Himalayan Luxury Hiking and Yoga Trip
(Nepal and Bhutan)
Option 1: March 20-28, 2027 (Nepal only)
Option 2: March 28-April 4, 2027 (Bhutan only)
Option 3: March 20-April 4, 2027 (Nepal and Bhutan)
This journey combines yoga, time in nature, and cultural exploration across Nepal and Bhutan. We begin in Kathmandu, where daily religious practice shapes the atmosphere of the city. We walk through temple squares and residential lanes, visit monasteries, and participate in guided yoga sessions. From the valley, we move toward foothills and mountain viewpoints that introduce the broader Himalayan landscape.
In Pokhara, our days include forest walks, terraced hillsides, and views across Phewa Lake toward snow peaks. The program balances moderate hikes with time to rest and practice yoga in a quieter setting. Trails include stone steps, village paths, and suspension bridges over rivers, offering varied terrain without technical difficulty. Rhododendrons—Nepal’s national flower—bloom across the mid-hills (1500–4000 m) from March to May, and similar spring blooms appear across Bhutan during this period.
We then continue to Bhutan, where traditional architecture and monastic institutions remain central to community life. In Thimphu, we visit dzongs and artisan workshops and take short hikes to hilltop temples. The journey concludes in Paro Valley with an iconic hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and closing yoga for shared reflection.
Itinerary
Day 1
March 20
Departure from U.S. and Travel
Book a flight from USA that allows you to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal on or before March 21 (airport code KTM).
Recommended Flight Option (if you fly from a different city from Indianapolis, you can align with the Leg 2 & 3 flights:
March 20
Leg 1
7:12 – Depart Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
9:30 – Arrive John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Airline: American Airlines
March 20
Leg 2
11:20 – Depart JFK
6:40 (+1 day) – Arrive Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Airline: Qatar Airways
March 21
Leg 3
9:20 – Depart DOH
16:45 – Arrive Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Airline: Qatar Airways
Day 2
March 21
Arrival in Kathmandu; Meditation; D
Arrive in Nepal to a personal welcome from our local guide. If you are on the recommended flight you will arrive at 16:45. A private transfer carries us through the valley to our elegant boutique hotel. After settling in, you are invited to relax with a warm herbal infusion. We will gather for a group dinner and orientation. Our yoga teacher and guide share information about the journey ahead and listens to your personal wellness intentions. After dinner, a short grounding meditation closes the day, allowing you to release travel fatigue before a restful night of sleep. Overnight: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel is a contemporary five-star property in the capital’s Naxal district, offering spacious rooms, multiple dining venues, and a well-equipped fitness center and spa. Its location provides convenient access to key cultural sites such as Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa while maintaining a calm setting away from the busiest tourist corridors.
Day 3
March 22
Yoga; Sacred Soul of Kathmandu; Meditation; B/L/D
Our morning begins with a private yoga session adapted to our level and energy, grounding us through mindful movement, steady breath, and clear alignment. After breakfast, we set out for a private cultural exploration of Kathmandu with an expert guide. At Swayambhunath, prayer flags lift lightly in the breeze as the valley opens beneath us. At Pashupatinath Temple, we observe one of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu sites from a respectful distance, watching rituals unfold along the Bagmati River. We continue to Boudhanath Stupa, where pilgrims circle the vast white dome and rows of prayer wheels turn with quiet continuity. In Patan Durbar Square, we move through courtyards and temple complexes shaped by centuries of Newar craftsmanship. The city presses in around us—dense, animated, and compelling. The narrow lanes of Thamel, with rickshaws threading through the streets and the scent of street food in the air, form an experience in their own right. In the evening, a guided meditation offers space to absorb the impressions of the day. Overnight: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Day 4
March 23
Yoga; Scenic Flight to Pokhara; Transfer to Ghandruk; Meditation; B/L/D
After a morning yoga flow and breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a short scenic flight to Pokhara. As the aircraft climbs, the landscape shifts from the dense sprawl of the valley to layered ridgelines and deep river gorges. On clear days, Himalayan peaks appear at eye level, their scale more apparent from this close perspective. From Pokhara, we continue by private vehicle toward Ghandruk, ascending through terraced hillsides, small farming settlements, and forested slopes. The village sits beneath Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, their distinct profiles often visible above the surrounding ridges. At this elevation, the air is cooler and clearer; stone paths, traditional houses, and mountain views present in every direction. Our mountain lodge offers private rooms with simple comfort and wide terrace views across the valley and surrounding peaks. At sunset, we gather outdoors for a guided meditation. Overnight: Himalaya Lodge Ghandruk, part of the Mountain Lodges of Nepal collection, offers comfortable stone-built accommodations in the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk with close-up views of the Annapurna Himal. It provides private rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals, making it a reliable stop along routes such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Day 5
March 24
Yoga; Hike (~4 miles) ; Hot Springs; Meditation; B/L/D
Sunrise yoga is offered facing the Annapurna range, with views that gradually sharpen as first light reaches the high peaks. We move through simple, breath-led sequences designed to warm the body for the day’s walk and to stabilize balance at elevation. After breakfast, we begin a guided hike descending and traversing through mixed forest, stone stairways, and terraced fields toward Jhinu Danda. Porters carry the main bags, so we walk with only essentials. At Jhinu Hot Springs, we bathe in open-air mineral pools set beside the Modi River. The setting is simple and restorative after the descent, with time to rest before returning to the lodge area. In the evening, we gather outdoors for a brief reflection under the night sky, releasing the effort of the day. Overnight: Namaste Guest House – Jhinu is a comfortable riverside property that serves as the primary accommodation in this area. The lodge’s location next to the Modi River and within walking distance of the natural hot springs creates a quiet, restorative environment after the day’s walk. Meals are hearty and locally prepared.
