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 11-day Nepal and Bhutan luxury gay group adventure. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of two beautiful Himalayan Kingdoms in one magical gay tour. Enter the serene and spiritual lands of Nepal and Bhutan, and experience the countries’ rich histories and unique cultural heritages. From the brightly colored fluttering prayer flags of Nepal to the elaborate traditional dress of the Bhutanese, these fascinating countries will delight your inner explorer.
While the natural sights of this incredible region are hard to surpass, this tour does not neglect the local culture and traditions. Learn the ancient arts of traditional healing, meditate with monks in centuries-old monasteries, and shop at markets crowded with local artisans. And you’ll do all this while staying in a premium selection of the region’s finest hotels as Brand g vacations hosts ensure your comfort throughout.
In Nepal, you’ll wander Kathmandu’s old narrow alleys, carved temples and bustling markets, visit Durbar Square, the 5th-century Swayambhunath stupa, explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur and catch a birds-eye-view of Everest with an optional 1-hour mountain flight.
In Bhutan, you’ll discover the impressive 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang temple, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, the 108 memorial stupas(Druk Wangyal Chortens) and climb to the cliff-side Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched 3,000 ft. above the lush valley.
This departure may be easily combined with our Thailand Discovery Luxury Gay Tour 2026, November 6 - 16, 2026.
Day 1 - Monday, October 26, 2026
Arrive at the Kathmandu airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g representative, who will transfer you to the Hotel Hyatt Regency for check-in.
Kathmandu, is the capital of the Nepal, and one of the world’s oldest cities. Meet your fellow guests at a welcome reception at approximately 5:30pm today.
Dinner is include tonight at the hotel.
Meals: Welcome Reception, Dinner
Hotel: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu, 5*
Day 2 - Tuesday, October 27, 2026
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Patan City, the oldest settlement in the valley. This venerable city of artists began to be built around 299 AD and located on the southern bank of the Bagmati River five kilometers south-east of Kathmandu City, perhaps has more Buddhist and Hindu temples than Kathmandu itself. Two-third of the people here are Buddhists. Local claim that the bronze and wooden gateways and windows, statues of deities, wood carving and metal works demonstrate Patan’s superiority in craftsmanship and stone architecture. This could be true when one visits the small but exquisite Golden Temple tucked away in a small by-way and the Krishna Temple in the Patan Durbar Square.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to visit Bhaktapur, literally meaning “City of Devotees”, calling it the “living Museum” is more apt. Founded in 889 AD, with the Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers on either side, Bhaktapur boasts of an immense palace complex in the center surrounded by numerous other temples which reflects the supreme craftsmanship of the city’s artisans. In the middle of the Durbar Square stands the magnificent “pachpan jhyaley mahal” (Palace of 55 Windows), residence of the former kings. Other “must see’s are the Big Bell, the stunningly exquisite Golden Gate, the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, the Bhairab Temple and the wood carving and metal work museums in Dattaraya Square.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu, 5*
Day 3 - Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Following breakfast, visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where one sees the old residence of Nepalese royalty, Hanuman Dhoka (The Monkey God’s Gate) Palace, which also houses a museum. Hanuman Dhoka is surrounded by a plethora of temples dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Preserver, Kali the Avenging Consort of Shiva, Indra the God of Rain, and the magnificent four-storied Temple of Goddess Taleju, Protectors of the Valley. This temple is only opened to the public on one day of the year, during Nepal’s most important festival, Dashain. Here, you’ll also find the temple of the Kumari, the Virgin Living Goddess who, several times a day, will gracefully deign to come to her ornate first floor window to give audience to visitors. After, we visit Swayambhunath, situated at a hill overlooking Kathmandu city. Said to be over two thousand years old, it’s one the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world. Beneath the high spire and gilt copper pinnacle and on all four sides, the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha gaze out at the world. The temple also represents the hybrid religion of Buddhism Hinduism practiced by many inhabitants of the valley. Inside and outside the Temple area are many superbly crafted images of the Buddha, and other entities loosely linked to Buddhism. Visitors have dubbed Swayambhunath the “Monkey Temple” as a large group of monkeys resides in the vicinity.
Optional 1-hr Mountain Flight (subject to weather conditions):
Mountain flight is all about the view of various mountains in Nepal from Langtang Range to Kanchanjunga range but the main focus is to view MOUNT EVEREST. 5:30 am pick-up from the hotel. Mountain Flight will depart at 6:30 am. Every guest has a window seat to ensure maximum visibility. The duration of flight will be one hour. (Additional cost of $320 per person)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu, 5*
Day 4 - Thursday, October 29, 2026
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pasupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and pilgrimage destination.
Afternoon is at leisure.
Optional – cooking demonstration of a Momo followed by Tibetan Gyakok dinner. (Additional cost $55 per person)
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu, 5*
Day 5 - Friday, October 30, 2026
This morning, we’ll take a late morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Paro.
