The Heart of the Himalayas: A Tour of Nepal & Bhutan

Namaste and welcome to Nepal!

Arrive in Kathmandu and complete immigration formalities. You will be greeted by a Sodha Travel representative and transferred to the hotel.

At leisure and overnight.

Enjoy a morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, meet our guide and visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhnath Stupa.

Pashupanath Temple is incredibly sacred and one of the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here. Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility, so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruits. Flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati river and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.

Next visit Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world just beyond the Pashupatinath temple. It is built on a flat surface on various levels of terraces and is painted in pastel adorned with prayer flags. It is set in a Mandala design. Altogether, 108 Buddha images and 147 insets of prayer wheels adorn the base of the huge circular edifice. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetans – 12,000 strong.

Exclusive Experience  

Thanka painting is a traditional craft that has been practiced in Nepal since ancient times. They are traditional Buddhist and Hindu religious scrolls, which are painted on cotton or silk cloths. These paintings are rich in symbolism and are used as a medium for religious teachings, meditation, and spiritual contemplation.

Thanka paintings are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and spiritual significance, and they are used for a variety of purposes, including religious teachings, meditation, and decorative purposes. The paintings are also used to create traditional Nepali products such as wall hangings, bookmarks, and greeting cards. Thanka painting classes for visitors who want to learn this traditional craft first hand from skilled artists using traditional methods.

Exclusive Experience

A Monk / Lama will welcome us at the Monastery and lead us around the Boudhnath stupa while doing parikrama. After parikrama, we will visit the Monastery for a prayer session and take a blessing. You can also light the butter lamp and pray for your loves ones. 

Optional dinner at Krishnarpan :

The Krishnarpan is the signature restaurant of the Dwarika’s Hotel, offering a slow-dining Nepalese gastronomic experience. Krishnarpan treats your senses to a culinary splurge as it pays homage to Nepal’s vibrant ethnicity and its traditional food. Every menu is carefully designed and based on Dwarika’s organic farms. You can choose from menus ranging from six to twenty-two courses that take you on a fascinating voyage through Nepalese cuisines, communities, and regions.

Meals: B

The morning is reserved for optional Mt. Everest experiences, either by helicopter or flight. (more details below)

Later, we will explore Kathmandu City.

First we drive to Ason Tole and walk through the bustling spice markets of Ason and Indrachowk, where the air is filled with the rich aromas of cardamom, cumin, and dried chilies. These ancient marketplaces, once vital trade hubs along the trans-Himalayan route, still pulse with energy as locals bargain for fresh produce, textiles, and traditional goods. A visit to Beed Bazaar (Pote Bazaar) is particularly special—this historic market has been the heart of Nepal’s bead trade for centuries, where skilled artisans craft and sell vibrant glass bead necklaces (pote), an essential part of Nepali cultural and marital traditions. As you stroll through these lively alleys, surrounded by the echoes of centuries-old commerce, the experience offers a deep connection to Kathmandu’s rich heritage and daily life.

Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square: Durbar, which means palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from. Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart. The charm of the old town blends well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square was designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples and courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which today has souvenir stalls and leads to Freak Street (the lane still lives in the former glory of being the ultimate Hippie destination during the Flower Power era). 

The temple of Living Goddess, Kumari, is also on the southern end. Kumari is a young Shakya girl from Newar community, chosen through an ancient and mystical selection to become the human incarnation of Hindu Goddess, Taleju. If you are lucky, you might get to get a glimpse of Kumari peeking out of an elaborately carved wooden window. The main Durbar Square is the most affected area by the 2015 earthquake. Three main temples of the area, Kasthamandap, Narayan temple, Trilokya Mohan and Krishna Temple has been completely destroyed while other have been partially damaged. On the northeast side, the square consists of Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance to the old royal palace. The Taleju Bhawani’s temple, the oldest of all the temples is situated in this area. Even though the old royal palace has been partially damaged, restoration process is going on. The square is slowly making progress to yet again revive its old mystic and glory of being a living museum with finest traditional architectures in the world

Optional dinner with an Everest Summiteer who will share his harrowing and profound tales of climbing the mountain.

Meals: B

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square and Kirtipur town.

Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Lalitpur, just south of Kathmandu. The square is home to several ancient palaces, temples, and shrines that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Nepal. The square was once the seat of the Malla dynasty and served as the center of political and cultural life in the region. Visitors can explore the palace complex and its intricate wooden carvings, including the Taleju Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and the Krishna Temple.

Experience: 

Singing Bowl Master: Singing bowls are renowned for their healing and relaxing qualities and were invented by ancient Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist monks for physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation. Singing bowls are also called Himalayan bowls, a source of positive energy in the form of sound vibrations. When the rims of these bowls are struck, it produces a long reverberating sound wave that soothes the senses. The singing tunes are a series of sound waves produced by them. Deep, subtle and powerful) these sound waves are believed to penetrate the mind of the listener leaving him relaxed and tranquil.

