OUR ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Choose your own way to arrive in Kathmandu airport, meet your airport transfer and arrive at the hotel no later than 4pm. Learn more about your adventure & ask any questions at our opening circle, enjoy dinner at the hotel and grab an early night in preparation for your morning flight tomorrow to Bhutan.
In detail:
Woohooo! We all arrive in Kathmandu, with transfers provided for all from Airport to the Ramada Encore Hotel in Thamel, the drive takes around 30 minutes. With a rooftop pool and bar, spa and gym, this overnight launch pad has something for everyone. Hopefully all checked in and ready for our opening circle around 6pm and some yoga and meditation before dinner. After dinner if you’re tempted to go exploring, please remember tomorrow is a very early start.
Day 02: Fly to Paro & drive to Thimphu
Distance/Duration: ~ 50km / 2-3 hours drive
Elevation: Thimphu (2,334m)
Highlights:
Experience an exciting flight to Paro over the Himalayas (flight pre-paid in your tour package)! Meet your Bhutanese tour guide and soak in the peaceful energy of Bhutan. The drive is green and mountainous and scenery stunning. Meet the ever-smiling local people in traditional dress (Gho/Kira) while sightseeing in Thimpu.
In detail:
This morning, we skip yoga and meditation and muster for our airport transfer between 0400 and 0430. The process clearing the numerous security checks at Kathmandu Airport is lengthy and challenges even the most seasoned traveller so be well rested and ready for it. 7am lift off and 75 minutes later, “Hello Bhutan”. A 75-minute transfer to the capital Thimphu where we will grab lunch along the way. We’ll arrive at the Druk Hotel early afternoon and rest before evening yoga, meditation and dinner at the hotel. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro offers some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas possible. The vistas of the Himalayan ranges are simply incredible and the decent into the Bhutanese Kingdom is exciting! Bhutan's first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be the cool, clean, fresh mountain air.
At the airport you will be met by our Bhutanese representative. Then we drive to Thimpu, Bhutan's capital. On route we stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
Then, on arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce. Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!!!
Afterwards we visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive from Thimphu city centre, from here visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley. You can pay your respect and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who built this monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as an enduring symbol of peace.
Lastly we visit Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress/monastery that houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and the central monk body.
We finish the day back at the Druk hotel with evening yoga, meditation, dinner, & some R & R.
Day 03: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha and explore Punakha
Distance/Duration: ~85 km / 2.5-3 hours drive
Elevation: Thimphu (2,334m) to Punakha (1,242m)
Highlights:
Drive via the Dochula Pass (3,100m) offering panoramic views of the
Eastern Himalayas. Visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness," the second largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan. Walk through the suspension bridge across the Pho Chhu River.
Start the day with morning yoga and meditation, enjoy breakfast and then drive to Punakha along Bhutan’s second highest mountain pass, with lunch included along the way. The drive is spectacular with magical vistas, quaint villages, & waterfalls. Check in at the RKPO Green Resort and spend the remainder of the day exploring picturesque Punakha valley, where 2 rivers meet.
In detail:
After morning yoga meditation and breakfast, we depart for Punakha. About 3 hrs drive where we will stop at Bhutan’s 2nd highest mountain pass Dochula Pass (3100m) for photos of the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. Lunch along the way and then we arrive at Punakha Dzong, “Palace Of Great Happiness Or Bliss”, the 2nd largest and 2nd oldest dzong in Bhutan. This majestic structure is home to sacred relics from the school of Tibetan Buddhism and equally sacred remains of Terton Pema Lingpa, a Bhutanese Saint. This dzong is situated between the male Pho Chhu River and the Female Mo Chhu River, after their convergence becomes the Sankosh River that makes its way across the border into India at Kalikhola. Punakha is the Winter Capital of Bhutan and many monks spend the winters here. Close by is the 160m suspension bridge across Pho Chhu dating back to 1637. With prayer flags across the span and the dzong in sight, crossing this bridge follows in the footsteps of countless pilgrims and sages. We return to our hotel for evening yoga and meditation followed by dinner at the Resort. Ladies and fellas, check out the spa and spoil yourselves!
