Nepal + Bhutan
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Hike to a monastery clinging to a Himalayan cliff. Meet a girl worshipped as a living goddess, cook dinner with a Nepali family in their home and wake up on a mountain ridge with the Annapurnas right outside your window. Then cross into Bhutan, the tiny kingdom that measures success in happiness, where you’ll sit with nuns while they pray, walk swaying bridges strung with prayer flags and finish the hardest, best hike of your life in a hot stone bath. Two countries, two weeks, and lots of stories to take home.
Inclusions
Handpicked stays
Boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a night on the Dhampus ridge facing the Annapurnas, and handpicked hotels across Bhutan, including a hillside resort above the Paro Valley.
32 meals
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners, including dinner in a Nepali family’s home, a welcome dinner in each country and a dinner conversation about Gross National Happiness.
All activities, included
- ✓Meeting the Kumari, Nepal’s living goddess
- ✓Dinner with a Kathmandu family
- ✓The Sarangkot ridge walk and cable car
- ✓The Peace Pagoda and a boat across Phewa Lake
- ✓A night on the Dhampus ridge facing the Annapurnas
- ✓Archery in Thimphu
- ✓Time with the nuns of Wolakha
- ✓A farmhouse visit
- ✓The hike to Tiger’s Nest
- ✓A hot stone bath
- ✓Durbar Square, Buddha Dordenma and Punakha Dzong
- ✓Your Bhutan visa and the $100-a-night government fee
Local female guides
A local woman guides you through Nepal, and another takes over in Bhutan. They’re the guides we request by name for every departure, and our travelers rave about them.
All transport
Airport pickup when you land, your round-trip flight between Kathmandu and Paro, two domestic flights in Nepal, private air-conditioned vehicles, the Sarangkot cable car and a boat across Phewa Lake.
Your Bhutan visa
Your Bhutan visa and the $100-a-night government fee every visitor pays are included. We handle the paperwork, you just send us your passport details.
Most tips
Most tips on the trip are covered. Tipping your guides, and your driver in Bhutan, is up to you.
Highlights
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Climb to Bhutan’s cliffside monastery, then soak your legs in a traditional hot stone bath
Dinner with a Nepali family
Cook with the women of a Kathmandu family in their home, then sit down to eat it together
Meet a living goddess
Visit the Kumari of Kathmandu, the girl worshipped as a goddess until she comes of age
Wake up facing the Annapurnas
A night on the Dhampus ridge, with Fishtail Mountain right outside your window
Sit with the nuns of Wolakha
Join their prayers at a Punakha nunnery, then stay and talk about their lives
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Climb to Bhutan’s cliffside monastery, then soak your legs in a traditional hot stone bath
Dinner with a Nepali family
Cook with the women of a Kathmandu family in their home, then sit down to eat it together
Meet a living goddess
Visit the Kumari of Kathmandu, the girl worshipped as a goddess until she comes of age
Wake up facing the Annapurnas
A night on the Dhampus ridge, with Fishtail Mountain right outside your window
Sit with the nuns of Wolakha
Join their prayers at a Punakha nunnery, then stay and talk about their lives
Your Itinerary
Pick a day to see where you are and what you’ll do.
AFTERNOONLand in Kathmandu (KTM) and look for your driver with the SoFe sign, then settle into Hotel Shambaling and shake off the flight.
EVENINGMeet your group and your guide at 6pm, then sit down to the welcome dinner and your first real taste of Nepali food.
Dinner
MORNINGWander Kathmandu Durbar Square, where shrines, temples and royal courtyards tell stories older than most countries. Then visit the Kumari, a girl worshipped as a living goddess until she hits puberty and retires. (And you thought middle school was intense.)
AFTERNOONSpend the afternoon your way: browse the market stalls, hunt for a singing bowl or settle into a café.
EVENINGStep into a local family’s home and cook with the women of the house, then sit down together to eat the dishes that have fed Nepal for generations.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGCatch a short early flight to Pokhara (Nepal’s domestic flights love a delay, so pack patience), then drive into the Himalayan foothills. On the way, stop at a Tibetan refugee center to meet a community living in exile and see the crafts they make.
AFTERNOONArrive in Dhampus, a traditional Gurung village on a ridge, and check into Nana Mountain Resort. Wander the village and breathe in the mountain air.
EVENINGWatch the light change on the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, Fishtail Mountain, straight from the ridge.
Breakfast, lunch
MORNINGDrive 45 minutes to Kaskikot village and eat a light lunch with the Himalayas spread out in front of you.
AFTERNOONHike the ridge from Kaskikot to Sarangkot, or ride if you’d rather, then glide down to Pokhara by cable car.
EVENINGGather for dinner at Sherpa Kitchen in Pokhara.
Breakfast, lunch
MORNINGStart at the International Mountain Museum, a surprisingly good look at the cultures, legends and climbers of the Himalayas, then head up to the World Peace Pagoda for views over Phewa Lake and the Annapurnas.
