Mythical Kingdoms Nepal & Bhutan - (Land of the Thunder Dragon)

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Trip Highlights:

• Kathmandu & Nepal Highlights

  • Bhaktapur – A UNESCO World Heritage city, famed for its medieval squares, temples, and timeless charm.

  • Pashupatinath Temple – The holiest Hindu temple in the world, a sacred riverside site of deep spiritual significance.

  • Boudhanath Stupa – The largest Buddhist stupa in the world, a magnificent symbol of peace and devotion.

  Bhutan Highlights

  • Himalayan Trekking – Experience one of Bhutan’s most rewarding short treks, with sweeping views of the Himalayas and tranquil forest trails.

  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) – An iconic pilgrimage site perched dramatically on a cliffside, shrouded in legend and breathtaking scenery.

  • Paro Valley – A picturesque valley steeped in history, with traditional Bhutanese architecture and a serene atmosphere.

  • Thimphu – Bhutan’s lively capital, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life.

  • Punakha – The former capital, home to the stunning Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by terraced fields and verdant valleys.

  • Cycling Adventure – Ride from Thimphu to Paro through villages and valleys, offering an intimate glimpse into Bhutanese rural life.

Program Overview: Journey into Bhutan

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
We welcome you as you land in Kathmandu, with the white Himalayan peaks greeting you on the horizon.
Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel – an oasis in the heart of the city. We recommend Shanker Hotel, a wonderful heritage-style property right in central Kathmandu.

In the evening, you will stroll through Patan Durbar Square. As lamps are lit and prayer bells ring, the air fills with the scent of incense and spices. The day concludes with a shared welcome dinner – the true beginning of your journey.

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker

Day 2 – Bhaktapur & a Newari Culinary Experience
After breakfast we journey to Bhaktapur – a UNESCO World Heritage city from the 12th-century Malla dynasty, where Newari architecture and history live on in every street. Walking through narrow alleys, we hear temple bells and watch the markets come alive. Together with a local family, we shop for ingredients at the market and learn how to prepare traditional Newari dishes. We share stories, laughter, and a meal that tastes of both tradition and togetherness.

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker

Day 3 – Kathmandu: Goddesses, Art & Spirituality
The day begins early at Kathmandu Durbar Square – the beating heart of the city. Here we find ancient palaces and temples, and if fortune is with us, even an audience with Kumari, the Living Goddess.
At Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest, we are introduced to the sacred art of thangka painting. As evening falls, we make our way to Pashupatinath – Nepal’s holiest Hindu site. Fires burn along the Bagmati River and we join the magical Aarati ceremony of song, flame, and prayer.

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker

Day 4 – Kathmandu → Paro → Thimphu
An early start and transfer to the airport for our flight to Bhutan. As we soar above the Himalayan ranges and descend into Paro, we feel at once that we have entered a different realm – the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
From Paro we continue to Thimphu, where we visit Tashichho Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, and the lively local markets. The evening concludes with a traditional farmhouse dinner, where the food tells as many stories as the people themselves.

Accommodation: Druk Hotel

Day 5 – Thimphu
A full day in the heart of Bhutan. We stand before the great Buddha Dordenma – one of the largest Buddha statues in the world – gazing out across the valley. We explore Bhutanese crafts, textiles, and traditions in museums and small artisan shops. There is also the chance to try your hand at archery, the national sport, before the evening offers time for the classic Bhutanese hot stone bath.

Accommodation: Druk Hotel

Day 6 – Thimphu → Punakha
We journey across Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where 108 white chortens stand like guardians at the gates of the Himalayas. The views of snow-clad peaks are breathtaking, with Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Puensum (7,571 m), rising in the distance.
In Punakha, we visit Punakha Dzong – often considered the most beautiful of all Bhutanese fortresses – at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. In the evening, we walk through rice fields and small villages as the sun sets over the valley.

Accommodation: Green Resort

Day 7 – Dochula → Paro (by bike & car)
We return to Dochula Pass, where there is time for quiet meditation in the mountain caves – or, for the more adventurous, the chance to cycle down winding mountain roads (18 km, with support vehicle). From here we continue to Paro, visiting Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (TNR)

Day 8 – Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Early in the morning we begin our hike to Bhutan’s most iconic site: Taktsang Monastery, or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Perched dramatically on a cliffside, wrapped in legend and myth, it is a place unlike any other. The path is a pilgrimage in itself, and the reward – the view, the atmosphere, the feeling – is beyond words.

The hike is steady but not difficult: taken slowly, with plenty of water and breathtaking views along the way, you will reach the monastery at your own pace. The afternoon is set aside for rest and reflection in Paro.

Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (TNR)

Day 9 – Trekking: Paro → Jela Dzong
Leaving Paro behind, we set out on a three-day light trekking adventure. The first stage takes us gradually uphill through rhododendron and pine forests. We pause for lunch along the trail before reaching Jela Dzong, where we set up camp. The monastery and sweeping views over the Paro Valley offer a sense of timelessness.

Accommodation: Camp at Jela Dzong

Day 10 – Jela Dzong → Narithang
We continue across high passes, with distant views of the Himalayan giants. Mount Jomolhari rises majestically on the horizon. Lunch is enjoyed beside a mountain lake before we reach the Narithang plateau. Here, the sunset over the peaks and a night beneath an endless star-filled sky await us.

