Accompany Geographer-at-Large Eames Demetrios on a journey to view several exisiting Kcymaerxthaere monument sites as well as explore some future potential sites (reconnassaisance) in Western Bhutan and in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal (near Mt Everest). The group will travel with local Nepali Sherpa and Bhutanese guides to beautiful natural environments, experience the local culture and cuisine, and learn how traditional cultural elements (e.g. the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, traditional art, weaving, paper making, agriculture) and new (e.g. the internet & modern tech culture and conveniences) coexist in this part of the world.

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This tour will be a wonderfully unique opportunity to travel and spend time with a unique artist whose Kcymaerxthaere artwork is epic in concept, story timeline, geographic scale, international scope, and sheer ambition. In addition to this part of Kcymaerxthaere, participants will experience the sites / highlights of Kathamandu, the opportunity to see Mt Everest, and the sites / highlights of Western Bhutan such as the Tigers Nest Monastery (Taktsang). and stay in hotel accommodations that have 3-stars, 4-stars, and even 5-stars. The rural-area food is local, grown without pesticides, and harvested and deliciously prepared by people you’ll meet in the monasteries, lodges, and homes where they live and work.

Much of the time we’ll spend between 8,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level, with a gradual ascent that enables acclimatization. Participants should be able to walk or hike at least 1-3 miles per day on uneven ground.

Tour Highlights

  • The opportunity to explore Nepali and Bhutanese Kcymaerxthaere sites and possible future sites with creator and geographer-at-large, Eames Demetrios.

  • Unforgettable landscapes and historic architecture in Nepal and Bhutan (e.g. Temples, Stupas, Monasteries, Monuments, Bridges, etc.)

  • Two nights at a luxury jungle lodge at Chitwan National Park : the chance to view Nepali rhinos, elephants, and other charistmatic wildlife in their natural habitat

  • Authentic Cultural Encounters

  • Culinary Adventures (featuring locally sourced organic ingredients)

  • Optional hiking experiences (Bhutan & Nepal)

  • Visit the most famous monastery in Bhutan – Taktsang – “The Tiger’s Nest”

  • Helicopter Rides in the Mt Everest Region (e.g. Kala Pattar) & to/from Chitwan National Park

This 11 night tour includes 4 nights in Bhutan (September 3rd-7th), and 7 nights in Nepal (September 7th - 14th). Consider joining our “Midwest Utopia Roadtrip” from August 29th through September 1st, and extend your Kcymaerxthaere experience).

Max number of participants: 8

Registration subject to availability.

(exact Itinerary subject to change according to unforeseen circumstances / opportunities)

Other than the one-way Paro, Bhutan to Kathmandu, Nepal international flight that is included, guests are otherwise responsible for their own international airfare. All domestic flights in Nepal, including a charter helicopter day, are included.

Note: If you wish to participate in the Bhutan-only or Nepal-only portion of this tour, it may be possible, however we highly recommend experiencing the fascinating similarities and differences between these two Himalayan realms.

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Itinerary

Day 1: September 3rd, Arrival in Paro

Your experience commences the moment your flight lands in Paro International Airport, the only International Airport in Bhutan. Once you clear the custom and immigration procedure, you will be warmly received by Dorji and taken you to the hotel for refreshment, the Gangtey Palace, Paro. (a former palace mentioned in National Geographic Magazine in 1914!).

Optional traditional hot stone bath, and traditional farm house welcome dinner.

Day 02: September 4th, Paro Sightseeing

Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong (Fortress), it was converted into the national Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Next we visit the Dzong ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive fortress currently serves as a residence for the monastic body, district government offices and local judicial court. Optional visit to downtown Paro shopping district for traditional handicrafts.

Overnight in the Gangtey Palace Hotel.

Day 03: September 5th, Paro - Happiness Farm

Drive into the mountains south of Thimpu for a picnic lunch amidst the apple harvest at the “Happiness Farm,” a mountainside fruit and vegetable farm with a great view. This place is likely to become the site for a Kcymaerxthare monument. Hear Eames Demetrios tell stories and reveal information about the next star to join his constellation of Kcymaerxthaere global art installations.

Overnight in the Gangtey Palace Hotel.

Day 04: September 6th, Excursion to Tiger’s Nest

Start early and spend the morning hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5 hours round trip. An abbreviated hike or horse ride to a midway lunch spot is an option. The Taktsang Monastery has been an important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years. The monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro valley..

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Special permit will be arranged for you to enter the Tiger’s Nest monastery but you will not be allowed to take pictures inside the shrines. The shrines are places where great saints meditated in the past, and are ideal places for your own silent contemplation & meditation.

Overnight in the Gangtey Palace Hotel.

Day 05: September 7th, Paro - Kathmandu

After breakfast, fly from Paro to Kathmandu (flight time is approximately 70 minutes) -Mt Everest might be visible (try to get a window seat on the right side of plane). Relaxing day of sightseeing, shopping, and orientation to Kathmandu. Possible visit to the Taragaon museum to discuss possible future Kcymaerxthaere collaborations.

Overnight at the Baber Mahal Vilas (dinner on your own).

Day 06: September 8th, Kathmandu - Phaplu

After breakfast, fly via airplane from Kathmandu to the town of Phaplu in the Solukhumbu region near Mt Everest. Meet your Sherpa hosts. Afternoon orientation talks, walks, and relaxation. Learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

Overnight at Kyrimu Lodge Phaplu.

Day 07: September 9th, Phaplu, Ratnange, Pera, Najing

Early morning walk (or optional drive on logging road) ending at hilltop lookout point and Kcymaerxthaere monument entitled “Wu/drōciell’s Bench”. Enjoy breakfast on the bench! Lunch in a beautiful decommissioned monastery in Phaplu with a Tibetan Buddhist scholar.

Afternoon drive to former Phera monastery, kiwi-farm, and site of another possible future Kcymaerxthaere monument. Then on to Najing, the site of Kcymaerxthaere monument entitled “Strands of Thought”

Overnight at Kyrimu Lodge Najing.

Day 08: September 10th, Chiwong Monastery, Junbesi

After breakfast drive to the stunning mountainside Chiwong monastery and meet some of the resident monks. Eames will guide us to the site of a possible future Kcymaerxthaere monument. Optional ~1 hour downhill hike to the valley below. Drive to the town of Junbesi - orientation walk.

Overnight at Kyrimu Lodge Junbesi.

Day 09: September 11th, from Mt Everest to the Nepali Jungle

Early morning charter helicopter flight to Kalar Pattar viewpoint of Mt Everest, followed by breakfast at the aptly-named Hotel Everest View and exploration of the surrounding area including the Sagarmatha NEXT ecological contemporary art museum project. Dramatic helicopter flight from this area, home to the world’s highest mountain, to the lowland jungle at Chitwan National Park (about 150 miles).

Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (luxury resort)

Day 10: September 12th, Chitwan National Park

Relax at the luxury resort, dip in the pool, and/or enjoy one of the resort’s optional safaris, such as a wildlife viewing morning boat ride. Conversations with the resort’s naturalists and local people.

Overnight at Barahi Jungle Lodge (luxury resort)

Day 11: September 13th, Return to Kathmandu

After breakfast, check out of the Barahi Jungle Lodge and catch a morning flight to Kathmandu. Drop your bags at the Baber Mahal Vilas and spend the rest of your day visiting Kathmandu sights, shopping, and/or meeting interesting people.

Overnight at the Baber Mahal Vilas (dinner on your own).

Day 12: September 14th, Conclusion of Tour

Extend your stay or fly on to your next destination after Kathmandu