Day 6
March 25
Yoga; Hike; Transfer to Pokhara; B/L/D
We begin with gentle yoga and pranayama, then descend to Kyumi where a private jeep meets us. We drive to Pokhara and check into a five-star lakeside resort overlooking Phewa Lake. The afternoon is free for a spa treatment, Ayurvedic massage, or time by the water with tea. At sunset, we join a guided meditation on a terrace facing the lake. Overnight: Pokhara Bar Peepal Resort is a lakeside resort-style hotel with well-appointed rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, spa and sauna facilities, a fitness center, and multiple dining options. The property blends modern comfort with Nepali cultural elements and offers views toward Fewa Lake and the surrounding hills, making it a wonderful choice for relaxation and comfort after travel or trekking.
Day 7
March 26
Yoga; Meditation; B/L/D
Today is dedicated to holistic rejuvenation. Your morning begins with dynamic yoga, followed by advanced pranayama techniques to strengthen breath and clarity. Later, a guided mindfulness meditation invites deeper stillness. You may schedule a private wellness consultation to refine posture, breathing patterns, or lifestyle practices. Healthy gourmet meals are served throughout the day, emphasizing organic and locally sourced ingredients that nourish without heaviness. Sunset brings a lakeside relaxation ritual to gently close the day. Overnight: Pokhara Bar Peepal Resort
Day 8
March 27
Hike (~6 miles); Yoga; Meditation; B/L/D
Today deepens the journey through both movement and reflection. In the morning, we set out on a loop hike toward the World Peace Pagoda via Phewa Lake. We descend toward Lakeside and take a short boat crossing before climbing steadily through forest and small villages to the pagoda, where wide views open across Pokhara and the Annapurna range; the return follows a different route toward Damside, linking together shaded steps, dirt trails, and brief road sections. After returning, a guided discussion introduces yogic philosophy in practical, accessible terms that can be applied in daily life, followed by a silent meditation session offering structured time for stillness and observation. In the evening, restorative yoga supports recovery from the hike, encouraging release and integration, with optional spa therapy available for additional physical renewal. Overnight: Pokhara Bar Peepal Resort
Day 9
March 28
Return to Kathmandu for Option 1; Arrival for Option 2; B/L/D
Enjoy a relaxed morning before flying back to Kathmandu. After settling into your luxury hotel, we prepare for an elegant cultural dinner. In a restored heritage setting, we enjoy thoughtfully prepared Nepali cuisine accompanied by traditional performances that reflect the country’s artistic traditions. If you are only participating in the Bhutan program (Option 2), please book a flight to Kathmandu arriving by March 29. Tomorrow we continue to Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the eastern edge of the Himalayas where spiritual tradition and daily life remain closely connected. Overnight: Hotel Marriott Kathmandu
Day 10
March 29
Option 1: Departure; B
Option 2/3: Fly to Paro, Bhutan; sightseeing in Thimphu; B/L/D
If you are participating in Option 1, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. We depart Nepal feeling grounded, refreshed, and closely connected to the mountains and to ourselves. Namaste. If you are continuing with the Bhutan program (Option 2/3), we fly today to Bhutan. On a clear day you have a good likelihood to see Mount Everest during the flight. Bhutan’s landscape ranges from river valleys to high mountain terrain, creating an environment well suited to a focused wellness journey. Its cultural emphasis on balance, presence, and respect for the natural world aligns with the intention of a yoga-centered retreat. Monasteries and fortress-like dzongs anchor communities throughout the country, and peaks such as Jomolhari rise above remote valleys long associated with pilgrimage and meditation. On arrival in Paro, we drive to Thimphu to visit Tashichho Dzong, a monastic and administrative complex on the northern edge of the city that serves as both a religious center and the seat of government. We then continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve to observe Bhutan’s national animal, the takin—a rare Himalayan mammal with a stocky body and curved horns, often described as resembling a cross between a goat and a musk ox. In local legend, the animal is linked to the 15th-century saint Drukpa Kunley. Lunch follows at Simply Bhutan, an interactive museum offering insight into traditional Bhutanese life and customs. Dinner is at the hotel, with time to rest and absorb the impressions of our first day in Bhutan. Overnight: Hotel Druk Thimphu – A long-established four-star hotel located in the center of Thimphu’s business and cultural district, offering spacious rooms with Wi-Fi, central heating/air-conditioning, LCD TVs, and large marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Guests can dine on Bhutanese and international cuisine at the restaurant, relax in the Hi Jinks bar/lounge, and use facilities including a gym, sauna, steam room, massage services, and spa.
