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Nepal and Bhutan, 2026
  • Kirk and Anna Lively and Laird
  • Kirk and Anna Lively and Laird

Nepal and Bhutan, 2026

A 24-day adventure by Kirk and Anna Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 19, 2026
    Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    On arrival Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal
    On arrival Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu, NepalThe end of the wedding six floor below us at the Hotel Yak and YetiA statue at the airport

    Kathmandu, April 22,2026

    April 22 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    We overnighted at the Hampton Inn, Seattle on April 19. Flew Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong then to Kathmandu. Checked into our hotel, the Yak and Yeti, near midnight. A very lavish wedding was nearing its end in the courtyard grounds below our sixth floor room, 642. On Wednesday, while we were still trying to accommodate the time change we walked to the Thamel shopping district, lots of stores sell trekking gear as well as cashmere, metal statuary, tea, and souvenirs. We bought some shirts and a bag, had tea and a soda (for less than one dollar total) at a little cafe, then visited the Garden of Dreams for 500 rupees each - about three dollars. More police and uniformed guards, including private security than any place I've been to before. Perhaps because the US Embassy has a giant recreation and service center (e.g. commissary) here. No traffic signals, but lots of traffic police.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Breakfast at the hotel, just after Cindy and Kim arrived.
    Breakfast at the hotel, just after Cindy and Kim arrived.Cindy, Anna, and Kim in the Thamel, shopping districtColorful sweaters at a store in Thamel

    Second day in Kathmandu, Nepal

    April 23 in Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Cindy and Kim arrived this morning after flying in from Istanbul. We caught up at breakfast. By early afternoon we were headed out to visit the Narayanhiti Palace. The most famous event there was the massacre of nine members of the royal family, including the King and Queen by one of their sons, the crown prince. who also shot himself in the head, was named King, then died three days later, his crown passing to his brother who was at Chitwan when the massacre occurred. Cameras not allowed so I don't have photos from a tour of the palace. From there we headed to Thamel, the shopping district, where we explored, made some purchases and eventually had dinner at an outdoor restaurant, the Northfield Cafe and Jesse James Bar.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Anup explaining some history and symbolismTemple monkeysThe oldest stupa in Nepal, 1st century.Art for saleSouvenirs for saleStone carvingSmog in the Kathmandu ValleySouvenirs at Durbar SquareTemple of Kumari - viewing windowKumari - the child goddess15th century palaceRickshaw ride thru the cityMaking momosA mural outside the Tibet Hotel where we had lunchThe Boudanath stupaThangka painters at work, painting schoolMandala

    First day with Gate 1 tour

    April 24 in Nepal ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    First full day on the tour. Fascinating day of visits to the oldest stupa (a Buddhist religious dome) in Nepal, Swayambhunath, with rhesus monkeys, then a visit to Durbar Square with its palaces and temples, most of which were flattened by a 7.8 earthquake in 2015, which have been rebuilt by foreign donations, a blessing by the child goddess. Kumari, a rickshaw ride through the commercial heart of Kathmandu, then our bus to a nice 7th floor hotel restaurant for lunch followed by a demonstration of how to make momo's and then we got to try it, then a short walk thru Kathmandu's helter-skelter traffic to the charming largest stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath, with a blessing by a Buddhist monk and bestowa; of a kata. Our evening ended with a traditional Nepalese dinner with entertainment by performers of traditional dances.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Street scene in Bhaktampur, Nepal
    Street scene in Bhaktampur, NepalWork engine - favored due to tax statusA city of brick. Back streets in BhaktampurEarthquake damage from 2015Hindu temple in a city of temples.Anna sharing a mango smoothie at a cafe in a temple complesAn unusual ritual cart in the temple complexThe four of us on the steps of a Hindu templeA beautiful Hindu temple within the complexAnother temple within the complexA fun encounter with two local girlsLunch location with demonstration in frontCooking a rice flour patty: a baraColorful dies for rubber stamps at our entrance to the cremation siteCremation on the banks of the river Bagwati with marigoldsLarge family participating in the ritual cremation of a husband/fatherA sacred cow attracted to an offer of a papayaCremation site on the Bagwati river. Note the sacred cow next to a cremationKim, Cindy, Maya who has summitted Mt. Everest three times, and Anna

