- Grade:
- ?
Moderate
- Duration: 14 days from the UK
- Walks on: 5 days On trek: 3 days
- Private Departures Available
Flight inclusive from £4280, Land only from £3190
Trek the best bits of Bhutan’s new long distance trail, exploring villages, temples and ancient dzongs along the way
Highlights
- Walk and trek the best sections of the western end of Bhutan's new long-distance trail
- Experience traditional rural life, ancient cultural sights and beautiful scenery
- Avoid the toughest climbs of the trail with a carefully selected itinerary
- Visit Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger's Nest, and Punakha Dzong
For centuries the path connecting the villages, fortresses and sacred sites across the kingdom of Bhutan was the only way to access this remote country. Running from the Haa Valley in the west to Trashigang in the far east it provided the only route for Buddhist pilgrims as well as for internal trade and communications. With the recent development of the National Highway the trail fell into disuse until 2018 when a restoration project was set up. Led by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, with the royal seal of approval of the King of Bhutan. Its aim was to make the old trail accessible once again and to establish a new long-distance path for enthusiastic trekkers.
Over the last two years, the work has gathered pace utilising Bhutanese workers furloughed in the Covid crisis to rebuild bridges, footpaths and thousands of steps linking towns and villages with historic and cultural sites. The result is the new 250 mile long Trans Bhutan Trail that traverses one of the most unique, culturally fascinating and environmentally conscious countries in the world. A true classic in the making!
To tackle the whole trail is a major undertaking for even the most ardent of trekkers, but for those who want to experience a small part of it, and to explore some of the main sights of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, we’ve created this exciting new holiday. We’ve carefully selected sections of the trail that avoid the steepest, most challenging climbs, yet still offer good walking through traditional, scenic landscapes.
Starting in Paro, you head east on the trail on a series of day walks via giant Buddha statues, ancient dzongs, lush valleys and panoramic Himalayan views. You then embark on a three night camping trek along a delightful section of the Trans Bhutan Trail also known as the Samtengang Trek. This takes you through the beautiful hills and valleys of rural Bhutan, where you will meet local families and see them tending their fields and crops using techniques little changed over time. Walking is on a mix of footpaths, dirt farm tracks (locally called feeder roads), and occasionally, small country roads.
Leaving the trail behind, you return to Paro and your trip ends in fitting style with a walk up to the cliff-edge monastery of Taktsang – the iconic Tiger’s Nest. If travelling in spring, you will also attend the flamboyant Paro Tsechu.
Private Departures
Trans Bhutan Trail - Western Highlights - Private Departures
If you would prefer to travel just with 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
Moderate
Duration: 14 days from the UK
Walks on: 5 days On trek: 3 days
Max. Altitude: 3,140m/10,302ft, Dochu La, days 6 & 10
Private Departures Available
Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients
Maximum group size: 12
Accommodation types: Hotel, Camping
Festival:
Spring departure attends the Paro Tsechu
Meal arrangements: Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. All meals in Bhutan.
Itinerary overview
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | (This is the mini itinerary for our autumn departures - detailed itineraries for all departures can be downloaded below).Fly to Kathmandu. Fly to Paro. Sightseeing |
| 4 | Walk along the Trans Bhutan Trail to Dopshari. Drive to Thimphu. |
| 5 | Sightseeing in Thimphu. Walk to Simtokha Dzong. |
| 6 | Drive to Dochu La. Walk trail to Toeb Chandana. Transfer to Punakha. |
| 7-9 | Trek to Samtengang along the Trans Bhutan Trail via Lingmukha and Chungseykha. |
| 10 | Drive to Dochu La. Walk to Hongtsho. Transfer to Paro. |
| 11 | Walk to Taktsang Monastery. |
| 12 | Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. At leisure. |
| 13-14 | Time at leisure. Overnight flight to UK. |
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.
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly London to Kathmandu
Depart London on your overnight flight to Kathmandu.
Overnight: In flight
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu. Group transfer to hotel.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. You might like to venture out to Thamel for your evening meal, or eat in the restaurant if you are tired from your journey.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 3 - Fly to Paro in Bhutan. Sightseeing.
Transfer for the flight to Paro, the country's main airstrip, 2,250m/7,382ft. The flight often gives fantastic views of the Himalaya including Everest, and particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. Try to sit on the left hand side of the plane. You will be met on arrival by your Bhutanese guide and then transferred to your hotel.
The Paro Valley has always had a great strategic importance for Bhutan and was historically an important staging post on the trade routes with Tibet. The spectacular Paro Dzong, situated on a rocky outcrop above the Paro Chu and with views down both sides of the valley was historically one of Bhutan's strongest and most strategic fortresses. Before the rebuilding of the Tashidodzong in Thimphu, it was also the seat of Bhutan's National Assembly.
Depending on the arrival time of your flight there should be time for some sightseeing in Paro in the afternoon. You might wander around Paro township or pay a quick visit to the huge dzong. Then if there is time and you feel like a walk you could stroll back to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 4 - Walk the Paro to Dopshari section of the Trans Bhutan Trail - 9.8km/6 miles, 3-4 hours. Drive to Thimphu.
You will step out today, for the first time, on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Your walk begins from Lamgong Village in the Paro Valley, heading east, you will see the picturesque emerald green terraces and rice fields that characterise the valley. The path rises fairly gently this morning, following the northern ridge of the valley before descending to the village of Dopshari. The Dopshari Gewog (village group) covers an area of almost 37 square kilometres and comprises 24 separate villages. It is very much a traditional farming region with vegetables, apples and rice being its primary produce.
You will enjoy lunch at a farmhouse in the village of Dopshari where you will no doubt be treated to a typical Bhutanese meal made from local produce. After lunch you return to the trail and climb up and out of the valley to Upper Dopshari, 2,826m, from where there are far reaching views.
Your driver will meet you and you will continue east to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where you will spend the next two nights.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 5 - Sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive up to visit giant Buddha. Walk to the village of Debsi - 3km/2 miles, 1½ hours walking. Short drive to Simtokha Dzong.
Thimphu itself has an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city, although it has grown greatly in recent years. It has various sights worth visiting such as 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. Thimphu Dzong houses the offices for the Ministers of Bhutan as well as their monks and their Head Lama, the Jey Khenpo.
In the afternoon you will drive up to the giant Buddha Dordenma statue which sits high above the town and offers excellent views across the Thimphu Valley. It is also the starting point of your next short section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. From the statue you descend into the Debsi Valley and eventually to the small village of Debsi. The trail ends with a small feeder road before crossing a bridge that leads to the highway. Your driver will meet you and take you to Simtokha Dzong.
Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 and is the oldest dzong to have survived in the kingdom in its original form. It is also considered to be the first dzong in all of Bhutan to have combined both administrative and monastic functions, and as such it is of great historical interest. The interior of the dzong houses 300 slate carvings and many murals that are amongst the oldest in Bhutan. Today the dzong is home to one of the country's most prominent language institutes but you may be able to see inside if there are no official events taking place. You will also need to be wearing trousers (rather than shorts) to enter.
After time to explore, you will be driven back to your hotel at Thimphu.
Overnight: Phuntso Pelri Hotel or Similar, Thimphu
Day 6 - Drive up do Dochu La, 3,140m/10,302ft. Walk the Trans Bhutan Trail to Toeb Chandana, 1,560m/5,118ft - 13.7km/ 8½ miles.
After breakfast you will leave Thimphu driving east and joining the east-west national highway. As the road climbs out of Thimphu you will get a good view of Simtokha Dzong where your walk ended yesterday. The road climbs via a series of zigzags to the Dochu La Pass, 3,140m/10,302ft. The pass is marked by a collection of 108 chortens which were built in 2005 and make for a very impressive and photogenic sight. Similarly the panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya from the Dochu La, are quite sublime. On a clear day you can even see Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 7,550m/24,770ft. This still remains the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Today's walk follows a section of the trail that is also known as the Divine Madman Heritage Trail. This is because it follows the journey of Drupka Kunley - a much loved and venerated figure in Bhutanese history. Known as 'The Divine Madman', Drukpa Kunley was a 15th Century lama and is Bhutan's most popular saint and one of the most important figures in Bhutanese folklore. He is renowned for spreading the teachings of the Buddha through unconventional and often outrageous methods - including sexual antics. Despite the apparent conservatism of the Bhutanese people, Drukpa Kunley is a great favourite throughout the country - the phallus symbols painted on the outside walls of houses date back to his teachings.