On arrival at Paro airport, we’ll drive approximately 4 hours to Punakha. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1960’s, and still retains the serene atmosphere of a place with a regal past. After we check into the Dhensa Resort, the remainder of the day is free to relax before dinner tonight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha, 4*
Day 6 - Saturday, October 31, 2026
Today, following breakfast, we drive to the little village of Nezigang, which is the starting point for a hike through cultivated fields and small villages, with a gradual climb to the Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family. It is an amazingly elaborate structure with a rainbow of Guru Rimpoche images and superb views of the Punakha Valley. After our hike down, we take a short ride to a special picnic lunch arranged near the riverside.
In the afternoon, we will see the longest suspension bridge over the Pochu (male) river, and drive to visit Nobgang village and then visit the Shechen Lhendup Dorji Lakhang (nunnery), which was built as a Buddhist college and meditation center for nuns, and currently houses about 120 nuns.
Tonight we have dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha, 4*
Day 7 - Sunday, November 01, 2026
Wake up to another delicious breakfast at the hotel before we set out to visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress). Majestically standing on an island between the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the city’s dzong is one of the most photogenic of all Bhutan’s ancient fortresses. The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge, and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the kingdom from this valley. The dzong serves as the winter home of the monastic body.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. (approx. 3 hrs) crossing over the Dochu-La Pass (3100m). Weather permitting, enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains from the pass. Visit the 108 memorial stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens, which were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. We descend into Punakha Valley and visit the Chimi-Lakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to famous Buddhist Lama Drukpa Kunley.
Upon arrival to Thimphu, we’ll settle into the Le Meridien Hotel, and later enjoy dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel, Thimphu, 5*
Day 8 - Monday, November 02, 2025
Today, after breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of the majors places of the city. In the morning, visit an Arts & Crafts School, and the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional house that showcases rural life. Exhibits and cultural shows are held in the museum compound.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we will drive to the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Native to Bhutan, India, and China, the Takin are docile creatures whose unique appearance attracts special attention. Local legends attribute the creation of these animals in Bhutan by a 15th century saint name Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. The giant Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, sitting on top of Kuensel Phodrang hill, is a 51.5m bronze statue of the founder of Buddhism. The site also offers unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley – especially stunning at sunset – and the Takin Preservation Center.
After, we return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel, Thimphu, 5*
Day 9 - Tuesday, November 03, 2026
Following breakfast, we drive approximately 1 hour to Paro.
Paro is a historic town, with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. The Paro Valley is wide and verdant and is recognized as one of the most beautiful in all of Bhutan. This afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum (Ta dzong), which has a fascinating collection of arts relics, religious Thangkha paintings and a national history collection; and the Paro Dzong Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress of the heap of Jewels”, which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll walk over the old Cantilever bridge and enjoy some free time in Paro town before checking into the Le Meridien Paro Hotel.
Later, we gather in the hotel restaurant for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Hotel, Paro, 5*
Day 10 - Wednesday, November 04, 2026
Following breakfast, enjoy a hike to the striking monastic retreat of Paro Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest” (10,240 ft above sea level), built into a sheer cliff face above the forested Paro Valley. This is the most famous temple in Bhutan and one of the venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. Padmasambhava, the great 8th century Buddhist saint and teacher, is thought to have landed at this spot after flying over the mountains from Tibet on the back of a tigress, thus bringing the teachings of Buddhism to Bhutan. The primary temple was built around Padmasambhava’s meditation cave in 1684. After, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for some time to relax before our farewell dinner.
Those who don’t wish to do the Taktsang Monastery hike can drive to see the Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress of the Victories Drukpa). This dzong was burnt down and rebuilt to its former glory. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit viewpoints of the Tigers Nest to get your photos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Hotel, Paro, 5*
Day 11 - Thursday, November 05, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your journey home or onward to a new destination.
Or, you may choose to join our Thailand Discovery Luxury Gay Tour 2026, November 6 - 16, 2026
Meals: Breakfast
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• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Explore Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia
• Visits to Bhaktapur and Patan, the oldest settlements in the valley
• Swayambhunath the “Monkey Temple”
• Take an optional 1-hour mountain flight, focus on Mt. Everest (additional cost)
• Experience Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the nation’s largest city
• Tour the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan
• Visit the fortresses Punakha Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
• Hike to the striking monastic retreat of Paro Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest”
• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
• Brand g and local hosts throughout your trip
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Assistance with visa on arrival in Kathmandu (visa fee of $30 not included)
• Welcome reception and dinner on arrival in Kathmandu
• Three nights hotel accommodation at the Marriott Kathmandu
• Internal flight from Kathmandu to Paro
• Bhutan Sustainable development fee of US$ 200 Per person per night is included in the program fare
• Bhutan Visa fee of US$ 40 per person is included in the program fare
• Two nights hotel accommodation at the Dhensa Resort in Punakha
• Two nights hotel accommodation at the Le Méridien, Thimphu
• Two nights hotel accommodation at the Le Meridien Hotel in Paro
• 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 9 Dinners
• 2 Drinks of Soda, Wine or Beer with every included meal
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Situated in Kathmandu, 2.9 km from Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Marriott Hotel features accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a terrace.
