Nepal & Bhutan: From the Annapurna Foothills to Tiger's Nest Adventure Tour

Two Himalayan kingdoms. Fifteen days of culture, trekking, wildlife, and moments that stay with you. Nepal opens with a six-course welcome dinner in Kathmandu before Annapurna's foothills, Gurung villages, and Chitwan's jungle safaris unfold. Then Bhutan takes over - remote Haa Valley, Tiger's Nest at dawn, and a hot stone bath waiting at the end. The Himalayas, done properly.

What rules should I know before joining this trip?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Who will be leading the group?  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Dive into rural Bhutanese life in the Haa Valley with village walks and a cooking class, Trek to the cliffside Kila Nunnery then unwind with a traditional hot stone bath, Take on Bhutan's most iconic hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, Unwind with a trekkers' massage and a restorative Himalayan sound bath, Cruise the Narayani River before a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Homestay Lunch and Visit, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Wellness Moment: Spa Experience Pokhara, Pokhara
Your Foodie Moment: Tibetan Momo Making, Pokhara
Your OMG Day: Yoga or Sound Bath Session and Cycling around Pame or Mandala Art Making Workshop, Pokhara
Your Foodie Moment: Hoenty Dumpling Cooking Experience, Haa Dzongkhag
Your OMG Day: Your OMG Day: Juney Drak Hike & Cultural Immersion or Haa Panorama Hiking, Haa Dzongkhag. Complimentary Arrival and Departure Transfers.
Internal flights.
Visit Buddha Statue.
Experience Centenary Farmers Market.
Explore Thimphu Town.
Dinner at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant.
Sightseeing at Dochula Pass (108 Chortens).
Chimi Lhakhang Hike.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple.
Walk on Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Visit Punakha Dzong.
Visit National Memorial Chorten.
Visit Folk Heritage Museum.
Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
Visit Royal Textile Academy.
Hoenty Cooking Experience.
Archery Demonstration.
Drive to Chele La Pass.
Hike to Kila Nunnery.
Visit Tara Monastery.
Traditional Hot Stone Bath.
Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Hike.
Farewell Dinner with Cultural Dance.
Welcome meeting and orientation sessions in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Scenic treks across Lumle, Tomijong, Tolkha, Landruk, and Tomijong with panoramic Himalayan views.
Gurung village visit.
Boat safari along Rapti River.
Jeep safari at Chitwan National Park.
Welcome by the Barauli Community Homestay.
Bhaktapur exploration.
Cycling through the Tharu Village.
Guided pottery-making session.
Cultural dance performances in Chitwan.
Free time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and porterage.
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

16

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

How large will the group be?  

Max 16.

What is the group leader like?  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?  

Hotels 14 nights

What meals are included in this trip?  

14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

What are the meals like on this trip?  

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. If breakfasts are included, they will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, unless otherwise specified on the Overview page. For meal budget refer to the Overview page.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private vehicle, 4x4, walking/hiking, internal flight from Nepal to Bhutan.

Will I get my own room?  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (14 nts)

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.

Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that in order to arrive in time for your welcome meeting, we recommend travelers to arrive by 1PM.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1, where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Earn 5% off your next G Adventures Tour (up to $100 USD)*

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and to thank you for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% discount (up to a maximum of $100 USD) off your next G Adventures holiday. All you need to do is submit the form within 4 weeks of the completion of your tour, and you'll be able to join the thousands of travellers who have taken 2, 3, 4 or even 10 or more tours with us!

Discount cannot be combined with other offers or applied to 'Independent' style trips. Maximum discount value is $100 USD (or equivalent currency). Valid for new bookings only. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw or modify this offer at any time without notice. Limited to one discount per person.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.

Are there any additional packing suggestions I should consider?  

We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. We recommended a backpack or soft case/duffle on wheels of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

Standard luggage allowance for internal flights is 15kg (33lb) for checked luggage, and is 7kg (15lb) for carry-on luggage. Any charges for additional luggage or weight is the responsibility of the passenger.

Please note, on trekking days you will only be required to carry your day pack. Your main luggage will be transferred to the next location by private vehicle.

Should I be tipping on my trip?  

On the Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the CEO or Porterage. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Asia to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.

What instructions should I follow at the finishing point?  

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

How old must I be to join this trip?  

Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

What happens if I experience problems when arriving?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

How much spending money do I need for my trip?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What should be on my packing list?  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities

How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

Bhutan is essentially a cash-based economy, so you will need ngultrum (local currency) for any expenses (drinks, souvenirs, optional activities, etc.). You should not rely on using your ATM card or credit cards in Bhutan. Bring additional cash (USD is best) and exchange that at the airport so you have local currency from the beginning, as it is not always possible to find an ATM or exchange. The local currency is valueless outside of Bhutan so make sure that you change back all excess Bhutanese currency before you leave.