2024 NEPAL AND BHUTAN EXPLORATION

Enter the serene and spiritual lands of Nepal and Bhutan, and experience the countries’ rich histories and unique cultural heritages. From the brightly colored fluttering prayer flags of Nepal to the elaborate traditional dress of the Bhutanese, these fascinating countries will delight your inner explorer. While the natural sights of this incredible region are hard to surpass, this tour does not neglect the local culture and traditions. Learn the ancient arts of traditional healing, meditate with monks in centuries-old monasteries, and shop at markets crowded with local artisans. And you’ll do all this while staying in a premium selection of the region’s finest hotels as Brand g vacations hosts ensure your comfort throughout. In Nepal, you’ll wander Kathmandu’s old narrow alleys, carved temples and bustling markets, visit Durbar Square, the 5th-century Swayambhunath stupa, explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur and catch a birds-eye-view of Everest with an optional 1-hour mountain flight. In Bhutan, you’ll discover the impressive 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang temple, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the 108 memorial stupas(Druk Wangyal Chortens) and climb to the cliff-side Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched 3,000 ft. above the lush valley

This departure may be easily combined with Brand g’s 2024 India & The Ganges River Cruise. Inquire in the pricing tab of this trip.

*Luxury Level: ***** Five Star*

Activity Level: Moderate to High

Guest Count: 38

Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square
Explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia
Visits to Bhaktapur and Patan, the oldest settlements in the valley
See Swayambhunath the “Monkey Temple”
Take an optional 1-hour mountain flight, focus on Mt. Everest (additional cost)
Experience Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the nation’s largest city
Tour the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for
Takin, the national animal of Bhutan
Visit the fortresses Punakha Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
Hike to the striking monastic retreat of Paro Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest”

Accommodations

Set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury five-star hotel designed in traditional Newari-style architecture, ideally located only 4 km away from the international airport. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a gateway to the city’s top attractions.

The rooms are designed to meet guests’ comfort and requirements, with a serene atmosphere and free Wi-Fi internet service. Featuring spacious interiors and conveniences that will make your stay memorable, each room is equipped with flat-screen televisions, separate walk-in showers, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Dates of stay: October 5 – 9, 2024

Additional pre-program nights available upon request.

Le Meridien – Thimphu

Located in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu, the Le Méridien Thimphu invites the discerning guest to engage and discover the legendary ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan. With cosmopolitan surroundings amidst the bustling commercial streets of the city-centre, and a convenient location to many of the city’s myriad attractions.

Dates of stay: October 9 – 11, 2024

Dhensa Resort-Punakha

Dhensa Boutique Resorts sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stairstep down to the valley floor. It is surrounded by plentiful walking and trekking trails. From Dhensa Punakha, it is just a five-minute trek up the mountain to the magnificent Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which houses one of the biggest bronze statues of Chenrigzig (Avalokiteshvara) in the country.

Dates of stay: October 11 – 13, 2024

Le Meridien Riverfront – Paro

Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is the perfect destination which offers a location of natural beauty with a mix of luxury and comfort. The hotel is situated on the edge of the Paro River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, making it a perfect stopover for anyone visiting Bhutan. The timeless art of leisure can be freely pursued with amenities that include Explore Spa and an indoor heated pool, as well as a Fitness Center. Our two restaurants, Bamboo Chic and Latest Recipe and Latitude bar offers diners an exquisite sensorial experience. Our 59 guest rooms are chic retreats designed with the curious traveler in mind. Each offers striking Himalayan Valley and Paro River views, as well as our signature LM BED and separate soaking bathtub.

Dates of stay: October 13 – 15 , 2024

Additional post-program nights available upon request

Optional Add-Ons

Kathmandu – Mount Everest Mountain Flight

October 7, 2024 $ 302.50 per person
This optional excursion is all about the view of the various mountains in Nepal from Langtang Range to Kanchanjunga range, but the main focus is to view Mount Everest. Each guest has a window seat to ensure unobstructed views. It will be an early morning excursion, with pick up at the hotel at 5:30am. The actual flight begins at 6:30am and lasts one hour.