    Bhaktampur, Nepal

    April 25 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Fascinating day. Much of the day spent in Bhaktapur, Nepal amidst a medieval town of brick buildings, Hindu temples, and earthquake damage. After lunch we visited a site on the Bagmati River where the deceased are cremated in a procedure that seems bizarre to us westerners. And sacred cattle were on site. In the evening we listened to a lecture by Maya Sherpa, a native woman who has summitted Mt Everest three times. Afterwards at dinner we listened to rain falling on the roof after four months of no rain. The air was so much nicer as we walked back to our hotelRead more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    The airport at Bharatpur
    The airport at BharatpurOur resort1Our cabin with faux thatched roof - with occasional civet1Almost ready to head out on safari1Domestic elephant as we head to the park1These people are bringing home fish from the riverOne horned rhinoceros1Traffic jam in the parkOur naturalist, Kamal, with peacock featherSpotted deer, one of three species of deer todayThe jeep in front of us has sprouted umbrellas1Haystack - for storage and status

    Chitwan National Park

    April 26 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Kathmandu to Bharatpur is only a 25 minute flight, but early morning rainstorms closed airports delaying flights for a couple hours. We finally arrived in Bharatpur about 1 p.m to take a one hour bus drive thru a small prosperous city, then thru a rural countryside of rice, corn, and banana plantations, arriving at the Temple Tiger Green Jungle Resort, just outside the boundaries of Chitwan National Park, on the border with India. A lunch of local foods and we were off for a three hour jeep truck safari. We saw one horned rhinos, three species of deer, wild boars, native peacocks during mating season, rhesus monkeys, in the trees, domestic elephants with riders, and local people walking out of the park with enormous loads of vegetation on their backs to feed their animals. We also huddled for about ten minutes in ponchos and under umbrellas in the back of the jeeps (Tata brand made in India and modified for safari use in Nepal) as a thunderstorm unloaded on us with giant raindrops. Then a naturalist talk for 45 minutes about the park's critters. To top things off as we were preparing to sleep for the night, we had what was likely a civet getting some exercise on the roof of our elevated duplex cabin building.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Joining the elephants with a Namaste greeting
    Joining the elephants with a Namaste greetingAnna handing a treat to the 25 yr old elephantRice paddiesPreparing to cross the the river. Water buffaloCrossing the river in a village-made canoeJungle treesThe best track in the jungleLunch at the top of a rickety towerTermite towerAnt house - built by really small antsNarayani river looking upriverLooking downriver. Sloth bear crossed hereAbandoned resort. Government decision.Clerodendrum. BerriesThere are fresh tiger prints hereTurmeric flowersColorful flying beetleBeautiful spotted deer. Buck posed for us.Returning to the north side of the riverCanoe fasteners. I looked for leaks!Thanu young adults performing a dance.The dance group. Stick dancing was fascinating. I am close to the camera.

    Chitwan National Park, 2nd Day

    April 27 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Crocodiles and rhinos and elephants and hornbills, oh my! Today began with an elephant demonstration with a 55 and 25 year old elephants. Then we crossed to the south side of the Narayani River to explore Chitwan National Park that borders the India border. Fish crocodiles can be seen at a distance. Animals in the jungle including giant hornbill birds. No Bengal tigers but we did see tiger footprints. One beautiful wildflower: turmeric. One monitor lizard. Lunch at the top of a three story rickety tower. Returned to the resort for a dip in the pool, a performance by local young adults (Thanu tribe) that was pretty amazing, followed by dinner. Another very good day.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Visiting with a woman from the local village who milks her cows and sells the milk using her bicycle
    Visiting with a woman from the local village who milks her cows and sells the milk using her bicycleHer husband works in Dubai. This is her kitchen.Another home in the village. The stick is just leaning.Woman pumping water in front of her housePrimary school children doing exercises and singing patriotic songsCorn fields and village on the way to the airportA painting of a fish crocodile at the airportThe Gurkha Memorial MuseumLizard near Devi's Falls a scenic gorge where a Swiss woman lost her life

