Nepal & Bhutan
October 9 to 17, 2027
8 nights, 9 days | $5750
OVERVIEW
Run and hike your way from Nepal into the undiscovered kingdom of Bhutan, beginning with a taste of the Himalayas in Kathmandu before venturing deeper into the mountains. From subtropical valleys and terraced rice fields to high mountain passes, pine forests and remote Himalayan trails, experience an incredible variety of landscapes and routes
Along the way, discover ancient monasteries, sacred temples, traditional villages and magnificent dzongs, while experiencing the color and energy of Thimphu’s famous Tshechu festival. Our journey takes us higher into the mountains before culminating at Bhutan’s legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched above the Paro Valley
Highlights
Thimphu Tshechu Festival
Witness this vibrant celebration of Buddhist culture, with sacred dances, music and traditions
Six trails to Tiger’s Nest
Hike or run curated trails through rice fields, forests and valleys, building toward the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Tastes of the Himalayas
All meals included, from vibrant Newari cuisine in Nepal, to traditional Bhutanese dishes and a cultural demonstration
Try traditional archery
Experience Bhutan’s national sport and discover one of the Kingdom’s most beloved traditions
Map
Weather
October is one of the best times to explore Nepal and Bhutan, with clear skies, comfortable temperatures and excellent mountain visibility following the monsoon season. In Kathmandu, expect temperatures around 65–75°F during the day, while Bhutan’s valleys are generally cooler, with temperatures around 55–70°F depending on altitude. Higher mountain trails will be cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, so come prepared with layers, a warm jacket and a waterproof jacket
Itinerary
Day 1
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals : Welcome dinner
Lodging : TBC central Kathmandu (night 1 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : We’ll organize an easy shakeout run!
Welcome to Kathmandu, gateway to the Himalayas
Arrive at any time today and make your way to our hotel in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist district, where colorful streets are filled with cafés, restaurants, trekking shops and local handicrafts.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a traditional Nepalese welcome dinner to enjoy our first taste of local flavors and officially begin our Himalayan adventure.
Arriving early? With an extra day or two, venture into the Kathmandu Valley to explore the beautiful Newari architecture of Patan, wander the historic streets of Bhaktapur. Considering the Everest Basecamp trek? Ask us for recommendations!
Day 2
Location : Kathmandu, Nepal
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : TBC central Kathmandu (night 2 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : Sacred Hills Trails (~6-8km)
Activities : City sites tour (on both foot and tuk tuk or cycle rickshaw) with local guides
Sacred temples, Buddhist Stupas and Kathmandu city
We’ll start our full day in Kathmandu with a morning run around Swayambhunath and the forested trails of Nagarjun, beginning near the hilltop stupa before heading onto the trails for a taste of Nepal’s greener side and views across Kathmandu Valley. Then it’s back to the hotel for breakfast and showers.
We’ll spend the day exploring the city, beginning in Durbar Square, the historic heart of the old city, where ancient temples, palaces and intricately carved Newari architecture reveal centuries of Nepalese history.
After a local lunch, we’ll continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan Buddhism, before heading to Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites.
We’ll have a little free time in the late afternoon to relax before coming together for dinner and our final evening in Nepal.
Day 3
Location : Thimphu, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Kuenphen Rabten Resort (night 1 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : No trail today
Activities : Thimphu Tshechu festival, and cultural sightseeing
Group flight from Kathmandu to Paro included in trip cost and arranged by us
From Kathmandu to Bhutan’s vibrant mountain capital
Today we’ll leave Nepal behind and fly into Paro, Bhutan, with a spectacular Himalayan approach offering our first glimpse of the Kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival, we’ll meet our three local guides and two drivers who will accompany us for the week, and make the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
We’ll grab a quick lunch, then head straight to the Thimphu Tshechu, the festival around which we’ve built this entire adventure. Held at the impressive Tashichho Dzong, this three-day celebration brings together monks, performers and local families for sacred masked dances, traditional music and colorful ceremonies. One of Bhutan’s most important cultural festivals, it’s an incredible first introduction to the country and a chance to experience Bhutanese traditions at their most vibrant.
After the festival, we’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, an important place of daily prayer and devotion, before checking into Kuenphen Rabten Resort, our peaceful base for the next two nights. Set in an apple orchard just outside central Thimphu, the resort has beautiful mountain views, a garden, restaurant and bar, as well as a meditation hall, spa and wellness facilities — a relaxing place to settle into Bhutan after a busy first day.
Day 4
Location : Thimphu, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Kuenphen Rabten Resort (night 2 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : Cheri Monastery (3km) & Wangditse Monestary (5km)
Activities : Cultural sightseeing, Royal Takin (animal) Preserve
Forest trails, ancient monasteries and mountain wildlife
Today we’ll head into the hills north of Thimphu for a morning hike to Cheri Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most important religious sites. The trail climbs through pine forest to the monastery, where we’ll have time to explore the temple, take in the peaceful surroundings and, where possible, meet the resident monks. After our hike, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before returning towards Thimphu.
Back in the valley, we’ll visit the Royal Takin Preserve to meet Bhutan’s distinctive national animal, the takin, a shaggy mountain-dweller found in the highlands of the Himalayas. From there, we’ll continue to the enormous Buddha Dordenma Statue, perched high above the city with sweeping views across Thimphu. We’ll finish the day with another short trail from Sangaygang to Wangditse Monastery, following a forested path to one of the valley’s best viewpoints. Then it’s back to Kuenphen Rabten Resort for a relaxed evening and dinner.