Momo Cooking Lesson and Gyakok Dinner

October 8, 2024 $45 per person

Momo is one of the most popular dishes in Nepal. These are steamed dumplings made with spiced meat fillings, and served with one or more kinds of chutney. Following the cooking lesson enjoy a traditional Tibetan Gyakok dinner. Gyakok is Nepal’s take on the Chinese, Korean and other East Asian nations’ familial stew that comes simmering in a copper pot with a chimney-like opening on top, and a burner at the bottom for a constant flame.

Inclusions

Brand g and local hosts throughout your trip
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Assistance with visa on arrival in Kathmandu (visa fee of $30 not included)
Welcome reception and dinner on arrival in Kathmandu
Three nights hotel accommodation at the Hyatta Kathmandu
Internal flight from Kathmandu to Paro
Bhutan Sustainable development fee of US$ 200 Per person per night is included in the program fare
Bhutan Visa fee of US$ 40 per person is included in the program fare
Two nights hotel accommodation at the Le Méridien, Thimphu
Two nights hotel accommodation at the Dhensa Resort in Punakha
Two nights hotel accommodation at the Le Meridien Hotel in Paro
10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 9 Dinners
2 Drinks of Soda, Wine or Beer with every included meal

DAY 1 - KATHMANDU, NEPAL - OCTOBER 5, 2024

Arrive at the Kathmandui airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g representative, who will transfer you to the Hyatt Kathmandu for check-in. Kathmandu, is the capital of the Nepal, and one of the world’s oldest cities. Meet your fellow guests at a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm today. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel. (D)

DAY 2 - KATHMANDU, NEPAL - OCTOBER 6, 2024

This morning sightseeing tour of Patan City, the oldest settlement in the valley. This venerable city of artists began to be built around 299 AD and located on the southern bank of the Bagmati River five kilometers south-east of Kathmandu City, perhaps has more Buddhist and Hindu temples than Kathmandu itself. Two-thirds of the people here are Buddhists. Local claim that the bronze and wooden gateways and windows, statues of deities, wood carving and metal works demonstrate Patan’s superiority in craftsmanship and stone architecture. This could be true when one visits the small but exquisite Golden Temple tucked away in a small by-way and the Krishna Temple in the Patan Durbar Square. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to visit Bhaktpur, literally meaning “City of Devotees”, calling it the “living Museum” is more apt. Founded in 889 AD, with the Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers on either side, Bhaktapur boasts of an immense palace complex in the center surrounded by numerous other temples which reflects the supreme craftsmanship of the city’s artisans. In the middle of the Durbar Square stands the magnificent “pachpan jhyaley mahal” (Palace of 55 Windows), residence of the former kings. Other “must see’s are the Big Bell, the stunningly exquisite Golden Gate, the five tiered Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairab Temple and the wood carving and metal work museums in Dattaraya Square. (B/L/D)

DAY 3 - KATHMANDU, NEPAL - OCTOBER 7, 2024

Following breakfast, visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where one sees the old residence of Nepalese royalty, Hanuman Dhoka (The Monkey God’s Gate) Palace which also houses a museum. Hanuman Dhoka is surrounded by a plethora of temples dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Preserver, Kali the Avenging Consort of Shiva, Indra the God of Rain and the magnificent four-storied Temple of Goddess Taleju, Protectors of the Valley, which is opened to the public only on one day of the year during Nepal’s most important festival, Dashain. Here also one finds the temple of the Kumari, the Virgin Living Goddess who, several times a day will gracefully deign to come to her ornate first floor window to give audience to visitors. Thereafter we visit Swayambhunath, situated at a hill overlooking Kathmandu city, said to be over two thousand years old, is one the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. Beneath the high spire and gilt copper pinnacle and on all four sides, the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze out at the world. The temple also represents the hybrid religion of Buddhism Hinduism practiced by many inhabitants of the valley. Inside and outside the Temple area are many superbly crafted images of the Buddha and other entities loosely linked to Buddhism. Visitors have dubbed Swayambhunath the “Monkey Temple” as a large group of monkeys resides in the vicinity. (B/D)