    Pokhara, Nepal

    April 28 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Our morning started with coffee and peanut butter cookies delivered to our cabin door. After packing and breakfast we visited a local village and homes and then a school funded, in part, by Gate 1. Gate 1 was also funding construction of a new modern school on site. We then flew to Pokhara. After check-in at our hotel, Temple Tree, and lunch there, we headed out to see the Gurkha museum - dedicated to the training and exploits of these legendary soldiers. After few hours free to explore and shop five of us met at a nearby restaurant, Med5, in the midst of a torrential downpour. The streets were flooding. We saw two fall in the rushing waters, including one from our group. A sandal disappeared and was relocated at the grate to a nearby storm drain.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    The fog has lifted. Members of the group on the steps in their socks
    The fog has lifted. Members of the group on the steps in their socksWorld Peace Pagoda in before-sunrise fogYak statue in front of the mountain museumInterior of the mountain museumSand mandala at the museum. Patience and detail!The museum with the World Peace Pagoda in the distance on a hill.A model of the Annapurna range at Devi's FallsAnup demonstrating a singing bowlOld bazaar buildings in PokharaA new building across the streetColorful shop in the bazaar area - which is no longer used as a bazaar.Protection from evil spiritsAnna at the Hindu templeA view across a Pokhara neighborhood from the templeThe entrance to the templePart of a wedding partyLooking across the lower temple grounds towards the citySome construction. Their use of a plumb bob caught my eyeColorful boats on the lake at PokharaOur host, Tenzin. From Tibet. Now stateless.The prayer room in Tenzin's home

    Pokhara, Nepal

    April 29 in Nepal ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Our day in Pokhara began with a before sunrise visit to the World Peace Pagoda high above Pokhara and the lake. On a clear day there is a great view of the snow-capped Annapurna Range but our visit had overcast skies and intermittent fog. After a bus ride we climbed several hundred steps to the pagoda (stupa in Nepalese) accompanied by the sounds of very happy birds and a drumbeat from somewhere above in the fog. Closer we found a Japanese monk and his caucasian assistant each beating a drum and chanting. We visited the pagoda in our socks then returned to our hotel for breakfast. The next stop was the Mountain Museum - dedicated to mountain climbers and peoples of the mountains. A visit to a beautiful Hindu temple famous for quick weddings, followed by a nice lunch at the Dunga Restaurant overlooking the lake. Dinner at the home of a Tibetan refugee family, here since the late 1950s or early 1960s.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    The "mansion" where we had a religion discussion and dinner
    The "mansion" where we had a religion discussion and dinnerLiving it up in the airport lounge on Cindy's card membershipMt. Everest on the way to Paro, BhutanReplica of a Bhutan palace on a baggage carousel at Paro, BhutanCat decorating our view of the valley at lunchA view across the city of Timphu, pop. 100,000Our hallway at our hotelTourist stalls (there were more than 80) in TimphuLots of pretty buildings in TimphuWoman weaving table runners in her tourist stall. We bought two the next day.

    Pokhara to Kathmandu, Nepal to Timphu, Bhutan

    April 30 in Nepal ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Returned to Kathmandu in the morning by plane. Visited the Patan area, known historically for metal working and now for beautiful ancient temples and a palace. Our evening was spent with a short discussion on the Buddhist and Hindu religions and a dinner in the "mansion" of a prosperous family. (Five employees for the property). The next day we were up early for a flight to Paro, Bhutan, which afforded us great views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest. Paro has the most attractive terminal building I've ever seen. A one hour mountain drive to the Bhutan capital, Timphu, with some explorations of the downtown area from our very nice hotel.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Takin Preserve
    Takin PreserveTakins. Newborn baby in center.Blue sheepSamba deer. Two bucks were practicing sparringRed rhododendrons. NativeColorful male Satyr Tragopan.Barking deerTraditional medicine museum. No photos allowed inside.Looking across the cityTraditional paper making businessStacks of finished paper. Mostly used for Buddhist writings.A press to squeeze excess water out of the paper layersLifting a corner of a sheet of undried paperDisplay of traditional dyes used to color yarns for weavingWoman weaving a very intricate pattern. A table runner cost $3800 USA thangka painter. Highly detailed, usually geometric, paintings.Wood carver working on a maskAnna and the thangka paintersItems for saleA wall of textiles in the textile museumCloseup of a hand-woven textile.

    Timphu, Bhutan, May 2, 2026

    May 2 in Bhutan ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    On our first full day in Timphu, Bhutan, the capital, we visited the Takin Preserve which has a collection of takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and a blue sheep, a species of mountain sheep, sambha deer, of which two large bucks were practicing sparring, cute barking deer running around the enclosure, a gorah, yaks, and a couple of colorful native birds. A short visit to the museum of a traditional medicine hospital/clinic. The Bhutan government pays for both traditional and western medicine for the people. Lunch at a nice tourist restaurant including the national dish: a sauce of cheese and slices of mildly spicy peppers. We then visited a small handmade paper factory (making about 300 sheets per day mostly for Buddhist writing) and the traditional crafts next door of weaving (a small table runner - absolutely stunning- was $3800 US), thanga painting (highly detailed, often geometric paintings), and wood mask carving. With the rest of the afternoon free, we visited the souvenir stalls and bought a couple of table runners - with a young woman weaving table runners in the stall. Fun day!Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    1The entrance to National Monument Chorten
    1The entrance to National Monument ChortenGiant prayer wheels at National Monument ChortenThe National Monument. 1974. To honor third king.The Buddha Dordenma. 169 ft tall. Painted bronze.Two guys from Bangalore, India we chatted with.Cone stupas (with prayers inserted) on our hike.Hiking on the trail.Anna on the trail.Unnamed wildflower. There were red rhododendrons on the trail, too.A view of the valley from the trail.Anna at our ourdoor lunch with handwoven table runner.Group photo with Sonam. Two of our group did not hike the trail.The central government palace. Half secular. Half religion.Getting astrological information from a Buddhist monk, with archery on his TVA Bhutan designed bridge. New.My student guest at dinner, 12 yo Rigzin.Anna's student guest, five yo MuksaAnna in her kira for the evening. Me in my gho. Bhutan national dress.Kim, Cindy, Anna, and me in front of a mandala in the hotel lobby.

    Day two in Timphu, May 3, 2026

    May 3 in Bhutan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Our first visit today, in Timphu, Bhutan, was to the National Memorial Chorten constructed in 1974, which, like most things in this country commemorates something having to do with one of the last five revered kings. Note: the current king is 44 and has one wife. His father, the previous king who abdicated in favor of his son, is 70 and has four wives. It is a Buddhist temple with beautiful prayer wheels and many, many faithful with rosary beads walking clockwise around the monument/temple. Our next stop was the Buddha Dordenma, also known as the Big Buddha, the biggest sitting Buddha in the world. It is an astonishing temple that cost $300 million to build, is 169 ft tall, painted bronze, made elsewhere and assembled on site. 100,000 eight inch brass Buddhas inside along with 25,000 12 inch brass Buddhas. Incredible interior which we were not allowed to photograph. Had a pleasant conversation with a body-builder and a bicyclist from Bangalore, India. A hike up and around the hill above the Big Buddha for very good views of the valley below, the Big Buddha, blue pine trees, and red flowered rhododendrons. Hike followed by a catered picnic lunch that was rather fun. Our last visit for the day was an odd visit to a Buddhist monk astrologer who provided the basic astrologic information for each of our birth years. One funny note was a small banner for Lions Club International on the wall of the room probably from Graz, Austria. The monk and our guide thought it was a banner for a soccer team. The second funny item was watching part of a Bhutan archery competition on the monk's TV. The teams were hilariously teasing their opponents while female cheerleaders were actively working to distract the archers. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. For dinner we were dressed up in traditional Bhutan clothes of a gho for men and a kira for women by hotel staff. Kinda fun! At dinner we were joined by an equal number of local school children who had good English skills. Mine was 12 yr old Rigzin. Anna had five year old Muksa. Extremely bright kids in the group. Very impressive in terms of English and gracious courtesy. Sad to say that many Bhutanese are emigrating. The kind of government here does not provide for economic opportunity but for a small minority.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    The oldest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. Near Timphu.
    The oldest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan. Near Timphu.A meditation "cave" at Dochala Pass.The memorial and temple at Dochala Pass, approx. 10,000 ft.We were the first vehicle to park at Dochala Pass today. 30 minutes later it looked like this.A nice visit to the Royal Botanical Park on the steep road down from Dochala Pass to Punakha.Landscape on the way to PunakhaLunch at the White Dragon Hotel near Punakha, today.The Dzong (fortress) of Punakha. It was the seat of government in Bhutan until 1955.The footbridge across the river to the fortress.Steep steps to enter the Dzong (fortress)Decorated exterior wall of the central tower of the Dzong.We weren't allowed to take photos so I borrowed this photo of the interior of the Coronation TempleLandscape near Punakha from our hotel, RKPO Green ResortThe nunnery near Punakha. Training college for young women.This eight year old girl was new to the nunnery life - a life she probably cannot exit.Our room at the Hotel Green Resort. Nice view looking out over the valley.This is the mandala made by Anna, Kim, Cindy, and me at our hotel in Punakha.

