A Joyous Journey through Bhutan & Nepal

The trip doesn't officially start until Sunday October 26, but if you'd like to spend a bit more time in beautiful Nepal, come join our 3 Day Pre-Trip Extension. 

Fly into Kathmandu where your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport. Your private guide will escort you to the luxurious Dwarika’s Hotel, a five-star oasis that combines rich heritage with modern luxury. 

Relax and unwind from your travels in this stunning setting, with plenty of time to enjoy the hotel's spa (optional jet lag treatment at extra cost) or simply bask in the serene atmosphere. Let our concierge know if you would like to book a spa treatment. 

In the evening, we'll gather for a celebratory welcome dinner at the hotel’s Toran Restaurant, where the flavors of Nepal come alive, setting the tone for the unforgettable days ahead.

After a delicious breakfast, enjoy some free time to rejuvenate at your leisure—whether you indulge in a spa treatment or relax in the hotel’s lush surroundings. 

Later in the morning, we visit the home of a local woman for an immersive cooking class. Learn the secrets of Nepali cuisine and prepare a traditional meal with fresh, local ingredients. Once your culinary creations are ready, we’ll feast on the delicious spread you’ve made together.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through vibrant markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

Afterward, we return to the hotel for some downtime before we meet again for a delicious dinner at Mako’s Japanese Restaurant, blending the best of local and international flavors.

We'll start our day with an early morning helicopter flight to Syangboche, a remote village offering jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas (elevation ~13,000 feet). From the air, we’ll see towering peaks, including Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, as well as picturesque villages, serene lakes, and ancient monasteries. After landing, we’ll enjoy a memorable breakfast at the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world.

Following this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll return to Kathmandu, where we’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhaktapur, Durbar Square, and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. We will have lunch at a local restaurant.

As the day winds down, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before gathering for a special welcome dinner to kick off the core trip. This dinner marks the beginning of your exciting journey through Bhutan and Nepal, filled with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and stunning destinations!

The core trip officially starts today. If you haven't joined the Pre-Trip Extension, fly into Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the Dwarika’s Hotel. 

Check into the hotel and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. Relax and recuperate from your travels for the rest of the day. At extra cost, a jet lag spa treatment can be arranged for you in the hotel spa. 

Later this evening, we'll meet up for our welcome dinner at the hotel's Krisharpan Restaurant later that evening and discuss our plans for the next ten days. 

Today, we awaken refreshed and ready to begin our adventure. After breakfast, we will head to the airport for our flight to Paro, Bhutan. The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas.

Upon arrival, our guide will welcome us at the Paro airport, and we'll transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. 

Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse.” It is a private temple built in the 15th century as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. 

We’ll stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three styles of stupas, Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese, adorn this confluence. 

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the 5-star hotel, the Le Meridien Thimphu. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of Government, religion, and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. 

We'll take an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and the market area in the evening. Also, visit the Local Crafts Bazaar to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here, you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and interesting items made from local materials. 

After breakfast, we'll go for a sightseeing in Thimphu Valley. We'll visit The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. 

Later, we'll visit the Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art forms. We'll also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

After lunch, take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, 16th century, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Afterward, we'll visit the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his death, it serves as a memorial to the Late King and a monument to peace.

Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Paro along a scenic highway. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country, built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.   

Upon arrival in Paro, we will check into the Riverfront Le Meridian. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. 

Our Ta Dzong visit is followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. 

After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, 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 and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. 

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. 

Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. 

After waking and freshening up, enjoy breakfast and prepare to check out. Today, we are traveling back to Kathmandu. We'll transfer to Paro International Airport for a scenic 40-minute flight to Kathmandu. Then from the domestic terminal, we'll board a 30-minute flight to Pokhara. 

Once in Pokhara, we'll check into the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and program brief. Lunch is at the hotel. 

Meet your guide for a half-day city tour in the afternoon. The tour will take you to Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and the Tibetan Camp. You'll end the day with a boat ride on Phewa Lake. 

Dinner tonight is at the lodge's elegant multi-cuisine restaurant.

Today, wake up early viewing one of the best sunrises from the hotel or view tower. you can have a clear view of the Annapurna Range on a clear day with the sunrise. After watching the sunrise back to the Hotel for breakfast and prepare yourself for an exploration of Pokhara City. Your will tour you around the Sarangkot village where you will observe the local lifestyle and local people later you will visit Pokhara International Museum and World Peace Stupa. Also, if you want to buy any souvenirs or anything that you want to take back to your country you can shop around the lakeside. 

Later in the evening, you will witness the Evening Aarati (Ritual for Gods/ Goddess during evening) at the bank of Tal Barahi where you can see how Hindus worship their gods and goddesses. 

After finishing the trip drive back to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner. 

After breakfast, we'll pack up and check out. We're back to the Pokhara International Airport for a 25-minute flight to Bharatpur, Chitwan. 

We'll be staying at the Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan. We'll check in and take some time to rest and explore the resort. 

Later in the day, we'll get to know the area by taking a village walk, when you'll learn about the Tharu People and their rich culture. The Tharu community will showcase their traditions, culture, and food for us providing us with a unique and enriching experience. 

Dinner tonight is at the lodge.

After an early breakfast at the resort, we'll depart for jungle activities, including a canoe ride, a short nature walk, and an Elephant Safari. 

We'll also visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn more about these majestic creatures. We're traveling by Safari jeep with a private English-speaking guide to witness the natural wonders of Nepal. 

After a long day in the wild, relax and unwind before dining at the resort tonight. 

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bharatpur Domestic Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, where your guide will receive you at the airport.

On the way to the hotel, we'll stop for an important visit to a local school and DOCS Foundation Nepal, an orphanage run by Liladhar Bhandari who helped us put this tour together. 

During the day, you will explore Kathmandu's major attractions, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

After the tour, we'll drive back to the Dwarika’s Hotel to rest and refresh. 

We'll meet later for a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant with authentic Nepali cuisine and folklore at Babarmahal Revisited Restaurant. 

After having breakfast and visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square (depending on the departure time), check out and drive to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.