Ghandruk beneath the Annapurnas
Midasia Routes · Golden Asia
Nepal & Bhutan

Trails, Temples & Tiger’s Nest

14 days · 13 nightsPrivately guided
The Journey

Trails, Temples & Tiger’s Nest An Active Nepal & Bhutan Journey

Created for travelers who want to experience the Himalayas on foot without committing to a high-altitude expedition. Walk between Gurung villages in the Annapurna foothills, recover beside Phewa Lake, then cross into Bhutan for valley walks, sacred architecture and the pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest.

Private guiding, porter support, lodge selection, domestic and international flights, Bhutan permits and flexible walking plans are coordinated as one journey. Trail hours and terrain are stated honestly; mountain aviation and weather always retain operational authority.

Hand-crafted journeys. Seamless personal care.
The Midasia Difference

Personal care.
Every step of the way.

The pleasure of discovery begins with feeling looked after. Midasia Routes brings the welcome, local knowledge and day-to-day coordination together around the journey.

01

A personal welcome

Airport assistance, luggage care and a coordinated transfer help the journey begin comfortably.

02

Your guide, your pace

Local understanding, clear daily briefings and consideration for walking comfort bring depth to each visit.

03

Thoughtful transitions

Your team connects the road journeys, hotel arrivals and planned activities, keeping the practical details close at hand.

04

People and place

Respectful cultural encounters and time to look closely make the experience more personal than a list of monuments.

The Route

One journey.
Many memorable chapters.

01 · JOURNEY STAGEKathmandu
02 · JOURNEY STAGEPokhara
03 · JOURNEY STAGEDhampus area
04 · JOURNEY STAGELandruk area
05 · JOURNEY STAGEGhandruk
06 · JOURNEY STAGEPokhara
07 · JOURNEY STAGEKathmandu
08 · JOURNEY STAGEThimphu
09 · JOURNEY STAGEPunakha
10 · JOURNEY STAGEParo

Illustrated travel sequence. The complete day-by-day program follows below.

The Art of Travelling Well

Closer to the place.
Comfortably yourself.

Your guide helps you understand the places you visit, makes the day’s practical arrangements and leaves room for the details that make travel memorable. Warm hospitality and thoughtful pacing are part of the experience.

Bhutan’s living textile traditions
Bhutan’s living textile traditionsDiscover the character of the journey
Traditional archery in Bhutan
Traditional archery in BhutanDiscover the character of the journey
Walking in the Phobjikha Valley
Walking in the Phobjikha ValleyDiscover the character of the journey
A personal welcome and well-coordinated transfers.
Local guiding that brings the story into focus.
Attention to comfort from arrival to farewell.
Your Journey, Day by Day

14 days.
A world of discovery.

Follow the journey from its personal welcome to the final farewell. Each day has its own character, with the route, visits and practical rhythm brought together below.

01

Arrive with Midasia Care

Receive personal airport assistance and transfer privately to the hotel. After rest, meet the guide for a detailed discussion of walking ability, footwear, dietary needs and mountain operations. Main luggage is separated from the lighter trail bag, and porter arrangements are explained clearly. A welcome dinner begins the journey without making the first evening too long. Overnight in Kathmandu.

02

Living Heritage Before the Trail

Visit Boudhanath and Patan with a private cultural guide, connecting Buddhist and Hindu traditions to the communities encountered later. Meet an artisan when schedules permit and enjoy lunch in a characterful setting. The afternoon includes a final equipment check and time to rest. No unnecessary expedition gear is encouraged, but reliable shoes, layers and walking poles are important. Overnight in Kathmandu.

03

Fly Along the Himalayan Wall

Transfer privately for the flight to Pokhara, subject to weather and operations. Settle beside the lake and meet the trekking team. A gentle walk and private boat outing are arranged when conditions allow. The guide reviews the next day’s terrain and adjusts the route to current trail and road access. Overnight in Pokhara.

04

First Footsteps in the Foothills

Drive into the hills and begin walking through farmland, forest and small settlements toward the Dhampus area. Porters carry the main luggage while guests use light daypacks. Frequent pauses allow photography and conversation with the guide. Reach the lodge for tea and, in clear weather, broad views toward Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas. Walking is generally three to five hours. Overnight in the Dhampus area.