From the Dochu La, the trail descends gradually through conifer and warm broadleaf forest. The area is home to many species of birds and mammals including the red panda - although you would be very fortunate to see one. You pass through several villages and pretty rice terraces with the path undulating but mainly descending. The temple of Thinleygang Lhakhang, now a school for young monks, makes a good place to stop for refreshments before continuing lower into the valley past farms and across a supension bridge to reach Toeb Chandana. This spot plays an important role in the legend of the Divine Madman as it is said that Drupka Kunley fired an arrow from Tibet to decide the course of his journey and the arrow purportedly landed on the house here. You can climb the steps to have a look inside the house and also visit the Chandana Lakhang next door which was built to mark the sacred spot and to ward off an evil demon. The murals inside the temple depict the tale.
After time for a little exploration, your driver will take you into the nearby town of Punakha which was the old winter capital of Bhutan.
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort or Similar, Punakha
Day 7 - Visit Punakha Dzong. Trek the Trans Bhutan Trail to Lingmukha, 2,144m/7,034ft - 12.5km/8 miles, 5-6 hours.
After breakfast you make the short 10 minute drive up through Punakha to visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most celebrated sights. The main monastery/fortress in Punakha was the power base for the old system of reincarnate rulers. The remains of the original ruler of Bhutan, Nawang Namgyal, are kept in a small room at the top of the highest tower; only the King and the head of the Monastic Order are allowed to enter this room. Provided the head of the Monastic Order and his monks are in Thimphu it should be possible to view the inner courtyards of Punakha Dzong. In 1994 there was a major flood in the town as a glacial lake burst up in the Himalaya, causing tremendous havoc in the town and damage to the dzong, which has now been beautifully restored.
The dzong sits at the confluence of two rivers - the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu (mother and father rivers) in a particularly photogenic spot. If you are visiting in the spring, the whitewashed walls of the dzong will be lined with purple jacaranda blossom and the paths covered in purple petals. You will have time to visit the dzong this morning and no doubt take lots of photos before you head out on the Trans Bhutan Trail.
Over the next three days you will be walking a well-known Bhutanese trekking trail called the Samtengang trek which is also a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trail starts upstream from the dzong where you cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan before climbing gently through terraced fields of mustard, rice and winter wheat. The route continues to ascend through forests of chir pine and oak until it reaches a clearing marked by a prayer flag. If the weather is clear you can enjoy beautiful views across the valley with perhaps a distant glimpse of the snow capped peak of Chomolhari. After a rest, you push on to a chorten that you can see on the skyline above - this marks the high point of today's trek at 2,220m.
With the climb now behind you, the trail descends into the neighbouring Lingmukha Valley, also known as 'the Golden Bowl' due to the many rice fields which cascade down the sides of the valley. Eventually you reach a feeder road which leads you into Lingmukha Village. Here you will see several large houses and a small temple (lakhang). You will camp here tonight.
Overnight: Camp
Day 8 - Trek the Trans Bhtuan Trail to the village of Chungseykha - 14km/8½ miles, 5-6 hours.
Leaving Lingmukha, the day begins with a steep climb out of the valley through shady oak and broadleaf forest, that leads to a ridge. You cross the ridge and then descend before climbing again for a couple of hours to a pass bedecked in colourful prayer flags - the Dochen La, 2,645m - where you can take time to rest and enjoy the expansive views. You then continue steeply downhill along a forest track that opens up giving views ahead to Samtengang Village.
Shortly before reaching Chungseykha, the path leads to an old temple, Dargyel Gompa, once again associated with the legend of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley. Several small meditation cells can be seen on the hillside above.
Your trek ends today at the village of Chungseykha where you will camp for the night.
Overnight: Camp
Day 9 - Trek the Trans Bhutan Trail to Samtengang, 1,952m/6,404ft - 13km/ 8 miles, 5 hours. Explore the village and drive back to Punakha.
From Chungseykha you initially follow a road that descends to cross a suspension bridge over the Bae Chhu river. On the other side you leave the road and climb to a pass through several small farming villages and gorges before eventually arriving at Samtengang.
