Join Fernweh Chronicles and 4-5 other families on an unforgettable 13-day family adventure through Nepal and Bhutan, designed for curious travellers seeking meaningful connections, authentic cultural experiences, and extraordinary Himalayan landscapes.
Together, we'll explore ancient temple cities, learn traditional pottery and sacred Thangka painting, spend time with local farming communities, and stay in family-run lodges nestled among the hills of Nepal. As we cross into Bhutan, we'll discover a kingdom where tradition remains deeply woven into everyday life—creating sand mandalas, sharing meals with monks, learning traditional arts, rafting mountain rivers, camping beneath the stars, and experiencing village life far beyond the typical tourist trail.
From playing games with young monks and participating in community projects to hiking through pristine valleys and reaching the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, every experience has been carefully chosen to inspire curiosity, connection, and adventure for both children and adults. This is more than a holiday—it's an opportunity to slow down, immerse yourself in two of the world's most fascinating cultures, and create lifelong memories alongside Fernweh Chronicles and a community of like-minded families.
Learn traditional pottery in Bhaktapur, create a sacred sand mandala in Bhutan, try Thangka painting, and take part in traditional arts and crafts workshops designed to immerse both adults and children in local culture.
Experience a rare overnight stay at a working monastery in the beautiful Gangtey Valley, sharing dinner with monks and participating in an evening prayer ceremony—an unforgettable glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual way of life.
Spend time with local farming communities in Nuwakot, explore rural villages, join farming activities, and enjoy meaningful cultural exchanges that offer a deeper connection to Nepal beyond the typical tourist route.
Play games with young monks, share tea together, participate in community projects, and help prepare and distribute rice porridge to locals in Bhutan—creating genuine connections and unforgettable memories
End your Bhutan adventure with the iconic hike to Tiger's Nest, one of the most spectacular monasteries in the world, dramatically perched on a cliffside high above the Paro Valley. Celebrate the journey with a traditional cultural evening and bonfire under the Himalayan sky.
Bhutan is one of the world's most exclusive destinations, limiting visitor numbers through its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Unlike most countries, every international visitor contributes directly to preserving Bhutan's culture, environment and Gross National Happiness philosophy.
As part of this expedition, we've already included:
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (worth approximately USD $800 per adult)
Bhutan visa ($40 USD per person)
Return flights between Nepal and Bhutan ($500 USD per person)
All monument and monastery entrance fees ($120 USD per person)
Private guides and transportation throughout Bhutan
Welcome to Kathmandu, the cultural heartbeat of Nepal! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some time to rest and settle in. leisure. It is recommended that you don’t arrive after 15:00 hrs.
At 18:30, gather with your fellow travellers for a special Newari welcome dinner, where you’ll be introduced to Nepal’s rich flavours, spices, and traditions - the perfect beginning to your Himalayan adventure.
Hotel Manaslu, deluxe heritage & boutique hotel in Kathmandu offers an intimate experience of Nepal’s art and culture in the truest sense.
At Manaslu, we combine splendor with Nepalese Hospitality. A model of elegance and services with all the comforts of home.
After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for a visit to the ancient old cobblestone streets and try your hand at local pottery. Enjoy lunch at a local Bhaktapur’s charming courtyard. Following lunch, visit the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple before departing for Nuwakot. Upon arrival in Nuwakot, enjoy a village walk and a stunning sunset experience before dinner.
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, an authentic Newari Manor House lovingly restored to its former glory. The Famous Farm just oozes with rustic charm and character. Delightful, colorful gardens with a sunny disposition offer places of peace. For travelers seeking a peaceful retreat in Nepal, the farm provides an ideal escape. With authentic village life just beyond its gates, it’s the perfect destination to slow down, relax, and experience the simple beauty of Nepal.
Spend the day engaged in village exploration and authentic farming activities alongside the local community. For those who prefer a more active pace, join an optional short hike to nearby viewpoints. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation and cultural exchange. In the evening, gather for storytelling sessions to learn about the rich history and legends of the Nuwakot region.
After breakfast, drive approximately 3 hours to Bouddhanath. Upon arrival, participate in a traditional Thangka painting class to learn the sacred geometry of Buddhist art. In the late afternoon, join an optional meditation session with the monks. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa, celebrating the end of your Nepal journey.
Hotel Dolmaling is a Buddhist-inspired boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Boudha, just a short walk from the sacred Boudhanath Stupa—one of Kathmandu’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Take your breakfast with you as we set off early to the airport for your flight to Bhutan.
Witness the spectacular Himalayan views as you transition from the Kathmandu Valley to the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Arrive at Paro Airport for a Welcome Ceremony and visit the mandala Center to create a family sand mandala before transferring to Thimphu. After resting, enjoy a 30-minute round-trip hike to Wangitse Temple to prepare and offer butter lamps. Visit the Takin Preserve if interested.
Access suites is a unique four star boutique hotel designed with contemporary Bhutanese aesthetics. We redefine luxury by embracing the essence of “high value, low volume” tourism, catering to discerning travelers seeking a unique and personalized stay.
Start your morning at the Choki Art School (School of Traditional Arts & Crafts), where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Bhutanese and try your hand at traditional arts and crafts.