Day 11
March 30
Journey to Buddha Dordenma; hike through Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park (~3 miles); Yoga; B/L/D
Making the most of our day, we begin with an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, which overlooks the Thimphu Valley from Kuensel Phodrang. The site is associated with peace and well-being, and we visit the temple at the base of the statue before setting out on foot. From here, we follow a forest trail descending through Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The path moves through pine and mixed woodland with open viewpoints across the valley, offering a steady, moderate walk suitable for all levels. After lunch, we drive to the district of Punakha, known for Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the confluence of two rivers. The route crosses Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters / 10,300 feet, where 108 memorial chortens line the ridge and, in clear conditions, Himalayan peaks extend along the horizon. We then visit Punakha Dzong, an important administrative and monastic center of the region. Evening yoga will be offered before dinner. Overnight: RKPO Green Resort Punakha – A four-star resort in the Punakha Valley with rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, minibar, tea/coffee maker, and private bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower. Guests have access to a restaurant and bar/lounge with complimentary breakfast, 24-hour room service, a garden and rooftop terrace, and a spa; laundry service is available.
Day 12
March 31
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple (1 mile); Yoga; B/L/D
After breakfast, we stretch our legs with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Built to promote protection and harmony, the chorten sits above the valley and is reached by a steady uphill path through farmland and light forest. The summit offers wide views across the Punakha Valley and surrounding ridgelines. We then visit Punakha Dzong and cross a suspension bridge to a local farmhouse for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with blessings for fertility and well-being that draws pilgrims from across Bhutan. Evening yoga will be offered before dinner. Overnight: RKPO Green Resort Punakha
Day 13
April 1
Transfer to Paro; Rinpung Dzong; (1 mile); B/L/D
After breakfast, we drive back to Paro, stopping for lunch on the way. On arrival, we proceed directly to Rinpung Dzong, a prominent monastery and administrative complex overlooking the valley. The dzong is visible from our hotel and illuminated in the evening. Overnight: Hotel Tashi Namgay Paro is a four-star resort in Paro blending traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern comforts, set across lush grounds beside the Paro River. Guests have access to spacious ensuite rooms, dine on Bhutanese and international cuisine in the on-site restaurant, and access spa facilities including hot-stone baths, steam and sauna rooms, a fitness center, bar/lounge, yoga/meditation areas, and recreational gardens; laundry and room service are also available.
Day 14
April 2
Iconic Hike to Paro Taktsang/Tiger’s Nest (~4 miles); Yoga; Cultural Performance; B/L/D
A visit to Paro Taktsang is a defining experience of our time in Paro. We take an early breakfast and begin the hike while the trail is still quiet. The path climbs steadily through forest to viewpoints where the monastery comes into view, set high on a cliff above the valley. At the monastery, we explore the temple spaces and pause in designated areas to take in the setting. The site began as a meditation cave in the 8th century and was established as a monastery in the 17th century. Afternoon yoga will be offered. In the evening, our final dinner is held at a traditional farmhouse with a Bhutanese cultural performance, followed by a hot stone bath. Overnight: Paro Rustic Roots Resort and Spa or Le Meridien
PRICE:
Option 1 (Nepal only): $3199 + $800 single supplement
Option 2 (Bhutan only): $3999 + $750 single supplement
Option 3 (Nepal+Bhutan): $6999 + $1550 single supplement
Day 15
April 3
Fly to Kathmandu; B/L/D
Fly back from Paro to Kathmandu for your onward flight to USA. The daily Druk air flight from Paro – Kathmandu is 7:10 – 8:15 am. We will have an optional visit to an orphanage in Kathmandu You will have access to a hotel near the airport for day use to rest and freshen up between flights. The recommended group flight from Kathmandu back to USA departs at 18:00.
