Exploring the Valleys of Kathmandu & Bhutan

Punakha, Bhutan

Exploring Punakha Dzong

Set on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and fringed by jacaranda trees, Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful of Bhutan’s many dzongs. It dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, and in fact, the current King married here in 2011.

Join your guide to follow the procession of red-robed monks across the picturesque Bazam bridge towards the imposing structure itself. Your guide will lead you through and around the building to explore the 3 courtyards, respectively the administration, monastic quarters and the temple areas. A highlight is the evocatively named ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall (which only actually contains 54 pillars – but still, it is pretty impressive). There are also exceptional murals depicting the life of Buddha and massive gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.

Gangtey, Bhutan

Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing

You’ll probably have been in Bhutan for a few days by the time you reach Gangtey, by which time you’ll have a sense of the extent to which spirituality is part of life here. This special experience is a great way to mark an occasion such as a honeymoon or simply get a deeper sense of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Travel with your guide to Gangtey Goempa to experience an early morning traditional Tshewang prayer ceremony in the company of crimson-clad monks, this culminates in the lighting of a traditional butter lamp and is followed by a personal blessing from a reincarnated master. After the blessing, there is time to enjoy a private breakfast within the monastery overlooking the vast valley below.

Bhutan

Bhutan's National Sports

You won’t be in Bhutan long before you spot locals in traditional dress hurling what look like huge darts along seemingly any strip of spare land. Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country. Equally as popular is the national sport Dha (archery) which is played country-wide and taken very seriously. Competitions are held throughout the year and, if you’re in Paro at the weekend, the Archery Ground is a good place to watch. You’ll be welcome to join in spontaneously with either sport at any time, or your guide and most hotel staff will be happy to arrange it for you. Players will be eager to show you the ropes give you a run for your money!

Bhutan

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman

When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways! It’s a bit peculiar at first but you’ll soon get used to it. This practice owes its origins to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple”, that you’ll visit in this excursion. After ambling through the paddy fields and artists’ village of Punakha, you’ll arrive at the temple, which is dedicated to the great 14th century Yogi Lama Drukpa Kuenley (more commonly known as the Divine Madman). We won’t spoil all the tales about this unconventional saint – we’ll leave it to your guide who will be able to bring his various eccentricities and fascinating ideas to life. The temple is small yet atmospheric and is believed to bless couples hoping for a child. This is a lovely walk through the countryside with a fascinating twist!

Bhutan

Hot Stone Bath Experience

One of Bhutan’s distinctive experiences is the traditional hot stone bath. This is a great way to relax after a day’s walking or simply a good way to literally immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.

Traditionally, often on an auspicious occasion, the stones would be gathered from the river, then heated up in a fire for several hours until they are red hot. Next, they are placed in a section of a wooden tub bath tub which is then filled with water. The stones heat the water and it is believed that their precious minerals are released to heal all kinds of aches and pains.

A luxurious version of the bath can be enjoyed in hotel spas and a more traditional experience can be enjoyed in local farmhouses – always in a private setting. Reservations are made in advance as the ritual takes several hours to prepare.

Nepal

Community Homestay Experiences

Experiencing a community homestay in Nepal is like being let in on the country’s best-kept secrets.

The landscapes are staggering, of course, but what will really stick with you is how warmly the host families welcome you into their homes.

Spending time with the communities dotted around Nepal – whether that’s in the rural reaches of Kathmandu Valley, amid the Annapurna Region or down the river from Chitwan National Park – is as genuine and memorable as travel experiences go.

It’s a privilege to slot into the rhythm of their distinctive day-to-day life and get an insider’s glimpse into their cultural traditions. From rolling up your sleeves to help cook family meals to trying your hand at local handicrafts with your gracious hosts, there are plenty of chances to really connect with the people and transcend language barriers.

While you can visit a community as a day trip, we urge you to stay a night or two in a homestay to experience true cultural immersion.

We’re so proud to work with our partners out in Nepal as this social enterprise not only enriches your adventure but also empowers local families – especially the women – through sustainable tourism.

It’s a beautifully balanced experience that’s unforgettable, personal, and powerful.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Sound Bath Experience

Step into a wonderful wellness centre for a soothing sound bath session with traditional Nepalese singing bowls.

As the gentle vibrations flow through you, they work wonders on your mind and body: melting away stress, easing deep-rooted tension, and rebalancing your chakras.

Afterwards, enjoy a nourishing meal at the centre’s vegetarian restaurant in a peaceful setting.

It’s a deeply restorative experience that will leave you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for the next part of your adventure.

Pokhara & Annapurna Region, Nepal

Peace Pagoda Hike Pokhara

Lace up your walking boots and set off on a 3-hour hike through the Himalayan hills to the Pokhara World Peace Pagoda, perched up high.

Built in 1996, the pagoda stands 35 metres tall, with 37 steps leading you to its second tier. Here, four Buddhas, each from a different cultural tradition, gaze out in all cardinal directions. The south is watched over by a standing bronze Buddha, while a meditative Sri Lankan Buddha faces the west. To the north, you’ll find a Thai Buddha, and looking east is a serene Japanese Buddha.

This serene monument is well worth the walk and offers staggering views over Phewa Lake all the way to Sarangkot on a clear day. Trust us, it’s a scene that’ll linger in your memory long after you’ve left.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. After soaking in the phenomenal panorama, you’ll walk down to the lake to go boating. As you gently glide across it, you’ll hop off onto a tiny island to visit another gem of a pagoda.

It’s the ideal blend of active exploration and quiet reflection, surrounded by the natural beauty of Nepal.

Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Boat ride and lunch with the Tharu community

Glide down the Narayani River from Meghauli to Amaltari, keeping an eye out for creatures big and small – if luck’s on your side, you might spot a one-horned rhino by the riverbank.

After three leisurely hours on the water, you’ll arrive at a Community Homestay in Barauli, where your hosts will welcome you with a warm smile and a tasty home-cooked lunch.

Barauli is a hidden gem, far from the typical tourist trail. You’ll have the privilege of fitting into the daily life of the ethnic Tharu community, taking in their vibrant rice paddies and immaculate mud houses with towering haystacks.

As dusk falls, you’ll drift back downstream and are likely to be surrounded by a deep-orange sunset. You’re also likely to be the only tourist in sight. Magic.