    Timphu to Punakha, May 4, 2026

    May 4 in Bhutan ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We traveled on our bus from Timphu (elev. 7,567 ft) to Punakha (elev 4.500 ft) via Dochala Pass at over 10,000 ft. Shortly after leaving Timphu we viewed the Big Buddha across the valley and at the same time the nearby oldest Dzong (fortified castle) in Bhutan. At the pass we visited the commemorative stupas (monuments) and the meditation caves and enjoyed hot lemon ginger tea at the cafe. Continuing we stopped to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens with 40 species of rhododendrons and a video about the park, then on to lunch at the White Dragon Hotel in the Punakha area. After lunch we visited the impressive Dzong of Punakha which was the capital of Bhutan until it was relocated to Timphu in 1955. Gorgeous temple (with 100 pillars) and grounds at the fork of two rivers where the kings of Bhutan are coronated. Our last stop of the day involved a steep and curving drive up to a nunnery built in 2015 by the mother of the four queens who are married to the 4th king of Bhutan (who abdicated about 26 years ago in favor of his now 44 year old son). We saw an 8 year old girl returning to the nunnery dressed in nun's clothes. Supposedly this is a life-long commitment that cannot be reversed. That did not set well with us. In the early evening, our tour leader, Sonam, gave us a lesson on mandala. Then in three groups we used five colors of rice to create our own mandala. Then we finished the day with a well-deserved dinner - again native foods including vegetables and curries. Pretty good stuff..Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Restaurant in the Green Resort
    Restaurant in the Green ResortDecorations at the hotel, Green ResortEntertainment on the path to the Temple of FertilityRice paddies on the path to the templeThe path up to the templeThe Temple of FertilityLunch at a three hundred year old houseTouring the kitchen area of the houseExotic flowers on a balconyMask dance performanceThe narrator of the yak dance. Very funny.Cindy petting the yak during the yak danceThe archery dance. Involves archers drinking too mucn.Adobe bricks on display. The home is built of timbers and adobe bricksYak cheese at a market along the highway.On the new pedestrian bridge next to the 15th century chain bridgeChain bridge, new pedestrian bridge, buildingsIncense in preparationLong rods of extruded incenseOur room at the Hotel Naxsel

    Punakha to Paro, May 5, 2026

    May 5 in Bhutan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    May 5, a morning walk to the Temple of Fertility, then a bus ride from Punakha to Paro with stops at a 300 plus years old house built of timbers and large adobe blocks for lunch followed by a dance performance by eight dancers and a couple of musicians. Very entertaining. A stop at the chain bridge, a 15th century project. Then a visit to a small incense factory where herbs and plant parts are ground to a fine paste, extruded into thin rods by a press, then packaged and sold. In the late afternoon we arrived at our upscale hotel, Naxsel, with a distant view of the Tiger's Nest monastery/temple complex high on a cliff on the other side of the valley.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Prepared to hike to the half-way cafeteria for tea, then to Tiger's Nest. About six miles roundtrip
    Prepared to hike to the half-way cafeteria for tea, then to Tiger's Nest. About six miles roundtripAnna posing. Sujen in red just behind her.On the cafeteria deck. Tiger's Nest above us.Tiger's Nest framed by rhododendronsTiger's Nest from near the highest elevation of the trail.Down a lot of steps then back up more steps to Tiger's NestLooking down into the valley from the trailThe steps down across from the Tiger's NestRainy weather on the way down. Tiger's Nest framed by wisps of cloudsRaining as hikers climb back up the steps on their return to the trailheadCindy and Kim on the trail with rhododendronThe cafeteria at half-way. Tea up and tea down

    Hike to The Tiger's Nest, May 6, 2026

    May 6 in Bhutan ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We spent the day hiking (start at 6:12 a.m.) to the Tiger's Nest near Paro, Bhutan. It's about six miles with an elevation gain of about 1600' with a top elevation of over 10,000 ft. The Tiger's Nest is a complex of small temples honoring Guru Rimpoche from the 8th century. Very fun and picturesque hike. Pretty red rhododendrons in the forest, Tea at the mid-way cafe hiking up and hiking back. Light rain on part of our way down,Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Cows on the road in the morning
    Cows on the road in the morningAt the oldest Buddhist temple in BhutanA side temple at the oldest Buddhist temple in BhutanSilky roses at the oldest temple in BhutanSeven story watchtower, 15th centuryExhibit in the museum. Just like a templeAnna inside the watchtower/museumThe Paro Dzong. Center of district secular and religious administrationsA mandala in the DzongYoung monks learning to play a musical hornOn the bridge crossing the river from Dzong to townMy mandalaAt the brewery in ParoFarewell toast at the hotel, Naxsel. Ugen (driver) and Sonam (tour leader).

