Bhutan & Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2023)

Arrive in Bangkok, where you are met and transferred to your airport hotel.

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Travel to Thimphu, admiring the mountain scenery, before visiting the National Memorial Chorten. Later, see Tashichho Dzong, a 13th-century Buddhist monastery and fortress. Then, gather for your welcome dinner.

Taj Tashi, Thimphu | Meals: BLD

Drive over the Dochula Pass, seeing the colourful prayer flags en route to Punakha. Stop at Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), a storied fertility temple, continuing to Punakha Dzong, also called the “Palace of Great Happiness.”

Taj Tashi, Thimphu | Meals: BL

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Hike Wangditse Nature Trail, a two-hour scenic walk through fields to Wangtse Monastery, with stunning views.
• Offer Butter Lamps at a Monastery in Thimphu, and explore the Folk Heritage and National Textile museums.
• Visit Pangrizampa, where you meet with a local astrologer and practice meditation with an expert.

Tonight, gather for dinner at a local restaurant.

Taj Tashi, Thimphu | Meals: BLD

Journey overland to Paro, stopping to visit local farmers at their farmhouse to better understand their traditional way of life. Once in Paro, view the religious thangka (scroll) paintings and the natural history collection at the National Museum of Bhutan. Proceed to Rinpung Dzong, a monastery and fortress on a mountain river.

Zhiwa Ling Heritage | Meals: BLD

Today, you may choose to attempt the climb to Taktsang Monastery (“Tiger’s Nest”). This hike is intentionally difficult, intended as an arduous pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees. Upon your descent, celebrate your trek with a Champagne toast and a specially arranged picnic breakfast with local entertainment. Later, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Zhiwa Ling Heritage | Meals: BLD

Fly to Kathmandu. Ride Like a Local by rickshaw to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Taleju Temple, see the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari), and stroll through the bazaar and old city. Continue to Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetan Buddhists. Later, hear a lecture by a summiter on the epic challenge of scaling Mount Everest.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BLD

Visit Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple built in a pagoda style. Then, on an experience exclusively for A&K guests made possible by our local office, enter Kopan Nunnery and Monastery, where a monk or nun leads you in a private guided meditation session. Continue to Boudhanath, home to one of the world’s largest Buddhist shrines, and enjoy a Scenic Sundowner.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BL

Explore Patan to see Durbar Square and the former royal palace. Participate in a Chef ’s Table cooking class at a local family’s home, learning about local cuisine and daily life in Nepal. Later, savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BLD

On Day 10, fly to Bangkok, where you enjoy the use of an executive room, available through Day 11, when you depart on your flight home.

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport | Meals: B

Internal air included: Bangkok/Paro/Kathmandu/Bangkok
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: flight to Paro at 6:50 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: return flight to Bangkok arriving at 6:30 p.m. on Day 10.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Please note: Proof of COVID-19 full vaccination is required for this program.

Included with every Luxury Small Group Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Your Choice of Activity on Design Your Day
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service
• Internet Access
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke tailor-made journey based on this itinerary.