February 10 – 22 / March 1 – 13, 2013

Join us for a new and intimate, insider’s discovery of the world’s most peaceful kingdom -- Bhutan. Called the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” quality of life is measured in terms of Gross National Happiness, rather than purely material measures – though Bhutan’s citizens live comfortable, serene lives. Until quite recently, this tiny country remained in splendid isolation, dedicated to preserving its deep Buddhist traditions and pristine landscapes. We'll also visit Nepal, where WWF is using a $30 million grant from USAID to conserve its natural treasures.

• Visit Taktsang Monastery, the famous “Tiger’s Nest” perched half a mile up on an impossibly sheer mountain cliff
• Explore Bardia National Park in Nepal, home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants and sloth bears.
• Visit Nepali forests, glorious mountain vistas and serene villages.

Trip Itinerary

Please note that the dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. We suggest consulting our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss the best flight options for your travels. Itinerary subject to change.

Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand / Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu
Arrive at the Bangkok International Airport this morning for a pre-arranged group flight to Paro. The Paro Valley, rich in culture and scenic beauty, offers a bucolic welcome to the kingdom. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s inviting capital. This seat of government and commerce is a harmonious mix of modern development and ancient traditions, and the only national capital without traffic lights. Taj Tashi (B,L,D)

Day 2: Thimphu
Visit a takin reserve in the morning. This large, hoofed mammal is closely related to the musk ox and is Bhutan’s national animal. Later, hike near the reserve among colorful prayer flags. Depending on time and interest, we may visit the handmade paper factory, handicraft emporium or national library and folk art museum. Taj Tashi (B,L,D)

Day 3: Punakha Valley
This morning. cross Dochu La en route to Punakha, a 10,000-foot pass marked by 108 chortens, fluttering prayer flags and a view of the entire eastern Himalaya. Drop dramatically into the Punakha Valley, the former capital of Bhutan and the winter residence of the monastic body, and check in to a traditional hotel. Damchen Resort (B,L,D)

Day 4: Punakha
Explore the massive Punakha Dzong, known as the “Palace of Happiness.” Also hike to a small temple dedicated to one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, the “Divine Mad Monk.” From the road. trace a path through green pastures and rice paddies, passing farmers and livestock in the terraced fields. Damchen Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Punakha / Paro
Visit nearby Wangdue Dzong and explore the village market before driving back to Paro, a beautiful valley rich in culture, scenic beauty and legend. Stop at the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most scared temples in Bhutan. Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6: Paro
Your Bhutan visit concludes with an impressive finale: Taktsang Monastery. Known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” this complex of 17th-century temples clings to a precipitous cliff 2,800 feet above the valley floor. Myth holds that the Guru Rinpoche flew from India on the back of a tigress to the site, where he meditated in a cave for three months. Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 7: Kathmandu, Nepal
Depart the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and fly to colorful Kathmandu. Our exploration starts with the religious complex of Swayambhunath, or Monkey Temple, the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Kathmandu Valley. Next visit the Durbar Square, the central focus of the city and home to ancient royal palaces, courtyards and temples.

Day 8: Nepalgunj / Bardia National Park
Fly to Nepalgunj and transfer by road to Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge. Set on the edge of Bardia National Park, our lodge affords  the perfect base from which to explore the undisturbed wilderness area and local indigenous communities of the Terai Lowlands at the base of the Himalayas. Karnali Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 9-11: Bardia National Park
Bardia is Nepal’s largest and most untouched area of grassland and terrain forest, hosting 53 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species. Spend your days on wildlife drives, nature walks, rafting excursions and elephant-back safaris, exploring the park in search of one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, sloth bears, leopards, sambar, hog deer, monkeys, jungle fowl and the elusive tiger. Karnali Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 12: Nepalgunj / Kathmandu
Return to the Nepalgunj airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Check in to a centrally located hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the vibrant city. Shangri-La Hotel

Day 13: Bangkok / Depart
Depart for Bangkok and onward flights. (B)