Recommended Return Flight
Saturday, April 3
Leg 1
18:00 – Depart Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
19:55 – Arrive Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Airline: Qatar Airways
Sunday, April 4
Leg 2
1:30 – Depart DOH
9:00 – Arrive Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Airline: American Airlines
Sunday, April 4
Leg 3
10:40 – Depart PHL
12:51 – Arrive Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Inclusions:
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Boutique hotel accommodation:
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Five-star luxury boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal
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Comfortable mountain lodges in Ghandruk and at Jhinu Hot Springs
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Four-star boutique hotel accommodation in Bhutan
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Ground transfers by private vehicle
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All meals throughout the trip (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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All entry fees, trekking permits, monument fees, national park fees, and local government taxes
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Professional yoga instructor and yoga mats
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Guided meditation and wellness sessions as described
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Local guides
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Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara round-trip airfare including taxes if joining Nepal program (Option 1/3)
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Kathmandu ↔ Paro round-trip airfare including taxes if joining Bhutan program (Option 2/3)
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Group first aid medical kit
Exclusions:
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International airfare
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Personal clothing and gear
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Beverages (alcohol, bottled/filtered water, soft drinks) and additional snacks
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Personal medical expenses, emergency rescue, or evacuation
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Tips for guides and drivers (customary but discretionary)
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Optional Everest Experience mountain flight (~USD 240) or helicopter to Everest Base Camp (~USD 1500) which would be done on the morning of day 3. Booking at least a week before is recommended.
Trip Leaders:
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, from Indianapolis, has spent the past 20 years living nomadically, balancing her work as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with a passion for long-distance walking that has taken her across thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. The Himalayas remain among her favorite regions, having hiked the Druk Path in Bhutan in 2018 and, more recently, Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal and the Trans Bhutan Trail in spring 2026 in preparation for this journey. She is continually looking ahead to her next adventure, guided by the belief: “It’s a beautiful world, and I look forward to exploring it with you, one step at a time.”
Rajan Simkhada - co-founder and president of Earthbound Expeditions
Passionaholic Rajan Simkhada has consistently allowed his deep connection to the mountains to shape both his life and career. Born in the remote village of Darkha beneath the Ganesh Himal range, he was influenced early by the dramatic landscape of his home and the cultural richness of tourism. At 14, he moved alone to Kathmandu in pursuit of education, quietly nurturing the ambition to build his own tourism enterprise. Despite qualifying for engineering, he chose instead to study business and begin working in tourism as a porter, steadily advancing through roles as a receptionist, guide, and eventually business owner. Over more than three decades, he has built a reputation for delivering highly personalized, authentic travel experiences while mentoring young local talent and contributing to community development. In 1999, he founded Earthbound Expeditions, which has since grown into a respected company known for innovation, early adoption of digital marketing, and the introduction of integrated experiences such as yoga and meditation programs. With a strong safety record and high client satisfaction, the company reflects his enduring commitment to quality and trust. Beyond tourism, Simkhada is also recognized in Nepal for his work in television comedy and for his philanthropic efforts, including supporting education, assisting vulnerable communities, and contributing to social welfare initiatives, building schools in the remote areas of Nepal and helping visually impaired, orphans and children in need.
Shree Subash Adhikari - Yoga Instructor and Sound Healer
Subash Adhikari, a dedicated yoga teacher in Nepal, began his journey in 2003, rooted in a family deeply connected to yogic traditions and guided early on by his uncle and aunt. After completing his schooling, he moved to Kathmandu for higher studies, where he immersed himself in daily practice at his uncle’s yoga center in Thamel, quickly deepening both skill and understanding before completing a teacher training course within a year. As a certified instructor, he went on to teach at the center and lead yoga retreats in locations such as Royal Beach Camp, while also collaborating with the Yoga for Freedom group. Committed to expanding his knowledge, he later traveled to Bangalore, India, to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Yogic Science from Swami Vivekananda Yoga University (SVYASA), grounding his practice in both tradition and scientific study.
To register for this trip, complete the Booking Request, then call Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, if you would like to book via credit card at a 3.5% feel or use VENMO, at (317) 544-8391. Or send initial deposit of $500 to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
*A $500 deposit is due upon booking (no more than seven days after confirmation). Balance is due 120 days prior to departure.
