Wander Across Bhutan

Apr 13

Arrival day

Included: Dinner

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be picked up by our private driver and taken to our hotel in the city center. Once everyone has arrived we'll have an evening orientation followed by a great local dinner for a first taste of Himalayan cuisine.

Apr 14

Highlights: Kathmandu

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a half-day walking tour of Kathmandu, starting in Thamel—a vibrant neighborhood known as the city’s cultural hub, bustling with lively streets, colorful shops, and unique handicrafts. From there, we’ll continue to Asan Bazaar, one of the city’s oldest markets, where locals shop for spices, produce, and everyday essentials. For lunch, we’ll stop at a nearby restaurant to sample momos, Nepal’s beloved dumplings filled with spiced vegetables or meat. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. You can visit the peaceful Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical garden in the heart of the city, or browse the many boutiques in Thamel. Your tour leader will be available to assist with any activities you wish to plan during this time. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu while savoring the local flavors

Apr 15

Highlights: Flight to Bhutan, Thimpu, School of Buddhist Astrology

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we’ll leave Nepal behind and take a quick 1.5-hour flight to Paro, Bhutan, beginning a new chapter in the Himalayan region. After arrival we’ll take a one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which is set in a scenic valley surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills. Thimphu is known for its rich cultural heritage and serves as the country’s political and economic center. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and take some time to settle in. Later in the evening we’ll visit the School of Buddhist Astrology, where we’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage. This cultural experience will offer us a glimpse into how astrology shapes Bhutanese traditions and daily life.

Apr 16

Highlights: A memorable breakfast setting, Institute of Traditional Medicine, dinner with local friends

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins with the rare opportunity to have breakfast at a magnificent golden monument overlooking Thimphu, a special experience made possible through our local contacts. Afterward, we’ll visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services to explore Bhutan's ancient healing practices. You’ll have the option to take a short hike to a nearby temple, immersing yourself in its peaceful atmosphere. After lunch, enjoy some free time to relax or join an optional visit to the Green Weaving Center, where artisans showcase sustainable textile practices. In the evening, we’ll be invited into a local home for a Bhutanese dinner, savoring authentic flavors and hospitality.

Apr 17

Highlights: Dochula Pass, Richtenang Village, Phobjika Valley

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll begin our day by driving towards the Phobjika Valley with a stop at the Dochula Pass, a breathtaking mountain pass adorned with 108 chortens and offering panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. Here we’ll enjoy a light hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail, a serene walk surrounded by lush landscapes and colorful prayer flags. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit Richtenang Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals and experience the rhythms of rural Bhutanese life. From there, we’ll proceed to the serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its sweeping landscapes and tranquil ambiance, and check into our cozy lodge nestled in the heart of nature.

Apr 18

Highlights: Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery, Punakha

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we’ll explore the magical Phobjikha Valley, a place of stunning natural beauty surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with small villages. We’ll begin with a visit to the historic Gangtey Monastery, a revered Buddhist site and a center of spiritual life in the valley. From there we’ll take a leisurely hike into the valley, enjoying the pristine landscapes and peaceful atmosphere that make this area so unique. After a local lunch, we’ll then set off on a drive over the Lawala Pass and through the majestic mountains until we reach Punakha. We’ll arrive in the evening, settle into our hotel and enjoy dinner in this most picturesque region.

Apr 19

Highlights: Punakha Dzong, lunch at a nunnery

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and Buddhist temple that's an architectural masterpiece situated at the confluence of two rivers. We'll then head to a nearby nunnery, a peaceful retreat where Buddhist nuns live, study, and practice their traditions. Here you’ll have the chance to learn about their way of life directly from the nuns and to understand the importance of their spiritual practices. In the afternoon, you'll have time to walk through the town, visit the local farmer's market or even take a light hike through nature. We'll then gather for dinner at a great local restaurant near town.

Apr 20

Highlights: Relaxed morning in Pinakha, Paro

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll begin the day after breakfast as we head out of Punakha and begin the drive through the scenic valley. Our destination will be Paro, which we'll reach in the late afternoon. Along the way we'll stop for views of the Himalayan Mountains, remote villages and temples. We'll also have lunch en route. Upon arrival in peaceful Paro, you’ll have some time to explore this charming town, known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and local culture. We'll then settle in for a good night's sleep in order to ensure that everyone is well-rested for the next day's unbelievable hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery!

Apr 21

Highlights: Tiger's Nest hike, optional hot stone bath

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast we’ll set out on a hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, a sacred Buddhist site dramatically perched on a cliffside nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Believed to be the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated after arriving on the back of a tiger, the monastery holds immense spiritual and historical significance. The hike is approximately 4 miles round-trip and moderate in difficulty, although those looking for a lighter experience can opt for a pony ride that will take you to a viewpoint halfway up, where a café provides awe-inspiring views of the monastery and a comfortable place to relax. The hike can be done at your own pace as we'll have plenty of staff scattered along the trail. Once at the top, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the 7 temples built into the side of the cliff. Once back at the bottom, we'll return to our hotel for a much deserved rest and a great meal in the center of Paro! (Please note: For those who do not wish to participate in the hike, we will have a variety of other options available!)

Apr 22

Highlights: Free day, farewell dinner

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will involve a relaxed morning to enjoy the quiet nature and ensure that our bodies are rested from the previous day's hike. After lunch, we'll head into Paro in order to visit local shops for handcrafted Bhutanese crafts as well as a light walk to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. There will also be ample time for a traditional Bhutanese massage, sampling local coffee and visiting a nearby village to experience one last glimpse of Bhutanese rural life. In the evening, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner paired with a unique cultural performance.

Apr 23

Highlights: Flight back to Nepal, departure day

Included: Breakfast

We’ll begin the day with an early morning 1.5-hour flight back to Kathmandu, where the tour will officially come to an end. From here, you can connect with your onward flight home, taking with you the unforgettable memories of our journey through Bhutan and Nepal! **IMPORTANT: Please make sure your departure flight out of Kathmandu is later than 1:00pm in order to have enough time to transfer to the International Departures area of the airport.