Optional 1-hr Mountain Flight (subject to weather conditions):
Mountain flight is all about the view of various mountains in Nepal from Langtang Range to Kanchanjunga range but the main focus is to view MOUNT EVEREST. 5:30 am pick-up from the hotel. Mountain Flight will depart at 6:30 am. Every guest has a window seat to ensure maximum visibility. The duration of flight will be one hour. (Additional cost of $302.50 per person)

DAY 4 - KATHMANDU, NEPAL - OCTOBER 8, 2024

Optional – cooking lesson of a momo followed by Tibetan Gyakok dinner. (Additional cost $45 per person)

DAY 5 - THIMPHU, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 9, 2024

DAY 6 - THIMPHU, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 10, 2024

After lunch in a local restaurant, visit Memorial Chorten (from outside), which dominates the skyline of Thimphu. It was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan. This prominent landmark in the city has golden spires and bells; the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Native to Bhutan, India, and China, the Takin are docile creatures whose unique appearance attract special attention. Local legends attribute the creation of these animals in Bhutan by a 15th century saint name Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman; the giant Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill is a 51.5m bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley (especially stunning at sunset), and the Takin Preservation Center. (B/L/D)

DAY 7 - PUNAKHA, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 11, 2024

the mountains from the pass. Visit the 108 memorial stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens that were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. We descend into Punakha Valley and visit the ChimiLakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to
famous Buddhist Lama Drukpa Kunley. Following lunch in a local restaurant we check into our hotel, the Dhensa Resort. In the afternoon, visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress) majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the city’s dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan’s ancient fortresses. The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge, and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the kingdom from this valley. The dzong serves as the winter home of the monastic body. (B/L/D)

DAY 8 - PUNAKHA, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 12, 2024

Today, we visit Nezigang, which is the starting point for a hike through cultivated fields and small villages, with a gradual climb to the Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family. It is an amazingly elaborate structure with a rainbow of Guru Rimpoche images and superb views of the Punakha Valley. Hike back down and follow ancient riverside trails and see the longest suspension bridge. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we drive to Nobgang village. On the way we visit the Shechen Lhendup Dorji Lakhang (nunnery) and visit the Nobgang village (walk around the village and visit a farmhouse. (B/L/D)

DAY 9 - PARO, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 13, 2024

Paro is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. The Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized a one of the most beautiful in all Bhutan. This afternoon we’ll visit the National Museum (Ta dzong), which has a fascinating collection of arts relics, religious Thangkha paintings and a national history collection; and the Paro Dzong Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress of the heap of Jewels”, which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. Walk over the old Cantilever bridge and enjoy some free time in Paro town. (B/L/D)

DAY 10 - PARO /TIGERS NEST, BHUTAN - OCTOBER 14, 2024

Following breakfast, enjoy a hike to the striking monastic retreat of Paro Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest” (3120m), built into a sheer cliff face above the forested Paro Valley. This is the most famous temple in Bhutan and one of the venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. Padmasambhava, the great 8th century Buddhist saint and teacher, is thought to have landed at this spot after flying over the mountains from Tibet on the back of a tigress, thus bringing the teachings of Buddhism to Bhutan. The primary temple was built around Padmasambhava’s meditation cave in 1684. Enjoy lunch at a teahouse midway with fantastic views of the monastery. (B/L/D)

DAY 11 - PARO, BHUTAN (DEPARTURE DAY) - OCTOBER 15, 2024

onward to a new destination. Or, you may choose to join Brand g’s Splendors of India program. Contact us for details. (B)

Bookings for the 2024 Nepal and Bhutan Exploration tour ranges from $8,599 (double occupancy) to $11,599 (single occupancy). Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of staterooms and for reservations. You can now book directly for any Brand g trip via this link.