Worldwide Escorted Tours 2024-2026

THIS TOUR EXPLORE Day 1: UK to Kathmandu Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kathmandu. Day 2: Kathmandu D Transfer to your hotel to check-in and spend the night relaxing after your flight. Day 3: Kathmandu to Chitwan B/L/D After breakfast transfer to Chitwan National Park, home to a number of protected and endangered species as well as wild elephant, striped hyenas, pythons, barking deers, sloth bear, langur and rhesus monkeys. Day 4: Chitwan National Park B/L/D This morning take a morning 4x4 safari in the park. Your expert local naturalist will introduce you to the magic of the jungle as you search for the myriad wild animals who reside in this incredible conservation area. In the afternoon enjoy a canoe ride on the Rapti River, where you’ll watch the sun set over the snow- capped Himalayan mountains. Day 5: Chitwan to Kathmandu B/L/D Drive back to Kathmandu across some of Nepal’s most breathtakingly beautiful and profoundly scenic mountain passes. There’ll be numerous opportunities to stop for photographs along the way. Day 6: Kathmandu to Thimphu B/L/D Today you’ll make your way to the Kingdom of Bhutan where you’ll arrive in Thimpu – the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style and is perhaps the world’s only capital city without a traffic light! Day 7: Thimphu B/L/D Experience the beauty and cultural on offer with a visit to the National Library containing priceless Buddhist manuscripts, as well as a Textile Museum providing insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinct art forms. After lunch, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, where monks continuously circle the site chanting ancient mantras, before shopping like a local in exquisite bazaars. Day 8: Thimphu to Punakha B/L/D Make your way to Punakha over the Dochula Pass – which offers a stunning 360-degree panorama over the Himalayan range. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, translated to ‘The Temple of Fertility’. Next you’ll be taken to the Punakha Dzong – ‘Palace of Great Happiness’ – built in 1637. Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful building in the country. Day 9: Punakha to Paro B/L/D Transfer to the beautiful valley of Paro. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and is watched over by the mighty Mount Chomolhari (7,314m), its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu – the Paro River. In the afternoon visit ‘The Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’. Day 10: Paro B/L/D After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is reserved for an optional hike to the Taktsang Monastery (approx 5 hours walk there and back) - one of the most famous in Bhutan, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred Bhutanese place. Day 11: Paro to Kathmandu B/L/D Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu where you’ll spend the afternoon in Durbar Square which has numerous ancient shrines and temples to explore. In the evening you’ll be treated to a farewell authentic Nepalese dinner and cultural dance at the BhojanBhumi restaurant where you’ll experience a range of local dishes and a concert of classical folk music. The perfect end to an incredible tour. Day 12: Kathmandu to UK B After breakfast at your hotel you’ll be taken to the airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. What you’ll see  Explore Chitwan National Park on a jeep safari  Sail down the Rapti River and watch the sun setting over the snow- capped Mahabharat mountaintops  Journey through the high-altitude haven of Bhutan, known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’  Soak in a 360° panorama of the Himalayas from the Dochula Pass  Marvel at the Taktsang Monastery – known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Experience the astounding beauty and palpable mystery of the ‘Last Shangri-La” as you journey through Nepal and into the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. What’s included ✔ Return flights Return flights London Heathrow to Kathmandu, with Qatar ✔ Where you’ll stay Kathmandu, 4 H Hotel Himalaya Chitwan, 3 H Hotel Parkside Thimpu, 4 H Ariya Hotel Punakha, 4 H Zhingkham Resort Paro, 4 H Hotel Kaachi Grand ✔ 29 meals ✔ 11 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide  Tour pace: Challenging Himalayan Kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan Taktsang Monastery Prices from Oct 2024 £3,549 Nov 2025 £3,699 Nov 2024 £3,449 Feb 2026 £3,499 Feb 2025 £3,499 Mar 2026 £3,499 Mar 2025 £3,499 May 2026 £2,999 May 2025 £2,999 Sep 2026 £3,199 Sep 2025 £3,199 Nov 2026 £3,699 • Dates are available throughout each month • Lead-in price based on 27 May 25 & 26 May 26 • A single supplement starts from just £489 • Tipping paid locally £64 pp per tour Extend your tour A Taste of India 3 nights, 4 H Full Board from £499 Pokhara & Bandipur 4 nights from £669 India’s Golden Triangle 6 nights Full Board from £769 Includes: Private vehicle & driver/guide or driver and local guides; return flights accommodation, meals and excursions as per Group Tour. DAILY DEPARTURES AVAILABLE Private Touring Option From only an extra £42 pp per day 24  Central Asia, India & Sri Lanka Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk