Journey to Nepal + Bhutan
Hosted by Scott and Diane Avera

Upon arrival at the airport, our VIP Services include personal assistance through immigration and baggage claim. After a traditional Khada welcome, a deeply-rooted cultural gesture of goodwill and compassion, you’ll be escorted to our luxury boutique hotel. Embellished with authentic architectural details, this unique heritage property is the perfect base for exploring Kathmandu. After checking in, the balance of this day is yours to relax or explore as you wish.
 

Around midday, we’ll join our engaging guide to explore two of Nepal’s most culturally significant landmarks, starting at Boudhanath c. Built on an imposing octagonal base inset with 108 prayer wheels and towering well over 100 feet, this is one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world. At a nearby monastery, we’ll be welcomed into a prayer session with Buddhist monks. Following the prayers, we’ve made special arrangements for you to have a private audience with the High Lama, or with the revered Rinpoche if they are available. This memorable exchange of sage words and advice and a traditional Khada scarf blessing offer a rare and personal connection to Buddhist tradition.
 
Then we’ll visit Pashupatinath Temple c, dedicated to Lord Shiva. With roots dating to the 5^th century BCE, this two-tiered pagoda with gilded roof and carved silver doors sits on the banks of the Bagmati River. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the evening Aarti ceremony fills the air with chants, flickering lamplight, bells and the scent of incense a powerful experience of enduring devotion and deep spirituality.  Meals B

After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore three of the Kathmandu Valley’s most storied royal cities. In Bhaktapur c, the “City of Devotees,” centuries-old brick lanes lead to the main square where the 18th-century Palace of 55 Windows stands alongside ornate gates, stone temples, and intricately carved shrines. Bhaktapur is also celebrated for its artisan heritage, and you’ll have the rare opportunity to spend time with a skilled woodcarver before meeting a master potter for a hands-on lesson in this centuries old craft, two uniquely engaging ways to connect with the city’s enduring traditions.
 
After lunch in Bhaktapur, we’ll continue to Patan, famed as the “City of Artisans.” Its Durbar Square c reveals a dazzling concentration of Newari architecture, palace buildings, elegant courtyards, and both Hindu and Buddhist temples adorned with wood, stone, and metalwork. Here, in the erstwhile royal city of the Malla kings, we’ve made arrangements for a private blessing from the Kumari, the Living Goddess of Patan.
 
Back in the capital, we’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the royal heart of the city. Discover palaces, temples, and monuments including the ancient royal palace Hanuman Dhoka c, the towering Taleju Temple, and Kasthamandap, an impressive pagoda reputed to have been built from the wood of a single tree. Then, board a cycle rickshaw for a ride through the bustling gallis (lanes) to Thamel, the city’s lively hub of cafés, shops, and colorful market stalls.
 
Return to our hotel for a leisurely afternoon, before capping the day with cocktails in the company of an Everest summiteer, who will share extraordinary stories from the roof of the world.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast and checkout, we’ll be escorted to the airport for the short, scenic business class flight to Bhutan a breathtaking journey that, on clear days, offers unforgettable views of the Himalayan range. Upon touching down in Paro, we’ll embark on a pleasant 90-minute drive along the winding course of the Wang Chu River through forested hills and traditional farming communities. Arriving in Thimphu, we’ll check in to our evocative 5-star hotel in time for lunch.
 
This afternoon, we’ll join a local chef for a guided stroll through Thimphu’s lively weekend market, where farmers from the surrounding valleys gather to sell their goods and produce. It’s a wonderful introduction to Bhutanese flavors and food culture. You’ll also have time to browse the nearby handicraft market, where artisans display handwoven textiles, carved masks, colorful jewelry, and other fine examples of Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions.
 
As evening falls, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying Bhutanese hospitality and dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, an inviting close to our first day in this captivating Himalayan kingdom.  Meals B+L+D
 

Our 2026 President’s Journey has been carefully planned to coincide with one of Bhutan’s most important and colorful celebrations, the annual Thimphu Tshechu Festival. Tshechu festivals are held across the country, but this gathering in the capital is among the largest and most significant, with traditions dating back to the 17th century.
 
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Tshechu Festival grounds to join residents and visitors in experiencing centuries-old Buddhist traditions that blend devotion, artistry, and community. While other activities abound, the heart of Tshechu lies in the sacred cham dances, performed by elaborately costumed monks and lay dancers, their movements enhanced by intricately designed, hand-crafted masks. Between performances, families in their finest attire gather to socialize, share food, and interact with other festival goers, affording us a unique chance to mingle and immerse in the festival’s joyful, welcoming spirit.
 
