Arrive in Bangkok, where you’ll be met and transferred to your airport hotel. Relax at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel and get an early night as your Himalayan adventure starts in the morning.
Fly from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan. Here, you’ll receive a traditional welcome, known as a tashi khadda. You’ll then transfer to Thimphu, the country’s capital, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s attractions. Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the Tashichhodzong Fortress, a 13th-century Buddhist monastery and fort. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Today you have another full day to really get to know the city of Thimphu and learn about Bhutanese culture. We recommend a visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile museums. You can also see traditional Buddhist literature at the National Library.
As you drive over the dramatic Dochula Pass, you’ll see colourful prayer flags stretching out across the landscape. On the way to Punakha, make a quick stop at Punakha Dzong before continuing to the Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. Return to Thimphu for dinner.
Journey overland to Paro, stopping in Chuzom on the way. In Paro you can view the religious thankga (scroll) paintings and the natural history collection at the National Museum. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a monastery and fortress set on the banks of a mountain river. In the afternoon, you’ll visit local farmers at their farmhouse to get an insight into their traditional way of life.
This morning, you can visit one of the most famous sights in Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. The hike to the top is intentionally difficult, designed as an arduous pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees. Once you’ve conquered the mountain, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's most sacred shrines.
After a short flight to Kathmandu, you’ll explore the city’s teeming streets by rickshaw. Visit Durbar Square, Kathmandu’s temple strewn historic centre and Teleju Temple. See the House of the Living Goddess and stroll through the bazaar and old city. In the evening, enjoy a lecture by a Mount Everest summiteer.
In the morning you’ll travel to Kirtipur and visit the temple of Adinath, the Chilamcho Stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav. A Nepalese cooking class in a local home is a great way to learn more about the country’s culture and cuisine and enjoy a tasty lunch! The afternoon includes visits to Patan City, the Golden Temple and Krishna Mandir.
Explore more of the nearby region with a visit to Bhaktapur, a ninth-century town nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s full of ancient squares, tile-roofed temples and coffee houses. Next, visit Pashupatinath Temple, an important cremation site for the Hindus. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Boudhanath, home to one the world's largest Buddhist shrines, before visiting Kopan Nunnery to witness a spirited debate among nuns. In the evening, gather for your farewell dinner and toast your unforgettable time in the Himalaya.
On day 10 you can either fly to Lhasa to begin your post-tour extension or return to Bangkok. If you fly to Thailand, you’ll enjoy the use of a superior room, available through day 11, when you depart for your international flight home.