Exclusive Experience:

Lunch at Patan Museum Café with ex-Kumari.

Meeting X Kumari is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to delve into the rich culture and traditions of Nepal. You'll learn about the X Kumari's life and traditions, including her daily routine, her responsibilities as the living goddess, and her relationship with the people of Nepal. This unique encounter will provide you with a deeper understanding of the country's history, mythology, and spiritual practices.

Drive to Kirtipur for sightseeing tour along-with experience cooking class / Momo making at Kirtipur Community followed by dinner.

Next visit Kirtipur: The sleepy town of Kirtipur comes like a breath of fresh air. Thanks to the stunning ancient temples that are scattered along its backstreets and the authentic experience of the Newari culture, the town has been gaining more popularity and today stands as a symbol of the faded grandeur of the bygone era.

Our evening is reserved for Momo Making with a local family.

Momo is a dumpling made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, the dish is a very popular Nepali street food. In Nepal the most common type of momos are buff (buffalo) momos followed by chicken. A few restaurants also offer special momos such as pumpkin momos or spinach & cheese momos but non-veg momos are still the favourite.

Dinner with the local community family members.

Meals: B/L/D

After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Panauti and start hiking to Namo Buddha around 3-4 hrs. The tour starts in Panauti, a culturally and historically significant Newari hamlet.

You will be captivated by the well-preserved Newari architecture, delicately crafted temples, and peaceful courtyards as you traverse the narrow cobblestone streets of Panauti. The voyage from Panauti to Namo Buddha is a relatively straightforward and delightful route that welcomes trekkers of all ability levels. The trail leads through terraced fields, verdant forests, and rustic villages, affording hikers ample opportunities to interact with friendly locals of diverse ethnicities, including Newars, Tamangs, and Brahmins. Namo Buddha, which is located on a mountaintop, is one of the highlights of the hike. 

After hiking, we will drive to Dhulikhel and transfer to Dwarika’s Resort.

The Dwarika’s Resort will organize our program, which includes Yoga / Meditation session, pottery making, art and painting classes, and an organic farm visit.

Overnight is at the hotel. 

Meals: B

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

A full day to reserve spa services (booked independently) or enjoy the resort activities.

Meals: B

Rise and shine early today for our flight to Bhutan! Transfer to Kathmandu airport.

KB-401                   09:00 | 10:20 hrs 

Uponn arrival, drive to Thimphu (approx. 1 hr)

The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

On arrival, drive to hotel check in and rest.

Visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

This evening, we have a private session on Buddhism with Mayna Trulku.

You can also take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery and many interesting items made from local materials.

Dinner and overnight is at the hotel. 

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of the city. 

Explore the Buddha Point and engage in a short yoga session with Yogini Yangchen.

After the session, start a short hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang. The hike takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well. The hike will take about 2 hours. The hike is through pine forest. This trail is part of the 60th birth anniversary celebration of the fourth king of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang where you can do some rounds and enjoy views of the Thimphu Valley. You can also engage in lighting a butterlamp each for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant. 

After lunch visit the Textile Museum, to learn about the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress, and textiles made by women and men. We will have an exclusive guided tour of the museum, including a viewing of the royal collection.

Breakfast, Dinner & overnight is at the hotel. 

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Do Chula pass. (Approx. 2 hrs)

Enroute, stop by the Rhododendron Festival which takes place at the Lamperi Botanical Gardens. You can walk around the garden and take part in the festivities.

In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Do Chula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Post Lunch, enroute excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. The Chimi Lhakhang situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. Here, you can also request for a Bhutanese name.

Check in at the hotel

In the evening, Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & overnight is at the hotel.

After breakfast visit a farm house, Happiness Fields. Join our host for conversation and a delicious cooking demonstration. Together, we will enjoy lunch and learn more about the local community.

After, continue our drive to Paro Valley. (approx. 1.5 hrs)

On arrival, check-in & relax. 

Rest of the day is at leisure. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & overnight is at the hotel. 

After breakfast, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5hrs walk):  It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here, and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. It was also visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building. However, this iconic monastery has been restored to its original splendor. Here, you can hoist prayer flags.

Distance: 2.5 hours (one-way)

Altitude: 3120 M

Elevation gain: 900 M

Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture by donning a traditional Gho/Kira and then get plenty of pictures on this experience. Also soak in a Hot Stone Bath after a long day of walking.

This relaxing traditional Bhutanese technique uses river rocks placed in the water where they crack and steam, releasing minerals and soothing pain. You can also experience the National Sport Archery here along with dancing to the cultural program.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & overnight is at the hotel. 

In time transfer to the airport for your flight back home. 

Bon Voyage!