A Joyous Journey through Bhutan & Nepal

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

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

Relax and unwind in this stunning setting. You have enough time to enjoy the hotel's spa (an optional jet lag treatment is available at an 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, you have free time to rejuvenate. Why not book a spa treatment or relax in the hotel’s lush surroundings? 

Later in the morning, we visit a local home 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 our delicious spread together.

Stroll through vibrant markets in the afternoon and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

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

We'll start the day with an early morning helicopter flight to Syangboche, a remote village with 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. We’ll enjoy a memorable breakfast at the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest hotels in the world, returning to Kathmandu when we've completed this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

We'll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhaktapur, Durbar Square, and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and 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 take you to 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. The hotel spa can arrange a jet lag treatment for you at extra cost. 

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

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

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

Before reaching Chuzom, you will see Tachogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse.” This private temple was built in the 15th century after the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo, the temple's builder, had a vision of 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. 

We'll check into the 5-star hotel, the Le Meridien Thimphu. Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion, and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development and ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000, it is perhaps the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. 

We'll explore Thimphu Main Street and the market area in the evening. We'll also visit the local crafts bazaar to see examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here, you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other 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 one of Bhutan’s 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, drive to Pangri Zampa, a 16th-century monastery just north of Thimphu. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and a monastic school where Buddhist student 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 center, 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 country's largest statue, and then walk around and enjoy the valley's serenity.

The King's Memorial Chorten is continuously circumambulated by people murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”), 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 country's oldest fortress, built in 1627, which now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.   

Upon arrival in Paro, we'll check into the Riverfront Le Meridian. After lunch, we'll visit Ta Dzong, which was initially built as a watchtower and is now housed in the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts. 

We'll take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”) after the Ta Dzong visit. Rinpung Dzong has a long and fascinating history. Fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas hang in wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard. 

After breakfast, we'll take an 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. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at a monastery called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building, but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. 

We'll take an afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. From the approach road to the Dzong, we can see the snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, the "mountain of goddess." 

In the evening, we'll visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. 

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

Once in Pokhara, we'll check into the Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, where we'll 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.

Wake up early and view one of the best sunrises from the hotel or view tower. You'll have a view of the Annapurna Range on a clear day. After watching the sunrise, go back to the hotel for breakfast and prepare to explore Pokhara City. We plan to tour the Sarangkot Village so that you can see the local lifestyle. Later, we'll visit the Pokhara International Museum and World Peace Stupa. You can also shop around the lakeside if you want to buy souvenirs. 

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

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel after the trip. 

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

We're staying at the Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan. After checking in, we'll rest and explore the resort. 

Later in the day, we'll explore the area on a village walk. You'll learn about the Tharu People and their rich culture during this walk. The Tharu community will showcase its traditions, culture, and food, making it a unique and enriching experience. 

Dinner tonight is at the lodge.

After an early resort breakfast, 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 about these majestic creatures. We'll travel by Safari jeep with a private English-speaking guide who will point out Nepal's natural wonders. 

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 pick you up at the airport.

On our way to the hotel, we'll stop to visit a local school and Docs Foundation Nepal, an orphanage run by Liladhar Bhandari, who helped us organize this tour. 

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

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

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

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.