AFTERNOONHike down toward the lake and cross Phewa by boat as prayer flags reflect in the water, or take the bus back. Then wander Pokhara’s lakeside shops and cafés at your own pace.
Breakfast, lunch
MORNINGFly back to Kathmandu and check into Hotel Barahi in Thamel, the city’s buzzing traveler neighborhood.
AFTERNOONTake the afternoon for yourself: hunt for a singing bowl, a scarf or a questionable travel tattoo (kidding… unless?).
EVENINGToast Nepal at a farewell dinner before tomorrow’s flight to Bhutan.
Breakfast, dinner
MORNINGFly to Paro and step off the plane into misty mountains. Your Bhutanese guide and driver are waiting for the 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu.
AFTERNOONStop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple, and cross its traditional iron bridge over the river.
EVENINGSettle into Thimphu, Bhutan’s quiet capital, and gather for the welcome dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGCircle the Memorial Chorten alongside locals spinning prayer wheels, then head up to Buddha Dordenma, a 169-foot golden Buddha watching over the valley. Your guide gives you the story, then you’re free to explore at your own pace.
AFTERNOONTry your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, then browse the Craft Bazaar and Norzin Lam for handwoven textiles and woodwork.
EVENINGTalk Gross National Happiness over dinner with a local expert, and find out why Bhutan measures success in well-being.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGDrive over Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial stupas and strings of prayer flags frame the Himalayas on a clear day. It’s about 5 hours on the road, with plenty of stops.
AFTERNOONEat lunch in the Lobesa Valley, then arrive in Phobjikha, a wide glacial valley where rare black-necked cranes spend the winter. Visit Gangtey Monastery or take an easy hike.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGDrive 2.5 to 3 hours to Punakha, where rivers wind through rice fields.
AFTERNOONWalk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of the Divine Madman (ask your guide about his unconventional teaching methods), then explore Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress where two rivers meet.
EVENINGCross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, 160 meters of swaying planks and snapping prayer flags.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGHike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten for views over the Punakha Valley, about 1.5 hours round trip. Want more? Add a 45-minute rafting run down the river.
AFTERNOONVisit the Wolakha nunnery while the nuns are at prayer. Sit with them through it, then stay and talk with anyone who wants to chat.
EVENINGHave the evening free to rest and take it all in.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGDrive about 4 hours to Paro and explore the National Museum, set in an ancient watchtower above the valley.
AFTERNOONVisit a local farmhouse, where a Bhutanese family welcomes you into their home.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
MORNINGRise early and hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery clinging to the cliffs at 3,120 meters. It’s 4 to 5 hours round trip, with a tea stop at the halfway viewpoint where you first see it balanced on the rock.
AFTERNOONSink into a traditional hot stone bath, where river stones heated in a fire warm the water and ease every muscle you just used.
EVENINGCelebrate at the farewell dinner.
Breakfast, dinner
MORNINGFly from Paro back to Kathmandu, and keep an eye out the window for Everest. Our services end when you land, so book your flight home for 5pm or later.
From $6,850 · 14 days · Max 14 women · $550 holds your spot
Where you’ll stay
DHAMPUS · 1 NIGHT
Nana Mountain Resort
A small resort on the Dhampus ridge, in a traditional Gurung village above Pokhara. Open the curtains and the Annapurnas and Fishtail Mountain are right there.
POKHARA · 2 NIGHTS
Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Two-story cottages in traditional Himalayan style, set around a garden and pool in Pokhara’s lakeside neighborhood. Every room has a balcony, there’s a proper spa on site and the lakeside cafés are a short walk away. Use your free afternoon well.
PARO · 2 NIGHTS
Khangkhu Resort
A hillside hotel about 10 minutes outside Paro, looking across the valley to Paro Dzong and the old watchtower that now holds the National Museum. It’s your base for the Tiger’s Nest, so you’ll appreciate a quiet room and an early night.
Roommates, matched
Our compatibility quiz, built with a matchmaker and psychologist, pairs you with someone you’ll actually click with. Or upgrade to a private room.
Who you’ll travel with
Up to 13 other women, most of whom booked on their own. They range from 28 to 88, and it’s the hikes, the shared snacks on the trail and the late-night stories that bond you. 92% of our travelers say they keep in touch after the trip ends.
✓Meet your group on WhatsApp before you fly
✓A welcome dinner on night one, with your guide making the introductions
✓Solo time built in, so you’re never forced to be “on”
“I went with my friend I met from another SOFE trip in Morocco a year ago.”
Tracy T. · Nepal & Bhutan
The people behind your trip
Your guide in Nepal
Archana
Archana leads you through Nepal. She’s not just a guide but also a scholar and well traveled herself. She has a deep knowledge of history and women’s stories from Nepal.
Your guide in Bhutan
Sonam
Sonam takes over in Bhutan, and our travelers adore her. She’s kind and gentle and knows everything about her country. Travelers say she makes sure everyone feels looked after.
