Happy in Nepal and Bhutan
DURATION
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS
DEPOSIT $1000
Per Person
Shared room : From $3,100
or $3,500 Private Room
Nepal & Bhutan
Unique cultures and breathtaking views of the Himalayas
THE EXPERIENCE
In Our Nepal & Bhutan Adventure we have thoughtfully crafted the itinerary to show you highlight the unique cultures and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Visit the old Kingdoms of Kathmandu, learn about the ancient Hindu and Buddhist cultures of Nepal then experience the spirit of Buddhism in Bhutan on our 10 days amazing adventure .
Explore the foothills of Kathmandu, get to know the beautiful and generous people of rural Nepal and hike amongst terraced fields from Nagarkot. Enjoy one of the most scenic flights in the world, from Kathmandu to Paro, you’ll immediately notice a change in scenery and culture in Bhutan. An incredible journey through Nepal and Bhutan’s most fascinating landscapes and temples. Enjoy the hike to iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, perched high on the cliffside some 900m (almost 3000ft) off the Paro valley, and explore many Dzongs and sacred sites of the Buddhist religion. This trip is an extra ordinary Journey unlike anywhere else on earth.
Nepal & Bhutan
What’s Included:
- All accommodation in Nepal and Bhutan and meals as mentioned ( full board in Bhutan)
- Van / Bus for sightseeing with guide
- Sightseeing in Nepal UNESCO heritage site with guide and monument entry fee
- Airport pick up and transfers services
- Airfare KTM – Paro Bhutan – KTM ( currently 480 both way )
- Bhutan Visa fee and travel permit fees and other major monasteries entrance fees in Bhutan (except photography fees)
Not included:
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Personal travel insurance and all items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities, some meals in Kathmandu (where not mentioned)
- Mountain, Road rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges if necessary
- Expenses incurred because of illness, landslide, political disturbance, re-routing, flight cancellation and of any other unforeseen situation and events which is not under our control.
- Any kind of table drinks, telephone bills, laundry, postage etc
- Nepal Visa cost, payable upon arrival
Travel Insurance:
Trips booked after January 1, 2023 will be required to have medical travel insurance for all You Can’t Steal My Happy trips.
You Can’t Steal My Happy recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 43-0656 “Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y”
Click on the link below to get a free quote.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival Kathmandu
Welcome to the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu. Our representative will welcome you at airport and accompany you to our hotel. Kathmandu will be your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. Evening we will meet you for general trip briefing with some snacks and drinks.
Stay in Kathmandu
Elevation: Kathmandu – 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Day 2 :
Kathmandu and Nagarkot
Today after breakfast we will check out from hotel and we will take you tour of Syambhunath Stupa on hill top ( have lots of monkeys here also known as Monkey Temple) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . For many centuries Tibetan and Nepali merchants have rested here and offered prayers. After exploring the Stupa and seeing great view of Kathmandu valley we drive to Patan (or Lalitpur, ‘city of fine arts) today it is a part of greater Kathmandu, was once the capital of a powerful independent kingdom. You’ll notice as we explore this area, a calmer vibe – the craftspeople here, many of whom are Buddhist, have created exquisite temples and other works of art which give the area a distinct artisan feels. After lunch, we’ll drive on a classic Nepali road northeast to Nagarkot a hill station. It’s refreshing to leave the bustling Kathmandu Valley behind once again on our way to a Mountain Resort town. We’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to check into our rooms and relax next to the pool, with views of the Himalayas.
Resort in Nagarkot
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Elevation: Nagarkot – 2195 meters (7,200 feet)
Day 3 :
From Nagarkot Hike to Nala, explore Bhaktapur and the Pashupatinath
An early wake-up for epic sunrise and panoramic Mountain View. Sip coffee and an excellent breakfast, then we will hike through a stunning ridgeline, village, and jungle path to Nala. Mostly descending, typical villages learning about their living and the challenges. You will be greeted with beaming smiles around every corner. After hike take a short drive to Bhaktapur for lunch, and a chance to explore another of the medieval city-states of the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll see here in the ‘City of Devotee” including many pagodas, shrines, carved wood columns and temples. After lunch on the way to our hotel we will visit one of the largest shiva Temple Pashupati Nath – where many Hindu death body are cremated in the Ghats of Bagmati River.
Stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: Kathmandu – 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Hiking: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation + 115 meters (380 feet) / – 310 meters (1020 feet)
Day 4 :
Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu
Now after breakfast we check out and drive to Kathmandu airport to Fly east to Kingdom of Bhutan . Flight to Paro International Airport, on a clear day the panoramic view of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest are sensational but exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and few steep turns before landing.
Upon arrival and completing your visa formalities, you will be greeted and received by your tour guide. Drive to Thimphu, which is about 1 and half hour.
Places to be visited in Thimphu:
- Tashicho Dzong – built as a fortress in the 17th century, now used as the “Seat of the Royal Government”.
