Nov 2 - Arrive in Katmandu and transfer to our accommodations. We will enjoy our first dinner together to kick off our trip around 7pm. You are welcome to arrive early.

Nov 3 - Breakfast, and then a full day of sightseeing. First we head to the Boudhanath Stupa on the outskirts of central Kathmandu. This is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa are a number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. Then we will drive to Bhaktapur City (40 min drive). We will walk the 17th century cobblestone streets which link temples, monastery courtyards and monumental squares, and marvel at the ancient architecture. Most traffic is banned and there is a vibrant cultural life with strong communities of potters, carvers and weavers. Lunch and dinner today and every day are included.

Nov 4 - Breakfast, then we visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites today, as well as other important historical and cultural sites. First, Swayambhunath: established more than 2500 years ago, this Buddhist temple is also known as the “Monkey Temple” and commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Next, we will visit Kathmandu Dubar Square. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Mala Kings of Kathmandu. Third, we will visit Patan City. Patan is the city of arts and architecture and is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Throughout the day we will also visit Hanuman Dhoka: house of the Living Goddess and Kasthamandap, Durbar Square, and the Jawalakhel Handicraft and Carpet Weaving Center (JHC)

Nov 5 - We will head to the airport after breakfast to fly to Paro, and then drive to Thimpu. Thimpu is the capital and largest city in Bhutan and the official residence of the King and Queen. We will also be visiting Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point): The Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan, and houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues made of bronze and gilded in gold. 

Nov 6 - Breakfast, and then off to Memorial Chorten: The chorten was consecrated in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck on July 28, 1974, following his unexpected death while travelling outside the country. It is a very popular religious monument in the city and the sight of elderly people circumambulating around the chorten is common during the day and night. Then we will visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center, where we will have the chance to learn about traditional Bhutanese cloth and be able to shop at the store there. We will also see the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. This Institute provides training in the traditional culture, arts and crafts as it promotes and creates job opportunities by transferring skills to the Bhutanese youth.

Nov 7 - Breakfast, and then we take a drive to our next hotel with some stops along the way. First we will stop in Lobesa where we will take a short walk through farmhouses and fields to Chime Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15th century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or “divine mad man.” He is one of the most important saints in Bhutan and the temple is a pilgrimage site for women unable to bear children. Our next stop will be Punakha Dzong, a remarkable fortress built between two rivers that has survived many glacial floods and fire. 

Nov 8 - Today we drive to Paro for our day of sightseeing. First, the Rinpung Dzong (Buddhist monastery and fortress). It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also get to visit the National Museum, which is housed in the Paro Ta dzong (a guardian watchtower that kept close watch on the movement of enemy forces from external invasions and internal oppositions.)

Nov 9 - After breakfast, and then a day hike (a moderately challenging, steep ascent featuring forested trails, prayer flags, valley views, and stairs) to the Taktsang monastery(also known as the Tigers Nest). The entire hike will take around 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff and it is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime.

Nov 10 - We fly back to Kathmandu in the morning after one last breakfast together. You should book your flights home after 5pm today, in order to be sure you make it on time and we aren’t terribly affected by a delayed flight this morning.  Breakfast and then we fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. You should book your flights home after 5pm today, in order to be sure you make it on time and we aren’t terribly affected by a delayed flight this morning.