The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. There is an in-house bar and guests can also make use of the business area.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Kathmandu Marriott Hotel offers some units with pool views, and the rooms have a kettle. At the accommodation the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Breakfast is available each morning, and includes buffet, continental and Full English/Irish options. At Kathmandu Marriott Hotel you will find a restaurant serving American, Indian and Italian cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.
Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha
Dhensa Boutique Resorts sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. It is surrounded by plentiful walking and trekking trails.
From Dhensa Punakha, it is just a five-minute trek up the mountain to the magnificent Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which houses one of the biggest bronze statues of Chenrigzig (Avalokiteshvara) in the country.
Featuring free WiFi, a restaurant and a sun terrace, Dhensa Boutique Resort offers accommodations in Punakha. The resort has a spa center and sauna, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.
Every room is fitted with a TV. Certain accommodations include a sitting area for your convenience. You will find a coffee machine in the room. Each room includes a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and free toiletries.
Le Méridien Thimphu Hotel, Thimphu
Located in the heart of the capital city, Thimphu, the Le Méridien Thimphu invites the discerning guest to engage and discover the legendary 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan.
Offering an indoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre and a fitness centre, Le Méridien Thimphu is located in Thimphu. The Memorial Chorten is 500 m and the National Library & Archives of Bhutan and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum are within 1.8 km.
Each air-conditioned room here will provide you with a minibar and a seating area. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. You can enjoy mountain view from the room.
Dining options include Latest Recipe that serves seasonal specialities and Sese Shamu that serves only dinner. Refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at Latitude 27.
Le Meridien Paro Riverfront Hotel, Paro
Find a luxury spa hotel offering wonderful opportunities to experience western Bhutan's timeless culture and natural beauty, all while staying comfortable. Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront is located 10 minutes from Paro International Airport and on the edge of Paro River, offering unique views of the Eastern Himalayas and serving as the perfect stopover for visitors to Bhutan. With a short drive, explore Tigersnest and the National Museum of Bhutan.
Return to this luxury Paro hotel for Explore Spa, an indoor heated pool, sundeck and a river-facing fitness center with modern equipment. Two restaurants, Bamboo Chic and Latest Recipe, offer sensorial dining. The hotel also caters to international business travelers and honeymooners with 612 square meters of event space. Unlock a chic hotel room or suite with a signature LM BED and a separate soaking bathtub. Each room offers striking views of the Himalayan Valley and Paro River. Breathe easy and get comfortable at Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront in Bhutan.
Kathmandu
October 28, 2026
$320 Per Person
This optional excursion is all about the view of the various mountains in Nepal from Langtang Range to Kanchanjunga range, but the main focus is to view Mount Everest. Each guest has a window seat to ensure unobstructed views. It will be an early morning excursion, with pick up at the hotel at 5:30am. The actual flight begins at 6:30am and lasts one hour.
Kathmandu
October 29, 2026
$55 Per Person
Momo is one of the most popular dishes in Nepal. These are steamed dumplings made with spiced meat fillings, and served with one or more kinds of chutney. Following the cooking lesson enjoy a traditional Tibetan Gyakok dinner. Gyakok is Nepal’s take on the Chinese, Korean and other East Asian nations’ familial stew that comes simmering in a copper pot with a chimney-like opening on top, and a burner at the bottom for a constant flame.
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival
Schedule your flights to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM) by October 26, 2026. The first activity will be a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel, which will begin at approximately 5:30pm
Departure
Schedule your departure from Paro (PBH) at anytime on November 5, 2024. Hotel checkout time is 11am that day.***
***If you are combining this program with the Thailand Discovery program, your flight from Paro to Bangkok can be arranged by us for an additional charge. Consult your confirmation for the Thailand program to determine your flight home at the completion of that program.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival
Yu will be transferred from the Kathmandu, Nepal Airport (KTM) to the host Hotel
Departure
You will be transferred from the Le Meridien Riverfront – Paro to the Paro Airport (PBH)).
If you extend your stay at these properties, the transfers will still be included. Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
A passport, which is valid for six months after your last date of travel, is required for this trip.
You will require an entry visa for Nepal. Our local representatives will assist you with getting the visa upon arrival to Kathmadu. You will be required to pay the $30 visa fee in US dollars at that time.
We will obtain the Bhutan visa on your behalf approximately 45 days prior to the trip start date. The cost of the Bhutan visa is included in the program fare.
We will require a clear copy of your passport and a clear passport photo in order to process both visas.
If you decide to Kathmandu with a stopover in Delhi, India, you may also need to obtain an entry visa to India, which you will need to apply for in advance. The soonest you may apply is 3 months prior to your last day in India. Please be sure to check with your airline(s) to determine if an India entry visa will be required.
Do I need to have vaccinations to visit?
Most US travelers are covered by routine vaccinations. US citizens should consult the Centers for Disease Control website or your health care provider for vaccination requirements and recommendations. Clinics like Passport Health, CostCo and others offer travel medicine, a pre-packaged service that will provide recommendations, vaccinations and prescriptions for a given destination.
Citizens of all other countries should consult their government’s national disease center or their physician.
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