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a nearby archery ground to try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport. Friendly competition with local archers offers a window into the country’s sporting traditions along with plenty of fun. Later, we’ve arranged for a special meeting with Mynak Tulku Rinpoche, a widely respected Buddhist leader and founder of the National Museum in Paro and the National Library in Thimphu. Over dinner, his thoughtful perspectives and warm conversation will offer a richer understanding of Buddhism and its enduring role in Bhutanese life and culture.  Meals B+L+D
 

Early risers can begin this morning with sunrise yoga and meditation, a delightful way to both rejuvenate and ground yourself in the peaceful rhythm of Bhutan’s highlands. Following breakfast, we’ll embark on our day’s journey, ascending through the forested terrain to the 10,300-foot Dochula Pass where clear-day views offer a spectacular 360° panorama over the Himalayas. We’ll stop to visit the nearby Dochula Monastery, distinguished by 108 chortens built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who fought in a 2003 military operation, the first such conflict in Bhutan’s modern history.
 
From here, the road unfurls through terraced hills and along rushing rivers into the fertile Punakha Valley. We’ll enjoy a scenic walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built in 1499 on a site blessed by the irreverent Buddhist saint Drukpa Kinley, affectionately known as the “Divine Madman.” Decorated with numerous fertility motifs, this monastery remains a popular pilgrimage site for young couples who wish to have children. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to our evocative luxury lodgings set on a forested hillside above the Mo Chu River. After check-in and time to refresh, we’ll gather for dinner here at the hotel.  Meals B+L+D
 

After breakfast, we’ll set out to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortified monasteries, strategically set at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 with richly painted halls and tranquil courtyards, you may glimpse crimson-robed monks going about their daily routines, a timeless rhythm that has shaped Bhutanese spiritual life for centuries.

This morning also offers your choice of another included experience. You might join a rafting excursion along a gentle stretch of the Mo Chhu River, a delightful way to immerse in the natural beauty and bucolic pace of the Punakha Valley. Or you can choose a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, an intricately adorned temple reached via a trail that winds through farmland and pine forest, with panoramic valley vistas from its hilltop perch.

We’ll regroup for lunch at a local restaurant before driving toward Paro, where we’ll stop to explore Paro Dzong. Crossing the traditional wooden Nyamai-Zam bridge, we’ll discover a fortress of soaring whitewashed walls, elaborately decorated windows, and serene courtyards, a magnificent example of Bhutanese monastic architecture and craftsmanship. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our inviting 5-star hotel. Set against a backdrop of forested hills, the property blends Bhutanese design traditions with modern comforts. After check-in, your time is free to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings before dinner at the hotel.  Meals B+L+D

 

After breakfast, we’ll make the scenic drive to Chele La Pass: At more than 13,000 feet in elevation, it’s the highest motorable point in Bhutan. Here, Himalayan vistas unfold in every direction, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the air is crisp and invigorating. From the pass, adventurous spirits can indulge in a thrilling and unforgettable experience, cycling down winding mountain roads, while those who prefer to remain on the coach will enjoy the same panoramic views from a more leisurely vantage point.
 
Our ride (or drive) concludes with a stop at Namgay Brewery for a tour and tasting of their craft beers, paired with a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take part in a traditional Butter Lamp offering at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, its courtyards steeped in centuries of devotion. Later, enjoy a guided stroll down Paro’s main street, where traditional shopfronts and everyday scenes invite engagement with the locals. This is a chance to browse handicrafts, sample snacks, and soak up the rhythms of daily life in a Bhutanese town.
 
Back at the hotel, we’ll gather for a private session with a renowned and engaging Buddhist Master, who will explain the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy and share insight into Bhutan’s unique concept of Gross National Happiness. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel.  Meals B+L+D
 

After breakfast, we’ll drive a short distance to Ramthanka, the trailhead for one of Bhutan’s most iconic and breathtaking experiences: the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched on a sheer granite cliff some 3,000 feet above the valley floor, the monastery is one of the most dramatic sites in the Himalayas.
 
In the engaging company of our knowledgeable guide, we’ll ascend through serene pine forests and along mountain trails, with occasional stops to admire the views and take photos. About 90 minutes into the hike, we’ll arrive at a welcoming café, a perfect spot to rest, enjoy tea or coffee, and soak in the crisp mountain air. From here, the trail continues upward, and along the way you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a traditional prayer flag ceremony, adding your own flag to flutter in the wind for health, happiness, and good fortune.
 
The final leg brings us to the incomparable Tiger’s Nest Monastery, where we’ll have time to explore the temple complex and learn about its spiritual significance in Bhutanese Buddhist culture. After our visit, we’ll make our descent, stopping for a picnic lunch along the trail. Back in Ramthanka, we’ll drive back to the hotel where you’ll have time to freshen up before dinner.  Meals B+L+D
 

After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer to Paro International Airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we’ll be escorted to our luxury boutique hotel, where the afternoon is at leisure. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, whether wandering the charming streets, visiting local shops for souvenirs, or simply immersing in the rhythms of Kathmandu’s bustling neighborhoods.
 
Kathmandu is a city steeped in history and culture, with centuries-old temples, courtyards, and artisan workshops around every corner. Just stepping out from our hotel to explore without a specific objective promises a fascinating window into Nepalese life, culture and historic legacy. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at Le Sherpa, sharing stories and memories from our trip before returning to the hotel for the final overnight of our President’s Journey.  Meals B+D
 

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.  Meals B