Accommodation: Camp at Narithang

Day 11 – Narithang → Tsaluna → Thimphu
Today’s trek takes us past another high-altitude lake, Simkota Tsho, before we begin our descent toward Tsaluna. From here, a short drive brings us back to Thimphu, where we return to the rhythms of civilization.

Accommodation: Druk Hotel

Day 12 – Paro → Kathmandu
We fly back to Nepal. The afternoon is free – perhaps for shopping, a spa visit, or simply relaxing. In the evening, we gather for a final dinner together, reflecting on the journey and sharing the memories and insights we will carry home.

Accommodation: Yak & Yeti Hotel

Day 13 – Departure
We say our farewells and begin the journey home, carrying with us memories from two kingdoms that will remain within us forever. This is the end of the program – but perhaps the beginning of something new.

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What's Included:

• International airport transfers upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu

• Airport transfers between Kathmandu and Bhutan flights

• 4 nights in Kathmandu (three before and one after Bhutan)

• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu

• Guided city tour of Kathmandu

• Round-trip flight Kathmandu–Paro (valued at $250 USD)

• Accommodation in 3- to 4-star hotels in Bhutan (shared twin/double room)

• All meals during the entire program

• Entry fees to all monuments, monasteries, and cultural sites

• All ground transportation in Bhutan in private AC minibus

• One-day cycling tour from Thimphu to Paro

• English-speaking local guide for tours and trekking

• 3-day fully supported Bhutan Trek with full board

• Trekking permits

• Shared high-quality tents and sleeping mats during the trek

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea/coffee on trek days

• Guides, kitchen staff, pack horses, and mules during the trek

• Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): $100 USD per day ($1,500 total)

• Bhutanese entry visa

Not Included:

• Travel, accident, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory)

• Single room supplement (if private room is requested)

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

• Tips for staff (recommended: $ 225 (USD) total per participant)

• Nepal visa (approx. $ 30 USD)

• Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bottled water, or drinks

• Emergency evacuation costs, if needed

• Any other items of a personal nature

A Day on the Trek

While no two days are the same — with variations depending on weather, group pace, and the length of the day’s route — a typical trekking day starts with morning tea around 6:00–6:30 AM, followed by a bowl of warm water for washing.
Afterward, you’ll pack your duffel bag and daypack, then head to the dining tent for breakfast. We usually hit the trail by mid-morning and walk for about 3 to 4 hours before stopping for lunch, where we take a 1.5-hour break, allowing time for both rest and the kitchen crew to pack up.
The afternoon walk continues for another 3 to 4 hours, and we typically reach camp around 4:00 PM, where tea, coffee, and snacks await. In the late afternoon, your trek leader may organize optional short walks or side excursions.
Dinner is served around 7:00 PM.

Our Team

Our local trek leaders are well-trained in all aspects of trekking, including safety, high-altitude awareness, emergency procedures, and the natural and cultural history of the region.

• Sherpas lead the trail and distribute loads evenly among the porters.

• Cooks & kitchen staff prepare all meals with high standards of hygiene.

• Mule handlers guide the animals who carry your gear between camps.

Climate Conditions

Oct–Nov / Mar–Apr:
At lower altitudes (2500m–3500m), daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 20°C, with nighttime lows from –5°C to 5°C. Mornings are usually clear, with cloud build-up in the afternoons.

Nov–Feb:
Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, and nighttime lows can drop to –10°C to 5°C at lower trekking altitudes. Mornings are often crisp and clear.

Packing Checklist

Travel Documents

• Flight tickets or digital confirmations

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Bhutan visa (issued on arrival; clearance provided in advance)

• Indian visa (required if arriving early or staying after the trip)

• Copies of all important documents (passport, visas)

Headwear

• Warm wool or synthetic beanie covering ears

• Sun hat

• UV-protective sunglasses (category 2)

• Headlamp with spare batteries

• Cap, bandana, or buff (great for dusty trails)

Upper Body

• Two cotton long-sleeved shirts for city wear

• Two polypropylene or wool-mix mid-layers

• One lightweight thermal top (preferably wool)

• One fleece jacket or lightweight Primaloft/down jacket

• One waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex shell with hood

• For higher altitudes: an ultra-warm down jacket with hood (provided by us)

Hands

• One pair of lightweight windstopper gloves

Lower Body

• One pair of hiking shorts

• One pair of trekking trousers

• One to two pairs of casual trousers/skirts for city wear

• One pair of stretch tights for lodge evenings

• One pair of lightweight thermal trousers

Footwear

• One pair of well-broken-in trekking boots with ankle support

• One pair of sneakers, trainers, or sandals for city and camp use

• Two pairs of medium-weight wool trekking socks

• Two to three pairs of liner socks (polypropylene or wool)

• One pair of lightweight trekking socks

Sleeping Gear (Provided by Us)

• High-quality down sleeping bag (rated to –20°C / 0°F)

• Fleece sleeping bag liner

• Note: For each trek, we provide sleeping bags weighing 1400–1800g depending on altitude, plus down jackets.

Backpacks & Luggage

• One medium-sized daypack (20–25 liters)

• One large duffel bag (provided upon arrival)

Accessories

• Two 1-liter water bottles

• Books, cards, music, small instruments

• Chargers, batteries, power banks, etc.