Day 5
Location : Punakha, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Zen Punakha (night 1 of 1) with spa facilities
Trail : Lungchuste Monastery Trail (~10km) & Optional 9km
Activities : Cultural sightseeing, traditional cooking demonstration
High mountain trails and sacred valleys of Punakha
Today we’ll leave Thimphu behind and journey into the warmer, subtropical landscapes of the Punakha Valley, stopping at Dochula Pass for sweeping Himalayan views before setting out on a trail through pristine mountain forest to Lungchutse Monastery, perched high above the valley at 3,555m. After descending through the forest, we’ll continue to a local heritage homestay for a traditional cooking demonstration and home-cooked lunch, followed by a hike through pine forests and ancient monastic trails to Toeb Chandana Lhakhang, a sacred temple linked to the legendary Lama Drukpa Kunley.
By day’s end, we’ll arrive at Zen Punakha, a peaceful riverside retreat surrounded by lush greenery and mountain scenery, where we can relax and enjoy the warmer climate of the valley, and perhaps the wellness facilities.
Day 6
Location : Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Odiyana Hotel (night 1 of 1)
Trail : Rice Terrace Trails (3+5km)
Activities : River rafting, cultural sightseeing
Rice fields, river adventures and the Phobjikha highlands
Today we’ll explore more of the Punakha Valley before heading into the highlands of central Bhutan. We’ll begin with a hike through terraced rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautifully positioned sacred monument overlooking the Mo Chhu River and surrounding valley.
Afterward, there’s the option to get out on the water with a rafting adventure, followed by lunch beside the river and a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important and spectacular fortresses.
From Punakha, we’ll climb into the cooler mountain landscape of Phobjikha Valley, where we’ll visit Gangtey Monastery before following the peaceful Gangtey Nature Trail through pine forests and open mountain meadows.
Tonight, we’ll stay at Hotel Odiyana, our home for one night in the heart of the valley, with time to relax and take in the peaceful mountain surroundings before dinner.
Day 7
Location : Paro, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Shomo Chuki Resort (night 1 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : Longtey Trail (~6km)
Activities : Cultural sightseeing. Archery class
Mountain ridges, ancient villages and the road to Paro
After breakfast, we’ll leave Phobjikha Valley behind and drive to the village of Kumbu, where we’ll set out on the Longtey route. The trail climbs through forest to cross the Longtey Ridge at around 3,600m before descending to the village of Longtey. After lunch on the road, we’ll continue towards Paro, stopping along the way to explore Drinchengang, a traditional village known for its beautiful cluster of rammed-earth houses and its focus on preserving Bhutanese architecture and culture.
We'll find time in the day to join and try a traditional game of Bhutanese archery - the beloved national sport. We’ll also visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous 15th-century temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, better known as the “Temple of Fertility,” Tonight, we’ll settle into Shomo Chuki Resort & spa, our base for the next two nights in the beautiful Paro Valley.
Day 8
Location : Bumdrak / Paro, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Shomo Chuki Resort (night 2 of 2) with spa facilities
Trail : Tiger’s Nest Trail (~14km)
Activities : Cultural sightseeing & evening performance, Hot Stone Bath
High-altitude trails and the legendary Tiger’s Nest
Today is the big mountain finale of our Bhutan adventure. After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, where we’ll begin our hike along an ancient pilgrimage route into the mountains. The trail climbs steadily through forest and open mountain landscapes to Bumdrak, reaching around 3,860m after roughly five to six hours at a leisurely pace. Lunch will be waiting for us at the top, with time to rest and take in the spectacular mountain surroundings.
From Bumdrak, we’ll begin our descent towards Paro, following the trail towards Bhutan’s most iconic landmark: Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. As we descend, the monastery gradually comes into view, dramatically perched on a sheer cliff high above the valley. We’ll take time to explore this extraordinary sacred site before continuing down to the valley floor, where our vehicle will meet us.
Upon returning to our hotel, we have the chance for a traditional Hot Stone Bath to soothe our muscles after a week of trails. Our final evening in Bhutan is complete with a traditional home-cooked dinner and cultural performance.
Day 9
Location : Paro, Bhutan
Meals : Breakfast
Start & end location, visas and flights
Farewell to Bhutan, the kingdom in the clouds
Today it’s time to say goodbye to this special mountain kingdom. After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, with international connections available to destinations including Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, Dhaka and Singapore.
We’ll organize your onward flight based on your chosen destination at the time of booking, bringing our Himalayan adventure to a close.
Start and end location, and flights
We’ll start our journey in Kathmandu, Nepal. There are plenty of international connections from the US - Qatar airways (Oneworld alliance) is an airline we can recommend, normally connecting in Doha.
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan is included in the trip price and will be booked for you by us.
The trip ends in Paro. Bhutan. There are limited flight options from there with only two airlines - these are currently Kathmandu - Nepal, Delhi and Kolkata - India, Bangkok - Thailand, Dhaka - Bangladesh and Singapore. While the cost of this flight is your responsibility, we can help book this with our local partner team, so you only have to worry about booking your round-trip international flights.
Why not use the opportunity to see another country en route home?! Contact us if you’d like some ideas or have questions about onward travel - we’ve spent a lot of time in the region :)
Visas
Nepal:
US passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, however this can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport. The cost is currently $30 for 15 days and $50 for 30 days. The fee can be paid in USD cash or by bank card.
Bhutan:
All foreign persons need a visa to enter Bhutan. We will organize this for you and cover the cost.
To enter both countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return.
If you want to visit other countries before or after the trip - please research the visa and entry requirements.