You will have time to explore the village and surrounding area before being driven back to your hotel in Punakha and a very welcome hot shower.
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort Or Similar, Punakha
Day 10 - Drive to the Dochu La. Walk the Trans Bhutan Trail to Hongtsho - 6-9½km/5-6 miles, 4-5 hours. Transfer to Paro.
Your vehicle will drive you to the top of the Dochu La pass, where you will walk a spectacular portion of the Trans Bhutan Trail in a westerly direction, back towards the capital Thimphu.
You have another opportunity to visit and photograph the 108 chortens of the Dochu La pass before starting your walk. The trail starts to gradually climb and contour along the ridge in a south easterly direction, initially past many prayer flags. The path winds upwards through a fabulous old forest of rhododendron, hemlock and spruce. There are superb views in every direction. After about two hours you reach the small meditation centre and gompa at Lungchuzekha, situated right on top of the ridge and, weather permitting, with wonderful views of many Himalayan peaks. The path then descends gradually through forest (again with great views) and yak herder's clearings. After about an hour the small settlement of Trashigang is reached. The route then descends through further beautiful mixed forest, and passes two old chortens before joining a track which leads back to the main road at Hongtsho. Here you will be picked up by your vehicle and driven to Paro.
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 11 - Walk to Taktsang Monastery - the Tiger's Nest.
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
Overnight: Hotel Olathang Or Similar, Paro
Day 12 - Fly to Kathmandu.
This is normally an early morning flight which takes you out and over the Bhutanese mountains and past Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Everest, finally dropping down into Kathmandu Valley. Sit on the right if you can for the very best views. You will be met and transferred to your hotel, after which there will be plenty of time to relax or for some shopping or sightseeing.
Overnight: Hotel Shanker Or Similar, Kathmandu
Day 13 - Time at leisure. Transfer to airport for flight to London.
You have most of the day free to enjoy some final souvenir shopping or sightseeing, or to simply relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. Later in the afternoon there will be a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to London.
Overnight: In flight
Day 14 - Arrive London.
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Hold your place
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Optional supplements
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Single Room Supplement
From £310 -
Single tent
From £65
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!
- Book your small group holiday securely online – click the ‘Book’ button next to your chosen departure or visit our How to Book page
- Complete and return a Booking Form available to download here.
- 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 guide
- All flights between Kathmandu and Paro and domestic airport transfers
- 4* hotel in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast, twin-share basis
- 7 nights good standard hotel accommodation in Bhutan on a full board, twin-share basis.
- 2 nights full service camping
- Bhutan Visa and Bhutan departure tax
- Sightseeing where specified
- All road transport by private vehicle
- Free use of a good quality down jacket and sleeping bag with liner on trek
- A free Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
- 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
- Carbon offsetting with the Ecoan Tree Planting Project (for clients taking our flight inclusive option)
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: 4.75 (Based on 4 reviews)
What a fantastic trip. I have wanted to visit Bhutan for some time and was not disappointed. We had a wonderful guide Karma who ensured we got the most from the experience. I really enjoyed walking parts of the trans Bhutan trail and camping. The hotels were all very nice and the food was great. I would definitely recommend this trip.
The things I most enjoyed: A beautiful part of the world to walk. I never tired of the artwork on all the buildings, whether they were people's homes or amazing temples. The preserved heritage sites. The hotels were wonderful but i really preferred the couple of nights camping. Our visit to a homestay was very special. Bhutanese people were unfailingly charming and helpful. Our guide and driver were both first class.
The people and culture of Bhutan were truly inspirational, and the guide was able to explain Buddism very well. He took us to all sorts of places and that were not in the itinerary. Mountain Kingdoms Guides and Drivers were excellent, especially Karma, and they insured my safety and treatment when I contracted dysentery. The landscapes and views were wonderful.
We were totally blown away by Bhutan, what a privilege to visit such a wonderful country. We were very fortunate in that our guide was very experienced and as there was only the two of us, he could adapt the trekking to suit our needs. Some of the trails hadnt been used in a while which gave a pioneer feel to the walks, we rarely met anyone else using the trails. Everything was well organised and we were always made to feel very welcome wherever we went. Highly recommended this trip.
Extend your holiday
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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!
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.
- 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
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.