    Last day in Paro, Bhutan

    May 7 in Bhutan ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Our last day in Bhutan was a typical tourist day. Visits to the oldest Buddhist temple in the country; the National Museum, in a seven story 15th century watch tower; the Dzong [fortress] of Paro just below the watch tower; another opportunity to create a sand mandala at a tourist shop, lunch at a 2nd floor restaurant in town, and a visit to a beer brewery. Packed for an early return to Kathmandu in the morning.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Heading out to our Drukair (druk = dragon), Royal Bhutan Airlines, Airbus 320 flight to Kathmandu
    Heading out to our Drukair (druk = dragon), Royal Bhutan Airlines, Airbus 320 flight to KathmanduThe eastern Himalayas from the airplaneLoaded bicycle on the streets of KathmanduTypical heavy traffic near the Thamel tourist shopping districtDinner at the Northfield Cafe. Elana, Kim, Cindy, Anna, and me

    Paro, Bhutan to Kathmandu, Nepal, May 8, 2026

    May 8 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    A 7am flight (May 8th) from Paro, Bhutan to Kathmandu, Nepal meant alarm clocks set for 4 a m. Flew Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines. We arrived at 8 am. The Hotel Yak and Yeti let us in to our rooms by 10 am. We spent the afternoon shopping in the crowded streets of the Thamel District then had a fun dinner at the Northfield Cafe with chicken masala (served by our good natured server, Kumar) as the choice of four of five diners. Another good day.Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Photo op at the base
    Photo op at the baseOn the cable car with couple celebrating 25th anniversaryLooking up on the cable carLooking down from the cable carWorshippers (bare feet) at the summit's templeThe hotel resort from the summitSafety gear for the skywalkOn the sky walk ($1). About 200 metersA portion of the skywalkStrapped in to the zip lineZipping down the zip lineVisitors in their fineryLunch at the hotel. The valley below.Kim and Cindy at the infinity poolCows and teenagers on the city streets

    Chandragiri Hills, Cable Car, Rides, Resort Lunch

    May 9 in Nepal ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    On Saturday, May 9th, most of our Nepal and Bhutan group were heading out to home or their next adventure. Five of us, here in Kathmandu for the day, took the opportunity to hire a vehicle and driver to visit Chandragiri Hills. The cable car at the base took us up 3,280 ft in about ten minutes to a resort, recreation area and Hindu temple at an elevation of about 8,370 ft. Hundreds of locals dressed up in holiday finest were worshiping at the Temple and enjoying the nice day. We were about the only westerners on site. We rode up the cable car with a couple who were headed to the resort to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. We saw them later when we had lunch at the resort. I did the skywalk and the 200 meter zip line. Cindy smoked out an opportunity to take advantage of the resort shuttle van to take us down a very steep winding road, a few hundred feet in elevation, to the resort for a luxury lunch. After lunch we explored the resort and Cindy dipped her toes into the infinity pool. Back up, on the shuttle, to the cable car, back to the base, meet up with our driver, returning to the hotel, including a lengthy time behind a small truck with some cows and some teenage boys. I should mention that on the way from the hotel to Chandragiri Hills we passed a parade of Lions Club members and supporters. We finished the evening in the hotel bar with cosmopolitans, wished our friend, Elana, a safe trip home to New York, and traded injury stories and humorous stories with the bar supervisor. Fun!Read more

  • Kirk and Anna Lively and LairdNepal and Bhutan, 2026Traveler
    Shopping for cashmere scarves
    Shopping for cashmere scarvesDinner at the Northfield Cafe on the 10th. Dodged raindrops and traffic.Our last look at the Yak and Yeti hotel as we left for the Tribhuvan AirportShopping for jewelry. Anna bought the earrings.Shopping for scarves for my daughters, Katie and Angela

    Kathmandu to home, May 11 and 12

    May 11 in Nepal ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    After shopping and a massage and swimming laps in the pool, eating lunch and dinner in the city and dodging rain and traffic in the Thamel District, we embarked on a Cathay Pacific airbus 330 to Hong Kong near midnight on the 11th of May, then an airbus 350 to Seattle, then the Wenatchee Shuttle to Wenatchee, then a ride with Marci to home. More than 30 hours of traveling turned Kirk into something of a zombie - cured by a night of solid sleep.Read more

    Trip end
    May 12, 2026