Himalayan Kingdoms & Sacred Highlands

How long

15Days
Ideal length

Daywise Tour Plan

  • day1

    Arrive Paro, Bhutan – Thimphu

    Arrive at Paro Airport, considered one of the world's most spectacular mountain airports, where dramatic Himalayan peaks provide a breathtaking welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Upon arrival, receive VIP assistance and meet your private guide before beginning the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital city.

    En route, visit the historic Tamchog Lhakhang, a sacred temple founded by the renowned Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, famous for building iron chain bridges throughout the Himalayas. The journey follows the beautiful Paro and Wang Chhu river valleys, passing traditional villages, terraced fields, fluttering prayer flags, and forested mountains.

    Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your luxury lodge. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a leisurely introduction to the city with a visit to the bustling Craft Market and local handicraft shops showcasing Bhutan's traditional arts.

    Overnight: Thimphu

  • day2

    Thimphu – Cultural Heart of Bhutan

    After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Bhutan's unique capital, the only national capital in the world without traffic lights.

    Begin with a visit to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, a colossal 51-metre bronze Buddha overlooking the valley. Housing more than 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Thimphu and the surrounding mountains.

    Continue to the revered Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan's most important religious monuments where locals gather daily for prayers and meditation. Visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and monastic order, showcasing magnificent Bhutanese architecture.

    Later, explore the Folk Heritage Museum, Traditional Arts School, and the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan's national animal. Guests seeking outdoor activities may enjoy a scenic hike through pine forests to the sacred Cheri Monastery.

    Overnight: Thimphu

  • day3

    Thimphu – Punakha

    Today travel through some of Bhutan's most scenic mountain landscapes.

    Ascend to the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. On clear days, the pass offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including several snow-capped peaks exceeding 7,000 metres. The pass is adorned with 108 memorial chortens built in traditional Bhutanese style.

    Descending into the subtropical Punakha Valley, visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Built in honour of the eccentric Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, it attracts pilgrims from across Bhutan seeking blessings.

    Continue to Punakha, Bhutan's former capital and one of its most fertile valleys, surrounded by rivers, rice fields, and lush mountains.

    Overnight: Punakha

     

  • day4

    Punakha Valley Exploration

    Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, often regarded as Bhutan's most beautiful fortress monastery. Strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River), it serves as the winter residence of Bhutan's central monastic body and has played a pivotal role in Bhutanese history.

    Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge, offering impressive views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

    Later, enjoy a scenic hike through rice terraces to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Built by Bhutan's royal family, this remarkable temple is dedicated to peace, harmony, and the protection of the kingdom. The hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley.

    Optional activities include rafting on the Mo Chhu River, village walks, cycling excursions, or cultural interactions with local communities.

    Overnight: Punakha

  • day5

    Punakha – Paro

    After breakfast, return westward through the scenic mountain roads of Bhutan.

    Upon reaching Paro, visit the imposing Rinpung Dzong, meaning "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels." Built in the 17th century, it serves both administrative and monastic functions and is considered one of Bhutan's finest examples of traditional architecture.

    Continue to the historic National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a former watchtower overlooking the valley. Its collections include ancient religious artefacts, traditional costumes, weaponry, and examples of Bhutanese art and culture.

    The evening is free to stroll through Paro town and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

    Overnight: Paro

  • day6

    Paro & Tiger's Nest Monastery

    Today's highlight is Bhutan's most iconic landmark, the legendary Paro Taktsang.

    The monastery clings dramatically to a sheer cliff face approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley. According to Buddhist tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) arrived here riding a flying tigress and meditated in a cave, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan.

    The hike passes through pine forests decorated with prayer flags and offers spectacular views throughout. After reaching the monastery, explore its sacred temples, meditation caves, and breathtaking viewpoints.

    This unforgettable experience is often regarded as the spiritual highlight of any visit to Bhutan.

    Overnight: Paro

  • day7

    Paro – Kathmandu, Nepal

    Transfer to Paro Airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

    Upon arrival in Nepal's vibrant capital, receive VIP assistance and transfer to your luxury hotel. Kathmandu Valley has served as a crossroads of trade, culture, and religion for more than two millennia.

    Depending on arrival time, enjoy an orientation tour through the historic streets and markets surrounding Kathmandu's old city.

    Overnight: Kathmandu

  • day8

    Kathmandu – Sacred Heritage Tour

    Explore Nepal's extraordinary religious and cultural treasures.

    Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated along the banks of the Bagmati River, it attracts pilgrims from throughout the Hindu world.

    Continue to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas on Earth and a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism. The atmosphere of chanting monks, spinning prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags creates a deeply spiritual experience.

    Later visit the ancient hilltop shrine of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, offering panoramic views across Kathmandu Valley.

    Overnight: Kathmandu

  • day9

    Kathmandu Valley – Patan & Bhaktapur

    Today discover two of Nepal's most remarkable medieval cities.

    Explore the artistic city of Patan, renowned for its extraordinary concentration of temples, monasteries, and traditional Newari architecture. Visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its exquisite stone carvings and bronze craftsmanship.

    Continue to Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval city in Nepal. Wander through narrow lanes lined with ancient temples, royal courtyards, pottery workshops, and intricately carved wooden buildings. Highlights include Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Square, and the historic royal palace complex.

    Overnight: Kathmandu

  • day10

    Kathmandu – Chengdu, China

    Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China's most culturally significant cities.

    Known for its relaxed lifestyle, tea culture, and world-famous cuisine, Chengdu has been an important centre of Chinese civilization for over 2,000 years.

    Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your luxury hotel.

    Overnight: Chengdu

  • day11

    Chengdu & Dujiangyan Panda Base

    This morning visit the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Base.

    Participate in a unique panda conservation experience, learning about the biology, behaviour, and preservation of China's beloved giant pandas. Observe these remarkable animals up close while gaining insight into international conservation efforts.

    In the afternoon, return to Chengdu for a city tour including People's Park, traditional tea houses, historic districts, and local cultural attractions. Experience the relaxed lifestyle that has made Chengdu one of China's most beloved cities.

    Overnight: Chengdu

  • day12

    Chengdu – Lhasa, Tibet

    Fly across the vast Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa, one of the world's highest and most fascinating cities at approximately 3,650 metres above sea level.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Enjoy your first views of Tibet's dramatic mountain landscapes and unique cultural atmosphere.

    Overnight: Lhasa

  • day13

    Lhasa – The Spiritual Capital of Tibet

    Begin your exploration with the legendary Potala Palace, the iconic symbol of Tibet and former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Rising above the city on Red Hill, the palace contains thousands of rooms, chapels, murals, sacred relics, and priceless Buddhist treasures.

    Continue to the revered Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest temple and spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from all corners of Tibet gather here to worship and perform traditional prostrations.

    Later, stroll through the bustling Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit, a fascinating centre of Tibetan culture, religion, and commerce.

    Overnight: Lhasa

  • day14

    Lhasa – Monasteries & Sacred Caves

    Visit the great monastic universities of Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, once home to tens of thousands of monks and among the most important centres of Buddhist learning in Tibet.

    Alternatively, enjoy an excursion to the sacred Drak Yerpa cave complex. Hidden within dramatic cliffs, these ancient meditation caves were used by Tibetan kings, saints, and spiritual masters, including Guru Rinpoche and Atisha.

    The site offers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and provides a deeper understanding of Tibet's spiritual heritage.

    Overnight: Lhasa

  • day15

    Depart Lhasa

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Lhasa Airport.

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