Faculty-led travel courses · Asia
Bhutan Faculty-Led Travel Course
This program begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, to explore the ancient cities of Durbar Square, Patan and Bhaktapur and to see the Himalayan ranges. It then continues to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, for medieval monasteries and fortresses, traditional houses, museums and a watch tower.
Good to know
- Language
- Nepali (Nepal); Dzongkha (Bhutan); English is widely used in tourism
- Currency
- Nepalese rupee; Bhutanese ngultrum
- Best season
- March–May and October–November
- Typical length
- 10–14 days (customizable)
Highlights
What students will see and do
- Kathmandu Durbar SquareThe historic royal palace square of Kathmandu, with temples and palaces, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Patan, NepalAn ancient city near Kathmandu, noted for Newar architecture, woodcarving and metalwork.
- Bhaktapur, NepalA medieval city of brick temples and pottery squares, preserved as part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO listing.
- Himalayan viewsFlights and viewpoints in the region offer views of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest.
- Tashichho Dzong, ThimphuA fortress-monastery that houses government offices and the throne room of the King of Bhutan.
- Traditional Bhutanese sitesMuseums, a watch tower and farmhouses in the Thimphu area show traditional architecture and daily life.
Faculty-led travel courses
Courses that fit Bhutan
Professors build their own syllabus; ARAMFO arranges the visits that bring it to life.
Art, Architecture & HistoryA course could compare Newar and Bhutanese architecture, religious art and traditional building methods.
Geography & Environmental StudiesStudents could study Himalayan environments and Bhutan's conservation-based approach to development.
Psychology, Sociology & Social WorkA course could explore Bhutan's Gross National Happiness policy framework and Buddhist influences on society.
Map
Where you will go
Academic and professional visits
- A local university or college
- A Buddhist monastery
- A traditional arts and crafts school
- A national heritage or museum office
Visits are chosen with the professor to match the course.
Itinerary
Sample itinerary
A starting point only — every trip is adjusted to your course, dates and budget.
Customizable. This sample shows the kinds of visits and places available. Days, pace and academic visits are built around your course.
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Day 1
Departure for Kathmandu
Fly from your home airport to Kathmandu. Meals and rest are on board; the program begins on arrival.
- Check in for the international flight to Kathmandu
- Overnight flight
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Day 2
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal's capital and settle in.
- Airport welcome
- Transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
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Day 3
Kathmandu Heritage
Visit the old royal center and some of the valley's most sacred sites.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Kumari Ghar
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Overnight in Kathmandu
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Day 4
Patan, Bhaktapur and Temples
See the valley's art cities and its Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- Patan, the city of fine metalwork
- Bhaktapur's famous woodcarving
- Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Stupa
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
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Day 5
Fly to Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Fly over the Himalaya into Bhutan, then drive to the capital.
- Early flight from Kathmandu to Paro
- Drive of about 1.5 hours to Thimphu
- Overnight in Thimphu
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Day 6
Thimphu
Tour the capital, where the government and the royal throne room are housed in a medieval-style fortress.
- Tashichho Dzong
- Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Academic visit matched to your course (university, school, NGO or company)
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Day 7
Thimphu to Punakha
Cross a high mountain pass to a warm valley at the meeting of two rivers.
- Dochula Pass (about 3,100 m) and its views
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Wangdue Phodrang and local markets
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Day 8
Punakha to Paro
Drive back to the Paro valley, stopping at one of Bhutan's oldest dzongs.
- Simtokha Dzong, a 17th century fortress and school of religious studies
- Ta Dzong in Paro
- Rinpung Dzong
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Day 9
Paro and Taktsang
Visit the most famous monastery in Bhutan and some of its oldest shrines.
- Drukgyel Dzong ruins
- Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse visit
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
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Day 10
Fly to Kathmandu
Fly back to Nepal.
- Breakfast and transfer to Paro Airport
- Flight to Kathmandu
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Day 11
Leisure in Kathmandu
Use the day for shopping, rest or optional sightseeing.
- Free day in Kathmandu
- Optional sightseeing or shopping
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Day 12
Departure Home
Final transfer to the airport and flight home, with course notes and credits ready to complete.
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight home
What is included
ARAMFO arranges everything
You choose the dates and the airport your group flies from. We handle the logistics and the academic visits so you can focus on teaching.
3–6 credit hours, offered through your own department · 8+ students and the professor's travel cost is covered by ARAMFO · Your dates and your departure airport
- Airfare from your preferred airport
- Hotels or student housing
- Meals as set out in the itinerary
- Transportation in the host country
- Tour guides and entrance fees
- University, company and professional visits
- A native guide with the group for the whole trip
- Customized dates and itinerary
Get started
Plan a course in Bhutan
Tell us about your course and we will reply with a draft itinerary and cost.