Trip Description

Join PRIOR on a captivating journey through Nepal during its breathtaking bloom season, designed to immerse you in the country’s vibrant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Co-hosted by friend of PRIOR Richard Unsworth, a leading garden designer and writer based in Sydney, this unique adventure promises exploration of stunning landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas.

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll stay at Dwarika’s Hotel, a living museum featuring exquisite Newari wood carvings and textiles. Here, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Boudhanath Stupa. Stroll through the historic Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square to marvel at the area's architectural wonders. Next, you’ll travel to Phaplu and stay at The Happy House, a peaceful retreat set in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, just 18 miles south of Mount Everest. Surrounded by pine forests, The Happy House blends local heritage with serene beauty. Its walls feature intricate frescoes, begun in 1974 by Khapa Rinzi, a Sherpa master of thangka painting, inspired by Buddhist teachings. These vivid depictions of gods, protectors, nature, and the wheel of life reflect the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Optional daily yoga and meditation sessions are offered in a studio perched on a hill, where panoramic views of the Himalayas provide a serene backdrop for your practice. Massage therapies are also available for relaxation. Hikes to Chiwong Monastery offer the unique opportunity to observe the daily lives of the monks and gain insight into their spiritual practices, with time for quiet reflection and meditation alongside them.

This adventure invites exploration, with vibrant valleys, rhododendron forests, and charming alpine villages. Discover the quiet rhythm of life among the hills, from tranquil monasteries to sweeping mountain views. The Happy House offers a window into the natural and cultural beauty of this extraordinary part of the world.

Accommodation

• 3 nights at Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu - The hotel serves as a living museum, preserving Kathmandu's historical artifacts and celebrating its rich cultural heritage through traditional Newari wood carvings, bronze and terracotta sculptures, embroidered textiles, and vibrant festivals rooted in local mythology.

• 5 nights at Happy House, Eastern Himalayas - A 16th-century Sherpa home near Phaplu, is a serene and storied retreat that once hosted Sir Edmund Hillary, cherished for its secluded mountain charm, vibrant prayer flags, Tibetan frescoes, and deep connection to exploration and inner peace

Payment Schedule:

In order to confirm your reservation, a 100% non-refundable payment is required at the time of the booking. For more information, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com

Pricing:

Double Occupancy: $8,955 USD per person

Single Occupancy: $11,250 USD per person

Inclusions:

• 3-nights at Dwarika Hotel, Kathmandu
• 5-nights at Happy House, Eastern Himalayas — privatized for exclusive use
• Private helicopter flights between between Kathmandu and Eastern Himalayas
• All transportation noted in the itinerary, including arrival and departure
• All tours and admission costs noted in itinerary
• All meals noted in itinerary
• Gratuities

Exclusions:

• International flights and entry visas to Nepal
• International arrival transfers
• Travel Insurance
• Other meals and alcoholic beverages not stated in itinerary

Inquiries:

For more information or to reserve your place on this journey, please contact grouptrips@priorworld.com

Terms and Conditions:

Please note, for this trip to proceed, a certain minimum number of people must reserve a place. We will provide confirmation once this number has been reached, so you may proceed with booking airfare and other forms of transportation. If you choose to book airfare in advance of final confirmation, please book refundable fares or obtain travel insurance to protect yourself against additional charges should final dates change or cancellation occurs.

PRIOR strongly recommends that each member purchase travel and cancellation insurance. In addition, we recommend purchasing a policy that covers loss of luggage, accidents, sickness, and emergency medical evacuation.

Please note, all efforts are made to provide the itinerary as presented, PRIOR reserves the right to make any changes to the final itinerary deemed necessary or due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural disasters/phenomena, etc).

Photographs or video recordings of members may be used for educational and promotional purposes by PRIOR or a host group/organization.