05

Terraces, Forest and Village Paths

Continue along stone paths, terraced slopes and forest tracks with both climbs and descents. Lunch is taken on the trail or at a lodge according to timing. Local life is encountered naturally rather than staged for photography. Rooms are selected for cleanliness, position and private facilities where available, while acknowledging the simpler reality of mountain lodging. Walking is generally five hours. Overnight in the Landruk area.

06

Across the Valley to Ghandruk

Follow the confirmed trail toward Ghandruk, with a substantial descent and climb possible depending on current access. The guide establishes an even rhythm and porter support protects the main luggage. Arrive among stone houses beneath Annapurna South and explore the village with insight into Gurung heritage. Walking is generally five to six hours. Overnight in Ghandruk.

07

Leave the Trail, Keep the Mountains

Descend carefully to the vehicle meeting point and transfer privately to Pokhara. Stone steps can be demanding on the knees, so the guide controls the pace. Arrive for a hot shower, relaxed lunch and an afternoon at leisure; a spa treatment can be reserved. Celebrate the completed walk with dinner overlooking the foothills. Overnight in Pokhara.

The green valleys of Punakha
The green valleys of Punakha
08

Return, Recover and Prepare

Fly to Kathmandu when operating, with a private road transfer as the practical alternative. The afternoon is reserved for rest, laundry and the Bhutan baggage check. Meet the coordinating team to confirm the next morning’s flight and entry documents. A quiet evening protects energy before the second country. Overnight in Kathmandu.

09

Across the Himalaya to Bhutan

Fly to Paro and meet the private Bhutanese guide and driver after immigration. Continue to Thimphu with a scenic stop beside the river. Visit the memorial chorten or enjoy an orientation walk according to arrival time. The guide discusses Bhutan’s trail etiquette, temple customs and the coming road to Punakha. Overnight in Thimphu.

10

Dochula and the Warm Valley

Cross Dochula Pass and take a gentle ridge or forest walk among prayer flags. Descend to Punakha, stopping for lunch and a walk through village fields toward Chimi Lhakhang. Settle for two nights. The shift from mountain trekking to cultivated valley walking creates a softer but still active rhythm. Overnight in Punakha.

11

Riverside Trails and the Great Dzong

Walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten or choose a gentler village route, then visit Punakha Dzong beside the confluence of two rivers. A private picnic, suspension-bridge crossing or short rafting excursion may be added when conditions and guest comfort permit. Return to the same room for spa time or a quiet evening. Overnight in Punakha.

12

West to the Paro Valley

Return west through mountain passes and continue to Paro. Visit the dzong and museum according to timing, then walk a riverside section or explore the countryside. The guide reviews the Tiger’s Nest trail in detail, including the viewpoint alternative and final stair sequence. Overnight in Paro.

13

The Pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest

Hike through pine forest to Taktsang at a private pace. The full return visit normally takes five to seven hours including monastery time; the cafeteria viewpoint remains an excellent personal goal. Your guide manages hydration, rest and timing. After returning, enjoy a hot-stone bath where suitable and a farewell dinner celebrating two very different Himalayan walking experiences. Overnight in Paro.

14

A Personal Farewell

Breakfast is served before the private transfer to Paro airport. Midasia and the local guide assist with luggage and departure formalities as permitted. The journey concludes with the satisfaction of having walked through the Himalayas—not merely viewed them—while remaining supported at every stage.

Journey Planning

Travel with the season.

Your travel dates shape the light, weather and local rhythm. The team coordinates visits around opening times, conditions and the character of each region.

The character of your journey

Private guiding and thoughtfully coordinated travel bring the route together. Accommodation and services follow the arrangements agreed for your departure.

Photography acknowledgements
Begin your journey

Plan Trails, Temples & Tiger’s Nest with Midasia Routes.

Tell us when you hope to travel and who will join you. Our destination team will shape this journey around your pace and preferences.

WhatsApp Us Call Us