walks through the forests and villages of the lovely countryside surrounding the lodge, escorted by trained local guides. The beautiful swimming pool reflects the distant white peaks of the Annapurna range. The lodge also offers a range of Ayurvedic and shiatsu therapy and yoga and meditation sessions are also available (at additional cost). You may also venture further afield to visit Pokhara, Nepal’s second city located on a lovely lake and also enjoying spectacular views.

Tibet Extension

Tibet sightseeing extension
  • Visit some of Tibet's most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Offers a scenery completely different to that of Bhutan and Nepal.
  • Suitable to add to any holiday flying in/out of Kathmandu.
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​A visit to Tibet offers an exciting extension to a visit to Nepal or Bhutan. Regular flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu make it possible to visit most of the major sights in and around Lhasa on an 8 day itinerary and a visit to Tibet will provide an exhilarating contrast to your trek or tour in Nepal or Bhutan. Tibet’s high plateau offers totally different and starker scenery to that of the other Himalayan countries. Here you will see some of the most important historical and cultural sites and monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism – the Potala Palace and Samye, Ganden and Drepung Monasteries.

If taking this extension you will need to spend an extra day beforehand in Kathmandu while our agents there process your Tibet visa. They will need your passport for the day for this purpose. You need to let us know in good time if you wish to take this extension as we need to put this process in hand and send your details to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu well before your departure date.

Koshi Tappu, Nepal

Koshi tappu nepal
  • Koshi Tappu is home to over 500 species of birds
  • Look out for exciting wildlife like jungle cats, crocodiles and rare water buffalo
  • Explore the park by foot, raft and jeep
  • Stay in the pleasantly located Koshi Camp
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Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birdwatching and wildlife areas in all Asia. Located in south-east Nepal, the reserve covers 175 square kilometres with large expanses of open water created by the Koshi barrage, with marshes, lagoons, sandbanks and mudflats offering an outstanding wetland habitat. The reserve is home to over 500 species of birds, with the resident inhabitants being joined by large numbers of migratory species from Siberia and Tibet, which take up residence from November to February. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds with many species seen here which are not recorded elsewhere in the region.

There is also much wildlife to be seen in Koshi Tappu including blue bull, golden jackal, Bengal fox, fishing cat, jungle cat, mongoose, civet cat, porcupine, Indian flying foxes and rare Gangetic dolphins as well as rare Marsh Mugger crocodiles. In addition, Koshi Tappu is the last habitat of the endangered Arna, a type of wild water buffalo.

During your visit you will explore the park with bird and animal spotting from a raft trip on the Koshi River, birdwatching walks, jungle walks and jeep trips. You will also have the opportunity to visit a family in one of the very interesting nearby local villages for a taste of rural Nepalese life. The Koshi Camp offers simple but comfortable accommodation and an expert staff of naturalists and birdwatchers to give you a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful area.

Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, Nepal

Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Observe traditional crafts such as pottery, woodcarving and thangka painting
  • Choose from a selection of full and half day guided tours
  • Travel in a private car with a driver and an English-speaking guide
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The Kathmandu Valley has a long and rich history and a vibrant culture and there is much that is worthwhile to see there - crowded bazaars, ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, crumbling shrines and picturesque palaces. The Malla kings who ruled in the valley created three major cities in the valley, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan and each of these cities has buildings that are showpieces for the art and architecture of local Newari craftsmen. We offer a selection of half day trips and full day trips to these sites the valley.

The Pavilions Himalayas, Nepal

The pavilions himalayas nepal
  • Spend two or more tranquil nights in rural Pokhara
  • Sample the organic and locally sourced Nepali cuisine
  • Idyllic setting with mountain views
  • The resorts offers a swimming pool, spa and gym
  • Eco-friendly
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We are delighted to offer this new luxury stay in a rural location just outside Pokhara. We are sure this is set to become a favourite with our clients.

The Pavilions Himalayas is a luxury resort set in beautiful farmland amid paddy fields in a tranquil rural location approximately 5km outside Pokhara. There are dramatic mountain views from the resort as well as Pokhara’s famous Peace Pagoda seen on top of a nearby ridge.

The beautiful rooms are set in individual villas and are large and comfortable, all having whirlpool baths, separate rain shower cubicles, enormous beds and offering wonderful hand made soaps and shampoos made with herbs from their garden.

All facilities at the resort are top of the range and include a lovely swimming pool and spa. From the resort it is just a short drive to explore Pokhara or there are pleasant walks from the hotel or you can just chill at the resort, have a massage and enjoy the facilities.

Bumdra Trek Extension, Bhutan

Bumdra Trek Bhutan camp mountain views
  • A two-day trek that can be added to the end of your holiday in Bhutan
  • Camp beneath Bumdra Monastery in a beautiful, scenic spot
  • Enjoy views of the High Himalayan mountains
  • Trek to Taktsang Monastery on a path that few others take
  • Full service camping experience experience with porterage
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If you would like to experience a night under canvas in the mountains of Bhutan this short, two-day trek is the perfect opportunity. Setting out from the Paro Valley you walk up 900m to a beautiful, scenic spot by Bumdra Monastery with wonderful views across the high Himalaya. Here you camp for the night before a leisurely descent the following morning to reach iconic Takstsang Monastery - enjoying a vantage point that very few others get to see.

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan

Royal Manas 330x230
  • Three full days at Royal Manas National Park - a birder's paradise
  • Accommodation in a comfortable hotel close to the park, plus hotel nights en route
  • Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide throughout
  • Private transport, driver and all meals included
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Extend your stay in Bhutan with time at the Royal Manas National park, a wonderful birder’s paradise close to the Indian border. Our extension package gives you three full days to explore the park and surrounding area, with all meals, private transport and comfortable accommodation included. You will be accompanied throughout by an expert guide to maximise your bird and wildlife viewing.

Bhutan Hotel Upgrades

Bhutan hotel upgrades
  • Upgrade your accommodation for your trip in Bhutan.
  • Choose from boutique and spa hotels in various destinations.
  • Stay in luxurious properties with first rate service and facilities
  • Enjoy fine dining and indulgent rooms
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For our brochure trips to Bhutan we offer good standard tourist hotels and lodges, however, Bhutan also offers some lovely boutique and spa hotels which we are pleased to offer as upgrades on your trip. We offer a range of properties in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and other towns all of which provide excellent facilities and service as well as attractive locations.

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