Active Himalaya | Nepal to Bhutan Trek

Privately guided

Travel with expert local guides who provide unmatched insight into the culture, history and natural beauty of Nepal and Bhutan. Their expertise ensures a safe, seamless and unforgettable journey. This trip is fully privately guided throughout.

Accommodation

Enjoy a mix of cosy teahouses in Nepal, camping under Bhutan’s starry skies and comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Paro. Each stay offers a unique connection to the local culture and landscape. Think friendly, locally-owned and hospitable guesthouses.

Challenge level

This trip includes multiple days of trekking at altitude, making it perfect for adventurous travellers with a good level of fitness.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kathmandu
Kathmandu
44600
Nepal

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, where you’ll be met at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. International flights to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) are not included, but it’s a well-connected hub with options from major cities worldwide.

At the end of the trip, your flight back from Paro in Bhutan to Kathmandu is included. You'll then need to make your own travel arrangements home or onwards from Kathmandu. Airport transfers are included in both Nepal and Bhutan, ensuring a seamless start and finish to your adventure. Please note that you'll be picked up from the airport any time but hotel check-in is typically available from early afternoon.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu

  Welcome to Nepal! Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Nepali cuisine.

• Day 2 | Kathmandu to Kutumsang (2,470m)

  Drive to Chisapani, then trek 12km (6–7 hours) through lush forests and scenic villages to Kutumsang. Overnight in a cosy teahouse.

• Day 3 | Kutumsang to Thadepati (3,650m)

  Trek 6km (5–6 hours), ascending through rhododendron forests to Thadepati. Enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan peaks from this high-altitude village.

• Day 4 | Thadepati to Tarkeyghyang (2,590m)

  Descend to Melamchi Ghyang, then trek 14km (6–7 hours) to the serene village of Tarkeyghyang, known as the “gem” of Helambu.

• Day 5 | Tarkeyghyang to Sermanthang (2,590m)

  Trek 8km (4–5 hours) through rolling landscapes and traditional villages. Option to hike Ama Yangri Peak for 360-degree views of the Himalayas.

• Day 6 | Sermanthang to Kathmandu

  Return to Kathmandu (4–5 hours by car) and visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, two of the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Day 7 | Fly to Bhutan

  Take the scenic flight to Paro before exploring Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Relax for the evening at your leisure.

• Day 8 | Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120m)

  Hike 5km (4–5 hours) to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Enjoy breathtaking views and cultural immersion.

• Day 9 | Start Druk Path Trek (3,480m)

  Drive to Damchena, then trek 10km (4–5 hours) to Jele Dzong. Camp under the stars with views of Mount Jumolhari.

• Day 10 | Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (3,770m)

  Trek 10km (3–4 hours) through pine forests and rhododendron-filled trails. Spot yak herders en route.

• Day 11 | Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho (3,880m)

  Hike 11km (4 hours) to the tranquil Jimilangtsho Lake, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.

• Day 12 | Jimilangtsho to Simkotra Tsho (4,110m)

  Trek 11km (4 hours) along ridges and past high-altitude lakes to the remote Simkotra Tsho, where you’ll camp for the night.

• Day 13 | Trek to Thimphu

  Descend through forests to Phajoding before transferring to Bhutan’s peaceful capital. Relax and explore Thimphu in the evening.

• Day 14 | Thimphu to Punakha

  Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass for stunning Himalayan views. Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple.”

• Day 15 | Punakha to Paro

  Start the day with a rafting adventure on the Pho Chu River, then drive to Paro. Reflect on your journey over a relaxed evening.

• Day 16 | Fly to Kathmandu

  Take a flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is yours to explore or unwind at your hotel.

• Day 17: Departure

  Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!

Included

• Airport transfers and local transport
• Return flights from Kathmandu to Paro
• Expert local guides and porters
• 4 nights in hotels in Nepal and Bhutan
• 4 nights in local teahouses
• 4 nights camping in Bhutan
• 16 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners
• Park fees, permits and Bhutan visa fee

Not Included

• International flights to Nepal
• Travel insurance
• Soft drinks, alcohol or drinking water
• Tips for guides and porters
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Souvenirs

International flights

Your trip starts and ends in Kathmandu. You will need to book flights to arrive and depart from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). This is around a 20-30 minute drive to the hotel you’ll be staying at.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this adventurous trip to cover medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.

This trip is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your presence positively contributes to the people, communities and environments you encounter.

• Carbon Footprint

  This trip emits approximately 618 kg of carbon per person, including transport, accommodation, food and activities. This is roughly equivalent to driving a petrol car 1,950 miles or heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for 26 days. This trip measures the footprint so you can make informed decisions about how travel fits into your overall footprint and what steps, if any, you'd like to take to offset it.

• Responsible Travel Practices

  This trip recognises the impact of international travel but believes in creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By working with local guides, staying in locally-owned accommodations and visiting community projects along the way, it aims to minimise its footprint while focusing on the positive impact that tourism can have on developing economies.

• Supporting Local Communities

  From employing local staff to sourcing food and supplies from community-based businesses, this trip directly supports the economies of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey helps preserve local traditions and fosters sustainable tourism growth.

• Caring for the Environment

  This trip follows the Leave No Trace principle and is a proud supporter of initiatives like Travellers Against Plastic, encouraging minimal waste on all trips. It's an area constantly being looking to make further improvements to.

• The Commitment

  This trip handpicks partners who share its strong values for sustainability and responsible tourism. Together, all partners strive to leave destinations better than when found, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Costs

Very knowledgeable and trustworthy! 

Really good to chat to Rob and Jules. Very knowledgeable, seemed genuinely interested in what we wanted from our trip and didn’t pressure us into anything. Really looking forward to our trip! Andy

The guys at Earth Dog have gone above and beyond when guiding us with plans for our honeymoon, coming up with things we'd never had considered before. We are even more excited now, and can't thank them enough for their help! definitely recommend! Sian

Would Recommend. Super happy with the service we got, very easy process, Rob was so helpful! Thanks guys. Daniel Fender

Really pleased to see a company with a genuine passion for travel sharing the experience of trustworthy local guides. 100% would recommend. Steve

The service was top notch! Jules was always available to answer our questions and kept us informed throughout. Highly recommended! Ollie Jarman

Excellent service and fantastic knowledge. As a family of 5 its not always easy to find great travel options but this company's personal experience made the difference. Highly recommend. Katie Farmar

Reviews courtesy of Trust Pilot