Bhutan & Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya

Luxury Small Group Journeys: The finest small-group travel experience

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you are met and transferred to your airport hotel.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Day 2: Bangkok/Paro, Bhutan/Thimphu

Fly this morning to Paro, where you are met by your A&K Tour Director, and drive to your hotel in Thimphu. This afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately constructed statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Continue to Tashichhodzong, home to Bhutan’s royal government. Tonight, join fellow guests for a welcome dinner.

Taj Tashi   |   Meals: B L D

Day 3: Thimphu

Explore the National Textile Museum for an in-depth look into a Bhutanese art form. See examples of weaving techniques from different areas of Bhutan, as well as styles of traditional dress and textiles. A small group of weavers usually works their looms inside the shop, giving you the chance to see weaving firsthand. Later, visit the National Library to view its extensive collection of Buddhist literature.

Taj Tashi   |   Meals: B L

Day 4: Thimphu/Punakha/Thimphu

Visit the Folk Heritage Museum for a glimpse of how life was lived in a Bhutanese village a hundred years ago. Drive over the 10,500-foot-high Dochula Pass in the stunning Himalaya. The elevation drops when you arrive in sub-tropical Punakha. Stop at the 17th-century Punakha Dzong; damaged over the centuries by catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been restored in recent years by the present monarch. Continue to the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Divine Madman. It was named after a beloved saint and teacher from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which you also have time to see.

Taj Tashi   |   Meals: B L D

Day 5: Thimphu/Paro

Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest and most important temples. En route, visit Chuzom at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers. When you reach Paro, attend a special archery match, Bhutan’s national sport. After lunch, explore the National Museum, housing a collection of relics, religious thankga (scroll) paintings and a natural history collection. Afterward, head to the 17th-century Rinpung Dzong. Learn about the lifestyle of local farmers this evening when you have dinner in a traditional farmhouse.

Zhiwa Ling Hotel   |   Meals: B L D

Day 6: Paro

Hike to the picturesque Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Spend the day among the monks at this sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan. Late this afternoon, drive through the Paro Valley to visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred shrines.

Zhiwa Ling Hotel   |   Meals: B L D

Day 7: Paro/Kathmandu, Nepal

Fly over the Himalaya to Kathmandu, observing the world’s highest glacial peaks as you go. During the 14th century, artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards in Kathmandu that today contribute to a fascinating architectural history. Visit Durbar Square and Teleju Temple, with its gilded roofs. Stop at the house of the Living Goddess (Kumari). Walk through the bazaar and labyrinthine streets of the old city and explore Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the oldest shrine in the world. The four sides of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha; between them, a mystical third eye symbolizes true wisdom.

Dwarika's Hotel   |   Meals: B L

Day 8: Kathmandu

Explore Patan, known for its fine bronze, silver and copper works. Visit Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, the Golden Temple and the Krishna Mandir, as well as the new Patan Museum, with its collection of metalwork sculptures. This afternoon, head out to the village of Bungamati, with stops at the Rato Machhendranath Temple and the Lokeshwar Shrine.

Dwarika's Hotel   |   Meals: B L D

Day 9: Kathmandu

Witness a debate among monks (part of their training) at the Kopan Monastery. Visit Boudhanath, home to what is possibly the world’s largest Buddhist shrine. Continue to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, built in pagoda style with a gilded roof. After lunch, visit the royal city of Bhaktapur, a showcase of medieval Nepalese town life and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During dinner, watch a folk dance performance.

Dwarika's Hotel   |   Meals: B L D

Days 10-11: Kathmandu/Bharatpur/Chitwan National Park

Fly to Bharatpur and drive to your lodge near Chitwan National Park. Afterward, embark on an elephant-back safari to the Gundreni Forest. Here you have to opportunity to spot one-horned rhinoceros, deer, wild boars, monkeys, leopard, sloth bear and perhaps, the elusive royal Bengal tiger. Also enjoy an excursion across the Narayani River. Canoe the river’s tranquil waters, looking for wildlife as you glide along.

Machan Country Villas   |   Meals: B L D

Day 12: Chitwan/Bharatpur/Kathmandu

After a morning of wildlife activities, drive back to Bharatpur and board a flight to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, gather with fellow guests to toast the end of your journey.

Dwarika's Hotel   |   Meals: B D

Day 13: Depart Kathmandu

Board your departure flight or continue on a post-journey extension to Lhasa.

Meals: B

Optional Post-tour Extension: Lhasa

Enhance your journey with a post-tour small-group extension.
4 days, priced from $1,695. Available on the Apr 01, Apr 15, Sep 16, Oct 5, Oct 19, Oct 27 and Oct 31 departures.
Please call A&K or speak to your travel professional to reserve this special extension with this journey.

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. St. Regis Lhasa Resort

Day 2: Explore the massive Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. Then visit the revered Jokhang Temple, the oldest religious structure in Tibet, where you join monks as they circumambulate the temple. Stop at the lively Barkhor Bazaar. St. Regis Lhasa Resort | Meals: B

Day 3: Spend the day at two of Tibet’s great monasteries, Drepung and Sera, both built in the 1400s. St. Regis Lhasa Resort | Meals: B

Day 4: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: B