Nepal & Bhutan Expedition
Feel the pull of the mountains on this unforgettable 10-day adventure through Nepal and Bhutan - two neighbouring kingdoms steeped in spirit, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Begin in Kathmandu, where ancient squares hum with life and the scent of incense mingles with the echo of temple bells. Learn to fold delicate momos with a local family, lose yourself in the medieval charm of Bhaktapur’s cobbled courtyards, and watch the prayer wheels spin beneath the golden glow of Boudhanath Stupa as dusk settles over the city.
Then, take to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime flight past Mount Everest on your way to Bhutan - the last Shangri-La. Here, snow-capped peaks guard emerald valleys, crimson-robed monks chant in cliffside monasteries, and happiness truly is a way of life.
From the vibrant streets of Thimphu to the serene terraces of Punakha, and finally to the sacred cliffs of Paro’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery, experience a world where ancient traditions and pristine landscapes create pure Himalayan magic.
May 1st - 10th 2027
Expedition Highlights
★ Discover the heart of Kathmandu, exploring ancient temples, sacred courtyards, and the home of the Living Goddess in Durbar Square.
★ Learn to fold the perfect Nepali momo during a hands-on cooking class with a local family, a delicious introduction to Nepalese hospitality.
★ Try your hand at pottery in Bhaktapur, wandering cobbled lanes lined with artisans and timeworn brick temples.
★ Join locals in evening prayers at Boudhanath Stupa, watching butter lamps flicker as chants echo beneath fluttering prayer flags.
★ Soar above the Himalayas and Mount Everest on a spectacular short flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan.
★ Stand before the towering Buddha Dordenma and explore Thimphu’s monastic schools of astrology and traditional arts.
★ Cross the Dochula Pass (3,120 m), surrounded by 108 chortens and sweeping Himalayan vistas, before descending into the lush Punakha Valley.
★ Stay overnight at a Punakha monastic school, sharing meals, rituals, and laughter with the monks who call it home.
★ Raft along the Mo Chu River, surrounded by rice terraces and emerald hills, before celebrating with lunch by the water’s edge.
★ Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging to a cliff high above the Paro Valley - the perfect finale to your Himalayan adventure.
10 Day Itinerary
Day 1 (May 1): Welcome to Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Kathmandu, the cultural heartbeat of Nepal! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest and settle in. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a special Newari welcome dinner, where you’ll be introduced to Nepal’s rich flavours, spices, and traditions - the perfect beginning to your Himalayan adventure.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 2 (May 2): Ancient Kingdoms & Momo Making
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Step back in time as you explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with ancient temples and royal courtyards. Visit the home of the Living Goddess, the Kumari, and climb to the hilltop Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for sweeping views across the city. After lunch, head into a local neighbourhood where a warm Nepali family welcomes you into their kitchen to teach you the art of momo making - Nepal’s most beloved dumpling.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 3 (May 3): Sacred Rivers & Eternal Stupas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to witness morning rituals at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu sites on the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue to Bhaktapur, a beautifully preserved medieval city of artisans and cobblestone streets. Try your hand at pottery before enjoying lunch in a charming courtyard. In the evening, experience spiritual serenity at Boudhanath Stupa, where locals circle the stupa in peaceful devotion. Dine tonight at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the glowing dome as prayer flags flutter in the breeze.
