Kingdoms in the Sky: Bhutan and Nepal

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels 

Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change.  

Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).  

Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! Therefore, as of January 2024, Global Family Travels will include a $25 contribution to Tomorrow’s Air into every trip. Clients may opt out of the $25 donation by emailing us to request its removal from your invoice. 

Our Program Highlights include: 

• Discover glorious temples and ancient royal palaces in Kathmandu. 

• Blessing ceremony and mediation with Monks at Boudhanath Stupa. 

• Scenic helicopter ride to view the majestic Mt Everest with breakfast at Kongde Lodge. 

• Interact with women at Maiti Nepal, a non-profit, secular organization working to protect and improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and rescue survivors. 

• Talk on the king’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness by a Buddhist scholar. 

• Learn about Bhutanese cuisine over a meal with a well-known personality. She was voted Bhutanese Woman Entrepreneur of the year, 2015. 

• Meet Master weavers at the National Textile Museum where you will get to learn about Bhutan's national art thagzo (weaving). 

• Interact with women at BAOWE (Bhutanese Association of Women Entrepreneur), whose mission is to promote sustainable and equitable opportunities for women. 

• Hands-on workshop on Bhutanese traditional textile with an expert at her farmhouse. 

• Hike to 17th century Tiger’s Nest Monastery in one of the most spectacular settings in the world. 

• Meet a representative at the airport who will take you to your hotel. 

• Check into your hotel, the Babar Mahal Vilas.

• Explore Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, the traditional heart of the old town. 

• Admire the beautiful Taleju Hindu temple. 

• Continue to Sqayambhunath Stupa, a stunning example of Kathmandu Valley architecture. 

• Next, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s holiest sites. 

• Engage in a private blessing ceremony with the Rinpoche. 

• Enjoy a welcome dinner of Nepalese cuisine. 

• Optional: Enjoy a scenic helicopter view to view Mount Everest. 

• Visit Patan, an ancient city known for its art. 

• Admire the beauty of the museum at Batan & the courtyards of the palace. 

• Engage in a private audience with the goddess Kumari of Patan, subject to her availability. 

• Continue to Maiti Nepal, a non-profit working to protect vulnerable individuals in Nepal. 

• Have dinner at a local restaurant. 

• Transfer to Kathmandu airport for a short flight to Pokhara. 

• Drive from Lumle to Pokhara. 

• Begin your trek to Majgaon, a village that will provide insight into the lifestyle of Nepalese villagers. 

• Return to Pokhara & check in at your hotel, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge. 

• This full day is reserved for adventure sports of your choice. 

• You may choose from ziplining, paragliding & ultra-light flights. 

• Transfer to Pokhara airport for a short flight back to Kathmandu. 

• Drive from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. 

• Visit Bhaktapur’s famous monuments, palaces & temples.

• Check in at your hotel, Babar Mahar Vilas. 

• Transfer to Kathmandu airport for a flight to Paro, Bhutan. 

• Drive to Thimphu & check in at your hotel, Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa. 

• Enjoy a sunset at the Great Buddha Dordenma. 

• Enjoy a dinner with a well-known Buddhist scholar who will discuss Gross National Happiness. 

• Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a Buddhist structure in Thimphu. 

• Continue to the Royal Textile Academy and learn about Bhutanese weaving. 

• Enjoy lunch with Lieutenant Colonel Kesang Choedon at the Chunidhing restaurant. 

• Have the rest of the day at leisure. 

  • We recommend you visit CDK, a Bhutanese fashion brand founded by Chandrika Tamang, and Tsé Organics, founded by Choitsho Eudel Dorji. 

• Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting visitors with Bhutanese folk heritage & history. 

• End your tour at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, which focuses on Bhutan’s traditional arts. 

• Continue to the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, home to part of Bhutan’s government. 

• Drive to Pangrzi Zampa for an astrology session. 

• End your day with a visit to the Bhutanese Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE).

• Drive to Punakha Valley, going through the famous Dochula Pass. 

• Visit a nunnery on your way there, to learn how it provides support & resources to Bhutanese women & girls. 

• Check-in at your hotel, Dhensa Boutique Resort. 

• End your day with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility monastery. 

• Hike through the fields of Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. 

• Drive to Gatshothang farmhouse and meet its host, Aum Karma Yangchen. 

• Learn from her about traditional dyeing through a hands-on workshop. 

• Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monastic leader. 

• Drive to Paro & check in at your hotel, the Naksel Boutique Hotel. 

• Visit Paro Dzong, a great example of Bhutanese architecture.  

• Continue to the National Museum and learn about Bhutanese culture & history. 

• Hike to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest. 

• Return to the hotel in the afternoon and take a rest. 

• Bid farewell to Bhutan. 

• Return to Paro airport to return home.