The Zen Masters

20th September - 30th September
  • Kathmandu-Thimphu-Punakha-Paro-Kathmandu

  • 10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS

Creative’s Expert Resource for the Journey

An expert in Buddhist religion and practices, Binaya has worn many hats over the years. As a teacher, editor and translator, he has worked in the scholarly depths of Buddhist texts and traditions. This background makes him a fascinating companion on any journey through the Buddhist regions of the subcontinent. He has led enriching journeys for various US and international companies such as OAT, Road Scholar, Vantage, Gate 1, and Sierra Club, amongst others. Binaya’s travels through the region have made him a local expert in the regions of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and parts of India.

Binaya Rana

Culture and Religion Expert

Experience the unique charm of two beautiful Himalayan countries – Nepal and Bhutan – largely untouched by the rapid urbanisation of the outside world. Nepal is a country of sublime beauty, tucked away in the shades of the highest mountain range in the world, often called the “last paradise” on earth. Witness the magic and majesty of Nepal in this specially curated journey as you enjoy warm Newari hospitality and travel through some of the most significant towns, exploring historic temples and monasteries. Then fly down to the small kingdom nation of Bhutan – one of the world’s last remaining Shangri-La’s, a place of untouched beauty and happiness. Visit the ancient fortresses and temples of Bhutan while you the enjoy unparalleled natural beauty of its countryside

Crafted by Creative Advantages

  • Pick up culinary skills in Kathmand
  • Trek up to remote monasteries in Bhutan
  • Learn the art of Thangka painting
  • Interact with an Everest summiteer
  • Enjoy local cultural performances
  • Group photograph
  • Surprise gift during the journey

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day 1
    20th September 2019 (Friday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 2
    21st September 2019 (Saturday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    22nd September 2019 (Sunday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    23th September 2019 (Monday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    24th September 2019 (Tuesday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    25th September 2019 (Wednesday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    26th September 2019 (Thursday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    27th September (Friday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    28th September 2019 (Saturday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    29th September 2019 (Sunday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    30th September 2019 (Monday)

    Arrive Kochi

    Be welcomed at the first destination of your tour - Kochi. The welcome dinner at the hotel is sure to help you unwind and prepare yourself for the tour ahead. Enjoy an interactive session with the tour expert, Mini Thapar, while she briefs you.

    • Horizon International
    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
View Full Itinerary
  • Day 1
    20th September 2019 (Friday)

    Arrive in Kathmandu - by flight

    Welcome to the capital of Nepal! When in Kathmandu, close your eyes and let the endearing madness of the Himalayan kingdom engulf you in its fold. Enjoy dinner and briefing by your journey expert.

  • Day 2
    21st September 2019 (Saturday)

    In Kathmandu

    After breakfast at the hotel, drive down to the old Newari city of Bhaktapur. Visit the Durbar Square, a beautiful plaza in front of the 55-windowed royal palace; Golden Gate and National Art Gallery. In the afternoon, drop by the home of a local Newari family to learn some tips and tricks of Nepalese cooking and enjoy the meal after. Later, take a tour of the Patan Durbar Square. 

  • Day 3
    22nd September 2019 (Sunday)

    In Kathmandu

    Drive to the Budhanilkantha Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and hike to the beautiful Namkha Monastery. The walk takes you through villages and fields, offering a peak into the peaceful life of the region. In the evening, attend a talk by an Everest summiteer and later, take a rickshaw ride around Thamel, the most popular tourist hub in the city of Kathmandu

  • Day 4
    23th September 2019 (Monday)

    Kathmandu / Paro ( By Druk Air flight 0945 / 1105 hrs. ) / Thimphu (By Surface)

    Fly to Paro, Bhutan and later, drive down to Thimphu, the capital city. In the evening, visit Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress and monastery that houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of the king and various government offices.

  • Day 5
    24th September 2019 (Tuesday)

    In Thimphu

    Start your day by visiting the Tango Goemba monastery. Located at the edge of a hill, the trek to the monastery, which takes approximately two hours both ways, offers beautiful views of the countryside and the idyllic life of rural Bhutan. Later, learn the traditional art of Thangka painting and visit the Textile Museum. The excursion ends at the Buddha Point (or Kuensel Phodrang

  • Day 6
    25th September 2019 (Wednesday)

    Thimphu / Punakha (By surface)

    Drive to Punakha, via the stunning Dochula pass, situated at a height of over 3000 meters. Visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’. Enjoy a short walk across farmhouses and rice paddies that lead to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility temple.

  • Day 7
    26th September 2019 (Thursday)

    In Punakha

    Embark on a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, approximately two hours round trip. Make an excursion to Talo village to encounter the peaceful life of the region. Drop by the Talo Sangnacholing Dzong for majestic views of the surrounding villages and the Nalanda Buddhist Institute.

  • Day 8
    27th September (Friday)

    Punakha / Paro (By surface)

    Drive to Paro, an approximately 4-hour drive and explore the Paro valley. Home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, Paro is a great area to discover on foot. Spend your afternoon taking a tour of the city.

  • Day 9
    28th September 2019 (Saturday)

    In Paro

    Hike up to the Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest, an approximate round trip of 5 hours by foot. The hike up to the monastery crosses through dirt roads, with scattered views of the valley below, and prayer flags above. In the evening, watch a traditional mask dance and cultural show

  • Day 10
    29th September 2019 (Sunday)

    Paro / Kathmandu (By Druk Air flight 1140 / 1240 hrs)

    Fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your own pace

  • Day 11
    30th September 2019 (Monday)

    Depart Kathmandu (By Flight)

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to onward destination

Getting ready for India

We look forward to welcoming you to India. Here is some pre-departure information to help you prepare for your trip. Incase you need any other information, please do reach out to us. Download 24 Hours Emergency Contact Number: (+91) 9911 266277

Your Journey

Download Journey PDF

Highlights

  • Pick up culinary skills in Kathmand
  • Trek up to remote monasteries in Bhutan
  • Learn the art of Thangka painting
  • Interact with an Everest summiteer
  • Enjoy local cultural performances
  • Group photograph
  • Surprise gift during the journey

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