Ten days in Nepal, from the temples and cobblestone squares of Kathmandu to the foothills of the Annapurnas. We'll fly to Pokhara, trek from teahouse to teahouse through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides, and climb Poon Hill before dawn to watch the sun rise over the snow-capped Himalaya. Along the way, we'll stay in Ghandruk, a Gurung village known for its warm hospitality and its view of Machapuchare, the Fishtail. This is a classic first Himalayan trek, with a couple of long days, a free day in Pokhara to recover, and plenty of tea.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the villages, the sunrises, and the women you'll share them with.

Optional Bhutan Extension:

Not ready to leave the Himalaya? Extend your Nepal adventure with six days in the Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth. We’ll fly from Kathmandu to Paro, wander through the capital of Thimphu, cross the Dochula Pass to the fortress of Punakha, and finish with a hike up to the Tiger’s Nest, the monastery clinging to a cliff above the Paro Valley. Along the way, we’ll meet weavers and artists, walk through farmland to a centuries-old temple, and spend our days in a country where tradition is a way of life.

Come for the Tiger’s Nest. Stay for the dzongs, the mountain passes, and the women you’ll share them with.

**This trip requires a minimum number of travelers to run. Please wait to book flights or get travel insurance until we confirm the minimum has been met.

Arrive in Kathmandu, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Take it easy, settle in, and get ready for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Kathmandu

A full day of sightseeing with an English-speaking guide. We'll begin at Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, ringed by monasteries. Then we'll drive to Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees," to wander 17th-century cobblestone streets, temple courtyards, and squares alive with potters, carvers, and weavers.

Overnight: Kathmandu

We take a short flight to Pokhara, then drive to Naya Pul, where the trek begins. We'll cross a suspension bridge, pass through the village of Birethanti, and climb steadily up the valley to our first teahouse in Tirkedunga.

Trek: 4–5 hours · 658 m (2,156 ft) up Overnight: Teahouse in Tirkedunga

This is the biggest day of the trek. We'll climb a long stone staircase to the village of Ulleri, then continue through pastures and into oak and rhododendron forest, with Annapurna South peeking out from behind the hills. By the end of the day, we'll reach Ghorepani, a cozy village whose name means "horse water."

Trek: 6–7 hours · 1,370 m (4,494 ft) up

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani

We start before dawn with an hour's climb to Poon Hill, one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region. As the sun comes up, the Himalaya glows in front of you, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, we'll trek through pine and rhododendron forest to the mountain village of Tadapani.

Trek: About 7 hours, including the sunrise climb

Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani

A shorter day, and a beautiful one. We'll descend through forest and terraced fields to Ghandruk, the second-largest Gurung village in Nepal, known for its hospitality and its view of Machapuchare, the Fishtail. We'll have the afternoon to wander the village and learn about Gurung culture.

Trek: 3–4 hours · 690 m (2,329 ft) down

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghandruk

We'll finish the trek with a long descent, first down a stone staircase and then along a wide paved trail above the Modi Khola river, through a birch forest, and on to Birethanti. We'll cross one last suspension bridge, and then it's a drive back to Pokhara and a well-earned evening at the hotel.

Trek: About 5 hours · 1,118 m (3,600 ft) down

Overnight: Pokhara

You've earned a slow day. Sleep in, spa, wander the lakeside, or just sit with a cup of tea and look back at the mountains you just walked through.

Overnight: Pokhara

After breakfast, we'll fly back to Kathmandu and settle into the hotel. The afternoon is yours for shopping, wandering, or a last bit of sightseeing.

Overnight: Kathmandu

Enjoy one last breakfast, then we'll transfer to the airport for your flight home, with a head full of mountains and a few new friends.

After breakfast, we’ll fly to Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, with mountain views along the way. After visa formalities, we’ll drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Our first stop is Buddha Dordenma, a giant gilded bronze Buddha overlooking the valley, which holds more than a hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then we’ll settle into our hotel and take an evening stroll around town.

Overnight: Thimphu

Today is all about Bhutanese culture. We’ll start at the Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed stupa where locals circle the monument day and night. Then we’ll visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center to watch traditional cloth being made, and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where young Bhutanese learn traditional painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and other crafts. There will be time to browse the shops and relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Thimphu

We’ll drive about three hours to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, at 3,100 meters (10,171 ft). On clear days, you’ll see Himalayan peaks stretching across the horizon, including Bhutan’s highest mountain. Down in the warm valley of Lobesa, we’ll walk through farmhouses and fields to Chime Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple dedicated to the beloved saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Then we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, a former capital and a magnificent fortress built between two rivers, before driving back to Thimphu.

Drive: About 3 hours each way
Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Paro and spend the day sightseeing. We’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress and monastery, and the National Museum, which is housed in a 17th-century watchtower above the valley.

Overnight: Paro

This is the day you came for. We’ll hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery clinging to a granite cliff about 800 meters above the Paro Valley. The trail climbs steadily through villages and pine forest for 2 to 3 hours, with views and the chance to spot monkeys in the trees. Legend says the great saint Padmasambhava flew here on a tigress to meditate, and today it’s a pilgrimage site every Bhutanese hopes to visit at least once in a lifetime. Horses can be arranged for part of the way up for an extra cost. The afternoon is free to explore Paro town.

Hike: 2–3 hours uphill, to 3,120 m (10,236 ft)
Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu, where you’ll connect to your flight home. The Paro flight lands in Kathmandu at about 8 to 9 a.m., so book your flight home for late afternoon or later.