Bhutan & Nepal
Best time to visit: September to May
Best for: Solo Travelers, Couples, and Groups of Friends
An epic journey of cultural and natural discoveries in South Asia. Explore the graceful pagoda temples, palaces, traditional villages and spectacular wilderness in Nepal. Travel onward to Bhutan, the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, time-honored festivals are living manifestations of a national faith, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth
Explore iconic natural and cultural sites including Mount Everest, Kathmandu’s Boudhanath Stupa and Chitwan National Park. This journey is awe-inspiring, unique and unforgettable!
Itinerary Highlights
• Enjoy an early morning flight around Mount Everest - Optional.
• Circumambulate Kathmandu’s Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO site and one of the largest stupas in the world.
• Visit Kathmandu’s storied Durbar Square, a UNESCO site and connect with Nepal’s rich spiritual heritage.
• Marvel the architectural wonders of Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO site.
• Discover Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO site and see the exotic wildlife including the One Horn Rhino by a 4WD.
• Travel through villages, pristine forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan mountains.
• Stay at the spectacular hotel that exemplifies the artistry of Bhutanese architecture in Bhutan.
• Admire Bhutanese architecture at the impressive Punakha and Paro dzongs.
• Discuss the King’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
• Tea with a local family.
• Hike to 17th century Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Temple), in one of the most specular settings in the world.
Sample Itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Scenic flight to view Mount Everest
Visit Swayambhuntath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square and rickshaw through Thammel.
Kathmandu
Visit Patan Durbar Square and continue Boudhanath Temple, a UNESCO site.
End the day with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple.
Kathmandu- Chitwan
Travel to Chitwan.
Spend the afternoon indulging in wildlife activities.
Chitwan
Spend the day exploring the flora and fauna at Chitwan National park with a dugour canoe ride, jungle walk, village visit, or jeep jungle drive.
Chitwan- Kathmandu
Travel to Kathmandu
Optional: Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Kathmandu- Paro- Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan
Thimphu
Hike to Cheri Monastery
Visit the National Textile Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chucum, and the Great Buddha Dordenma.
Thimphu- Punakha
Drive to Punakha with stops at fortress monastery Simtokha Dzong.
Visit Punakhta Dzong and the Chimi Lhakhang temple.
Punakha
Witness the annual festival at Talo Sangnacholig Dzong.
Afternoon at your leisure.
Punakha
Hike through paddy field to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten.
Punakha- Paro
Morning drive to Paro, a charming town.
Paro
Hike through forests to the monastic retreat of Taktsang.
Paro to US
Depart Paro