Day 04: Drive Punakha to Paro
Distance/Duration: 120 km / 4.5 hour drive
Elevation: 2235m
Highlights: Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, museum.
In detail:
Start the day with morning yoga, meditation and then breakfast. After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, check in to the RKPO Green Resort Gangtey. After a delicious lunch at the hotel, we head out to visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as Watchtower, and houses The National Museum. The extensive collection therein includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
After Ta Dzong enjoy a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mt. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandalas.
Return to the hotel for dinner. An early night and good rest recommended!
Day 05: Tour In Paro, Hike Tiger's Nest (3,120m)
Distance/Duration: Hike 4-5 hours
Elevation: Paro (2,200m) to Tiger's Nest (3,120m)
Highlights: Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The round trip takes approximately 4-5 hours, including time at the monastery.
In detail:
Early morning yoga and breakfast. Then we drive to Paro leaving by 8 if possible. The views on this road trip are once again stunning. We’ll arrive at Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and commence the invigorating ascent 900m above our parking spot. Atop the climb we will have ample time for our morning meditation in and around the wonderous monastery.
Tiger's Nest is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese people at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building, but it has now been restored to its original splendour.
Remember to look up as your climbing, you won’t believe your eyes. This place defies gravity and one can only marvel at the effort and devotion of those who laboured to create this impressive structure in such a precarious and spectacular location. After our careful descent, we’ll explore Paro. Paro city is charming, and the valley is beautiful, there are historic forts and ruins and many sacred monasteries. For a small town, there is quite a lot to see. We’ll check in at the Tashi Namgay Resort for dinner. Early night again strongly recommended.
Day 06: Paro – Depart for Kathmandu
Flight Duration: ~1 hour
Elevation: Paro (2,200m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Highlights: Enjoy the scenic flight offering views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Arrive in Kathmandu, rest, and free time.
Check in at the hotel Manaslu, eat lunch, rest, and enjoy some free time, afternoon yoga & meditation, followed by dinner at the hotel.
In detail:
Skip yoga, meditation AND breakfast this morning with transfers to airport around 04.30. Our fight back to Nepal lifting off 07.00. Again, this unique flight path takes us past the most spectacular views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest. Once in Kathmandu we check in at Hotel Manaslu, where you can literally meditate on the Sri Yantra mandala, tiled on the floor of their enormous pool as do your mindful laps. Perhaps walk their lush gardens OR chill the Aussie way at the poolside bar. They boast contemporary, French, Indian and local cuisine so lunch and dinner can be as exotic or as familiar as you wish. With plenty of afternoon free time, and just 15 minutes’ walk away from the heart of bustling Thamel, Kathmandu is no place you’ll ever feel bored, but remember there is some yoga and meditation planned for this evening also.
Day 07: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour to World Heritage Sites and Drive to Nagarkot for Overnight Stay
Drive Duration: ~2 hours / 32 km
Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m) to Nagarkot (2,175m)
Highlights: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, BoudhanathStupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Evening drive to Nagarkot for overnight stay, known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas.
In detail:
We’ll kick off with yoga, meditation and breakfast (today we check out with a small overnight bag for Nargakot, the hotel will store our big bags). A big day today visiting local and deeply spiritually significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In no particular order we visit Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, (although entry to the inner most sacred shrine is restricted to native Hindus only), this extensive Temple precinct is in fact a sprawling of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions contributed to over many centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. ***WARNING*** We may witness several ongoing open-air cremations beside this river, including family members gathering to farewell loved ones. Please know, the families consider it a blessing to have more people able to witness their loved ones passing. Next, Boudhanath Stupa is breath-taking!! Especially from a well-placed balcony for lunch overlooking the whole square. Depending on how much retail therapy you’re up for, walking around it can take quite a while. Then off to Durbar Square, home of the goddess Trishna Shakya embodied in a living child. Lastly, the now fully restored Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). The 2015 earthquake devastated this breath-taking shrine, but you wouldn’t know today. Encircled with prayer wheels and as many monkeys, the energy at this site can only be felt and not adequately described. Too Special!!! We finish this remarkable day with a 45-minute drive to Nagarkot, check in at the Hotel Mystic Mountain, enjoy a swim in the infinity pool, soak in the breath-taking views, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, drink and rest.
