Visit monasteries and other iconic sites in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital in the heart of the Himalayan mountains. Take a scenic flight to view Mt. Everest, the world’s highest and most majestic peak. Ride like a local by rickshaw to the Thamel shopping district. Safari in the lush, sub-tropical jungles of Chitwan National Park, home to single-horned rhinos, leopards and other wildlife. Fly along the Himalayas to Bhutan, arriving in Thimpu with its unique mix of modern development and ancient traditions. Feel the spirit of Bhutan on a hike to the revered “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery, perched high on a sheer rock face. Try your hand at Bhutanese cooking and learn about Buddhist philosophy and local traditions.
Language
Nepal: Nepali
Bhutan: Dzongkha
Time Zone
Nepal: GMT +5:45
Bhutan: GMT +6
Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR), Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Average Temp
Nepal: 66° F
Bhutan: 60° F
Nepal & Bhutan Expedition
Stupas, Shrines & Summits
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Arrive in Kathmandu
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 2 – KATHMANDU
Morning private tour:
- Swayambhunath Stupa, UNESCO site
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Teleju Temple
- House of the Living Goddess
- Rickshaw ride to Thamel shopping district
Afternoon private tour:
- Boudhanath Stupa, UNESCO site
- Pashupatinath Hindu Temple
Accommodations: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – KATHMANDU
Optional morning scenic Mt. Everest flight (supplement applies)
Morning private tour of Patan, city of artisans:
- Patan Durbar Square, UNESCO site
Afternoon visit to Pushpa Basnet’s Early Childhood Development
Accommodations: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Morning jeep safari
Village visit and bullock cart ride
Nature walks
Accommodations: Kasara Jungle Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – CHITWAN / KATHMANDU
Shared airport transfer for flight to Kathmandu
Private transfer to hotel
Private afternoon tour to the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur Center
Accommodations: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – KATHMANDU / PARO, BHUTAN / THIMPHU
Private airport transfer for flight to Paro
Private transfer to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hours)
Lecture by a Buddhist scholar on “GNH philosophy”
(Gross National Happiness)
Accommodations: Druk Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – THIMPHU
Private morning tour:
- Tango Monastery visit & hike
Private afternoon tour:
- National Textile Museum
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Great Buddha Dordenma
Accommodations: Druk Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – THIMPHU / PUNAKHA
Private transfer to Punakha via Dochula Pass (approx. 3 hours)
- Photo-stop at Bhutan’s first fortress monastery, Simtokha Dzong
Optional Bhutanese cooking workshop at hotel (supplement applies)
Accommodations: Dhensa Boutique Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – PUNAKHA
Morning scenic hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten
Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Bliss”
Accommodations: Dhensa Boutique Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – PUNAKHA
Morning visit to Sopsokha village
Scenic hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Free afternoon OR optional white-water rafting (supplement applies)
Hi-tea with local family at their traditional farmhouse
Accommodations: Dhensa Boutique Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – PUNAKHA / PARO
Private transfer to Paro (approx. 4 hours)
- Stop at 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
Afternoon visit to Bhutan Nuns Foundation (BNF)
Accommodations: Haven Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – PARO / TIGER’S NEST
Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”)
Afternoon free OR visit Paro Dzong & the National Museum
Accommodations: Haven Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 – PARO / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private airport transfer for flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $4,500 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
We never have a concern when we turn over our travel plans to NEI because we know they will always provide the best service there is.
Fran & Larry S.
Scottsdale, AZ
When to go:
Best times are September to May
What to eat:
Nepal: Dal Bhat (lentil soup & rice), Momos (buffalo-meat dumplings), Sel Roti (fried dough)
What to pack:
Conservative clothing, light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear, comfortable walking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter
