Bhutan & Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya - A Luxury Small Group Journey (2024)

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

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

On an experience exclusively for A&K guests, enter Kopan Nunnery and Monastery, where a monk or nun leads you in a private guided meditation session. After lunch, Ride Like a Local by rickshaw to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Taleju Temple, see the House of the Living Goddess (Kumari) and stroll the bazaar and old city. Later, hear a lecture by a Mount Everest summiteer.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BLD

Visit Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple built in a pagoda style. Continue to Boudhanath, home to a Buddhist shrine, where you meet a local artisan for an overview of Thangka paintings and Buddhism and enjoy a Scenic Sundowner.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BL

Fly to Paro, your gateway to Bhutan, a nation whose cultural traditions remain well preserved. Travel to Thimphu, where you visit the National Memorial Chorten. Later, stroll through the town of Thimphu.

Pemako Tashi, Thimphu | Meals: BLD

Drive over the Dochula Pass, seeing the colourful prayer flags en route to Punakha. Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), a storied fertility temple, continuing to Punakha Dzong.

Pemako 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 Museum.
• Ascend to Buddha Point to view the soaring Buddha Dordenma statue and visit a sanctuary for the takin (gnu).

Tonight, gather for dinner at your hotel.

Pemako Tashi, Thimphu | Meals: BLD

Journey overland to Paro, stopping to visit local farmers at their farmhouse. Once in Paro, view the religious thangka (scroll) paintings and explore the National Museum of Bhutan. Proceed to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century Himalayan Buddhist temple.

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. Upon arrival, proceed to Bhaktapur, a city founded in the ninth century, viewing its palace constructed in the 17th century by famed King Bhupatindra Malla, and Nyatapola, a striking five-tiered temple built in an angular pagoda style.

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. Continue to Swayambhunath, one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetan Buddhists. Later, savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.

Meals: B

Internal air included: Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu
This journey contains some active elements.
Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: sightseeing at 9:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:00 p.m. on Day 10.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

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.