Nepal & Bhutan

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.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Language

Nepal: Nepali
Bhutan: Dzongkha

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Time Zone

Nepal: GMT +5:45
Bhutan: GMT +6

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR), Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Average Temp

Nepal: 66° F
Bhutan: 60° F

Nepal & Bhutan Expedition

Stupas, Shrines & Summits

Man with an archer in Bhutan Archery adventure

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

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