After lunch at a restaurant in town, visit the farmers market where we will buy all ingredients for the rice porridge. Then drive to the Memorial Stupa to begin the preparation of Rice Porridge for strangers. Adults will assist in chopping vegetables while kids help by washing rice; once prepared, you will collectively offer the porridge to strangers at the stupa.
After this, we will head to the Buddha Point, where we will enjoy a view over Thimphu City and visit this magnificent statue, one of the largest sitting buddhas in the world, with over 100,000 small buddhas inside. Over dinner, the family will share their highlights of the day.
First stop at Dochula Pass (3,150 meters) for a spectacular view of the snowcapped Himalayas on a clear day. Continue your drive to Punakha and check into your tented campsite by the riverside for lunch. Walk across the Suspension Bridge to the Phochu Dumra Shedra (monastic school) to interact and play a friendly game with the monks. Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Dzong beautifully lit up at night.
There aren’t many locations around Bhutan that offer riverside camping accommodation, especially in the north western part which is close to the capital. But Punakha is a favorite warm valley getaway for many visitors – and locals as well. There are several camping and river rafting services in Punakha but Lotus Camp sets itself apart in a number of ways.
Visit Punakha Dzong wearing traditional Gho and Kira. Enjoy river rafting and lunch by the water before driving to Nobgang for a hike to Lunakha Village. Dinner at the campsite or at Meringma Bistro.
Explore Sopsokha Village and Chimmi Lhakhang before driving to Gangtey via Lawala Pass. Complete a 1-hour hike to Gangtey Shedra for a monastery stay, featuring dinner with monks and an evening prayer session.
Attend morning or evening prayers at Gangtey Shedra, where 300 monks study, and engage in enlightening discussions with lamas. Experience tranquility in meditation classes led by qualified lamas, or participate in the Lung Dhar ceremony, raising prayer flags for happiness and offering karmic merit to all beings.
Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail (2 hours) before a 2.5-hour drive to Gaselo. Spend time having tea with young monks and attend an evening prayer session at the Gaselo Monastery.
Beautifully located amidst the Punakha's Wangdue Phodrang valley, the lodge offers peace and comfort to travellers. A very warm welcome by the owner Sangey sets the tone of a wonderful stay.
Participate in a cleansing ceremony, plant trees at the monastery, and try your hand at archery. Hike to Gaselo School to visit students before driving to Paro. Stop in Thimphu for lunch and a visit to the Postal Museum for a personalized stamp.
Nestled amidst the serene beauty of Paro valley, The Tiger Nest Camp offers a picturesque glamping experience surrounded by nature’s splendor. Just a short 20-minute drive from Paro International Airport, our safari-inspired tents provide a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views of the iconic Tiger Nest Monastery.
Perfect for small groups, families, or couples, The Tiger Nest Camp offers a variety of outdoor activities, including nature walks, mountain biking, village tours, and bonfires accompanied by traditional cultural performances.
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery, the most important cultural icon of Bhutan. Following the hike, participate in an appreciation event where each family member expresses their love for one another. Celebrate your final evening with a bonfire dinner and cultural programme featuring traditional cuisine and home-brewed ara. There is also a chance to enjoy a hot stone bath, which will help soothe those muscles after the hike to Tigers Nest.
After one final breakfast surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, it's time to say goodbye to Bhutan and Nepal. We will transfer to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu, bringing our incredible adventure to a close.
As your journey comes to an end, take with you memories of wandering through ancient temple cities, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, sharing stories with farming communities in rural Nepal, creating sand mandalas in Bhutan, staying in monasteries, connecting with monks, and hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. From village life and cultural immersion to spectacular mountain scenery and meaningful family moments, you've experienced a side of the Himalayas that few travellers ever get to see.
We've shared unforgettable adventures, formed new friendships, and discovered two of the world's most fascinating cultures together. While the expedition may be ending, the memories, connections, and experiences you've gained along the way will stay with you for years to come.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you on another Fernweh Chronicles adventure soon!
Your flight back to Kathmandu is included in the price. If you prefer to fly to New Delhi, Bangkok or Singapore (subject to availability) we can arrange this for you at an extra cost.
Rate includes:
Hosted by Fernweh Chronicles
Get to know Georg, Tara, Liv and Bodhi and explore Nepal & Bhutan together on this unforgettable adventure!
Private guide per family in Bhutan, with own van
While you are joining us on a wonderful tour, your family will have your own van and driver at your own comfort while in Bhutan.
Accommodation in 4-star hotels and homestays/campsites and 1 monastery stay
Meals as follows:
Daily breakfast
Lunch on day 2, 5 - 12
Dinner on all days
All activities and entrance fees mentioned
Return flight from Kathmandu to Paro in economy class
Your return flight from Kathmandu to Paro valued at $480 USD is included in the price!
SDF
Your Sustainable Development Fee while in Bhutan at $800 USD per person is included in the package!
Bhutan visa fee
Your visa fee of $40 USD per person is included in the package
Drinking water while on the tour
Tour leader and 24 hr support on the ground
Rate excludes:
International flights to and from Nepal
Our team is happy to look with you at your international flights so you can travel worry-free!
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is required in order to travel with us to Nepal and Bhutan! Your travel insurance can be booked through us after check out!
Any optional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not listed as included in the itinerary
Personal expenses
such as souvenirs, laundry, or minibar charges
Visa fees for Nepal (if applicable) and any related processing charges
Fuel surcharge
Gratitude
+-$455 USD per person ($35 USD per person per day)