Day 08: Sunrise with Mt. Everest View from Nagarkot and drive to Pokhara
Drive Duration: ~6-7 hours / 200 km
Elevation: Nagarkot (2,175m) to Pokhara (827m)
Highlights: Early morning sunrise view over Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. Drive to Pokhara, a lakeside town known for its serene atmosphere and mountain views.
In detail:
Early start please yogis/yoginis to make the most of the views, hopefully if the weather permits a spectacular view of Mount Everest. After some time soaking in the expansive vista (with possible yoga and meditation session) it’s the drive to Pokhara. You can expect absolutely unique scenery, bumpy in some places but quite safe. Everything from lush Himalayan forested mountains to ever expanding snow-capped ranges that just seem to ascend to heaven forever. This drive is really a unique Nepali attraction itself. Passing through numerous villages, we will break up the drive with lunch & comfort stops as required. There will be several irresistible backdrops on this journey. In Pokhara, we’ll check into Mt. Kailash Resort, where a pool with forested mountain views awaits. After a quick freshen up, we stroll along the picturesque Phewa Lake & take a short boat ride to Taal Barahi Temple situated on a small island in the middle of the lake. There we will experience the Aarati ceremony, a Nepali ritual where Priests offer to God the divine light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter). Back to the hotel for dinner (yoga first if we haven’t had it in Nargakot), and perhaps an evening swim/poolside R&R.
Day 09: Pokara,- Sarangkot Drive for Sunrise and Annapurna Mountains and Pokhara City Tour
Distance/Duration: Sarangkot (11 km, 25 min drive)
Elevation: Sarangkot (1,600m)
Highlights: Early morning drive to Sarangkot for sunrise views over the Annapurna
mountain range and Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak. Explore Pokhara, including Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda and Pumdikot Shiva Statue.
In detail:
Another early start and full day, however the drive is much shorter today. We start the day with 2 amazing viewpoints - sunrise at Sarangkot, which is truly Divine, followed by Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak – absolutely glorious! This lookout is quite stunning and is truly THE ONLY lookout that could even reasonably follow the former. OK, once we can all blink again (eye drops optional), we will visit World Peace Pagoda, Shanti Stupa. With gorgeous, lush green mountain and serene lake views, this site offers a unique opportunity to meditate in one of earth’s prettiest and most peaceful locations. Blessed!! If Lord Shiva got to choose where he’ll sit for eternity to drink in natures beauty, Pumdikot would be the place. Here the 108-foot-tall Shiva statue gazes into eternity, quite literally, wait and see!!! By now, we’re all getting hungry, so we are back into Pokhara for a restaurant lunch. Next up Davis Falls where the energy of the snow melt roars through a small lush, forested gully with numerous sites around the falls to just BE HERE NOW…. Lastly we’ll visit Phewa Lake with a quaint little marina offering guided sails around the crystal-clear waters. Late afternoon is free for shopping and strolling around Pokhara town centre. It has quite a vibrant scene. Take Kathmandu, dial it down about 90%, take all its best bits and place them in a town beside a gorgeous lake… Pokhara!!! Yoga and meditation to round off what will be an unforgettable day.
Day 10: Drive to Chitwan - Some Chitwan Activities
Distance/Duration: ~150 km / 5-6 hours drive
Elevation: Chitwan (415m)
Highlights: Arrive in Chitwan National Park and enjoy a village sunset walk, bird watching, or cultural programs.
In detail:
Today will be another sizable road trip. However, we get to start this day with yoga before breakfast. Hopefully on the road by 8am, we drive alongside the Trishuli River again for most of this journey, passing through local towns nestled in forested valleys with our choice of quality stop points along the way. In Chitwan we check into the Banbas Resort. Literally surrounded by lush forest and bordered by crystal clear waters, this stay threatens to unwind you a little too far. An infinity pool with panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Bird songs at all hours of the day, here modern luxury meets timeless cultural grace. A sunset walk through Tharu village and meet indigenous Tharu locals connecting us intimately with this ancient ecosystem. What a way to round off another day where no 2 views are the same. Back to the resort for meditation, dinner, & some R & R.