- And some free time in Capital town of the Himalayan Kingdom, to stroll around.
Overnight: Thimphu .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Thimphu – 2334 meters (7,657 feet)
Day 5 :
Thimphu Sightseeing – Punakha valley (3 hours)
After breakfast we will go for sightseeing :
1. Visit the Takin Preservation Center, Golden Takin is the national animal of Bhutan
2. Hike to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha point) from Changangkha, the hike takes about 2 hours, and you can get beautiful view of Thimphu Valley.
Lunch at a local restaurant
3. Drive to Punakha, the road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3050m) with its (weather permitting) spectacular views of the snowcapped Eastern Himalayas. We make a tea/coffee break at the Dochula Cafeteria, you can also make rounds of the 108 stupas. Continue your drive, the road from Dochula Pass to Punakha gradually descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Punakha – 1242 meters (4,075 feet)
Day 6 :
Punakha sightseeing – and drive to Paro
Places to visit in Punakha :
1. Punakha Dzong – Most impressive Dzong in the country built in the 17th century and is located between the 2 rivers (male and female river).
2. Take a 45 minute hike from the Dzong to Gasothang Farm, the hike offers good view and pictures of the valley with paddy fields and farm houses. Lunch at Gasothang Farmhouse
3. Visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of the Divine Mad Man
4. Drive to Paro once again over the Dochula Pass, drive will take about 4 hours. And free afternoon.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Paro – 2200 meters (7,218 feet)
Day 7 :
Paro – Hike to Taktsang ( Iconic Tiger’s Nest)
1. Taktsang Monastery – drive to the foothill of Taktsang Monastery, start you hike which is uphill which will take about 2 ½ hour to the monastery. We have an option of pony ride from the road end till cafeteria on extra payment. Cafeteria will be halfway to the monastery but one can have a good view of the Tiger’s Nest. Please note that we must walk down even if you take the pony ride up.
2. Leisure time to walk around the town of Paro – some free time
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 :
Paro some Sightseeing and free time
Places to visit at Paro:
1. Ta Dzong – An ancient watchtower, which has now been converted into national museum.
2. Rinpung Dzong – Also known as Paro Dzong was also built in the 17th century and it now serves as the center of civil and religious authority of the district.
3. Farmhouse – Later in the evening you can visit traditional farm house, you can experience traditional Bhutanese dinner with local wine. If one is interested, you can also try the traditional stone bath at the farmhouse (extra payment of USD 15 per head).
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 :
Fly to Kathmandu, free afternoon
Generally, we take morning flight back to Nepal, if we are lucky can see spectacular Himalayan views out of the right-hand side of the plane. Upon arrival transfer to hotel and Free time.
But for those who are keen after lunch, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Tonight, we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.
Elevation: Kathmandu – 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
– if people have flight after 4 PM this day they can depart home . (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 :
Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast we check out and drive to Kathmandu airport to Fly Home or you can extend the trip. Namaste!
Meals: Breakfast
Terms and Conditions
Group Trip Cancellations.
If YCSMH has to cancel a group trip because a country has closed its borders, everyone will have a choice of receiving a refund or being rolled over to another group trip. The decision to cancel a group trip will be determined by myself and our local guides.
DEPOSITS PAID- CANCEL WITH NO REPLACEMENT
If you cancel a booking and cannot find a replacement the FULL deposit amount will be lost from the original person making the reservation.
DEPOSITS PAID- CANCEL WITH A REPLACEMENT – $100 Penalty
If YOU cancel and find your own replacement that “helps” but it doesn’t alleviate the time and effort I must spend to get your replacement up to speed (answer questions and send previous emails). A $100 fee will be charged if you cancel and find your own replacement.
FULL PAYMENTS PAID- CANCEL WITH NO REPLACEMENT- 90 DAYS BEFORE TRIP DEPARTURE
Full payments for all Happy trips are due 90 days before departure. If you cancel the trip you will not be eligible to receive a refund. You will need to file a claim with your insurance provider. As a rule most tour vendors, charter companies and hotels require full payment 90 days before arrival. Once we have made reservations MOST resorts, Charter companies, rental shops, etc hold YCSMH financially responsible (i.e. we have to pay them, hence we expect YOU to pay us).
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FULL PAYMENTS PAID- CANCEL WITH A REPLACEMENT- 90 DAYS BEFORE TRIP DEPARTURE
In the event of a cancellation, YCSMH will gladly help find a replacement but the responsibility to find the replacement is that of the person canceling. If you find a replacement to fill your spot you will be eligible for a full refund minus a $100 fee.
If YCSMH finds you a replacement you will receive a refund minus the trip deposit. As I mentioned there is a considerable amount of time and effort spent to send out emails to your replacement to get them up to speed.
I hope this helps clarify our terms as we all navigate through this post pandemic world. For those of us who are passionate travelers the small inconveniences of testing, insurance and entry requirements are well worth it.
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