Overnight: Kathmandu
Day 4 (May 4): Fly to Bhutan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, board a short flight to Paro, Bhutan - keep your camera ready as you soar past Mount Everest and the snow-clad Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. This afternoon, visit the Memorial Stupa and explore the vibrant local farmers’ market, where prayer beads and crimson chillies fill the air with colour and scent.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 5 (May 5): The Spirit of Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma, towering over the city at 51 metres tall. Enjoy a scenic two-hour hike downhill into Thimphu, taking in panoramic views of the valley below. In the afternoon, discover Bhutan’s artistic soul with visits to the School of Traditional Arts and the Astrology Institute, where you can have your palm read or birth chart interpreted.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 6 (May 6): Himalayan Passes & Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, journey through winding mountain roads to Dochula Pass (3,120 m), where 108 chortens stand against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Descend into the lush Punakha Valley and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress. In the evening, settle into a monastic school stay, where monks will welcome you into their world. Share a meal, observe evening prayers, and maybe even join a friendly game of football in the courtyard after dinner.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 7 (May 7): Hiking, Rafting & Local Life
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with morning rituals alongside the monks before departing for a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a temple offering breathtaking views of rice terraces and the valley below. Afterward, trade your hiking boots for a paddle as you set off on a rafting adventure along the Mo Chu River. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch before returning to Punakha for a relaxed evening dinner overlooking the dzong - perhaps followed by a round of snooker or carrom board with local friends.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 8 (May 8): Temples & Himalayan Valleys
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel from Punakha toward Paro, stopping first at the Temple of the Divine Madman (Chimi Lhakhang), Bhutan’s famous fertility temple, surrounded by fields and painted phallus symbols. Continue to Thimphu to visit the Postal Museum, where you can design your own personalised Bhutanese stamps - a fun keepsake to send home. Arrive in Paro by afternoon, where you can shop for local crafts before settling into your lodge for the night.
Overnight: Paro
Day 9 (May 9): The Iconic Tiger’s Nest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s the big one - rise early for the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched dramatically 900 metres above the Paro Valley. The climb takes around 2–3 hours, but the reward is extraordinary: fluttering prayer flags, crisp mountain air, and one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the Himalayas. After descending, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Paro and celebrate your final evening with a traditional hot stone bath, local feast, and bonfire under the stars.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10 (May 10): Fly back to Nepal & Farwells
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you take your flight back to Kathmandu. Your Himalayan adventure concludes here, with unforgettable memories of sacred temples, mountain monasteries, and the warmth of the Nepali and Bhutanese people.
Included
✓ Accommodation for 9 nights (twin share) in carefully selected boutique hotels, lodges, and unique stays - including one unforgettable night at a monastic school in Punakha
(Single supplement available for an additional cost)
✓ 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 9 dinners, featuring authentic Nepali and Bhutanese cuisine, local family meals, and rooftop dining experiences
✓ All main entrance fees to the cultural and historical sites listed in the itinerary
✓ Guided sightseeing through Kathmandu, including Durbar Square, the home of the Living Goddess, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
✓ Hands-on momo cooking class with a local Nepali family in Kathmandu
✓ Pottery workshop in Bhaktapur and guided exploration of its medieval courtyards and artisan streets
✓ Evening visit to Boudhanath Stupa, observing local pilgrimage rituals and dining at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa
✓ Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro, offering breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas
✓ Cultural exploration of Thimphu, including Buddha Dordenma, the School of Arts, and the Astrology Institute
✓ Drive over Dochula Pass (3,120 m) with panoramic Himalayan views and visit to Punakha Dzong
✓ Overnight monastic experience in Punakha, joining monks for rituals, meals, and community life
✓ Rafting adventure on the Mo Chu River, followed by a riverside picnic lunch
✓ Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, offering panoramic views of Punakha Valley and rice terraces
✓ Visit to the Temple of the Divine Madman (Chimi Lhakhang) and stop at the Bhutan Postal Museum to create your own stamps
✓ Guided hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritual landmark
✓ Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and farewell dinner celebration around a bonfire
✓ All Bhutan visa fees and daily government sustainable development fee (SDF) included
✓ All private ground transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
✓ Domestic flights from Nepal to Bhutan and return
✓ The services of expert local guides in both Nepal and Bhutan
✓ Arrival airport transfers in Kathmandu and departure transfers from Paro Airport
Not Included
✗ International flights to and from China
✗ Travel insurance
✗ Any optional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary will be at your own expense
✗ Any entrance fees to sites not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
✗ Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
✗ Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or minibar charges
✗ Tipping and gratuities for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and restaurant servers, which are at your discretion
✗ Visa fees (if applicable) for Nepal (Bhutan SDF fees ARE included)