Day 11: Full Day Chitwan Activities including Jungle Safari
Highlights: Enjoy a full day of jungle safari activities: jeep safari, canoeing, and bird watching. Explore the rich wildlife, including Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and diverse bird species.
In detail:
Yoga with Becci then breakfast. We start today’s activities with some canoeing, bird watching and a short walk through the local forest and nature reserve teeming with life. We’ll grab an early lunch because after that we go on our SAFARI !!! Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos (literally the animal from where get the word Unicorn, I kid you NOT!), Indian elephants, wild boar, crocodiles, deer, and hundreds if not more species of birds. This will be an exciting sensory experience, a once in a lifetime event for most of us not to be missed. After about 4 hours we should be heading back to Banbas Resort at roughly 5pm to rest and freshen up before meditation and dinner in the hotel, maybe even a drink in the Madhusala Bar!
Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Distance/Duration: ~150 km / 5-6 hours drive
Elevation: Kathmandu (1,400m)
Highlights: Return to Kathmandu for free time, and a puja
In detail:
Yoga, meditation, breakfast. One last good road trip with lunch along the way. Y’all will know exactly what to expect with these by now so I’ll cut to Kathmandu. We check back in to The Manaslu Hotel and the afternoon is yours until yoga meditation and dinner at the hotel. Some time to do whatever motivates you with the very special option of attending a specially arranged puja (offering ceremony) held by a local priest. Kathmandu has loads to offer, as mentioned before Thamel is where it’s at for gift shopping.
Day 13: Free Day for Shopping in Kathmandu
Highlights: Enjoy a free day exploring local markets, purchasing souvenirs, or revisiting your favourite spots in Kathmandu. Today is the only day lunch is not included – opportunity to try one of the plethora of local restaurants in your own time.
In detail:
After morning yoga, meditation and breakfast at the hotel, the entire day is yours. Wonder off alone or grab some mates for a sip and SHOP… Too much fun to be had. For more permanent mementos, Eden Tattoos in Thamel comes highly recommended for cleanliness and quality work (see their 500+ 5-star reviews). Idols, singing bowls, prayer flags and art that you’ll find it hard to walk past. You’ve been warned LOL. An early evening closing circle rounds off this epic experience. Universally, the feedback from these retreats is that it’s THE PEOPLE we travel with, and not the exotic, phenomenal, and novel locations and experiences that truly make these trips what they are. By the end of the closing circle, you’ll recognise brothers and sisters you never knew you had but will never leave your heart. Let’s finish the day with dinner together at the hotel, sharing memories & lots of laughs.
Day 14: Departure homewards
Highlights: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your journey.
In detail:
Homeward bound!!! Breakfast and coffee/tea and here we go, the last leg of what was an unforgettable, life-changing, soul-evolving experience. We at Namastayz are so grateful you trusted us to share this momentous vacation with you.
TWIN SHARE ACCOMMODATION - $6,495
SINGLE ROOM ACCOMMODATION - $6,990
Cancellation policy
Monies paid, deposit and full payment, for the Bhutan & Nepal retreat are final & non-refundable. Client initiated cancellation results in a loss of all funds paid for the retreat.
Please take out full travel insurance coverage at the time of your booking to cover you for any reasons that may prevent your attendance on the retreat, be they personal or otherwise.
In the rare event that the Bhutan & Nepal retreat needs to be rescheduled or cancelled by The Yoga Hive all monies paid will be refunded within 4 weeks of the cancellation notification, or at your request, held in trust for the rescheduled event.
I understand I am responsible for booking & paying for flights to and from Kathmandu Nepal
I understand all personal purchases whilst on retreat are funded by myself
I understand that full payment must be made by April 15th 2025 or loss of monies already paid will result
I understand that all payments made are non-refundable.
Payment options:
- To secure your place, pay a deposit of $1,000 now and remainder by April 15th 2025.
- Pay in full now
Payment methods:
- Credit card via PayPal
- Bank deposit - please use your full name and Bhutan as reference, eg. "Mary Smith Bhutan"
Bhutan & Nepal
October 2025
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