Founder
Amanda Black
After getting robbed as a backpacker, Amanda vowed no woman traveling alone should ever feel that stranded. Since 2018 and hundreds of group trips, she’s still keeping that promise.
Behind the scenes
Our operations team
You’ll see Archie and Sonam and our local guides. Behind them, our team follows every day of your trip to keep you safe and on track.
What women say about SoFe
★★★★★ 4.7 on Trustpilot · Read all reviews
★★★★★
“[The Tiger’s Nest hike was] the hardest but most rewarding thing I’ve ever done!”
Nicole M.
Nepal & Bhutan
★★★★★
“My takeaway from this experience: The human connections.”
Eileen N.
Nepal & Bhutan
★★★★★
“You can’t order rainbows from a travel menu.”
Laura G.
Nepal & Bhutan
Your Safety on tour
Never on your own, unless you want to be
“All I had to do is allow people to care for me and heal.”
Laura G. · Nepal & Bhutan
A local female guide, every day
We meet you at the airport
Private transport, vetted routes
Pre-trip guides, so you land prepared
Guides who handle the hassle so you don’t have to
One guide in front, a whole team behind her
“All I had to do is allow people to care for me and heal.”
Laura G. · Nepal & Bhutan
Choose your departure
$550 holds your spot
It comes off your total.
Pay at your pace
As much and as often as you like. Balance due 90 days out.
Plans change? Transfer for free
Move your spot to another date or trip with 90+ days’ notice.
Per person, USD · Other currencies at checkout · 🔒 Secure checkout with Stripe
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Nepal + Bhutan April 2 - 15, 2027
Nepal + Bhutan Nov 5 - 18, 2027
Questions women ask before booking
Is this trip right for me?
Real hikes, at altitude. The Tiger’s Nest sits at 3,120 meters (10,236 ft) and takes 4 to 5 hours round trip. You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but you do need decent fitness and good shoes.
Some long travel days. Bhutan’s mountain roads are slow and winding, with drives of up to 5 hours, and Nepal’s domestic flights are famous for delays. If you get car sick, bring meds.
Culture over luxury. You’ll stay in comfortable, characterful hotels, but Bhutan’s are simpler than you might expect.
Two countries in two weeks. It’s a big trip, so we’ve built in free afternoons and evenings to slow it down.
How active is this trip?
Moderate. You’ll do several hikes over the two weeks, the biggest being the Tiger’s Nest. Most of the others are optional, and on most of them you can ride to the end instead and still get the view.
There’s plenty of walking around temples and old towns too, often uphill, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Where do I arrive and leave from?
Arrive: Kathmandu (KTM), any time on day one. Your driver meets you at arrivals with a SoFe sign. We recommend landing by 3pm so you’re settled for the welcome meeting at 6pm.
Leave: Kathmandu (KTM) on the last day. You fly back from Bhutan that morning and our services end when you land, so book your flight home for 5pm or later.
Do I have to share a room?
Only if you want to. Twin-share rooms are included in the price, or you can upgrade to a private room. If you share, you’ll take our roommate compatibility quiz, built with a professional matchmaker and psychologist, and we pair you with someone who fits how you travel.
Will we stay in the places shown on this page?
Usually, yes. These are the places we book. Now and then one is unavailable, and we swap it for a stay of the same standard or better.
Do I need a visa?
Your Bhutan visa is included, and we handle it for you. We just need a copy of your passport and a recent photo about 60 days before departure.
For Nepal, most travelers, including those from the US, UK, Canada and Australia, can get a tourist visa on arrival in Kathmandu or apply online before they go. Once you book, we’ll walk you through exactly what you need.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is required for every traveler. When you book your spot, you can add a plan from our preferred insurance partner in a couple of clicks, or choose your own provider and add your policy details any time before departure.
What’s not included?
International flights to and from Kathmandu.
Travel insurance, which is required.
Your Nepal visa.
Tips for your guides, and your driver in Bhutan.
Drinks other than water.
Lunch and drinks at the Tiger’s Nest café.
Optional extras, like rafting in Punakha.
What if I need to cancel?
90 or more days before departure: we’ll transfer your deposit to another SoFe trip, any date or any destination. Or we’ll hold it for up to a year until you’re ready to choose.
Fewer than 90 days before departure: payments are non-refundable, so you’d claim through your travel insurance. That’s exactly what it’s there for.
How much luggage can I bring?
One checked bag and a carry-on. The flights between Kathmandu and Paro allow 30 kg (66 lbs) checked and one 5 kg (11 lb) carry-on, and Nepal’s domestic flights use smaller planes, so pack as light as you can.
Bring a day pack for the hikes, too.
Everything you need before you go
Visas, money and tipping, what to wear at temples, and how to prepare for the hikes and the altitude.
Your spot is waiting.
From $6,850 · 14 days · Max 14 women · $550 holds your spot
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